Unit Cell Design Strategies and Reflection Phase Analysis for Enhanced Reflectarray Antenna Development

International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJECE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 11

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Prapti R. Pandya, M. Saradadevi, Namrata V. Langhnoja

10.14445/23488549/IJECE-V12I11P114

How to Cite?

Prapti R. Pandya, M. Saradadevi, Namrata V. Langhnoja, "Unit Cell Design Strategies and Reflection Phase Analysis for Enhanced Reflectarray Antenna Development," SSRG International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 11, pp. 166-172, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488549/IJECE-V12I11P114

Abstract:

Reflectarray Antennas exhibit low profile, ease of fabrication, and electrically steered beams, and therefore are practical alternatives to traditional parabolic reflectors and phased arrays. The performance of reflectarrays is determined by the phase response of the unit cells, which must form the appropriate distribution of phase shifts. This paper considers the design and characterization of the reflection phase of unit cells that operate in the 12–14 GHz band. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations were used to evaluate a range of configurations, including rectangular, circular, slotted patch configurations, and a swastik patch with lines extended in the same direction per slot, with the goal of attaining smooth phase variation, bandwidth, and radiation efficiency. The design methodology uses geometric parameters combined with the choice of substrate material and dimensional details to minimize angle-based phase distortion and improve operational stability ultimately. From the various geometries evaluated, the swastik-shaped patch demonstrated the best performance, approaching considerable phase shift curves. A prototype of the design was fabricated from an affordable, low-loss substrate, and experimental validation demonstrated good matching of measured to simulated performance and phase response. The work presented a workable design framework for harnessing high-performance reflectarray antennas for systems in satellite communication, radar applications, and next-generation systems in 5G. The addition of optimized unit cell designs can be effectively leveraged between applications requiring controlled phase shifting and progressive adaptation for the next antenna technology. Robust antenna designs promote wireless connectivity as well as enhanced satellite technology performances.

Keywords:

Bandwidth, Ku-band, Polarization Stability, Reflectarray Antenna, Reflection Phase, Unit Cell Design.

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