Intra-band frequency reconfigurable antenna using RF MEMS technology

A Frequency reconfigurable antenna using RF MEMS technology is presented in this paper. The antenna is designed to achieve reconfigurability within the band i.e. Intraband (S-band). The shift in frequency was obtained by changing the dimension of the patch (along the radiating edge) with the help of the stub. RF MEMS based Ohmic contact (metal to metal) series switch which was placed between the main patch and the stub for connection. An Electrostatic actuation mechanism was involved in the actuation of the switch to achieve the reconfigurability. At zero DC bias i.e. switch OFF state, the antenna works at higher frequency. With the application of proper DC bias i.e. switch ON state, the stub gets connected to the patch which increases its dimension and works at lower frequency. There is a good agreement between simulated and measured results.