ISSN : 2230-7109(Online) | ISSN : 2230-9543(Print) IJECT Vol. 2, Issue 3, Sept.

2011

Reconfigurable Antennae: A Review

1
Sonia Sharma, 2Monish Gupta, 3C.C. Tripathi
1,2,3
UIET, University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India

Abstract This paper is divided into six sections. Section II introduces the
This paper provides a complete state-of-the-art of reconfigurable concept of frequency reconfigurable antennae. This section
antennae viz. frequency reconfigurable antennae, radiation provides the geometry of frequency reconfigurable antenna
pattern reconfigurable antennae, polarization reconfigurable which concludes that the operating frequency of antenna
antennae, and combination of radiation and frequency could be modified by modifying patch’s resonating length with
reconfigurable antennae from the literature. Of late, the help of RF MEMS switches. In dual frequency microstrip
reconfigurable antennae have received a lot of attention for patch antenna, a PIN diode is positioned in the center of
their applications in diversified areas like communication, the slot which changes the current path on the patch hence
surveillance etc. This is owing to their ability to modify their antenna’s electrical length is modified with the help of PIN diode
radiation characteristics, frequency of operation, polarization condition i.e. ON or OFF. Section III elaborates the concept of
or even a combination of these features in real time. radiation pattern/beam reconfigurable antenna. This proposed
Reconfigurable antennae have the potential to add substantial reconfigurable scheme is based on the modification of the
degrees of freedom and functionality to mobile communication EM propagation characteristics of the surface waves by the
and phase array systems. Reconfigurability in antennae allows use of metallic switch-loaded parasitic structure and thus the
us for spectrum reallocation in multi-band communication radiation pattern could be modified which modify the main
systems, dynamic spectrum management, therefore reducing beam pattern in a controlled fashion. Section IV deals with the
the number and size of antennae in a system. concept of polarization reconfigurable antennae. It provides
an overview of the patch antennae with suitable slots for
Keywords RHCP/LHCP diversity. By activating the switches in the slot,
Reconfigurability, patch antenna, polarization reconfigurable, antenna radiates with either (RHCP) or (LHCP) by sharing the
frequency reconfigurable, MEMS switch, slot antenna, mobile same feeding probe. Section V presents reconfigurable single
communications turn square spiral printed antennae capable of both radiation
pattern and frequency reconfiguration. Section VI concludes
I. Introduction the paper.
Wireless communication systems are evolving toward multi-
functionality. This multi functionality provides users with options II. Frequency Reconfigurable Antennae
of connecting to different kinds of wireless services for different Modern communication systems demand transmitters and
purposes at different times. Large numbers of antennae are receivers with multi-band operation, as a result, numerous
mounted on ships, aircrafts or other vehicles; it is highly desirable techniques for achieving frequency reconfigurability have
to develop single radiating element having capabilities of been proposed in system where weight and area are critical
performing different functions and/or multi-band operation in issues.
order to minimize the antennae's weight and area. An antenna The reconfigurable patch module (RPM) proposed by J. T.
that possesses the ability to modify its characteristics, such Bernhard et al. [1] consists of a 3x3 array of square patches
as operating frequency, polarization or radiation pattern, in connected together by the RF MEMS switches as depicted in
real time condition is referred to as a reconfigurable antenna. Fig. 1. Ideally, the RF MEMS switch has two operational states,
Reconfigurable antennae have the potential to add substantial ON and OFF. The ON state represents a short circuit, while the
degrees of freedom and functionality to mobile communication OFF state exhibits an open circuit. When all the switches are
and phase array systems. Reconfigurable antennae can be in the OFF state, the total radiation pattern is formed by the
simply used to reduces the number of antennae necessary pattern radiated by each small patch as shown in Fig. 1(a). As
for intended system function, but they can also be designed a result, the antenna resonates at a higher frequency band. On
to serve much more complex roles. Examples of emerging the other hand, when all switches are turned ON, the antenna
applications include software defined radio, cognitive radio, effective area is clearly larger than the area of a singular patch
MIMO systems, multifunction consumer wireless devices, and array. The antenna accordingly resonates at a lower frequency
high performance phased arrays. In addition, reconfigurable band as shown in Fig. 1(b).
antennae can be a cheaper alternative to traditional adaptive
arrays or they can be incorporated into adaptive arrays to
improve their performance by providing additional degrees
of freedom. Reconfigurability in antennae allows us for
spectrum reallocation in multi-band communication systems,
dynamic spectrum management, reduces the number and
size of antennae in a system. Generally reconfigurability can
be obtained using following techniques: Tunable elements in
the feeding networks, adaptive matching networks, phase Fig. 1: (a) Antennae geometry when switches are turned OFF
shifters and tunable filters, tunable elements embedded such (b) Antennae geometry when switches are turned ON [1]
as PIN diodes, MEMS (switches, varactors, moveable parts)
and optical switching in the radiating elements, mechanically
moveable radiating elements.

