A compact dual-band frequency reconfigurable antenna with pin diode integration for smartwatch application

ABSTRACT

In this article, a novel frequency reconfigurable antenna for Wi-Fi and WiMAX applications is proposed. The antenna uses PIN diodes for frequency reconfigurability, allowing it to seamlessly switch between two distinct frequency bands centred around the resonant frequencies of 4.1 GHz in the ON state and 5.2 GHz in the OFF state. The input reflection coefficient obtained from the designed antenna is below −10 dB. The measured and simulated gain of the antenna is 4 dBi and 2.65 dBi at resonating frequencies 4.1 GHz and 5.2 GHz the measured and simulated gain is 3.2 dBi and 2.93 dBi, respectively. The radiation pattern exhibits the same for both states. Optimization of the antenna’s dimensional parameters is done with the help of CST simulation software and the electrical parameter such as input reflection coefficient is measured using a Vector Network Analyzer to validate the prototype. The proposed antenna is fabricated on FR-4 substrate material with a thickness of 1.6 mm and a relative permittivity of 4.4. The proposed antenna’s size is 30 × 30 × 1.6 mm³ which is compact and suitable for smartwatch applications. The proposed antenna is compact and remains a good candidate for integration with the smartwatch.

KEYWORDS:

• Frequency reconfigurable antenna
• reconfigurable antenna
• PIN diodes
• wireless local area network
• worldwide interoperability for microwave access

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Antenna testing facility centre, Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology for providing the measurement facility.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).