FARA - FAst reconfigurable antenna system

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There is an urgent need for resilient, dynamic, long-range radio technology to realize the backbone of on-the-move wireless networks, such as those used in point-to-point / point-to-multipoint tactical radio systems and ad hoc public safety networks. A defining characteristic of these networks is that they are constantly changing, since the nodes of the network can be in motion and the radio channel itself is time-varying. Critically, antennas used in such systems must be able to dynamically scan one or several beams over a very wide angular range, switch between directive and un-directive (omni-directional) radiation modes, and cover a large band of frequencies. While traditional phased antenna arrays are often chosen in applications requiring electronic beam-steering capabilities, meeting all the requirements listed while maintaining low cost and ease of implementation poses major challenges to this technology. At the same time, advances in reconfigurable antennas have shown that they can potentially address these challenges with a reduced hardware footprint, translating to much easier implementation and lower costs overall. In particular, progress in advanced electromagnetics surfaces has illustrated their potential in becoming key building blocks of reconfigurable antennas using new design paradigms made possible through the advent of electromagnetic metasurfaces. Through the design and integration of novel reconfigurable electromagnetic surfaces with a novel cylindrical-based feeding system, we aim to develop a FAst Reconfigurable Antenna System (FARA) to provide an advanced, low-cost antenna platform for wireless networks. The proposed activities will provide significant economic, training, and technological benefits to Canada and maintain its competitiveness in wireless communications on the global stage.****