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Furthermore, it has been observed that the total radiation allows for the continuous tuning of the operating frequency
patterns are nearly identical between the two states of the (though not typically of the instantaneous bandwidth) over a
switch operation. large band, which has been shown to be 20–30% depending
In the work by Y. Qian et al. [2] the frequency reconfigurable on the type of micro strip antennae used.
antenna consists of a linear array of micro strip-based leaky-
mode antennas as shown in Fig. 2. By activating the switches III. Radiation Pattern or Beam Reconfigurable
connected on the radiating patches, the resonant frequency Antennae
can be modified. Clearly, the operating frequency is controlled The antenna is designed to be able to reconfigure its radiation
by the state of the switch operation. This technique reduces pattern during real time operation such that it maintains its
the number and size of the antennas mounted on board broad pattern in the absence of interferences, and is capable of
tremendously, especially in a multi-band communication. narrowing its pattern beam width, when the interfering signals
arrive at the antennae, to suppress these undesired signals
as much as possible.
In addition, reconfigurable antennae can be a cheaper
alternative to traditional adaptive arrays or they can be
incorporated into adaptive arrays to improve their performance
by providing additional degrees of freedom. The radiation
pattern reconfigurability is needed to steer the radiation pattern
away from noise sources or to reduce interference.
It is well known that the total radiation pattern from the
microstrip antennae originates mostly from three contributions:
Fig. 2: Geometry of a frequency reconfigurable leaky mode/ direct space wave, edge diffracted space wave and edge
multifunction printed antenna [2] diffracted surface wave. R. G. Rojas et al. [5] considered that
the contribution comes from the surface wave that is diffracted
Another way to affect discrete changes in a microstrip antennae’s at the edges, as a loss mechanism because they travel along
electrical length is to change the path of radiating currents the substrate and radiate to free space at the truncation/edge
without changing the overall footprint of the antennae. An of the substrate. The surface waves usually distort the main
example of this approach was proposed by Yang and Rahmat- beam radiation pattern and increasing the level of the side
Samii et al. [3] for micro strip antennae. Starting with standard lobes as well as the back lobes. For the particular application
rectangular micro strip antennae, a slot is etched in the patch under consideration, the control of the surface waves is crucial
so that it is perpendicular to the direction of the main current to achieve pattern reconfigurability. To reconfigure the radiation
of the patch’s first resonance, as shown in Fig. 3. A PIN diode is pattern, some researchers have used shorting pins and in-
positioned in the center of the slot to change the current paths line open tuning elements. Low cost antennae that can alter
on the patch. If the diode is OFF, then currents travel around their radiation patterns during real time operating conditions
the slot and the antennae operates in a lower fr frequency. are required in response to intentional interferences. S.
Zhang, G. H. Huff, J. Feng et al. [6] designed radiation pattern
reconfigurable antennae for this they designed a microstrip
patch antenna which radiates a broad field pattern i.e. in the
broadside direction from which the desired GPS signals from
the satellites arrive as shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 3: Geometry of a dual-frequency microstrip patch antennae

