Rectangular Ring Antenna with Reconfigurable

Frequency for Wireless Communication Systems

Mohsen Abraka Faouzi Rahmani Naima Amar Touhami
LabSIT, Faculty of Sciences LabSIT, Faculty of Sciences LabSIT, Faculty of Sciences
Abdelmalek Essaadi University Abdelmalek Essaadi University Abdelmalek Essaadi University
Tetouan 93030, Morocco Tetouan 93030, Morocco Tetouan 93030, Morocco
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract- This paper presents a UWB rectangular wireless systems, overcoming the inherent limitations of
frequency reconfigurable antenna, consisting of a conventional antenna designs. [1], [2].
rectangular radiating element with a rectangular Reconfigurable antennas can be classified into
slot successively fed by a microstrip transmission several types frequency reconfigurable, pattern
line with a matching line and a partial ground reconfigurable, and polarization reconfigurable each
structure designed to operate in the microwave serving distinct applications. These antennas achieve
frequency band. The substrate used is a RT-4 with a reconfigurability through techniques such as RF
relative permittivity of 4.3 and a tangent loss of switches (PIN diodes, MEMS), varactor diodes, tunable
0.025. To enable switching between different materials, or mechanical actuation. The underlying
operating states, three PIN diodes are strategically principle involves modifying the antenna’s current
inserted in the antenna's radiating top surface. The distribution or radiating structure to alter its
proposed antenna operates in three states, covering electromagnetic properties on demand. Such flexibility
three different frequency bands. The standing wave allows seamless transitions between different
ratio (VSWR) of the presented antenna is less than 2 operational states, ensuring optimal performance across
for all operating states. The efficiency of the diverse wireless scenarios [3].
designed antenna 90%, and the gain varies between Among these, frequency-reconfigurable antennas
2.5 and 5 dBi across the corresponding operating (FRAs) hold particular significance due to their ability
frequency ranges. The proposed structure is to operate across multiple frequency bands while
simulated using the Computer Simulation maintaining efficiency and compactness [4]. This
Technology Microwave Studio (CST MWS) capability is indispensable for applications like
simulator. Due to its compact dimensions and cognitive radio, spectrum-agile military systems, multi-
compatibility with multiple wireless standards, standard devices (5G/Wi-Fi/WiMAX), and satellite
including fourth and fifth generation (5G) communications, where spectrum congestion and
technology, the antenna is well suited to integration interoperability are major challenges. By dynamically
in portable devices. tuning their resonant frequencies, FRAs enhance
spectral utilization, reduce interference, and minimize
Keywords— Reconfigurable antenna, Frequency the need for multiple antennas, thereby lowering system
reconfiguration, PIN Diode, Switching, 5G, Wireless complexity and cost [5].
communication In This paper, we presents an innovative antenna
I. INTRODUCTION structure with a frequency reconfigurable multi-band
rectqngulqr radiator. While controlling the on and off
The explosive growth of wireless communication states of three Microsemi MPP4203 PIN diodes , the
technologies from 5G networks to IoT and beyond has proposed reconfigurable antenna can operate on
created an unprecedented demand for adaptive, high- multiple frequency bands. The antenna design
performance antennas. Traditional fixed-frequency
methodology and antenna geometry are presented in
antennas, limited by their static design, struggle to meet
the dynamic requirements of modern multi-band and Section 2. The simulation analysis and discution results
multi-standard systems. In contrast, reconfigurable are given in Sections 3. The conclusion of this study is
antennas have emerged as a transformative solution, presented in Section 4.
capable of dynamically adjusting their operating
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
parameters (frequency, pattern, or polarization) to
optimize performance in real time. This adaptability A. Switching Technique
positions them as critical enablers of next-generation The frequency reconfiguration is achieved through three
Microsemi MPP4203 PIN diodes operating as RF
switches, which transition between high-impedance
(open-circuit) and low-impedance (short-circuit) states
to dynamically alter the antenna’s electrical length and
operating frequency. In their forward-biased (ON) state,
the diodes behave as a series RL circuit with a low
forward resistance Rₛ = 3 Ω and negligible parasitic
inductance L = 0.02 nH, while in reverse bias (OFF),
they model a parallel RC network with high reverse
resistance Rₚ =25 kΩ and minimal junction capacitance
(Cₜ = 0.08pF. This implementation enables precise
frequency agility while maintaining signal integrity in
reconfigurable antenna systems [6], [7].

Fig. 2. The geometry of proposed antenna.

