Switchable FSS-based 3D Printed Radome using Diodes at 3.6 GHz

We present a switchable FSS-based printed radome using p-i-n diodes that allows controlling the radiation pattern of a patch antenna at 3.6 GHz. The jetting technology is employed to print the FSS pattern onto the surface of the plastic hemisphere-based radome. Subsequently, p-i-n diodes are mounted onto the radome surface to connect adjacent FSS unit cells. By controlling the bias of these diodes, the printed radome properties are controlled. Consequently, the radiation pattern of the antenna-radome system can be dynamically adjusted.