Reconfigurable PIFA antenna using RF MEMS switches

This paper presents the simulations, fabrication and measurement of a tunable planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA). The proposed PIFA antenna uses RF MEMS switches to modify the electrical length and the behavior of the antenna. Measurements show a tuning range from 1.4 GHz to 1.1 GHz depending on the state of the MEMS switches. Matching better than -9.5 dB down to -19 dB was obtained over the entire tuning range. The antenna has also been tested versus power handling, through an original ACPR (Adjacent Channel Power Ratio) measurement setup, showing excellent linearity up to 40 dBm.