Design Of Frequency-Pattern Reconfigurable Patch Array Antenna for Radar Application

In this paper, frequency and radiation pattern reconfigurabilty are recognized using a simple structure of patch array antenna integrated with PIN diodes. The structure prototype is developed based on an array of classic patch antenna implemented in Rogres RT5880 and integrated with PIN diodes and slots. A classic power divider is used to feed the structure. By switching the different PIN diodes implemented on the top side of each antenna between OFF and ON states, frequency and pattern performances of the array antenna structure are adjusted. Therefore, two different resonance frequencies are produced with different radiation angles beam. Therefore, the proposed reconfigurable array antenna can switch between two operating radar frequency bands. Simulation results have demonstrated excellent reflection coefficients by -25dB at 2.58 GHz and 2.71 GHz with a radiation angle beam of ±5° at 2.58 GHz and ±12° at 2.71 GHz. In that case, an extension array structure, which consists of four elements, is designed to produce different pattern angles beam in the two resonance frequencies.