The adaptive potential of reconfigurable MEMS in MIMO antenna technology

Abstract

Part of a detailed study of adaptive radio techniques, the work presented in this paper focuses on the potential of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) in reconfigurable antenna array technology. After identifying the main challenges and benefits of multiple antenna systems, we have analyzed the four mechanisms in which a multiple antenna system can improve upon the throughput of a traditional wireless network: beamforming, beam-steering, transmit and receive diversity, and spatial multiplexing. In this paper we propose a unified technology for both the MEMS and the metallic pixel-patches that form the reconfigurable antenna array, thus aiming at a less expensive one, that can be unitarily controlled, as a single entity. This will in turn reduce the computational complexity of the control module. We have designed, simulated and analyzed reconfigurable MEMS antenna arrays at 40 GHz, 2.4 and 5 GHz. Reconfigurability of the operating frequency and of polarization are discussed. Based on our observations we can set the premises for new adaptive strategies. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008.