Polarization Reconfigurable U-Slot Patch Antenna

A compact U-slot microstrip patch antenna with reconfigurable polarization is proposed for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. PIN diodes are appropriately positioned to change the length of the U-slot arms, which alters the antenna's polarization state. Two antenna prototypes with identical dimensions are designed, fabricated and measured. The first antenna prototype enables switching between linear and circular polarization by using a PIN diode and a capacitor located on the U-slot. The second antenna prototype uses two PIN diodes to switch between the two circular polarization senses. A good impedance match (S(11) <= -10 dB) for both linear and circular polarization is achieved from 5.725 to 5.85 GHz, a band typically used for WLAN applications, and the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth is greater than 2.8%. Details of the simulated and measured reflection coefficient, axial ratio, gain and radiation patterns are presented.