sensors

Article
A Frequency-Selective Reconfigurable Antenna for Wireless
Applications in the S and C Bands
Alexandros Sakkas 1 , Vasilis Oikonomou 1 , Giorgos Mystridis 1 , Vasilis Christofilakis 1, * , Giorgos Tatsis 1 ,
Giorgos Baldoumas 1 , Vasilis Tritiakis 2 and Spyridon K. Chronopoulos 1, *

1 Electronics-Telecommunications and Applications Laboratory, Physics Department, University of Ioannina,

451 10 Ioannina, Greece; [email protected] (A.S.); [email protected] (V.O.); [email protected] (G.M.);
[email protected] (G.T.); [email protected] (G.B.)
2 Mariolopoulos-Kanaginis Foundation for the Environmental Sciences, 106 75 Athens, Greece;
[email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected] (V.C.); [email protected] (S.K.C.); Tel.: +30-26510-08542 (V.C.)

Abstract: This paper presents a compact multifrequency reconfigurable patch antenna in terms of
design and fabrication for operating in the S and C bands of the RF spectrum, which are overwhelmed
by wireless applications. Reconfiguration is achieved by using a single PIN diode on the ground
plane. By varying the voltage applied to the diode, three modes can emerge, exhibiting main resonant
frequencies at 2.07, 4.63, and 6.22 GHz. Resonance switching requires a voltage of less than 0.9 V.
The antenna fabricated on an FR-4 substrate, with a volume of 70 × 60 × 1.5 mm3 , has a radiating
patch element of a rectangular ring shape. The proposed low-cost antenna is easily implemented
in a typical university lab-based environment. The total bandwidth for the three modes is close to
1 GHz, while the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the fabricated version of the antenna does
not exceed 1.02, and the return loss is well below −40 dB for the three primary resonant frequencies.

Keywords: reconfigurable antenna; PIN diode; patch antenna; measurements; multifrequency

Citation: Sakkas, A.; Oikonomou, V.;

Mystridis, G.; Christofilakis, V.; Tatsis,
1. Introduction
G.; Baldoumas, G.; Tritiakis, V.;
Chronopoulos, S.K. A The rapid growth of wireless communications has recently led to the demand for
Frequency-Selective Reconfigurable platforms supporting several communication standards. Such platforms can benefit highly
Antenna for Wireless Applications in from reconfigurable antennas, which can function in multiple bands, radiation patterns,
the S and C Bands. Sensors 2023, 23, or polarizations. Reconfigurable antennas are currently used in cognitive radio systems,
8912. https://doi.org/10.3390/ satellite communications, MIMO systems, biomedical applications, as well as military and
s23218912 industrial applications [1,2]. The process of designing them can be tedious because of their
Academic Editor: Stefano Savazzi
complexity. Achieving optimal results is challenging for different antenna characteristics
(return loss, gain, impedance matching, etc.) while ensuring that these results remain
Received: 12 October 2023 satisfying for all modes of operation. Also, depending on the reconfiguration mechanism
Revised: 30 October 2023 used, several factors need to be considered, such as the systems used to provide the required
Accepted: 30 October 2023 biasing of electrical elements, the way they affect the antenna’s performance, the power
Published: 2 November 2023
consumption, the switching times, etc. [3,4]. Despite the design difficulties, there is a strong
interest in reconfigurable antennas due to their attractive benefits. Their multifunction
capabilities, easily adjustable via dedicated software, coupled with their small size, lack
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
of filtering element requirements, high isolation, etc., make them excellent candidates for
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. future applications [5].
This article is an open access article Reconfigurable antennas can change their resonant frequencies, radiation patterns,
distributed under the terms and polarization, or any combination thereof. Reconfiguration is achieved usually by one of
conditions of the Creative Commons the following methods: electrical switching, optical switching, mechanical switching, and
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// smart materials.
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ Reconfiguration via electrical switching is the most common method used. It in-
4.0/). volves PIN (positive–intrinsic–negative) diodes, varactor diodes, or RF MEMS (radiofre-

Sensors 2023, 23, 8912. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23218912 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors

Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 2 of 16

quency micro-electromechanical system). Optical switching concerns using photoconduc-

tive switches, while mechanical switching involves the physical movement of radiating
parts [3,6]. Finally, “smart materials” that can alter their characteristics, like graphene,
liquid crystals, liquid metals, etc., can also be used for reconfigurable antennas [7].
Many researchers have presented simulation results of reconfigurable antennas of
various geometries [8]. In some cases, only the proposed antenna is also implemented.
The authors of [9] simulated and implemented a reconfigurable antenna with a flower-
shaped patch, operating in the WLAN and WiMAX bands. Their frequency switching
relied on a single varactor diode, and the effect of altering the diode’s positioning was
tested. An antenna using two PIN diodes is presented in [10], covering several frequencies
from 3.1 to 9.5 GHz, while changing the radiation pattern for different operation modes.
A multiband frequency reconfigurable antenna was designed and implemented in [11].
Three PIN diodes were placed on the ground plane providing the switching mechanism for
frequencies between 1.36 and 8.6 GHz. In [12], the authors used six PIN diodes on a pixel
antenna, achieving three configuration modes with resonant frequencies at 2.6, 3.9, and
10 GHz. A reconfigurable MIMO antenna using RF MEMS switches is introduced in [13]
with resonances from 800 MHz to 5.5 GHz. In [14], a frequency and pattern reconfigurable
antenna is presented. A single PIN diode provided two modes, resonating at (1) 2.47 and
5.36 GHz, or (2) 3.8 GHz. Another frequency and pattern reconfigurable antenna proposed
in [15] is based on three PIN diodes. The radiating element is a double-open-ring patch,
and the resonant frequencies lie between 1.9 and 5.6 GHz. A reconfigurable antenna
that can rotate its radiation pattern between −36◦ and +36◦ is presented in [16]. The
antenna operates in the 5 GHz band, and the pattern reconfiguration is achieved by a
feeding network using sixteen PIN diodes. The authors of [17] introduce a polarization
reconfigurable antenna operating in the 2–3 GHz region. By varying the capacitance of
four varactor diodes using a voltage up to 7.5 V, the polarization changes between right- or
left-handed circular, horizontal, and vertical. Another polarization reconfigurable antenna
switching between right-hand and left-hand circular polarization based on two PIN diodes
is presented in [18], being appropriate for 5 G applications in the 3.5 GHz band. A phase
change material, Germanium Telluride (GeTe), is used for a polarization reconfigurable
antenna in [19] for applications in the 30 GHz band. By irradiating ultraviolet (UV) short
laser pulses, the material switches between an insulating (OFF) and a metallic (ON) state.
As a result, the antenna’s polarization transitions between linear and circular, right or
left-handed. An intriguing device, for absorption and conversion of electromagnetic energy,
is presented in [20]. It is based on a four-ring multi-resistance unit, and it can be used as
an energy harvester, converting microwave energy into thermal energy and eventually
electrical energy. Its efficiency at 5.8 GHz is 99.5%. Finally, a frequency reconfigurable
antenna, intended for cognitive radio applications, is shown in [21]. It operates on a wide
band between 2.63 and 3.7 GHz, and it utilizes 12 PIN diodes on the ground plane.
Most of the available literature concerning antenna reconfiguration characteristics via
PIN diodes has so far concentrated on two or more PIN diodes [10–12,15,18,21–26]. On the
other hand, fewer studies have been published with only one PIN diode [14,27,28]. In the
present work, a single PIN diode greatly simplifies the design, the implementation, and the
cost of the antenna. At the same time, the experimental results show a compact reconfig-
urable antenna with three dominant resonance frequencies at 2.07, 4.63, and 6.22 GHz and
a wide bandwidth range where several wireless protocols, including IoT, are crowded into
these frequency bands. Furthermore, such antenna technology could have a huge effect
on military applications. Imagine a UAV/USV (unmanned aerial/surface vehicle) that
incorporates a large number of small printed reconfigurable antennas on its structure that
