Reconfigurable transmission line for a series-fed Ku-band phased array using a single feed

Abstract

The paper presents a novel approach to realize a lowcost phased array using a simple feeding mechanism. Specifically, a single coplanar stripline (CPS) transmission line is used to feed the antenna array elements. By controlling the CPS's dielectric properties using a movable dielectric plunger, scanning is achieved. Due to its simplicity, single feed, and no phase shifters, this approach leads to a dramatic reduction in cost which does not scale for larger arrays.I.

Low cost beam-steering approach for a series-fed array

“…Reconfigurability via a Small Mechanical Movement A slotted CPS transmission line with a tapered dielectric insert positioned between the line traces [4] (depicted in Figure 1) is employed in a series fed array topology to give more control over the line propagation constant as seen in Figure 2. By positioning various portions of the tapered insert between the CPS traces, the propagation constant can be controlled.…”

“…Rather than use a phase shifter at each individual element we use one reconfigurable transmission line to deliver the correct phase to every element. This paper presents a slotted Coplanar Stripline (CPS) transmission line with a tapered dielectric insert positioned between the two line traces [4]. The wave velocity is then controlled by varying the portion of the insert to which the transmission line field is exposed.…”