Mars Exploration: Wideband Frequency Reconfigurable Electrically Small Multi-Turn Loop Antenna Using MEMS Switch

Wideband frequency reconfigurable electrically small multi-turn loop antenna is designed for 0.8-10MHz broadband dielectric spectrometer for potential future Mars rover missions to explore water and hydrated minerals present in the Martian subsurface. The novelty of this work is the achievement of reconfigurability and wideband impedance transformation by employing MEMS switch and transmission line transformers. Switch circuit model and ideal transmission line transformer model are used to demonstrate proof of the concept. A prototype of the design is developed, and measurements are performed.