Reconfigurable frequency selective surface with large angular stability for multiband satellite antenna applications

Abstract

This paper introduces an active frequency selective surface (FSS) designed for multiband space antennas operating in the X and Ka bands. The proposed FSS features three stopbands at 12, 20 and 30 GHz under one biasing condition. Additionally, it offers a switchable passband at 10 GHz when a different biasing state is applied. The FSS unit cell comprises three metallic layers, with four PIN diodes on the bottom layer that control the switching between transmission and reflection at 10 GHz. The performance of the FSS has been analyzed using an equivalent circuit model. Furthermore, the effects of temperature variations on the dielectric properties of the substrate, including both permittivity and loss tangent variations, have been investigated. The structure demonstrates stable operation across a wide temperature range, confirming its thermal robustness for space applications. The FSS is capable of supporting dual polarization and maintains a robust response for incidence angles up to 75°. Several FSS samples, constructed in the form of 2 × 4 cell arrays, have been fabricated. The samples have been tested in a waveguide simulator to validate the switchable response of the FSS in the X-band.