Magnetically reconfigurable pixelated antenna

Abstract

Abstract In this article, a total of 70 movable nickel (Ni) patches are monolithically integrated with fixed copper (Cu) elements to form a reconfigurable patch antenna. The Ni patches are magnetically actuated by means of an array of permanent magnets (PM) placed behind the ground plane of the antenna. The Ni patches establish low resistance mechanical contact between two fixed Cu patches due to the high contact force generated by the PM. Since the Ni patch is itself part of the radiating element, this approach eliminates the need to insert an external switch on the antenna plane. The PMs, which could be replaced by electronically controlled PMs, are placed behind the ground plane, therefore eliminating losses associated with bias lines generally used in pixelated antennas. The 70 movable element pixelated antenna is capable of reconfiguration in frequency, bandwidth, polarization, and beam steering. Herein, we demonstrate frequency and bandwidth reconfiguration.