Novel low-cost beam-steering techniques using microstrip patch antenna arrays fed by dielectric image lines

This paper presents novel low-cost beam-steering techniques using microstrip patch antenna arrays fed by dielectric image lines (DILs). Two approaches are designed and used. The first, DILs without reflector plate, are used for feeding microstrip patch antenna arrays. Antenna array radiation beams are scanned when the operating frequency sweeps. The second, a dielectric image line with a movable reflector plate (DILWRP), is developed. The beam direction of the antenna array is controlled and steered by changing the perturbation distance between DIL and movable reflector plate at a given operating frequency. Both types of patch antenna array structures are simple, low cost, easily fabricated, stable, and reliable. Eight-element patch antenna arrays fed by DIL and DILWRP have been designed, fabricated, and tested. Experiments show good performance and results. Measurement results of scanning angles agree well with theoretical predictions.