A Hybrid Radiating Element for 1-D Scanning Clustered Phased Array

The present work introduces an electronically reconfigurable sub-array hybrid cluster as a cost-effective and straightforward solution for clustered phased array design. The cluster consists of three radiating elements: one active and two reactive parasitic elements, and achieves pattern reconfigurability by manipulating the radiated field phase of the parasitic elements through varying their reactive load. This technique provides the advantage of a continuous beam steering range. To validate the proposed design, a prototype has been manufactured and experimentally validated. The reported results show a continuous steering range of 81 degrees, ranging from -51 degrees to +30 degrees. The cluster aperture efficiency exhibits a range of values, with a maximum of 42% measured in boresight configuration, and a minimum of 30% at the extremes of the steering range.