An E-shaped microstrip patch antenna for reconfigurable dual-band operation

A simultaneous dual-band frequency reconfigurable E-shaped microstrip patch antenna is proposed in this paper. The antenna is capable of efficiently switching both the frequency bands at the same time without the need of any external matching network. Its structure is simple and consists of a single-layer inset-feed patch and three RF switches placed at appropriate locations to reconfigure the frequency bands. The proposed antenna resonates at 3.5 GHz and 8.1 GHz when the PIN diodes are 'OFF' (reverse biased) but reconfigured to 3.1 GHz and 7.2 GHz when the PIN diodes are turned 'ON' (forward biased). A full wave simulation tool HFSS v. 15.0 is used for the analysis of the proposed E-shaped microstrip patch. Moreover, an edge-fed technique is introduced to simplify the design and simple biasing circuit has been incorporated in the fabricated design. A gain of 4.6 dBi, 5.2 dBi, 4.0 dBi, and 4.4 dBi is measured at 3.1 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 7.2 GHz, and 8.1 GHz, respectively. Good agreement is achieved between simulated and measured results. Its ability to resonate at multiple frequencies in the S-, C- and X-bands makes this antenna suitable for WIMAX applications, microwave communications and satellite links. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1485-1490, 2016