Implementation of Reflect Array Antenna using Split Ring Resonators

Abstract

Metamaterials are a current area of focus in microwave engineered materials research. The ability to modify material properties according to desired results has shown promise for reaching new frontiers of progress and systems capabilities. Split ring resonators are one of the basic unit cells under research for use in metamaterials for different end applications. Their use in different configurations has proven beneficial in many microwave engineering applications. Giving negative refractive index while maintaining low loss and low cost is currently a major impediment in implementation of metamaterials for 5G/mmWave applications. In this research, a near zero negative refractive index metamaterial unit cell has been designed using a full wave simulator. The metamaterial is based on a low cost and commercially available substrate. The designed unit cell gives metamaterial response at low loss and in a broad band spread from Ku to Ka/mmWave band. Reflect array antennas are current area of focus in antenna research due to their ability to combine advantages of reflector antennas and array antennas. They low cost and low volume as compared to reflector antennas and can give advantages of array antennas without need of complex, failure susceptible and costly dedicated transmit receive modules. The use of metamaterials based on SRR for making reflect array antenna has been done at Ka band for satellite applications. The frequency band of interest is 24-26 GHz band. This band is the common band being used by exisitng satellites and extensively under research for 5G platforms in USA, UK and Asia (Japan/ South Korea/Singapore). The outcomes of research are achieving low cost, low volume, low loss, and broad band Split Ring Resonator based Reflect and Transmit Array antennas with high gain within this band. These characteristics are very critical for space platforms with limited weight, volume and power capacities. The proposed antenna systems have applications for existing satellite and upcoming 5G telecommunication base stations, both aerial and ground-based. The transmit array antenna has successfully been manufactured and tested using conventional fabrication methods thereby giving a low cost and high performance solution for 5G applications.