Low-Profile Reconfigurable Bidirectional Antenna With Independent Beams Control Based on Folded Transmitarray Framework
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This communication presents a low-profile reconfigurable bidirectional beam-scanning antenna with independent beams control based on folded transmitarray (FTA) framework. The proposed framework utilizes two reconfigurable metasurfaces to multiplex two FTAs with opposite radiation directions, thereby reducing the profile to half of the focal length. The two metasurfaces separately control the forward and backward beams, thereby enabling independent control of the two beams. By switching the feed ports, the beam mode can be conveniently reconfigured: port 1 corresponds to a forward beam, port 2 corresponds to a backward beam, and simultaneous excitation of port 1 and port 2 yields bidirectional beams. Furthermore, each element requires only a single bias line, significantly reducing the wiring complexity of the bias network and making the design suitable for larger-scale array. To validate the performance of the bidirectional antenna, two metasurfaces were fabricated and measured. Experimental results demonstrate that, with a cavity height-to-diameter ratio(H/D)of 0.33, the antenna achieves a two-dimensional scanning range of ±60° for bidirectional beams. The proposed antenna features low profile, multi-mode switching capability, independent control of bidirectional beams, and a reduced number of bias lines per element. It has potential application value in future bidirectional wireless communication systems.
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,645
OpenAlex ID: W7213496751