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

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 p-i-n-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.