Compact water-loaded reconfigurable antenna for DVB-H applications

An ultra-compact water loaded, 3D reconfigurable antenna is presented for digital video broadcasting-handheld (DVB-H) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) applications. By integrating a varactor diode, the operating frequency of this antenna can be continuously tuned from 463 to 900 MHz. A mixture of the water and water holder is effectively utilised as a dielectric loading to reduce the size of the antenna by 50%. The radiating element occupies a very compact volume (0.013λ × 0.016λ × 0.005λ at 470 MHz). Measurements are conducted to qualify and validate the antenna performance. It is demonstrated that this new antenna is an excellent candidate for UHF and DVB-H applications.