Reconfigurable microwave circuit based on three triangular microstrip patches

The ultimate aim of the research presented in this paper is to create a block of hardware which can be reconfigured to assume any given circuit function (e.g. filter, coupler, antenna, etc.) and ultimately to perform those functions over any given bandwidth and at any required frequency. In essence what we have described is the microwave equivalent of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). This paper presents an early step toward the development of this technology. Specifically the paper describes a device which comprises three triangular microstrip patches. This circuit can operate as a 3-pole bandpass filter or a narrowband antenna. Different functionality is available on different ports of the device and there is no requirement for any microwave switches. In comparison with a device incorporating switches this would reduce losses and simplify the structure.