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International Journal on Emerging Technologies 11(3): 486-490(2020)

ISSN No. (Print): 0975-8364
ISSN No. (Online): 2249-3255

Frequency Reconfigurable Ultra-Wide Band MIMO Antenna for 4G/5G Portable

Devices Applications: Review
1 2
Shivleela Mudda and K.M. Gayathri
1
Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering,
Dayanand Sagar University, Bangalore (Karnataka), India.
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering,
Dayanand Sagar University, Bangalore (Karnataka), India.
(Corresponding author: Shivleela Mudda)
(Received 18 February 2020, Revised 14 April 2020, Accepted 17 April 2020)
(Published by Research Trend, Website: [Link])
ABSTRACT: The rapid development in the sector of wireless communication demands for system that fulfill
multifarious needs and standard requirements which are increasing day by day. Existing antennas like wire,
loop, travelling wave antenna does not meet the requirements of modern-days wireless communications.
Design of reconfigurable antenna enables one antenna to be used for numerous applications. This antenna
can switch its characteristics in real time condition. According to industrial requirements 5G wireless
communication devices should be smaller in size and provide high data rate, channel capacity, multiband
operations so that it can push the development of more versatile wireless technologies compared to single
antenna. Design of reconfigurable MIMO antennas is the best solution to such requirements. MIMO antenna
already proved in Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE wireless services that it can provide high data rate throughput and
avoid interference. In MIMO system multiple antennas are existing for embedding MIMO in portable devices it
should be compact in size. Therefore, it is a challenging job to design UWB MIMO antennas having high
isolation and compact size. This survey concentrates on many researches carried out related to frequency
reconfiguration, microstrip patch and frequency tunable MIMO antenna for various wireless application.
Keywords: Antenna mutual coupling coefficient, Frequency Switcher,4G/5G, Polarization, Printed circuit board
(PCB), PIN Diode, Reconfigurable or Tunable Antenna Multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO),Ultra-wide band (UWB).
I. INTRODUCTION antenna has become a solution to reduce correlation
effect by changing its radiation characteristics
Working of Multiple input and Multiple output system accordingly. 4G and 5G wireless devices are meant for
based on spatial diversity and spatial multiplexing can multiband operation, for this antenna must be able to
be utilized by wireless systems to improve its
work with multiple frequencies. Frequency
performance and required through put. Lot of work has reconfigurable antenna is unique solution to the
been carried out to improve multi-input multi-output problems of 4G and 5G.
system, like its channel modeling, codding technique, In this paper frequency reconfigurable antennas
modulation scheme and antenna design technique. designed to achieve different UWB frequency bands
Advantage of propagation through various independent and frequency reconfigurable MIMO antenna for
paths of MIMO improve the channel capacity and portable devices is discussed.
reduce fading/interference effect [1]. To achieve these
advantages than one antenna at the front end of A. Contributions
transmitter and receiver can be placed. “Instead of use Microstrip patch antenna-multiband operation and
of conventional antennas with drawbacks like, large reconfigurability- multiple input and multiple output
size, compatibility, difficulty to perform multiple antennas have gained widespread usage in the
operations, work at fixed frequency, radiation shape and development of compact, low-profile, multifunctional
polarization, reconfigurable antennas in MIMO system antennas. The main contributions are as follows:
can further enhance overall performance parameters”. – Overview of the current research trends and
Reconfigurable antenna become problem solver for approaches used for achieving frequency
MIMO system as it can switch the frequency, reconfigurability is provided.
polarization, radiation properties as per the system – A critical review of the literature is performed. The key
requirement and environmental change. ideas that will help researchers in identifying the
Use of conventional antennas for MIMO system has research gaps in the literature are presented.
become a challenging job for designers as it need
consideration of various characteristics like good II. LITERATURE REVIEW
impedance matching, gain in desired direction, radiation The antenna is the important part of every
stability, reduced correlation coefficient. Mutual or communication system used for both transmitting and
correlation coefficient is inversely proportional to receiving electromagnetic radiation [3]. Antenna is a
channel capacity, reduced correlation coefficient current carrying conductor which converts the electrical
improves channel capacity [2]. Therefore, reconfigurable energy into electromagnetic waves and can be

