Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)-Based Pattern-Reconfigurable Antenna

This letter presents a realization method of reconfigurable antenna systems based on smart materials. The reconfigurability is obtained by utilizing shape memory alloy directors. This realization method offers a longer lifetime and lower energy consumption than conventional approaches such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) or p-i-n diodes. As a proof-of-concept, a compact reconfigurable antenna for the 2.6-GHz Long Term Evolution (LTE) band was designed. The designed antenna is a quasi-Yagi antenna with its directors made from shape memory alloy. This antenna is made to be installed in a standard car-roof antenna housing. A prototype of the antenna presented here has been fabricated and measured.