A Novel Reconfigurable Leaky Wave Antenna With Beam Scanning Ability at Fixed Frequency

A reconfigurable leaky-wave antenna (RLWA) with a low-profile ground plane is proposed, utilizing mode-switchable units with multi-feed patches to enable fixed-frequency beam scanning. Each patch element is equipped with three feed lines on both left and right sides, with individual PIN diode integration for each feed line. By controlling the bias states of the PIN diodes, different operating modes—each corresponding to distinct phase constants—are excited. An equivalent circuit model of the proposed unit has been established and investigated, demonstrating the corresponding leaking radiation characteristics. The RLWA is composed of a series of mode-switchable unit cells, enabling dynamic beam scanning by controlling the bias states of the PIN diodes to switch the operating modes of each unit. A prototype of the RLWA comprising 10 units was designed and fabricated. It achieves beam scanning from -62° to +60° with a peak gain of 12.9 dBi at 5.3 GHz. The antenna features a simple feeding structure, requires fewer tunable components, maintains an extremely low profile of 0.03λ, and offers cost-effective fabrication and easy integration. By employing simple PIN diode switches, the proposed RLWA achieves high-gain, wide-angle beam scanning capability, demonstrating great potential for wireless communication and radar applications.