Direct Modulation of an L-Band Microstrip Patch Antenna Using Integrated PIN Diodes

Abstract : Army mobile ground communication systems typically require an antenna that provides large bandwidth, optimized power efficiency, and a small visual signature. A technique known as direct antenna modulation is a promising candidate to provide all three of these characteristics. By utilizing high-speed semiconductor switching components to directly modulate an antenna with a baseband pulse-modulated signal, the information bandwidth of the antenna may be decoupled from its resonant bandpass limitations. The direct modulation of an L-band microstrip patch antenna with fast-switching PIN diodes is described in this paper, as well as an introduction to the direct antenna modulation concept and a brief discussion of future research plans.