TABLE I. DIMENSIONS OF PROPOSED ANTENNA

Parameter Ws Ls Wp Lp W0 L0 L1 L2
Fig. 1. Equivalent linear circuit for PIN diode in the ON State
(forward bias) and the OFF State (reverse bias). Value (mm) 32 41 28.5 28.5 18.45 9.22 9.22 5.42
Parameter L3 L4 Wf1 Lf1 Wf0 Lf0 E
B. Design Principle
Value (mm) 8.22 14.1 2.3 10.33 3.078 33.8 1
The proposed antenna consists of a rectangular patch
with a rectangular slot etched on a FR-4 substrate
(dielectric permittivity constant 4.3, dielectric loss C. Operating states of the proposed antenna
tangent 0.0009). The substrate volume is (width x length
In the proposed antenna, the frequency
x height) = (32 x 80 x 1.57 mm 3). The antenna is fed by
reconfigurability of the antenna is achieved by changing
a microstrip line, and a characteristic impedance of 50
the on and off States of each PIN diode. The presented
Ω. To insert the PIN diode switches, a gap of 1 mm was
antenna has three operating states, each with a unique
maintained between the various antenna elements. The
resonant frequency. In state 1, the antenna operates at
antenna's center frequency was set at 3.5 GHz and the
physical parameters of the rectangular patch were [1.31GHz-3.42GHz]. In state 2, the proposed antenna
operates at [1.04GHz-1.2GHz]. The same antenna
calculated using the following equations used in the
covers two different bands [1.05GHz-1.23GHz] and
transmission line [6][8].
[2.82GHz-4.56GHz] when operating at state 3. Table 2
shows the polarization requirements for each antenna
𝑐 2
𝑊= √𝜀 (1) operating state.
2𝑓 𝑟 +1
TABLE II. CONDITIONS OF THE PIN DIODES FOR VARIOUS
where c represents the electromagnetic wave speed in RESONANT BANDS .
free space.
Resonant
𝑐 9 D1 D2 D3
Bands (GHz)
𝐿= − 2∆𝐿 (2)
2𝑓√𝜀 𝑟𝑒 State 1 ON ON ON [1.31-3.42]
𝜀 𝑟 +1 𝜀 𝑟 −1 1 State 2 ON OFF OFF [1.04-1.22]
𝜀𝑟𝑒 = + (3)
2 2 ℎ [1.06-1.23]
√1+12 State 3 OFF OFF OFF
𝑊 [2.82-4.56]
𝑊
(𝜀 𝑟𝑒 +0.3)( +0.264) III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
∆𝐿 = 0.412ℎ ℎ
𝑊 (4)
(𝜀 𝑟𝑒 −0.258)( +0.8)
ℎ The proposed configuration is designed and
After several optimizations using a CST simulator, optimized by the CST simulator. The designed antenna
the final geometry of the proposed antenna was is fed by a microstrip line. Performance measurements
demonstrated. The obtained optimized dimensions of such as return loss, VSWR, gain, radiation pattern and
the proposed antenna are summarized in Table 1. surface current profiles are obtained using conventional
boundary conditions in the CST microwave studio.
A. Reflection coefcient and Bandwidth
Figure 3 shows the simulated Reflection coefficient
for all States of the proposed antenna. With switches D1
to D3 ON, the proposed antenna operates in state 1,
resonating at [1.31-3.42] GHz with a maximum
reflection coefficient of -24.62 dB. In state 2, the
supplied antenna resonates at [1.04-1.22] GHz with a
maximum reflection coefficient of -33dB. When the
antenna switches to state 4 and operates at two different
dands are [1.06-1.23] an [2.82-4.56] GHz with a
maximum reflection coefficient of -18 and -32 dB.
0

-5
Reflection coefficient (dB)

-10

-15

-20

-25
S1
S2
-30
S3
Fig. 5. Simulated gain characteristics of Antenna in bandwidth.
-35
1 2 3 4 5 6
C. Surface Currents
Frequency (GHz) Figure 6 illustrates that the peak current density occurs
on the patch, functioning as a rectangular resonator to
Fig. 3. Simulated Reflection coefficient characteristics of Antenna. ensure effective radiation. This confirms negligible
attenuation across the passband frequencies.
The Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) is below
2 across all resonant bands, indicating excellent driving-
point impedance matching of the antenna. Furthermore,
as shown in Figure 4.
14
S1
S2
12 S3

10

8
VSWR

2 Fig. 6. Simulated surface current distributions in state 1: (a) at 1.5

GHz, (b) at 2.4 GHz, and (c) at 3 GHz.
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 Figure 7 presents the radiation efficiency of the
Frequency (GHz) simulated antenna across different modes. In the
bandwidth of different modes of the antenna maintains
Fig. 4. Simulated and Measured VSWR characteristics of the stable efficiency performance.
antenna.

B. Far Field Radiation Pattern

In state 1, the proposed antenna functions at [1.31-
3.42] GHz, showcasing simulated maximum peaks gain
of 4.6 dBi respectively. Moving to state 2, it operates at
[1.04-1.22] GHz with maximum peaks gains reaching of
2.5 dBi. Operating frequencies of [1.06-1.23] an [2.82-
4.56] GHz characterize state 4, exhibiting maximum
peak gains of 5 dBi, respectively.

Fig. 7. Simulated efficiency of the three modes of the antenna .

The simulated results of the radiation pattern in the

xz-plane and yz-plane under the State 1 is depicted in
Figure 8.
To affirm the validity of our proposed design, Table 3
provides a comprehensive comparison between our
reconfigurable antenna and other designs reported IV. CONCLUSION
previously. Our proposed antenna stands out for its This work presents the simulation and analysis of a novel
frequency reconfigurability, enhanced gain, and a frequency-reconfigurable antenna design based on a
compact size, and notably high efficiency. rectangular radiating element. By controlling the bias state of
the integrated PIN diode switch, the proposed antenna
achieves three distinct operating modes, enabling dynamic
frequency reconfiguration across three different bands. This
reconfigurability is accomplished by strategically altering the
surface current distribution, which shifts the resonant
frequencies accordingly. The antenna offers several
advantages, including a compact size, low fabrication cost,
lightweight structure, and simple manufacturability. Future
studies could investigate further refinements and the
integration of new features to improve performance and
Fig. 8. Simulated radiation patterns state 3. (A) xz-plane at 1.1GHz. flexibility in rapidly changing communication scenarios
(b) xz-plane at 3.5 GHz. (C) xz-plane at 3.8 GHz. (D) yz-plane
at 1. 1GHz. (E) yz-plane at 3.5 GHz. (F) yz-plane at 3.8 GHz.

TABLE III. PROPOSED ANTENNA’S COMPARISON WITH OTHER REFERENCES

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