A Novel Wide-Angle Scanning Phased Array Based on Dual-Mode Pattern-Reconfigurable Elements

A novel linear phased array design for wide-angle scanning applications is presented in this letter. Eight pattern-reconfigurable antennas (PRAs), capable of switching their patterns from quasi-broadside to monopole-like radiation with the help of p-i-n diodes, are used as the basic elements. By combining the scans of the PRAs working at two symmetrical modes in two subspaces, the phased array is able to scan its beam from -81 degrees to +81 degrees in the E-plane with a gain fluctuation less than 3 dB. The proposed array is simulated, fabricated, and measured. The simulated and measured results show that the performance of the phased array is superior to that of the former designed arrays using PRAs due to its less reconfigurable modes, simpler biasing network, and wider beam-scanning coverage.