L/S Multiband Frequency-Reconfigurable Antenna for Satellite Applications

A novel multiband frequency-reconfigurable antenna is presented. The designed antenna can realize L-band single-frequency operation and S-band dual-frequency operation through electronic tuning. Annular ring and sawtooth patches are used as radiators for L/S-band operation and are excited by a broadband reconfigurable orthogonal network through the coupling of a T-shaped slot and a ring slot in the ground plane, respectively. By changing the bias of the p-i-n diodes loaded on the feed network, the operating frequency can be switched between the navigation state and the satellite link receiving state. A high tuning frequency ratio (1.64:1) is obtained. The simulated and measured results show good agreement. Good impedance matching (VSWR
$< $
1.3) and circular polarization characteristics (AR
$< $
3) are obtained in all three operating bands. Achievement of a highly reconfigurable frequency ratio of a circularly polarized antenna provides solutions for multifunction CP antenna aperture sharing.