A Simplified Electronically Reconfigurable Virtual Antenna Lattice (ReVAL)

Toyon Research Corporation proposes to design an electronically controlled, lightweight, multi-band antenna with gain pattern reconfiguration capabilities. The antenna will use a modified version of Toyon's reconfigurable virtual antenna lattice (ReVAL)and be designed to operate in the L, S, and X bands. The ReVAL is a microstrip structure containing a mesh of antenna elements with embedded series switches that fill the antenna aperture. This allows the antenna's configuration to be optimized for a givenscenario. In the proposed design, the switches in the ReVAL will be removed and replaced by reactive loads in order to decrease the complexity of the structure to a state in which it can be easily controlled. The antenna will employ multiple feed locationsto allow multiple users operating at different. When operated in multiple user mode, the antenna's gain patterns can be shaped to provide optimum signal quality by maximizing or minimizing gain in a given direction. The multiple feeds may also be used toprovide additional gain pattern control when tuned to the same frequency and summed in a way similar to that of a phased array. The proposed design can be employed in many military and commercial applications requiring a multi-band, electronicallyreconfigurable antenna where cost, size, and weight are issues of concern. This antenna can be easily integrated into existing systems to reduce the size and complexity of the communications system. The antenna's ability to concurrently operate in multiplefrequency bands will compel designers of systems combining various wireless technologies to integrate this novel design into their own.