CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction
Considerable research efforts have focused on enhancing the efficieancy of printed

microstrip/slot antennas, with investigations targeting improved radiation characteristics and

impedance matching for diverse applications in wireless communication systems. These

antennas typically consist of a radiating element, a substrate material, and a ground plane.

Over time, numerous arbitrary shaped monopoles have been devised to assess the

effectiveness of printed CP (Circularly Polarized) antennas and reconfigurable antennas. This

chapter presents a review of the literature in three topic areas studied in later Chapters of this

thesis.section 2.1 Reviews on Linearly Polarized Printed Multiband and Wideband Antennas.

The Literature Review on Multiband and dual band Circularly Polarized Printed Antennas are

presented in section 2.2. literature reviews on Reconfigurable antennas are presented in

Section 2.3.

2.1 Literature Review on Microstrip Antennas for Wireless

Communication

In examining the literature on linearly polarized printed multiband and wideband antennas,

would delve into the diverse methodologies, materials, and performance criteria explored in

this field. It would encompass an examination of various antenna configurations, including

patches, slots, and spirals, with a focus on their ability to cover multiple frequency bands or

achieve broad operating bandwidths while maintaining linear polarization. Additionally, the

review would assess advancements in feed structures, impedance matching techniques, and

manufacturing processes aimed at optimizing antenna characteristics such as bandwidth and

radiation efficiency. This review would offer insights into current research trends, identify

challenges, and suggest potential avenues for future exploration in the realm of linearly

polarized printed multiband and wideband antennas.

2.2 Literature Review on Dual Band and Multiband Circularly Polarized

Antennas
Incap Because of the rapidly growing field of wireless technologies, circularly polarized

antenna has earned appreciable attention in many applications such as suppression of cross-

polarization and reduces the multipath effect. CPW feed slot antenna is used because of

various advantages such as for improving the bandwidth without altering the antenna size,

and minimum radiation losses, dispersion, and easy integration with MW appliances. This

type of feeding is a accepted option than micro strip feeding technique [1]. There are so many

approaches available to create CP, multiple fed antenna needs an additional feeding network

[2], Stacked patch antenna is large in are [3], and for generating double band or broadband or

multiband circular polarization ability various kinds of perturbation shapes (strips/stubs/slots)

were introduce in ground plane or in patch [4]-[9].

Sadhan Another advantage of using CP antennas is that the effect of multipath interference

can also be reduced [5-7]. CP antennas, specifically microstrip patch antennas fed by a

coplanar waveguide (CPW), are preferred for their low cost, compactness, low profile, and

simple incorporation with other communication devices [8-10]. Researchers are constantly

innovating and devising techniques to expand the bandwidth of these antennas, ensuring they

keep pace with the ever-advancing requirements of contemporary communication systems.

Nasimuddin, Chen Z, and Qing X delved into a CP microstrip antenna featuring a cross-slot

configuration [11]. In this study, they examined three distinct microstrip antenna shapes

(circular, square, and cross) and analyzed them in relation to perimeter changes, all while
ensuring consistent antenna size and optimal CP radiation. In [12], a streamlined DGS-

enhanced Air-Supported microstrip antenna is introduced, targeting X and Ku band

functionalities. The suggested antenna has shown consistent radiation patterns, gain, and

favorable co-polarization and cross-polarization levels throughout the entire frequency band

of concern. An innovative planar slot antenna, bridging microstrip and CPW and boasting

both broadband capabilities and circular polarization, is outlined in [13]. This design uniquely

merges an expansive rectangular slot with a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feedline, both

inscribed on the substrate's ground layer. The reverse side of this substrate sees a transition

from microstrip to CPW. In [14], an antenna with a wide coverage using a spiral series feed is

presented. In [15], a wide-range antenna is proposed that utilizes a Fractal Defected Ground

Structure. However, antennas crafted with these methods exhibit a low 3dB axial ratio

bandwidth (ARBW). Numerous scholars have employed diverse strategies like implementing

multiple layers [16], multiple modes [17-19], and different patches [20-22] to enhance the 3

dB ARBW. However, such antennas have complex structures and their profile is also high.

2.3 Literature Review on Reconfigurable Antennas

Reconfigurable antennas, a longstanding area of interest, offer flexibility by adjusting current

distributions or electromagnetic fields within their apertures. Mechanisms like switching

elements or material tuning facilitate this adaptability. However, the benefits of

reconfigurable antennas—like enhanced performance or frequency agility—must outweigh

the complexities and costs associated with their implementation. Thus, practical

considerations ensure that the additional capabilities they offer justify the investment in

reconfiguration technologies. Reconfigurable antennas find application in various systems,

driven by emerging technologies like Cognitive Radio (CR), multi-functional wireless

devices, and ultra-wideband (UWB) systems. Their development is closely linked to the
performance of semiconductor diodes and switches. This section elucidates the operation

principles of reconfigurable antennas and illustrates their potential through case studies.

