Integration of packaged RF MEMS switches with radiation pattern reconfigurable square spiral microstrip antennas

Greg H. Huff, Jennifer T. Bernhard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This work describes the integration of commercially available packaged radio frequency microelectromechanical system (RF MEMS) switches with radiation pattern reconfigurable microstrip antennas. Most applications of RF MEMS switches consider the switches as only circuit elements. In contrast, the implementation of packaged switches in this particular antenna must address not only the simple open/closed behavior of the switches but also their impact on the radiation characteristics of the reconfigurable antenna. Here, two Radant MEMS single-pole single throw (SPST) SPST-RMSW100 (packaged RF MEMS) switches are used to reconfigure the radiation patterns of a resonant square spiral microstrip antenna between endfire and broadside over a common impedance bandwidth. Switch insertion, matching network design, and other issues are addressed. Results for both simulated and measured antennas, as well as recommendations for future work in this area, are provided.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)464-469
Number of pages6
JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation
Volume54
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2006

Keywords

  • Matching networks
  • Radio frequency microelectromechanical system (RF MEMS)
  • Reconfigurable antenna

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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