with a switchable slot (PASS) [3] band, while when the diode
is ON, the effective length of the patch is shorter and the
antennae operates in a higher frequency band. The frequency
ratio between the upper and lower operating frequencies are
controlled by the length of the slot, and as long as the slot length Fig. 4: Scenario of radiation pattern reconfigurable antennae
is not too long, the radiation pattern of the original antennae in the presence of intentional interferences [6]
is largely preserved.
In another work by Bhartia and Bahl et al. [4] the operating They also assumes the presence of interfering signals, in the
frequency range of a micro strip patch antennae was form of jamming signals, which incident at the antennae in
continuously tuned by using varactor diodes (varactors) at horizontal directions approximately +100 ± to -150 ± from the
the radiating edges of the structure. The varactors operated end fire direction. This is a common scenario for antennae on
with a reverse bias between 0 and 30 volts that corresponded airborne platforms. The designed antenna is able to reconfigure
to capacitances of 2.4-0.4 pF. With a change in bias, the its radiation pattern during real time operation such that it
capacitance induced at the radiating edge is changed, resulting maintains its broad pattern in the absence of interferences, and
in a change in the effective electrical length of the patch. This is capable of narrowing its pattern beam width, in the presence

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ISSN : 2230-7109(Online) | ISSN : 2230-9543(Print) IJECT Vol. 2, Issue 3, Sept. 2011

of interferences. Hence in the presence of jamming signals, [7]

the reconfigurable microstrip antennae is required to adjust its
antennae beam width to suppress these unwanted signals as IV. Polarization Reconfigurable Antennae
much as possible. In most conventional microstrip antennas, Antennae with polarization diversity are gaining popularity due
the substrate is thin to minimize the strength of the surfaces to the tremendous growth of wireless communications and
waves. However, electrically thick microstrip antennae have radar systems. A design of microstrip antennae with switchable
the advantage of providing a larger operational bandwidth over slots (PASS) was introduced to accomplish circular polarization
microstrip antennae mounted on thin substrates. Microstrip diversity by Yang et al. [8]. Two orthogonal slots are introduced
antenna proposed by R. G. Rojas and K. W. Lee et al. [5] into the radiating patch and two pin diodes are used to switch
for the design and analysis of pattern reconfigurable antenna the slots on as shown in Fig.7.
mounted on electrically thick substrates so that edge-diffracted
surface wave field can be strong and have a magnitude larger
than the diffracted space wave field. The designed passive
microstrip antenna element is surrounded with a parasitic
ring loaded with switches as shown in Fig. 5. This proposed
reconfigurable scheme is based on the modification of the EM
propagation characteristics of the surface waves, and thus
the radiation pattern could be modified through the use of
a metallic switch-loaded parasitic structure. Now, modified
radiated surface waves contribute to the main beam pattern
in a controlled fashion, hence beam reconfigurability achieved.
The switches provide two different ring configurations and
pattern reconfigurability is controlled by the two states of the
switches (ON/OFF). Although the switches can be either RF Fig. 7 A patch antennae with switchable slots (PASS) for RHCP/
MEMS, electronic or photonic-controlled, diode switches. LHCP diversity [8]

By activating the switches on the antennae radiates with either

right hand circular polarization (RHCP) or left hand circular
polarization (LHCP) by sharing the same feeding probe. The
feeding probe is located on the diagonal line of the patch.
Note that the antenna radiates either RHCP or LHCP at a time,
depending upon the operating state of the diode switches.
Therefore, there is no coupling is induced between the two
Fig. 5: Geometry of a radiation pattern reconfigurable patch polarizations.
antennae surrounded by a switch-loaded parasitic structure
[5]

In another example J.C. Chiao et al. [7], proposed a

reconfigurable scheme based on the modification of the
characteristics of the surface waves by mechanical movable
Vee antennae connected to the actuators, and thus the
radiation pattern can be modified through the use the switch
loaded parasitic structure. The surface waves are modified
simply by activating the switches. Unlike the previous example,
the switches could also be employed to alter the mechanical
property of the antennae. The proposed antenna consists of
a movable planar Vee antennae connected to the actuators Fig. 8: Geometry of a polarization reconfigurable patch antennae
as represented in Fig. 6. The direction of the Vee antennae is [9].
controlled by the operating state of the actuators. The beam
steering and shaping capacities can be achieved by running An antennae that can alternate its radiation pattern between
different states of the actuators. circular and linear polarization at a fixed operating frequency
has been proposed by Simons et al. [9] .The antenna shown in
Fig. 8 consists of a square micro strip antenna integrated with
RF MEMS actuator for switching the polarization state. When
the RF MEMS actuator is in the OFF state, the perturbation of
the modes is negligible and thus the patch radiates a circularly
polarized pattern. Similarly when the RF MEMS actuator is
turned ON, the phase relation between the two current modes
on the patch surface is disturbed, as a result, patch radiates
a dual linearly polarized pattern.

