Millimeter wave reconfigurable antenna with single layered unit cell pattern

A system may include a substrate and an array of unit cells for a multi-cell antenna printed on the substrate. Each unit cell may include a first trace having an outer perimeter that forms a cross shape and an inner perimeter that encloses an area within the first trace. Each unit cell may further include a second trace having an outer perimeter that is completely enclosed by and does not contact the inner perimeter of the first trace. Each unit cell may also include a varactor electrically connecting the first trace to the second trace. A method may include receiving an electromagnetic signal at the array of unit cells and controlling a capacitance of the varactor of each unit cell to result in one or more directed beams.