Steerable Simultaneous Multibeam Antenna Based on Reconfigurable Reflectarray

Multibeam system is a core part for wireless concurrent communication and massive multiple-input–mulitple-output (MIMO) applications. Traditional concurrent communication techniques, like phased-array or digital beam-forming system, suffer from massive RF frontends or power-hungry high-speed analog-to-digital converters, which makes them complex and expensive in fabrication. Inheriting the advantages of reflectarray and passive multibeam system, we reported in this letter a novel and cost-effective concept of steerable simultaneous multibeam antenna (SMBA). New features and the practicality of it are fully verified with theoretical analysis and experimental implementation of a prototype working at 7 GHz with 300 MHz bandwidth. With multiple beams steered simultaneously, the SMBA can eliminate the crossover regions between adjacent beams of passive multibeam antenna. Experimental results indicate its potential in the design of diverse concurrent communication systems such as base stations and point-to-point links.