Mudda & Gayathri International Journal on Emerging Technologies 11(3): 486-490(2020) 486
transmitted over a long distance. In recent years B. Antenna Reconfiguration Types
microstrip antennas are extremely used by various Based on which parameter is distinctly varied, that is the
communication fields, such as wireless, radar, mobile resonating frequency, radiation pattern or polarization
and satellite communication systems. Assets of [6] these antenna types are
microstrip antennas are short, cost, ease of integration – Frequency Reconfigurable
on PCB and with other circuit elements. Some antennas – Pattern Reconfiguration.
are having the capability of changing its radiation – Polarization Reconfiguration.
characteristics according to system requirements. Such – Compound or Combined Reconfiguration.
antennas are named as reconfigurable antennas. (i) Frequency Reconfiguration: This type of aerial can
Reconfigurable antenna attributes are operational dynamically vary its frequency. These aerials are
frequency, pattern and polarization [4]. especially useful in an environment where
In keeping view of the requirements of 5G wireless communication system converge with multiple antennas
communication such as multiple frequency operation. and can be replaced by a single frequency switching
This paper is to review designs related to multiband, antenna. This antenna designed by modifying
frequency reconfiguration multi-input-multi-output electrically or physically. The dimensions of antenna
antennas. using RF-switches and Impedance loading.
(ii) Pattern Reconfigurable: It will be resultant of
A. Micro strip Patch Antenna intentional modification of the spherical distribution of
Microstrip element consist of an area of metallization radiation pattern which can be reconfigurable and are
support above the ground plane it is known as patch [4]. usually designed using movable/rotatable structures.
Support element is known as substrate. In microstrip (iii) Polarization Reconfigurable: These antennas are
antenna patch is present above the substrate and having capacity of switching between different
ground plate below the substrate as shown in Fig. 1. polarizations modes. Switching between horizontal,
From last few years microstrip antennas are in huge vertical and circular plane can be used to reduce
demand due to their small size at high frequencies, light polarization mismatch losses in wireless devices. Such
weight, planar surface, capability to work with multiband reconfiguration can be made feasible by changing the
frequencies. Radiating patch of microstrip antenna can balance between the distinct modes of multimode
be of any shapes like rectangular, circular, annular ring, structures.
square, etc. Dimensions of patch can be determined (iv) Compound Reconfigurable: Antenna of
from proper equations [5]. Compound reconfiguration type is having feature of
simultaneously tuning several parameters, for example
frequency, polarization and radiation pattern. The most
common application of this configuration is the
combination of frequency agility and beam scanning
which will provide improved spectral efficiencies.
C. Techniques of Frequency Reconfiguration
Advantages of frequency reconfigurable antenna are
significant:
– Utilization of single terminal for transmitting and
receiving multiple frequencies.
– We can easily integrate it with switching devices and
other circuit elements.
Fig. 1. Circular patch antenna. – Compact dimensions.
Equations for Design: For proper design of CMSPA Basically, there are four techniques in use for achieving
we have to choose substrate of height h, dielectric frequency reconfigurability [7]. Firstly, in electrical
constant of patch, radius and resonant frequency is reconfiguration components in use are radio Frequency-
calculated as Micro Electromechanical switches named as RF-MEMS,
–1/ 2 negative resistance PIN diodes, and Varactors.
 2h   πF    Secondly, in optically reconfigurable antenna
a = F 1 + In   + 1.7726   (1)
 πF ε r   2 h    photoconductive cells as switching component like
Where silicon switches are in use. Thirdly, slots and cuts are
8.791 × 109 used for structural modification of antenna in physical
F= (2) reconfiguration. Finally, smart materials like liquid
fr ε r crystals, ferrites, mercury can be used to meet
Consideration of fringing fields around the periphery of reconfiguration.
patch extends the dimension of patch outside. As a (i) Electrically Reconfigurable Antennas or Switch
result, effective dimension of patch is greater than Based Reconfiguration: This method uses switching
physical dimension. Effective length L is characteristics of various components such as negative
C resistance varactors, low power consuming pin diodes,
Leff = (3) RF-MEMS. When such devices are inserted into the
2F ε eff
antenna design it changes circuit characteristics which
Where, Height of substrate is h, F is resonating makes the antenna to resonate different frequencies.
frequency, a is radius of patch, ε is dielectric constant This method reduces design complexity.
1. Frequency Reconfigurable Antenna using PIN diodes:
Frequency reconfiguration using PIN diodes is as shown
Mudda & Gayathri International Journal on Emerging Technologies 11(3): 486-490(2020) 487
in Fig. 1. Designed is a rectangular frequency
reconfigurable 8 linear array antenna for various
frequencies in tri-band, (i.e.) S, X and C-band
applications.
Krishna et al., (2015) in his design to achieve the
frequency reconfiguration used an antenna element
involves the PIN diodes to control the connection
between each rectangular patch [8]. These PIN diodes
are energized with the help of an external biasing
circuitry. The author has simulated the ON/OFF
scenarios in his work by replacing the PIN diodes by a
conductive strip. A single element of the array with the Fig. 4. Rectangular Patch Antenna Connected to Stubs
PIN diodes placed between each patch is shown in Fig. through Photoconductive Switches.
2.
(iv) Physically Reconfigurable or Non-Switch Based
Reconfigurable: In this method radiating surface of the
antenna is altered by physical means. Structural
alteration in radiating shape can lead to physical
reconfiguration. This technique is significant as it does
not require any laser diodes, switches or bias lines [11].
The drawbacks of this method are slow response, more
Costly, larger size of antenna, more power
requirements, etc. In comparison with other techniques,
the integration of reconfiguring element into the device
can be complicated.
Fig. 2. Single 1 × 8 Reconfigurable Antenna. Zheng et al., (2014) design is in figure. 4 proposed is an
(ii) Reconfigurable Antenna based on Radio ultra-wideband antenna with notches. Circular rotational
Frequency-MEMS. Promising advantages of RF-MEMS motor is used for rotating and controlling patch rotational
such as higher linearity, lower signal distortion, low patch. Designed antenna operate in UWB range from
insertion loss, ease of integration is utilized to switch the 3.2 GHz to 11 GHz with 3.32 to 4.2 GHz as a first stop
resonant frequencies of antenna. band and 5 to 6 GHz as a second stop band. 3 WLAN
Faiza et al., (2012) proposed design is shown in Fig. 3. frequency bands are 2.4 GHz to 2.9, 3.6 GHz to 4.4 and
E-shaped micro strip patch is used in his design. Such 5 to 6 GHz. Design includes rectangular patch with stub
antennas are useful for cognitive radios [9]. Integration and slit [11].
of RF-MEMS with other elements in the design changes
dimensions of slot which allow antenna to radiate
frequency from 2 GHz to 3.2 GHz.

