Adaptable Electrically Steerable Antenna Array with Diverse Switchable Polarization

Adaptability is essential for antenna systems operating in unpredictable environments. Adaptable electrically steerable antennas (AESA) and polarization diversity provide this flexibility. Simple 4x4 linear and circularly polarized arrays were fabricated on a compact 2.5x2.5in PCB. Measurements show these modularly scalable PCBs have gain between 12-22dB depending on how many boards are tiled together. Increasing the bandwidth of a patch antenna by 400MHz through resistive loading was also explored. Two switchable linear and circular polarization arrays were designed using the same PCB as the previous two arrays but with an added SPDT and hybrid coupler. Miniaturizing a hybrid coupler area by 30% through capacitive loading is also presented. Simulation of the switchable arrays showed promising results that can switch between two linear polarizations or two circular polarizations with up to 16dB of gain. COVID-related production delays meant the fabricated switchable arrays were not measurement ready at the time of publication.