Mechanically Frequency Reconfigurable Antenna and its Application as a Fluid Level Detector for Wireless Sensor Networks

A mechanical frequency reconfiguration technique in microstrip patch antennas for wireless sensor networks is presented in this paper. Frequency reconfiguration is achieved by mechanically changing the dielectric properties of the antenna and thereby obtaining a tunable frequency range from 2442 MHz to 2716 MHz. The gain of the prototype remains relatively flat throughout the reconfigured frequency range with a stable radiation pattern. The prototype is then studied as a fluid level sensor which operates based on the variation in resonant frequency with the rise or fall of the fluid in the dedicated channels engraved. The antenna is able to sense and transmit the information simultaneously with reduced complexity and less power consumption. Thus the proposed antenna could be used a fast wireless sensor for remote fluid level monitoring in wireless sensor networks.