Dual-Polarized Antenna with Flexible Pattern Steering Based on Digital Meta-surface for Satellite-Assisted Mobile Communication

Yang, Guangwei and Jiang, Gang and Zhang, Yiwei and Ma, Yihan and Wang, Lei and Xing, Zijian and Psychogiou, Dimitra and Wang, Ling (2025) Dual-Polarized Antenna with Flexible Pattern Steering Based on Digital Meta-surface for Satellite-Assisted Mobile Communication. IEEE Internet of Things Journal. p. 1. ISSN 2327-4662

Text (Dual-Polarized Antenna with Flexible Pattern Steering Based on Digital Meta-surface for Satellite-Assisted Mobile Communication)
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Abstract

To address the practical challenges of satellite-assisted mobile communication for Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices—such as the needs for low-profile antennas, wide-angle beam steering under strict size and power constraints, and the limited tuning flexibility of conventional reconfigurable structures—this work proposes a compact dual-polarized antenna with digitally controlled pattern steering. The method combines mirror-image theory with transmission-optics-based phase regulation, enabling beam steering through a reconfigurable digital meta-surface that replaces the conventional ground plane. A planar dual-polarized dipole is positioned above the meta-surface, and beam steering is achieved by digitally switching the PIN-diode states to alter the discrete reflection-phase distribution. The prototype, fabricated and characterized at 12–14 GHz, demonstrates wide-angle beam steering with stable gain, low cross-polarization, and FPGA-based real-time digital control. The proposed approach provides a compact and energy-efficient solution for next-generation satellite-assisted IoT terminals requiring flexible and robust beam steering.