Polarization Reconfigurable U-Slot Patch Antenna

A compact U-slot microstrip patch antenna with reconfigurable polarization is proposed for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. PIN diodes are appropriately positioned to change the length of the U-slot arms, which alters the antenna´s polarization state. Two antenna prototypes with identical dimensions are designed, fabricated and measured. The first antenna prototype enables switching between linear and circular polarization by using a PIN diode and a capacitor located on the U-slot. The second antenna prototype uses two PIN diodes to switch between the two circular polarization senses. A good impedance match (S₁₁ ≤-10 dB) for both linear and circular polarization is achieved from 5.725 to 5.85 GHz, a band typically used for WLAN applications, and the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth is greater than 2.8%. Details of the simulated and measured reflection coefficient, axial ratio, gain and radiation patterns are presented.