Dielectric Loaded Frequency Tunable Fabry–Perot Resonator Antenna With PRS for X-Band Applications

In this article, a reconfigurable Fabry–Perot resonator antenna with a microstrip feed is proposed for X-band applications. The proposed radiator comprises a slotted circular patch with a single layer of a partially reflective surface (PRS). This PRS is positioned on top of the radiator at a distance of 9 mm. This arrangement exhibits a wide operating bandwidth from 8 to 12.4 GHz with electrical dimensions of ${2.34} \,\lambda _{g} \times {2.34} \, \lambda _{g} \times {0.23} \,\lambda _{g}$ , where $\lambda _{g}$ the guided wavelength is calculated at the center frequency of 10.2 GHz. The proposed antenna has an average gain of 7.01 dBi and covers an impedance bandwidth of 40% relative to the center frequency of 10.2 GHz. Moreover, it has the distinctive feature of frequency tuning from a wideband to a narrowband by filling different dielectric materials in the slots etched on the substrate. Distilled water, vinegar, salt, and dry wood powder are used in the slots that tune the band from 7.9 to 8.4, 8.5 to 10.5, 10 to 10.5, and 10.15 to 10.7 GHz, respectively. Thus, the frequency tunability of the proposed radiator makes it highly adaptable for various X-band applications. With precise frequency tuning capability, the antenna can mitigate interference in point-to-point telecom systems, enhancing the target detection in weather radar for small aircraft, and improving the sensitivity and range in radar motion detectors.