These antennas adapt their properties to suit dynamic communication scenarios, showcasing

their relevance in modern wireless systems. Furthermore, the utilization of CP antennas

presents an additional benefit in the form of reduced vulnerability to the adverse impacts of

multipath interference. Presently, there has been a notable surge in the advancement of

reconfigurable antennas, owing to their remarkable capacity to vigorously furnish frequency,

pattern, and polarization diversity within a solitary antenna [3-4M]. This development offers

an array of benefits, including enhanced signal reception, compact size, and cost-

effectiveness. The realization of reconfigurable antennas has been achieved through the

integration of switching components, such as Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS),

varactor diodes, and PIN diodes, onto the ground plane or radiating element of the antenna

[5M].

2.3.1. Pattern Reconfigurable Antennas

Radiation pattern reconfigurability represents an effective strategy to reinforce the signal in

the desired directions. In addition, noise and electronic jamming can be avoided by utilizing a

pattern reconfigurable antenna. An electrically small pattern reconfigurable Yagi antenna is

presented in [24OT]. It consists of a driver and two directors which are located at opposite

sides of the driver as shown in figure 2.17a. The pattern can be controlled by using two PIN

diodes with one PIN diode at the bottom of each director. Another simple pattern

reconfigurable antenna is presented in [25OT]. The antenna, shown in figure 2.18, is a

combination of monopole and dipole antennas. By controlling three switches which are

utilized in the antenna, the antenna can operate as either monopole with omnidirectional

pattern or dipole with directional pattern. A radiation reconfigurable wideband circular array
antenna is presented in [26OT]. It consists of an array of eight TEM horns fed through eight

reconfigurable bandstop filters and a power splitter,

[24OT] S. Lim and H. Ling, “Design of electrically small pattern reconfigurable Yagi

antenna,” Electronics Letters, vol.43, no.24, 22 Nov. 2007, pp.3-4.

[25OT] W. S. Kang, J. A. Park, and Y. J. Yoon, “Simple reconfigurable antenna with

radiation pattern,” Electronics Letters, vol.44, no.3, 31 Jan 2008, pp.182-183.

[26OT] Z. P. Wang, P. S. Hall, J. Kelly, and P. Gardner, “TEM horn circular array for wide
band radiation pattern notch reconfigurable antenna system,” LAPC 2010, Loughbrough
Antennas & Propagation Conference, 2010, 8-9 Nov. 2010, Loughbrough, UK, pp.365-367.

2.3.2 Polarization reconfigurable antennas

Polarization diversity antennas possess the ability to mitigate the signal degradation resulting

from multipath phenomena and adverse atmospheric conditions, thereby proving

advantageous in satellite, mobile, and wireless communication networks [6-7M].

Incorporating polarization reconfigurability in MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output)

systems is also an appealing approach for enhancing channel capacity [8M]. This provides a

new direction of research in the area of designing an antenna.

Several techniques have been utilized by researchers to generate circularly polarized waves,

including slot overloading, radiator edge trimming, and multiple feeds to the patches [9-

12M]. The introduction of a C-shaped slot has been suggested for achieving polarization

diversity [13M]. Additionally, polarization diversity has been pursued through the

implementation of asymmetrical Y-shaped and T-shaped feeds in a separate study [14-15M].

In [16M], it is shown that the addition of a PIN diode within the U slot enables

reconfigurability. A polarization reconfigurable patch is presented in [27OT]. The patch, with

a single feed, is capable of achieving right hand circular polarization (RHCP) and left hand
circular polarization (LHCP). By controlling the switches the antenna can switch between

RHCP and LHCP. The operating frequency of the antenna is at 4.64 GHz with a 3-dB axial

ratio bandwidth of 3%.

With the demand for different frequency bands, polarizations, and radiating characteristics,

reconfigurable antennas capable of multiple functions with a single design are essential [7-

10P2]. These antennas enhance signal quality, reduce interference, and offer increased

flexibility, making them indispensable for modern wireless applications. The research domain

for such antennas, encompassing various characteristics like frequency bands, polarizations,

and radiations, is expansive and continuously evolving to meet the escalating demands of

high-performance wireless communication systems [11-22].Various types of reconfigurable

antennas with multi-band circular polarization have been documented in the existing body of

literature. In [11], an innovative miniaturized loop-based structure is explored for angular

stability and polarization independence in a multiband band pass frequency selective surface

designed for different wireless applications. In another work [12], an antenna designed for 5G

systems is presented. Additionally, a comprehensive review titled multiband reconfigurable

antennas for 5G wireless and Cube Sat applications is provided in [13] highlighting features

with switchable slots and shorting posts for generating RHCP and LHCP.

