Re-configurable Kμ dual-bands slot antenna using mems switches.

Reconfigurability in an antenna system is a desired characteristic that has been the focus of much research in recent years. The paper demonstrates miniature re-configurable antenna designed and fabricated on the high resistivity Si substrate. This antenna can integrate with a novel microelectromechanical systems actuator for reconfiguring the operating frequency and is used for SoC (System on the chip). The switching between the two different frequency bands is achieved through the use of RF-MEMS switches. According to the open/closed experiment results, when switch is on and off, the antenna operating frequency is 12.3 GHz and 13.1 GHz with low return loss, respectively. The final model radiates at two widely separated frequencies with very similar radiation patterns. The proposed concept can be extended to reconfigurable linear antenna arrays or to more complex antenna structures with large improvements in antenna performance. It is important for the next generation wireless communications and integrated antenna system on the chip. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 2413–2416, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21979 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]