Circular Polarization Reconfigurable Wideband E-Shaped Patch Antenna for Wireless Applications

Abstract

A polarization reconfigurable E-shaped patch antenna with wideband performance is proposed in this communication. The antenna is capable of switching its polarization from right hand circular polarization (RHCP) to left hand circular polarization (LHCP) and vice versa. Its structure is simple and consists of a single-layer single-feed E-shaped patch and two RF switches placed at appropriate locations in the slots. The design targets the WLAN IEEE 802.11 b/g frequency band (2.4-2.5 GHz) being used in various wireless communication systems. Full wave simulation is used for the antenna analysis, and a prototype of the antenna with an integrated DC biasing circuit has been fabricated and tested. Good agreement is obtained between simulated and measured results. The antenna exhibits a 7% effective bandwidth from 2.4 GHz to 2.57 GHz with a 8.7 dBic maximum gain. The antenna radiation symmetry is maintained upon switching between the two circular polarization modes.