A Self-Structuring Patch Antenna: Simulation and Prototype

A self-structuring patch antenna (patch SSA) is proposed. It combines the operating principles of the original self-structuring antenna with the desirable properties of a classic microstrip patch antenna. The patch self-structuring antenna has several computer-controlled shorting pins inserted between the patch and the ground plane. By opening and closing these pins, the antenna may be configured to operate at any arbitrary frequency within a very large bandwidth. Additionally, the patch self-structuring antenna may be configured to operate at several simultaneous frequencies that when placed near each other can be used to dramatically expand the instantaneous bandwidth of the antenna. A proof-of-principle study is undertaken both in simulation and by performing measurements on a prototype antenna.