Abstract
In this thesis, an electronically controllable transmission line (ECTL) is presented. By modulating the conductivity of a doped Si modulator in the ECTL, the wave propagation constant in the ECTL is controlled. Measured results show a phase change in the ECTL at a single frequency when non-zero bias voltage is applied. This ECTL is implemented in order to feed a traveling wave array antenna, which is composed of 8 aperture-coupled microstrip antenna elements. It is demonstrated that phase change in an ECTL feed line has applications as a traveling wave array antenna with beam steering. S-parameter measurements are presented which demonstrate phase change in an ECTL and main beam steering of an 8-element traveling wave array antenna. The design procedure for an aperture-coupled microstrip antenna with a specific input impedance at the resonant frequency and a matching circuit design for a traveling wave array antenna are discussed in detail.
Shin, Chang-Seok (2002). Electronically controllable transmission line design for traveling wave array antenna feed network. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2002 -THESIS -S547.