Pattern-Reconfigurable Patch Antenna Using Liquid Metal

A concept for pattern-reconfigurable patch antenna with parasitic elements is presentedin this paper. The proposed pattern-reconfigurable antenna mainly consists of a central circular patch and eight surrounding fan ring parasitic patches. With the position of liquid metal slug in a microfluidic channel changed, one of eight parasitic patches is connected to the central patch, the designed antenna working at resonant frequencies of 5.338GHz can realize reconfigurability of the main beam in eight directions with 45° steps in the azimuth plane and a vertical tilting angle of 42°. Each of the main lobes at eight directions has a simulated beamwidth of about 118.4° and a maximum simulated gain of about 6.16 dB, the concept can realize 360° full-range scan around zenith axis.