Pattern Reconfigurable Antenna for VANET, Wi-Fi, and WiMAX Wireless Communication Systems

This work presents the design and analysis of a beam switching antenna for VANET, Wi-Fi, and WiMAX wireless communication systems. The proposed reconfigurable antenna is powered by a coaxial cable and consists of a circular patch, six fish-shaped radiating elements, and a circular planar ground. The antenna was constructed on a Rogers RT5880 substrate. Its dimensions are as follows: 0.81 lambda(0) x 0.81 lambda(0) x 0.03 lambda(0). It performs six reconfigurable operating states, at the same frequency, by controlling the activation and deactivation of six PIN diodes to change the beam's direction. A theoretical equivalent circuit model of the antenna is extracted. A progressive analysis of improving the antenna characteristic performances is provided. The bandwidth of the proposed antenna is 9.07% (measured), 9.62% (simulated), and 9.31% (theoretical). The designed antenna has a maximum gain of 9.57 dB for all pattern states and a superior efficiency ratio from 85% to 95% over the operating range (5.54 GHz-6.10 GHz). The proposed reconfigurable antenna is fabricated. Measured, simulated, and theoretical results are given and show good agreement, including reflection coefficient (S11) and radiation patterns.