Paper-based pattern switchable antenna using inkjet-printing technology

In this paper, we proposed a paper-based pattern-switchable antenna using inkjet-printing technology. The proposed antenna is composed of two bow-tie antennas and a switching network is built on a printed-circuit-board (PCB) and consists of a single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) switch and balun element. A double-sided parallel-strip line (DSPSL) can convert the unbalanced microstrip mode to the balanced strip mode. Two bow-tie antennas have different radiation patterns because of the different orientation of the reflectors. It is demonstrated from EM simulation and measurement that the radiation patterns of the proposed antenna are successfully switched by the SPDT.