Reconfigurable Antennas for Wireless Communication: Design Mechanism, State of the Art, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

The rapid development of wireless technology has heightened the requirement for antenna performance. Traditional antennas, characterized by their static performance, are no longer sufficient to accommodate the dynamic requirements of modern wireless systems. The advent of reconfigurable antennas has opened new horizons for unleashing the full potential of wireless communication systems. These antennas are versatile and can switch various performance modes in a simple yet ingenious structure. Based on the cutting-edge research, this paper deeply explores their core design principles, the latest breakthroughs, and the ingenious methods. Through an in-depth analysis of a multitude of reconfigurable antenna design cases, existing design methods are categorized into four categories: electronic and optical switches, structural physical change, smart materials, and bistable composites. Each category is subjected to a meticulous dissection, revealing the underlying design mechanisms, highlighting innovativeness, and discussing both the strengths and limitations. Furthermore, by conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis, this paper concludes the forthcoming challenges and prospective trajectories for this research domain. Therefore, this paper can serve as a valuable reference for researchers seeking to deepen their understanding and application of various reconfiguration methods in the design of reconfigurable antennas, guiding them toward the forefront of antenna technology innovation.