A reconfigurable dual-frequency slot-loaded microstrip antenna controlled by pin diodes

Abstract

A novel reconfigurable, single-feed, dual-frequency, dual-polarized operation of a hexagonal slot-loaded square microstrip antenna is presented in this paper. A pin diode incorporated in the slot is used to switch the two operating frequencies considerably, without significantly affecting the radiation characteristics and gain. The proposed antenna provides a size reduction up to 61% and 26% for the two resonating frequencies, compared to standard rectangular patches. This design also gives considerable bandwidth up to 3.3% and 4.27%, for the two frequencies with a low operating frequency ratio. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.