MEMS-reconfigurable antenna based on a multi-size pixelled geometry

A MEMS reconfigurable antenna with beam steering capability and resonance frequency reconfigurability is presented. The design is based in an interconnected patch grid structure and employs a hybrid geometry with different sized patches in a biclustered distribution on order to reduce the structure complexity and the number of necessary switches. A small antenna of λ/2 by λ/2 using only 12 RF-MEMS switches is optimized using genetic algorithms, demonstrating beam tilting over a range of 120° and resonant frequency reconfigurability over 4, 5 and 6GHz. The described design constitutes a step forward in the accomplishment of multiple parameter reconfiguration.

[1]  Necmi Biyikli,et al.  Low-voltage small-size double-arm MEMS actuator , 2009 .

[2]  Cyrus Shafai,et al.  Frequency‐agile microstrip patch antenna using a reconfigurable mems ground plane , 2004 .

[3]  G.S. Smith,et al.  Switched fragmented aperture antennas , 2000, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium. Transmitting Waves of Progress to the Next Millennium. 2000 Digest. Held in conjunction with: USNC/URSI National Radio Science Meeting (C.

[4]  T. Akin,et al.  Frequency Tunable Microstrip Patch Antenna Using RF MEMS Technology , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.

[5]  Bing-Zhong Wang,et al.  Pattern reconfigurable patch antenna with two orthogonal quasi-Yagi arrays , 2005, 2005 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium.

[6]  G.S. Smith,et al.  A reconfigurable aperture antenna based on switched links between electrically small metallic patches , 2004, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.

[7]  F. D. Flaviis,et al.  Reconfigurable scan-beam single-arm spiral antenna integrated with RF-MEMS switches , 2006, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.