A Reconfigurable Feed Network Splitter to Apply Progressive Phase for Steerable Antenna Arrays

A reconfigurable antenna feed network splitter, designed to apply phase shift within an antenna array for beamsteering applications, is presented. Different configurations are selected providing from –180° to 180° of relative phase shift at each 1:2 split in a corporate feed network. This alternative approach to steering planar antenna arrays without the requirement for complex, lossy phase shifters at every element offers the potential to realise large, passive antenna arrays for future 6G communication systems where low-cost, high-performance systems exhibiting low power consumption is important. The concept has been fabricated and measurements using zero-ohm resistor links, as ideal switches, provide good correlation with simulation. Reconfigurability is also demonstrated using PIN diodes to dynamically switch between different configurations at a reduced frequency, as a result of the device package capacitance, although the fabricated design still provided the expected relative phase shift within 9.6° demonstrating its capability in a reconfigurable antenna array.