Technological advances in reconfigurable and autonomous antenna systems

In this paper we present recent technological advances related to antenna systems, spanning from reconfigurable antennas for MIMO applications, to autonomous arrays and direct-write printed RF-MEMS switches. First, we introduce a methodology for reliable and robust reconfigurable polarization antennas based on transmission line theory. The presentation continues with an example of a vanadium dioxide VO₂-based reconfigurable antenna, and with recent results from an autonomous antenna array system, then we discuss QR code antennas for security applications and end with recent results on low-cost direct-write printed RF-MEMS on flexible substrates. The potential and capabilities of the various designs will be presented and discussed at the conference.