Wideband Reflectarray Antennas in the Microwave Range

Introduction. The development of broadband reflectarray antennas for the microwave band remains a key challenge in the context of stricter requirements imposed on telecommunications systems, including 5G/6G networks and satellite communications. Despite a significant number of studies devoted to methods of extending the operating frequency band, it is of interest to analyze data from experimental studies of the developed reflectarrays, confirming the effectiveness of the considered approaches.
Aim. Generalization of the design approaches used to extend the operating frequency band of reflectarrays. The main attention is paid to the experimental verification of the considered approaches, i.e., the use of multilayer structures and spatial diversity and geometric optimization of elements, with the purpose of clarifying their practical applicability.
Materials and methods. An analysis of existing techniques (numerical modeling of FI, FM, electrodynamic calculation based on a Floquet cell) and the results of original experimental research in this field was conducted. Measurements were carried out on printed, all-metal, and conformal reflectarrays using an Antast B3-1 near-field scanner and an Agilent N5230A PNA-L vector circuit analyzer. The phase error minimization algorithms were adapted to work in the extended frequency range.
Results. The study experimentally confirmed the extension of the operating frequency band in terms of the 3 dB criterion from the maximum value of the gain to 40 % for multilayer printed circuit boards and 19.6 % for corner structures. Optimization of the geometry of the elements based on dumbbell cross-shaped structures provides a relative band of 28 % with a decrease in gain by 0.5 dB. All-metal slit tubes demonstrate resistance to extreme conditions, although requiring consideration of the possibility of excitation of plane-parallel waveguide modes at the design stage, which have a significant impact on their characteristics.
Conclusion. Recommendations on the choice of geometry, design, and manufacturing technology of various reflectarrays based on the experience of theoretical and experimental research conducted at the Department of Theoretical Foundations of Radio Engineering of Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University in 2010–2025 are presented. These data form the basis for designing antenna arrays that meet the requirements of high-speed telecommunications systems and indicate areas for further research, including miniaturization and increased structural stability.

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