Different methods of antenna reconfiguration by switches: a review

Abstract

The rapid advancement of wireless communication technology has focused researcher's attention on reconfigurable antennas with multiple input and output (MIMO) and cognitive radio operation in high-data-rate modern wireless applications. Reconfigurable antennas perform various functions in terms of operating frequency, radiation pattern, and polarization. Electronic, mechanical, physical, and optical switches are used in reconfigurable antennas as control elements to adjust the switching mechanism and accomplish dynamic tuning. Electronic switches are the most widely used component in reconfigurable antennas because of their effectiveness, dependability, and simplicity in integrating with microwave circuitry. In this paper, a review of various kinds of efficient implementation methods for electrically controlled frequency reconfigurable antennas are proposed. More electrical switches are being used for reconfiguration such as micro electromechanical systems (MEMS), P-type, intrinsic, N-type (PIN), and varactor diodes. Even though PIN diodes are more frequently employed for reconfiguration due to their stability and constant variation in internal inductor and capacitor values. This study provides a deep analysis of the PIN diode usage in reconfigurable antennas and how to reduce the diodes in different microstrip reconfigurable antenna structures.