Further research is reported in [14,15], investigating a frequency and pattern reconfigurable

antenna, as well as an electrically adjustable antenna capable of multi-polarization

reconfiguration, utilizing quadruple patches. In [16], a study on a frequency and polarization-

reconfigurable corner truncated microstrip square patch antenna is presented. To address

bandwidth limitations, [17] introduces a technique utilizing multiple resonances for

increasing the bandwidth of reconfigurable antennas. The paper referenced in [18] explores a

reflect array antenna designed for satellite usage within the Ku-band, featuring full

reconfigurability and circular polarization across two frequency bands, while [19] delves into
the design of an L/S multiband frequency-reconfigurable antenna tailored specifically for

satellite applications. The utilization of circularly polarized modes is investigated in [20] to

create a polarization-adaptable antenna.Versatile antennas capable of adjusting polarization

and accommodating bidirectional communication over a broad frequency range with a

switchable feeding network using multiple diodes and a reconfigurable antenna beam using a

U-shaped slot patch for wireless networks are presented in [21-24P2].

However, these innovative designs face certain limitations. For instance, the integration of

several diodes may lead to intricate DC-bias networks, complicating the implementation of

the system. Providing independent bias for each diode can be challenging and might

necessitate special mechanisms such as the use of capacitors. To tackle these challenges, the

paper introduces a rudimentary monopole antenna featuring reconfigurable dual-band CP

functionality.

2.3.3 Frequency Reconfigurable Antennas

Wideband antennas recommend the convenience of wrapping multiple services across a wide

frequency range, but they come with drawbacks. These include compromised performance

metrics like gain and efficiency, increased complexity in design and production, larger form

factors, susceptibility to interference, and potentially higher costs. As a result, while tempting

for their broad coverage, wideband antennas may not always be the most practical solution

for mobile wireless terminals.

Wideband antennas can't be made smaller due to physical limitations, and they require extra

filtering for unwanted frequencies. Frequency reconfigurable antennas offer a solution by

providing dynamically selectable narrow bandwidths, reducing the need for extensive

filtering. They can change resonant frequency while maintaining key parameters like

radiation pattern and polarization. Frequency reconfigurable antennas can change their

frequency using methods like material tuning or switching, controlled by the system.
Choosing the method involves balancing performance, complexity, and cost. The antenna's

benefits should outweigh the complexity and cost of reconfiguration.

Frequency reconfigurable antennas achieve their flexibility through various methods like

switching between different external matching circuits, altering substrate properties (like

permittivity or height), using switches or varactors to change resonance length, and

employing mechanical reconfiguration such as RF MEMS. A frequency reconfigurable

slotted ground patch antenna placed a PIN diode in slot is presented [98A] for dual-band

operation covering Korean personal communication service (K-PCS) and Wi-Fi Broadband.

The antenna size is reduced to about 53 % by embedding slots in the ground plane. A tunable

U-slot frequency reconfigurable microstrip antenna is presented [99A]. The impedance

matching of the antenna was control through a variable chip capacitor and an inductor at the

antenna input, and attained a tunable frequency range 2.6-3.35 GHz. A miniature

reconfigurable top-loaded quarter wavelength printed monopole antenna folded into meander

lines is reported [100A] for wireless terminals. The antenna operated between these

frequencies with activation of two switches between folded meander lines.

[98A] S.-B. Byun, J.-A. Lee, J.-H. Lim, and T.-Y. Yun, \Recon_gurable ground-slotted patch
antenna using PIN diode switching," ETRI J., vol. 29, no. 6, pp. 832-834, 2007.

[99A] S.-L. S. Yang, A. A. Kishk, and K.-F. Lee, \Frequency recon_gurable U-slot mi-
crostrip antenna," IEEE Antennas Wireless Propag. Lett., vol. 7, pp. 127-129, 2008.

[100A] A. M. Yadav, C. J. Panagamuwa, and R. D. Seager, \A miniature recon_gurable

printed monopole antenna for WLAN/WiMAX and LTE communication bands," 2012
Loughborough Antennas Propag. Conference, Loughborough, UK, pp. 1-4, 2012, doi:
10.1109/LAPC.2012.6403089.