A frequency reconfigurable slot antenna with a conductive microfluidic switching mechanism

Reconfigurable antennas have the potential to provide functionality to radio systems which will make them more robust and allow for much more efficient use of the electromagnetic spectrum when combined with cognitive radio. High power applications, however, cannot benefit from the advances made in reconfigurable antenna technology in recent years due to the inability of current reconfiguration mechanisms to handle high power levels. Diodes suffer from nonlinear effects while RF MEMS have issues with self-actuation and stiction. Fluidic reconfiguration mechanisms provide an alternative to these devices which do not suffer from the same effects due to their passive behavior that is not influenced by RF signal strength. In order to investigate the suitability of fluidic conductor as a switch, a frequency reconfigurable slot antenna is designed using fluid-filled microchannels. A transmission line model is developed to provide an explanation for the behavior of the switches as well as a design procedure for the reconfigurable slot. The model is verified by building and measuring slot antennas using the microfluidic switches.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• King, Aaron J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bernhard, Jennifer T.

• frequency reconfigurable antenna
• fluid antenna
• liquid antenna
• reconfigurable slot antenna
• fluidic switching mechanism

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2012 Aaron King

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/30990

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/30990