Ka-Band Reconfigurable Reflectarrays Using Varactor Technology for Space Applications: A proposed design

In this article, Ka-band reconfigurable reflectarray antennas based on varactor diodes are investigated. Varactor diodes enable high radiation pattern flexibility while maintaining acceptable costs. The design of a dual-band reconfigurable reflectarray based on varactor technology is described in detail. The antenna, considered for a fixed or mobile ground station for satellite telecommunications systems, could be used for several other applications. To demonstrate and validate experimentally the proposed concept, the design of a reduced-sized antenna is presented. The manufacturing and testing of its reconfigurable reflecting surface are then described and discussed. This antenna design could also be considered as a baseline for a data downlink antenna employed on a satellite.