Evaluating the robustness of tunable adaptive antenna arrays

Abstract

We present an evaluation of tunable adaptive antenna array performance for achieving useful field patterns. Utilizing antenna elements which can be tuned by a controllable impedance “black box”, we characterize the array's ability to achieve robust patterns for both broadcast and unicast communications. Simulation results demonstrate the impact of these tunable elements and the use of IMPATT diodes is introduced as a means to enable the tunable adaptive antenna array.