Right-Handed Circular Polarization Folded Reflectarray Antenna for 5G Applications

Abstract

The increasing demand for higher data rates in 5G systems drives the need for efficient, high-gain antennas. This study presents the design of a Right-Handed Circular Polarization Folded Reflectarray Antenna (RHCPFRA) utilizing a multilayer Left-Handed Circular Polarization Selective Surface (LHCPSS) without vertical conductive segments, operating at 26 GHz. The design process begins with an incident LHCP wave, reflected by the LHCPSS and converted to RHCP by the reflectarray reflector, allowing the RHCP waves to pass through the LHCPSS and radiate. Simulations conducted using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) software demonstrate a peak directivity of 15 dBi, broad impedance matching with return loss below -10 dB across 20–32 GHz, and an axial ratio bandwidth of 7 GHz, with a realized gain of 14.91 dB and an axial ratio of 1.2 dB at 26 GHz. These results indicate that the antenna is well-suited for 5G applications.