could act as an array of antennas, without or even with symmetry, exhibiting profound
effects such as the ability to scan a beam with low alteration in either the beam width or
the side lobe level. Additionally, a phased array could contain a considerable number of
reconfigurable antennas. So, there is a boosted ability of an electronically controlled scheme,
while creating a smart-radio beam that could be steered toward different directions and
and SRC).
The presented antenna was designed for integration into a high-precision signal
power measurement setup, akin to the one detailed in [29]. This setup serves the purpose
of gathering data about rain-induced attenuation. The investigation of rain rate through
Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 3 of 16
signal attenuation measurements has garnered significant interest in recent years [30]. To
facilitate portability and effortless placement within the experimental framework, a com-
with different
pact antenna was imperative. frequencies without
Moreover, physical movement.attributes
its multifrequency Considering theareaforementioned
essential for in
relation to the simplicity of implementing the suggested antenna, we can understand the
comprehensively studying attenuation concerning rain rate across multiple frequencies.
impact on long and short communications (LoRa and SRC).
The switching mechanismThe of presented
the antennaantennawhich can beforeasily
was designed controlled
integration by a microcon-
into a high-precision signal
power measurement
troller is also valuable for this application. setup, akin to the one detailed in [29]. This setup serves the purpose
of gathering data about rain-induced attenuation. The investigation of rain rate through
This paper is organized as follows.
signal attenuation Section 2hasdescribes
measurements the antenna
garnered significant interestgeometry. Simu-
in recent years [30].
lation results are presented in Section
To facilitate 3. Experimental
portability resultswithin
and effortless placement and discussion
the experimentalareframework,
presented a
compact antenna was imperative. Moreover, its multifrequency attributes are essential for
in Section 4, followed by the conclusions in Section 5.
comprehensively studying attenuation concerning rain rate across multiple frequencies.
The switching mechanism of the antenna which can be easily controlled by a microcontroller
2. Antenna Geometry is also valuable for this application.
This paper is organized as follows. Section 2 describes the antenna geometry. Simula-
The structural geometry ofare
tion results the antenna
presented is illustrated
in Section in Figure
3. Experimental results 1.
andThe antenna
discussion printed
are presented
in Sectiona4,dielectric
on an FR-4 material exhibits followed byconstant
the conclusions in Section
of 4.3 and a5. height of 1.5 mm. The cop-
per’s height is 35 µm. 2.The radiating
Antenna Geometry element is a rectangular ring-shaped patch. The an-
tenna is excited via a microstrip feedgeometry
The structural line. Theof theground
antenna is plane,
illustrated on the bottom
in Figure side printed
1. The antenna of the
on an FR-4 material exhibits a dielectric constant of 4.3 and
antenna, consists of two rectangular parts, and the PIN diode is placed in the middle be- a height of 1.5 mm. The copper’s
height is 35 µm. The radiating element is a rectangular ring-shaped patch. The antenna
tween them, with its anode being
is excited on the top.
via a microstrip feed Four rectangular
line. The ground plane,slotson thewerebottomalso inserted
side of on
the antenna,
the ground plane in places where
consists of two secondary undesired
rectangular parts, and the PINresonances
diode is placed showed maximum
in the middle sur-
between them,
with its anode being on the top. Four rectangular slots were also inserted on the ground
face currents, reducingplane
or in
canceling their effect. The dimensions of the slots, as well as
places where secondary undesired resonances showed maximum surface currents,
those of the patch, substrate,
reducing and ground
or canceling theirplane, were
effect. The adjusted
dimensions of theto achieve
slots, optimal
as well as results.
those of the patch,
substrate, and ground plane, were
The final value for each design parameter appears in Table 1. adjusted to achieve optimal results. The final value for
each design parameter appears in Table 1.

