This manuscript introduces a new vision on the implementation of spatial diversity with beamsteering capability, by suppressing the typical beamforming networks of antenna phased arrays and replace them by Reconfigurable Transmitarrays. Consequently, the radio frequency components, i.e. RF-chains that compose such systems, were replaced by a device with the capability to perform two-dimensional beamsteering relying on single antenna source, hence reducing the number of associated RF hardware in comparison with traditional phased array systems.
By spatially distributing side-by-side more than one device, spatial diversity with beamsteering is enabled with an estimated reduction of 1:8 in the number of associated RF-chains. This new concept clearly demonstrates its merit by directly reducing the implementation costs,, RF-chain components and increasing the energy efficiency, specially in larger systems.