Frequency and pattern reconfigurable patch antenna for multi-standard wireless applications

Abstract This paper presents the design of a rectangular patch antenna with compound reconfigurability in terms of operating frequency and radiation pattern using only four PIN diodes. Two PIN diodes namely, PD1 and PD2, are implanted on a rectangular slot of the driven patch for frequency reconfiguration. While other two PIN diodes PD3 and PD4, are uniquely arranged with shorting posts between parasitic elements and ground, perform the pattern reconfiguration operation. Switching of PD1 and PD2 changes the effective electrical length of driven patch for four different measured resonant frequencies at 3.35, 4.02, 4.12 and 5.12 GHz. Moreover, ON/OFF states of PD3 and PD4 alter the function of parasitic elements between director and reflector to achieve H-plane pattern reconfiguration in all reconfigurable operating frequencies. Measured tilt angles at 3.35, 4.02, 4.12 and 5.12 GHz bands are (−40°, 0°) (+30°, −42°, 0°) (+40°, −40°, 0°) and (+36°, −43°) respectively. Measured results of reflection coefficient and radiation pattern are in good agreement with the simulated results, which validates the frequency and pattern reconfigurable performances of the antenna. The proposed antenna can be used for various C band wireless applications such as sub-6-GHz 5G (3.3 GHz, 4 GHz), and WLAN (5.2 GHz).