Investigation of a cylindrically conformed reconfigurable microstrip parasitic array

Reconfigurable antennas capable of altering or steering their radiation patterns are highly advantageous in wireless communication systems. A pattern reconfigurable antenna adaptable to its immediate environment provides additional flexibility in overcoming a number of challenges presented by complex networks. One example of such an antenna is the reconfigurable microstrip parasitic array (RMPA) composed of two parallel parasitic strips to either side of a single driven element. Controlling the electrical length of the parasitic elements allows for beam tilting in the H-plane. In this work, an RMPA designed for pattern reconfigurability at 5.8 GHz is simulated on a singly curved surface with its H-plane oriented along elevation to study the effects of curvature on the structure. The minimum S11 frequency of the antenna is observed to decrease with the radius of curvature. Additionally, the pattern reconfigurability behavior is lost. A parametric analysis is performed on several design parameters to recover beam tilting capability. This includes independent modifications to the conductive elements and the grounded dielectric structure. The addition of slots or notches in the grounded dielectric restores the ability to reconfigure the radiation pattern at the lower minimum S11 frequency of 5.20 GHz. Implementing a cavity in the dielectric directly behind the driven element significantly improves the impedance match and beam tilting performance at 5.94 GHz.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Hankour, Imane

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bernhard, Jennifer T.

• Antenna
• Pattern Reconfigurable
• Conformal

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Imane Hankour

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129790

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129790