A Pattern Reconfigurable Antenna Using Eight-Dipole Configuration for Energy Harvesting Applications

• Published in: Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2023-10, Vol.23 (20), p.8451
• Main Authors: Aboualalaa, Mohamed, Mohamed, Hesham A., Alghamdi, Thamer A. H., Alathbah, Moath
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antennas; Antennas (Electronics); Communication; Design; dipole antenna; Electric power production; electronically steering; Energy; energy harvesting; Internet of Things; Network switches; Radiation; reconfigurable antenna; RF switch matrix; Satellite communications; Simulation; Wireless communications
• ISSN: 1424-8220; 1424-8220
• DOI: 10.3390/s23208451

A pattern reconfigurable antenna, composed of eight elements, is proposed for energy harvesting applications. Pattern reconfigurable antennas are a promising technique for harvesting from different wireless sources. The radiation pattern of the proposed antenna can be steered electronically using an RF switch matrix, covering an angle range from 0 to 360 degrees with a step size of 45 degrees. The proposed antenna primarily consists of an eight-dipole configuration that shares the same excitation. Each dipole is excited using a balun comprising a quarter-wavelength grounded stub and a quarter-wavelength open-circuit stub. The proposed antenna operates in the frequency range of 4.17 to 4.5 GHz, with an impedance bandwidth of 7.6%. By switching between the different switches, the antenna can be steered with a narrower rotational angle. In addition, the antenna can work in an omnidirectional mode when all switches are in the ON state simultaneously. The results demonstrate a good agreement between the numerical and experimental findings for the reflection coefficient and radiation characteristics of the proposed reconfigurable antenna.