Differential-Fed Pattern-Reconfigurable Dielectric Patch Antenna and Array With Low Cross-Polarization

A novel differential-fed dielectric patch (DP) antenna with beam steering capability is investigated in this communication. The TEmnmode in the DP resonator is theoretically analyzed to provide guidance for the subsequent antenna design. The high-order TE12mode that can be differentially excited is selected as the operating mode to further enhance the gain. Based on this, three parallel coupling slots loaded with p-i-n diodes are used as a beam steering structure. By controlling the ON-/OFF-state of the p-i-n diodes to change theE-field distribution of the TE12mode, the main beam can be switched to five directions. The measured gain of each state is higher than 7 dBi, and the peak value reaches 8.1 dBi. The beam steering structure and differential-fed scheme show good coordination, which effectively suppresses the deterioration of cross-polarization caused by structural asymmetry. The cross-polarization of each state is lower than −26 dB. To further verify the scalability of the proposed ideal, a 1×4 array fed by two dual Marchand baluns is implemented, which well maintains the beam steering capability and low cross-polarization. Reasonable agreement is obtained between the simulated and measured results. The proposed DP antenna provides a suitable candidate for indoor wireless communication.