How is reflect-array antenna better than other arrays?

Reflect-Array Antenna

hello guys
if anybody has ever dealt with Reflect-Array Antennas plz let me know its major benefit over the other kinds of array antennas.

regards
momo

Re: Reflect-Array Antenna

Hi Momo,

Basically, reflectarrays do not compare to other arrays. They compare to parabolic reflectors, for instance.

So if we compare reflectarrays to reflector antennas or dielectric lenses, the following pro and cons may be stressed:

pro
1. reflectarrays are planar, low weight, low profile, easily manufactured. it is used common printed circuit techniques to fabricate them.
2. they can be made active, by means of amplifiers.

con
1. since most of reflectarrays are constructed using patch antennas, they have narrow bandwidths.
2. Their gain is low, as long as they are passive. It is due to the finite number of antennas that collect the signal, distributed along the reflectarray surface. Reflectors, on the other hand, present a continous surface where the electromagnetic energy can be retransmitted.

u can check on bialkowski papers on IEEE to get more details.

i hope it helps you.

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