A Single-Layer Reflectarray Using Hexagonal Phoenix Cells for Ka-band Applications

The paper presents a straightforward design method for a single-layer reflectarray with high aperture efficiency, based on a finite database of hexagonal phoenix cells. Two offset fed microstrip reflectarray antennas for Ka-band satellite applications are designed, manufactured and measured in order to validate the method. The first reflectarray is designed to operate between 25.5GHz and 27GHz, the second one to operate between 35.5GHz and 36GHz. Both antennas have a square-shaped aperture of 300x300mm and are designed in linear polarization. The measurements results are in good agreement with those predicted by the simulations. They show that the maximum gain at the central frequency of 26.25GHz for the first antenna is about 37.65dBi with a total efficiency of 70% in linear polarization. The maximum gain in linear polarization at the central frequency of 35.75GHz for the second antenna is about 39.5dBi with a total efficiency of 58%.