Pattern reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna

A new pattern reconfigurable microstrip antenna is presented to demonstrate the capability of beam steering by controlling MEMS switches on/off. Simulated and measured results show that two sets of connection states and four switchable directional quasi-conical beams in different quadrants can be obtained at 8 GHz and the return losses are less than -10 dB. One set of connections provides two quasiconical half power beams in the first and third quadrants of the upper half space. The second set of connections provides two quasi-conical half power beams in the second and fourth quadrants of the upper half space.