A Pattern Reconfigurable Microstrip Parasitic Array

Abstract

This communication presents a novel linearly polarized pattern reconfigurable microstrip parasitic array. Specifically, this antenna uses four switches (currently copper strips for proof of concept) to reconfigure the radiation pattern into three variations over a shared 2:1 VSWR bandwidth, and has potential applications in mobile communication devices and large phased antenna arrays. Both measured and simulated results of a microstrip parasitic array are provided. The effects of changes in physical dimensions and directions for future work are also discussed.