This article presents technical information on nanelectromechanical system switches for use with reconfigurable antennas.
This article discusses the development of a nanelectomechanical system (NEMS) switch for use with reconfigurable antennas. Multifunction reconfigurable antennas (MRAs) can be used to replace multiple single-function legacy antennas thereby increasing the capabilities and capacities of communication systems. In order to change the properties of MRAs, NEMS switches are used to change the current distribution over the volume of the antenna. The article first discusses the microfabrication and RF characterization of a reduced-sized MEMS (microelectromechanical system) switch. This is followed by a discussion on the full-wave analyses of a frequency reconfigurable antenna that had been integrated with NEMS switches. The analyses indicate that a frequency reconfigurable antenna integrated with NEMS switches can be used to establish high-performance reconfigurable antennas for use in next generation multimode multiband wireless communication applications. Figures, table, and references