Title :
Steerable antenna for wireless routers and indoor communications
Author :
DeJean, Gerald R.
Author_Institution :
Microsoft Res., Redmond, WA
Abstract :
A software controlled quasi-endfire antenna is proposed that can be used for beam steering. Switching devices such as PIN diodes, RF MEMS switches, mechanically vertical pieces of material with a large dielectric constant, or mechanically vertical piece of dielectric with a metal strip placed on the top side can be used to steer the main beam. The larger F/B ratio, in comparison to phased array antennas, makes this design an attractive option for indoor communications. In addition, when all four sides are excited simultaneously, a conical shaped radiation pattern can be realized that makes this antenna structure suitable for use as a wireless router when it is placed on the ceiling of a room.
Keywords :
antenna radiation patterns; microswitches; permittivity; wireless sensor networks; PIN diodes; RF MEMS switches; beam steering; dielectric constant; indoor communications; metal strip; software controlled quasi-endfire antenna; steerable antenna; switching devices; wireless routers; Beam steering; Communication switching; Communication system control; Dielectric constant; Dielectric materials; Indoor communication; Inorganic materials; Phased arrays; Radiofrequency microelectromechanical systems; Switches;
Conference_Titel :
Microwave Conference, 2008. APMC 2008. Asia-Pacific
Conference_Location :
Macau
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-2641-6
Electronic_ISBN :
978-1-4244-2642-3
DOI :
10.1109/APMC.2008.4958570
