Self-structuring antennas

This paper presents a new antenna concept with potential For use in a variety of difficult antenna situations. The term "self-structuring" implies that the antenna changes its electrical shape in response to its environment. The shape change is not made by altering the position or physical geometry of the antenna structure, but rather by controlling the electrical connections between the components of a skeletal antenna "template". Using an appropriate feedback signal, the structure is rearranged to optimize one or more performance criteria. For example, if the received signal strength is used as the feedback signal, the structure can be optimized for maximum signal strength, even as the antenna changes its aspect with respect to the transmitter. The received signal can also be maximized as the frequency of the signal is changed, giving the antenna system potential for very wide bandwidth. The self-structuring antenna concept lends itself to a variety of applications, including mobile antennas, generic "off the shelf" antennas, EMC mitigating antennas, and randomly deployed antennas.