Antenna reconfigurability based on a novel parasitic pixel layer

Abstract

A novel reconfiguration method based in the use of pixel surfaces as parasitic elements is presented. This concept can be used to provide reconfigurability to a wide variety of non-reconfigurable antennas without requiring additional modifications on the basic antenna design and avoiding any physical interconnections. General guidelines are provided for the design of parasitic pixel surfaces. Reconfigurability of a parasitic pixel layer used in conjunction with a patch antenna is analyzed. Results demonstrate simultaneous frequency and radiation pattern reconfiguration with capabibity of providing till a 10% frequency tuning range and beamsteering over 30º.