Reconfigurable microstrip antenna array geometry which utilizes micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switches

• US 6,198,438 B1
• Filed: 10/04/1999
• Issued: 03/06/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: United States Air Force (Government of the United States of America)
• Original Assignee: United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force
• Inventors: Steyskal, Hans, Herd, Jeffrey S., Davidovitz, Marat
• Primary Examiner(s): PHAN, THO GIA
• Application Number:
  US09/411,714
• Time in Patent Office: 519 Days
• Field of Search: H01/Q.138, 343/700.MS, 343/876, 343/853, 333/105, 333/262, 361/233, 361/234
• US Class Current: 343/700.0MS
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/065 Patch antenna array
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/247 by switching different parts of a primary active element
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/0442 with particular tuning means

Abstract

A reconfigurable microstrip antenna array geometry which utilizes Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) switches to electrically connect groups of printed patch radiators for operation at multiple frequencies.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable microstrip antenna array comprising:

groups of printed patch radiators fixed in an antenna array wherein the printed patch radiators are fixed in the antenna array in a rectangular pattern of rows and columns; and

a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) switches fixed in the antenna array to electrically connect the printed patch radiators for operation at multiple frequencies, wherein each Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) switch is fixed in the antenna array between the printed patch radiators to electrically connect adjacent printed patch radiators with a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) switch between printed patch radiators in each row and each column.