A Smart Antenna Array for Target Detection

In this paper, a smart antenna array with active frequency selective surface (AFSS) for target detection is presented. The antenna array consists of eight octagonal AFSS antenna elements and a controlling module, and the beam-scanning of the antenna element is obtained by switching the states of the PIN diodes to reconfigure the AFSS as EM transparent or reflective to the incident electromagnetic waves. Through the different logic by the controlling module, two operating modes can realize the functions of omnidirectional or orientional radiation pattern. A prototype is fabricated and measured to verify the design concept. It is shown that the designed eight elements smart antenna array can increase the accuracy of target detection and decrease the mutual coupling of antenna elements. The presented design shows obvious advantages featuring low power consumption, low cost and easy fabrication.