Fig. 6: Geometry of RF MEMS reconfigurable Vee antennae In another example by M.K Fries, M. Grani et al. [10] designed

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IJECT Vol. 2, Issue 3, Sept. 2011 ISSN : 2230-7109(Online) | ISSN : 2230-9543(Print)

a slot-ring antenna in which PIN diodes are used to reconfigure

the polarization state between linear to circular polarization
and LHCP to RHCP. For the switching between linear to circular Another example of the frequency and pattern reconfigurable
polarization state as shown in Fig. 9(a), when the diodes placed antennae can also be found in the work of J. T. Bernhard et
at 45° and −135° relative to the feed point are forward-biased al.[1]. The stacked balanced bowtie antennae structure is
than the antenna produces linear polarization state, while when shown in Fig. 11. The lower bowtie antennae locate on the
the diodes are reverse biased than the antenna delivers the substrate, while the upper ones are on the top of the super
circular polarization state. The design in Fig. 9(b) goes one substrate. Note that the lower bowtie antennae are electrically
step further and it adds additional symmetric discontinuities larger than the upper ones in size. Consequently, they resonate
to support switching between left and right handed circular at a lower frequency band. Note that each antenna feed point
polarizations. In both designs, care is taken to divide the ground is connected to the source via the RF MEMS switch, and only
planes carefully to support proper DC biasing for the diodes one antennae arrays radiate at a time. The operating frequency
while providing RF continuity through capacitors connected is thus determined by the states of the RF MEMS switches. In
between ground plane sections. This antenna is a good other words, if the lower band is chosen, the RF MEMS switches
example of the factor that when transitioning from a fixed to a connected to the lower bowtie antennae will be activated, and
reconfigurable antenna, the fundamental structure may remain vice versa. It is also worth noticing that when the lower bowtie
the same, but critical adjustments are required to enable proper antennae are radiating, the upper bowtie antennae are virtually
DC connections and RF performance. the floating parasitic elements for the lower ones, and thus
slightly broadening the impedance bandwidth. On the other
hand, an operation of the upper bowtie antennae requires
that the lower antennae must be grounded via the RF MEMS
switches. In this case, the lower bowtie antennae are simply
an equivalent ground plane for the upper ones.

Fig. 9: Polarization reconfigurable slot ring antennae: (a)

switchable between linear and left hand circular polarization
and (b) switchable between LHCP to RHCP [10]

V. Radiation and Frequency Reconfigurable Antennae

In general, most antennae are capable of either frequency or
pattern reconfigurability; however they can be made combination
of both frequency and pattern reconfigurable simultaneously. Fig. 11: Stacked reconfigurable array of balanced bowtie
G. H Huff et al. [11] proposed a frequency and pattern antennae: Lower and upper band elements are alternatively
reconfigurable micro strip antennae using multiple switch activated using MEMS switches [1]
connections. Fig. 10 illustrates geometry of a switch loaded
single turn square spiral printed antenna which resonates at VI. Conclusion
3.7 GHz with a linear polarized pattern. One set of the switch Reconfigurable antennae have their applications in diversified
connections redirects its main beam radiation pattern away areas like communications, surveillance etc. They possess the
from the broadside, whilst maintaining a common impedance properties to modify their radiation characteristics, frequency of
bandwidth with the baseline configuration. The second set of operation, polarization or even a combination of these features
the switch connections, however, shifts the operating frequency in real time. Reconfigurable antennae have the potential to add
from 3.7 GHz to 6 GHz, while preserving a broadside radiation substantial degrees of freedom and functionality to mobile
pattern. communications and phase array systems. The present
paper provided a survey of various reconfigurable antennae.
It attempted to classify the various types of reconfigurable
antennae.

References
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reconfigurable antenna elements for space-based radar
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[3] F. Yang, Y. Rahmat-Samii, “Patch Antenna with Switchable
Fig. 10: Geometry of a reconfigurable antenna capable of both Slot (PASS) for Dual frequency Operation,” Microwave and
radiation pattern and frequency reconfigurability [2]. Optical Technology Letters, vol. 31, November 2001

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[4] P. Bhartia, I. J. Bahl, “Frequency Agile Microstrip Antennas,”

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