Antenna capable of modifying its frequency and radiation properties dynamically
Reconfigurable antenna using a pixel architecture capable of reconfiguring dynamically its frequency of operation, radiation pattern and polarization.[1]
Areconfigurable antenna is anantenna capable of modifying its frequency andradiation pattern dynamically, in a controlled and reversible manner.[2] In order to provide a dynamic response, reconfigurable antennas integrate an inner mechanism (such asRF switches,varactors,mechanical actuators ortunable materials) that enable the intentional redistribution of the RF currents over the antenna surface and produce reversible modifications of its properties. Reconfigurable antennas differ fromsmart antennas because the reconfiguration mechanism lies inside the antenna, rather than in an externalbeamforming network. The reconfiguration capability of reconfigurable antennas is used to maximize the antenna performance in a changing scenario or to satisfy changing operating requirements.
Frequency reconfigurable antennas can adjust theirfrequency of operation dynamically. They are particularly useful in situations where several communications systems converge because the multiple antennas required can be replaced by a single reconfigurable antenna. Frequency reconfiguration is generally achieved by physical or electrical modifications to the antenna dimensions using RF-switches,[4] impedance loading[5] or tunable materials.[6]
Radiation pattern reconfigurability is based on the intentional modification of the spherical distribution of theradiation pattern.Beam steering is the most extended application and consists of steering the direction of maximum radiation to maximize the antenna gain in a link with mobile devices. Pattern reconfigurable antennas are usually designed using movable/rotatable structures[7][8] or switchable and reactively-loadedparasitic elements.[9][10][11] In the last 10 years,metamaterial-based reconfigurable antennas have gained attention due their small form factor, wide beam steering range and wireless applications.[12][13]Plasma antennas have also been investigated as alternatives with tunable directivities.[14][15][16]
Polarization reconfigurable antennas are capable of switching between differentpolarization modes. The capability of switching between horizontal, vertical and circular polarizations can be used to reduce polarization mismatch losses in portable devices. Polarization reconfigurability can be provided by changing the balance between the different modes of a multimode structure.[17]
Compound reconfiguration is the capability of simultaneously tuning several antenna parameters, for instance frequency and radiation pattern. The most common application of compound reconfiguration is the combination of frequency agility and beam-scanning to provide improved spectral efficiencies. Compound reconfigurability is achieved by combining in the same structure different single-parameter reconfiguration techniques[18][19] or by reshaping dynamically a pixel surface.[1][20]
There are different types of reconfiguration techniques for antennas. Mainly they are electrical[4] (for example usingRF-MEMS,PIN diodes, orvaractors), optical, physical (mainly mechanical),[7][8] and using materials. For the reconfiguration techniques using materials, the materials could be solid, liquid crystal, liquids (dielectric liquid[21] or liquid metal).
