A 1-Bit Multipolarization Reflectarray Element for Reconfigurable Large-Aperture Antennas

This letter presents a novel 1-bit reconfigurable reflectarray element that is capable to work in multipolarization modes. The element needs only one substrate layer and two switches, which is simple and practical for large-aperture beam-scanning applications. By properly controlling the two p-i-n diodes, the 1-bit phase resolution is obtained for both dual-linear and dual-circular polarizations. Moreover, the element loss is smaller than 0.8 dB for all polarizations, and the 1-bit phase shift is achieved within 180° ± 20° from 13.5 to 15 GHz. A dc circuit is deliberately designed to bias the element without disturbing its reflection performance. Several element samples are fabricated and measured, and the good agreements between measurements and simulations verify the proposed design.