A reconfigurable broadband dual-mode dual-polarized antenna for sectorial/omnidirectional mobile base stations

© 2018, Electromagnetics Academy. All rights reserved. This paper proposes a new design of reconfigurable three-sector dual-mode dual-polarized antenna for use primarily in mobile communication base stations. The design offers the flexibility to be used as a sectorial (directive) or omnidirectional base station antenna whenever required. The two different radiating modes (omnidirectional and sectorial) depend only on the excitation scenario. The proposed antenna has the advantages of offering broadband, stable radiation pattern and high polarization purity within the desired frequency band, and a simple feeding structure with a very compact size (less than 800 cm3) and low profile. The achieved fractional bandwidth is 55.3% (1.7 - 3GHz). A prototype antenna was constructed and tested with the two modes of operation. Results demonstrate the principle of the design and show how the design may be packaged in a compact size to offer excellent omnidirectional or sectorial performance which makes this new design an ideal candidate for reconfigurable dual-mode mobile base stations.