Fig. 5. Structure of antenna with stepper motor.

(v) Reconfigurability based on Smart Materials: In
this method, Reconfiguration of antenna is by varying
Fig. 3. E-shaped Patch Micro strip Antenna for the thickness of Dielectric layer or change in substrate
Cognitive Radio Applications. characteristics of material. Thickness reconfiguring or
(iii) Optically Reconfigurable Antennas: Reliability of substrate characteristics variation changes resonant
optical switches as compare to other switching frequency. This can be achieved by tuning a applied
mechanism can be utilized to change the resonating voltage, variations in applied voltage further alter the
frequency. As an alternative laser diode can also be distribution of molecules in material which further varies
integrated directly into the antenna structure to achieve relative permittivity.
optical reconfiguration. Optical diodes exhibit less Fig. 6 which is reference of Farooq et al., (2015) uses
distortion and linearity. above discussed concept to achieve variations in
Kayat et al., (2013) design is in Fig. 3. Proposed uses resonant frequency, in design author used two circular
an optically controlled photoconductive switch to vary patches with smart material such as crystal polymer
the resonating frequency [10]. The optical loading of layers and mercury [13]. Initially in the non-existence of
stub on patch is changed accordingly to meet the liquid crystal polymer and mercury, inner patch of
frequency tunability in the resonant frequency with very diameter 19.6 mm radiates at 5 GHz. When gap
less optical power of <60mW. With this technique, eight between inner and outer patch is loaded by liquid crystal
resonant frequencies were achieved using three polymer layers and mercury, diameter of radiating patch
photoconductive switches with very less optical power. extends from initial 19.6 mm to 31.1 mm. It made the
total patch to radiate 3.6 GHz frequency.
Mudda & Gayathri International Journal on Emerging Technologies 11(3): 486-490(2020) 488
 diode made design to work at 2.6 and 3.5 GHz
frequencies. Design is capable to support 4G and 5G
mobiles other performance parameters evaluated from
design are Return Loss which was -10 dB, bandwidth of
400 MHz.
Pandit et al., (2018) designed Multiple input Multiple
output compact frequency reconfigurable slot antennas
to work with S and C frequency bands [15]. Designed
antenna uses sensor for sensing mm waves, 4 PIN
diodes are used for electronically switching the antenna
Fig. 6. Antenna designed using smart materials. between WiMAX and WLAN frequency bands, with ratio
of frequency 2.5:1. For gaining high isolation between
III. APPLICATIONS OF RECONFIGURABLE antenna elements C structured resonator line is
ANTENNA IN MIMO SYSTEM inserted, it also lower ECC and results in performance
Reconfigurable antennas are meant for multimode improvement. Measured ECC is less than 0.08 and
operation this feature made wireless devices to work isolation is above 25 dB, gains of antenna are 1 to 5.7
with various frequencies using a single radiating GHz respectively.
element MIMO antenna concept can be used to improve
the channel capacity of 4G/5G. In current year 4 × 4 or 8
× 8 MIMO antennas are available to see in
smartphones.
Design of MIMO antenna using frequency
reconfiguration concept for mobile phones by Parchin et
al., (2018) is shown in Fig. 6 [14].

