A review of mechanically reconfigurable antennas using smart material actuators

Mechanically reconfigurable antennas have the potential to provide a large range of antenna reconfiguration and to have a lower cost than other reconfigurable technologies. Solid state devices in the RF signal path can cause distortion and power limiting, but such issues can be averted by keeping them out of the direct RF signal path. In this paper, new smart material technologies, namely electro-active polymers and shape memory alloy actuators, are presented as potential candidates to implement mechanically reconfigurable antennas. A review of some proof-of-concept reconfigurable antenna prototypes using these technologies is presented, including the advantages and disadvantages for the antenna applications.