Pattern Reconfiguration by Rotating Parasitic Structure Using Electro-Active Polymer (EAP) Actuator

Parasitic elements are rotated around a monopole on a groundplane to attain rotated patterns for diversity. A parametric study of the geometry using simulation is used to demonstrate how the parasitic rotation can attain uncorrelated patterns in an idealized multipath propagation environment. Various parasitic designs such as wires and loops, and other shapes can be used for realizing a low- or medium-gain pattern, and high bandwidth including multiband operation. A proof-of-concept prototype is implemented with the rotation using an electro-active polymer actuator and a triangular parasitic element, and physical experiments confirm low correlations (inner products) between the patterns.