Fig. 8. Frequency reconfigurable antenna with slots for

radiation.
Hussain et al., (2016) proposed a reconfigurable MIMO
antenna for an indoor application with improved channel
capacity. Initially author designed 2 × 2 later 4 × 4
MIMO antenna structure. Design support either
transmitter side or receiver side [16]. Using channel
coefficient matrix channel capacity is evaluated,
proposed design is providing frequency range from 0.7
GHz to 3GHz with radiation efficiency of every element
at 2.45 GHz was 55%.
Fig. 7. Proposed design of frequency-reconfigurable
IV. COMPARISION OF DIFFERENT
MIMO antenna.
FREQUENCYRECONFIGURABLE TECHNIQUES
It uses four C shaped reconfigurable slot radiators. Pin
diodes are integrated into slots, ON and OFF states of
Table 1: Comparison of different techniques.
Smart
Electrically Optically Physically Material
Most popular technique, lower Circuit is complicated, costs
Loss preferred, costs more Lower cost but less efficient
cost more due to rotating structure
Distortion less when controlled These are less efficient
Ese of integration, higher non- Integration of reconfiguring
by laser, reduced interference, when especially liquid crystal
linear effects component is complicated
loses is used
More reliable compared to Less reliable, need of rotatable Unable to work with
High switching speed
other switching mechanism. structures microwave frequencies
It does not require any biasing
It needs bias lines It doesn’t require any bias lines No need of bias lines
N/W

V. CONCLUSION for high data rate, improved channel capacity and

compact in size. MIMO frequency reconfigurable
In this paper role of antenna in communication system antenna operating frequencies can be reconfigured to
and disadvantages of conventional antennas is satisfy the frequency needs of 4G and 5G portable
discussed. In modern days wireless communication devices.
devices are meant for multiband operation, dual band
antenna can be used for it but due to large size of dual VI. FUTURE SCOPE
band antenna these cannot accommodate in to the
portable devices, where space is significantly small. The integration of UWB MMO antennas with frequency
Frequency reconfigurable antenna are best solution to reconfigurability permits frequency selectivity and size
a multiband antenna. 4G/5G wireless traffic demands reduction and allows the antenna to be used for multiple
wireless devices standards.
Mudda & Gayathri International Journal on Emerging Technologies 11(3): 486-490(2020) 489
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT [9]. Faiza, Z., Ali, M. T., Subahir, S., & Yusof, A. L.
(2012). Design of reconfigurable dual-band E-shaped
The authors would like to thank the Department of microstrip patch antenna. In 2012 International
Electronics and Communication Engineering of Conference on Computer and Communication
Dayanand Sagar University, Bangalore, Karnataka, Engineering (ICCCE), 113-117.
India for the timely help and support for carrying out this [10]. Kayat, S. M., Ali, M. T., Salleh, M. K. M., Ramli, N.,
work. & Rusli, M. H. M. (2013). Reconfigurable truncated
Conflict of Interest. The authors declare that they have rhombus-like microstrip slotted antenna with parasitic
no known competing financial interests or personal elements. In 2013 7th European Conference on
relationships that could have appeared to influence the Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP), 898-902.
work reported in this paper. [11]. Zheng, S. H., Liu, X. Y., & Tentzeris, M. M. (2014).
A novel optically controlled reconfigurable antenna for
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How to cite this article: Mudda, S. and Gayathri, K. M. (2020). Frequency Reconfigurable Ultra-Wide Band MIMO
Antenna for 4G/5G Portable Devices Applications: Review. International Journal on Emerging Technologies, 11(3):
486–490.

Mudda & Gayathri International Journal on Emerging Technologies 11(3): 486-490(2020) 490