Modern communication systems achieve increased capacity and efficiency by employing intelligent antenna arrays. Such systems, in addition to lower cost and consumption due to increased efficiency, contribute to more environmentally friendly technologies by minimizing unwanted electromagnetic radiation. Smart antenna arrays combine powerful signal processing algorithms with reconfigurable antenna arrays. Characteristic examples of the popularity of reconfigurable smart antenna arrays are the following: a) the inclusion of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems in the IEEE 802.11n extension of the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless LANs, b) the use of electronically scanned phased arrays, and c) the increased need for reconfigurable reflectarrays (RRA) in radar applications and satellite communications.

The main focus of this proposal is the investigation of novel architectures of reconfigurable, electronically scanned reflectarrays. In addition to the proposition of novel architectures, the aim of this work is to provide detailed and practical design, optimization, and simulation guidelines for the targeted applications. The various design methodologies will be demonstrated by fabricating and characterizing prototype elements both within the facilities of CTTC as well as using external fabrication resources. In addition small arrays will be fabricated and their beam scanning capabilities demonstrated experimentally.