On the Reconfigurability of a Singly-Layered Dual-Band Reflectarray for Space Applications

Abstract

This paper presents a feasibility study of a singlylayered dual-band reflectarray for space applications. The data links should operate simultaneously at K-band downlink frequency band 17.7-20.2 GHz with left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) and at Ka-band uplink frequency band 27-30 GHz with right-hand circular polarization (RHCP). The main aim is to present how a reflectarray can be designed so as to allow reconfigurability of its radiation pattern, especially in terms of beam steering to two different directions. The design is automated by means of a computational tool developed in MATLAB environment interfaced with the electromagnetic simulator CST Studio Suite by means of Visual Basic scripts. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed computational tool and reconfiguration strategy.