28 GHz Passive Reflectarray Employing Patch Size Modulation for Static Beam Steering

IEEE Microwaves, Antennas, and Propagation Conference (MAPCON), pp. 1–4

Abstract

This work presents the design, simulation, and experimental validation of a static reflectarray operating at 28 GHz, intended for passive beam redirection in millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication systems. The proposed design employs a phase gradient across a 20 by 20 unit-cell reflectarray, achieved by continuously varying the patch dimensions of the unit cells. The unit cell exhibits wideband reflection phase characteristics with low loss across 24 to 32 GHz, while the reflectarray is optimized for peak performance at 28 GHz. Full-wave simulations demonstrate the ability to redirect an obliquely incident beam toward broadside with high directivity and low sidelobe levels (SLL). The fabricated prototype is characterized in a compact antenna test range, and the measured radiation patterns closely match the simulations, confirming the main beam direction, beamwidth, and SLL. The proposed approach offers a compact, passive, low-cost, and practically realizable solution for static beam steering at mmWave frequencies, making it suitable for fixed backhaul or user-terminal applications in 5 G and beyond.

Authors 4

1. Spandan Manna Aachen Institute of High Frequency Technology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of High Frequency Technology, RWTH Aachen University,Germany

2. Florian Reher Aachen Institute of High Frequency Technology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of High Frequency Technology, RWTH Aachen University,Germany

3. Amar Al-Bassam

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR,Wachberg,Germany

4. Dirk Heberling Aachen Institute of High Frequency Technology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of High Frequency Technology, RWTH Aachen University,Germany