A modified pattern reconfigurable microstrip antenna for IC fabrication and integration with RF MEMS switches

Abstract

The paper outlines the modifications to a pattern reconfigurable antenna, with pattern reconfigurability over a shared bandwidth centered at 26 GHz, for IC fabrication and integration with RF MEMS switches. Several changes to the antenna structure that enable the incorporation of the switch geometry (including DC biasing networks) as well as the feeding mechanism are described. Performing these modifications allows a standard probe fed microstrip antenna to be successfully transformed into an IC compatible structure. Measured results from several of these modifications show very promising results.