Pattem-Reconfigurable Broadside Substrate-Integrated Waveguide Horn Antenna with a $\pi$-Shaped Structure

This paper presents a concept of a pattern-reconfigurable broadside substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) horn antenna that is loaded with a pair of protruding reflectors and a director forming a 1t-shaped structure. PIN diodes are used to electronically activate the reflectors and director, hence enabling beam reconfiguration utilizing different arrangements of the reflectors and the director. Simulated results are presented of an antenna operating at 9 -9.8 GHz with fractional bandwidth of 8.5%. The antenna achieves a peak gain of 11 dBi at 9.4 GHz and can be reconfigured to radiate at ±57° and 0° on elevation plane. Considering its versatility, ease of reconfiguration and reasonable operating bandwidth, this antenna concept can be used for modern communications systems, where beam reconfiguration is critical.