RF MEMS Integrated Frequency Reconfigurable Annular Slot Antenna

A new kind of double- and single-arm cantilever type DC-contact RF MEMS actuators has been monolithically integrated with an antenna architecture to develop a frequency reconfigurable antenna. The design, microfabrication, and characterization of this “reconfigurable antenna (RA) annular slot” which was built on a microwave laminate TMM10i ( $\varepsilon _{r} $ = 9.8, $\tan \delta $ = 0.002), are presented in this paper. By activating/deactivating the RF MEMS actuators, which are strategically located within the antenna geometry and microstrip feed line, the operating frequency band is changed. The RA annular slot has two reconfigurable frequencies of operation with center frequencies $f _{\rm low} $ =2.4 GHz and $f _{\rm high} $ = 5.2 GHz, compatible with IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards. The radiation and impedance characteristics of the antenna along with the RF performance of individual actuators are presented and discussed.