(a) (b)
Figure 1. Structural geometry ofStructural
Figure 1. the antenna (a)ofFront
geometry view,
the antenna (a) (b) Back
Front view, view.
(b) Back view.

Table 1. The antenna’s design parameters.

Design Parameter Dimensions (mm) Design Parameter Dimensions (mm)

Ws 70 Lsl1 26
Ls 60 Wsl2 24
Wp1 25 Lsl2 2
3, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 16
Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 4 of 16

Lp1 Table 1. The antenna’s design

21 parameters. Lg1 29.35
Wp2 Design Parameter 15 Dimensions (mm) Lg2 Parameter
Design 13.35 (mm)
Dimensions
Lp2 Ws 15 70 a Lsl1 1.675
26
Wf Ls 3 60 b Wsl2 1.324
Wp1 25 Lsl2 2
Lf Lp1 19.5 21 c Lg1 5.68
29.35
Wsl1 Wp2 15 15 d Lg2 13.35
5.5
Lp2 15 a 1.675
Wf 3 b 1.3
3. Simulation Results Lf 19.5 c 5.68
Wsl1 15 d 5.5
The antenna simulation was conducted using CST Studio Suite 2019 with open-space
boundary conditions. To provide
3. Simulation Results excitation, a waveguide port was positioned at the edge
of the microstrip feed line,
The antenna with a portwas
simulation extension
conducted coefficient
using CST of 7.2. Suite
Studio For the
2019substrate mate-
with open-space
rial, lossy FR-4boundary
was used, complemented
conditions. by partsa of
To provide excitation, annealed
waveguide portcopper. The model
was positioned of the
at the edge of
PIN diode used the is Skyworks
microstrip feed SMP1302 in an
line, with a port SC-79 coefficient
extension package.ofAccording to its datasheet,
7.2. For the substrate material,
the diode can lossy
be usedFR-4inwas used, complemented
applications from 10by partsto
MHz of beyond
annealed 10copper.
GHz.The In model of the PIN
the simulation,
diode used is Skyworks SMP1302 in an SC-79 package. According to its datasheet, the
the diode had diode
to becan
represented by its equivalent circuit, because the simulation tool does
be used in applications from 10 MHz to beyond 10 GHz. In the simulation, the
not support nonlinear
diode hadelements. The diode
to be represented by itscan be represented
equivalent by antheRL
circuit, because circuit when
simulation it is
tool does
forward-biased (ON state) or by an RLC circuit when reverse-biased (OFF State), as shown
not support nonlinear elements. The diode can be represented by an RL circuit when it is
in Figure 2. Inforward-biased (ON state)
the case of forward or by anit
biasing, RLC circuit
acts as awhen reverse-biased (OFF
current-controlled State), as
resistor, shown
while in
in Figure 2. In the case of forward biasing, it acts as a current-controlled resistor, while
the case of reverse biasing, it acts as a capacitor in parallel with a high-value resistor. In-
in the case of reverse biasing, it acts as a capacitor in parallel with a high-value resistor.
ductance depends on the
Inductance package
depends used.
on the package used.

(a) (b)
Figure 2. The equivalent circuit
Figure 2. The of PIN
equivalent diode
circuit when
of PIN (a)when
diode reverse-biased, andand
(a) reverse-biased, (b)(b)
forward-biased.
forward-biased.

In the simulation, the resistance (R) and the capacitance (C) values were selected
In the simulation, the resistance
from the diode’s datasheet(R) and considering
graphs, the capacitance (C) values
the voltage on the were
diode selected from
to be between
the diode’s datasheet
0 and 900graphs,
mV. L is considering
always selected theas voltage
0.7 nH, ason the diode
defined for thetoSC-79
be between 0 and
diode package.
900 mV. L is always selected
Simulations as 0.7 nH,
encompassed as defined
the entire 0 to 900for
mVthe SC-79
range, diode package.
corresponding Simula-
to values of R
ranging from 1 to 1000 Ω under forward-bias conditions. Notably,
tions encompassed the entire 0 to 900 mV range, corresponding to values of R ranging three distinct cases stood
out, distinguished by the conspicuously low S11 parameter values observed at their primary
from 1 to 1000resonant
Ω under forward-bias conditions. Notably, three distinct cases stood out,
frequencies. These cases were denoted as modes 1, 2, and 3. Mode 1 corresponds
distinguished toby0 voltage
the conspicuously lowvalues
on the diode, with S11 parameter
C = 0.3 pF andvalues observed
R = 5 kΩ. Modes 2at their
and primary
3 correspond
resonant frequencies. These
to a forward cases
biasing of were denoted
the diode with no asCmodes
and R =1, 2, Ω
160 and 4 Ω, respectively.
3.=Mode
or R 1 corresponds The
simulated S11 parameter and VSWR results for these three modes
to 0 voltage on the diode, with values C = 0.3 pF and R = 5 kΩ. Modes 2 and 3 correspondare illustrated in Figure 3.
to a forward biasing of the diode with no C and R = 160 Ω or R = 4 Ω, respectively. The
simulated S11 parameter and VSWR results for these three modes are illustrated in Figure
3.
nsors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW
Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 5 of 16

Figure
Figure 3. Simulation
3. Simulation results of results of S11
S11 parameter and parameter and VSWR
VSWR for the antenna’s for the
three modes antenna’s thr
of operation.

As indicated by Figure 3, the primary resonant frequency for mode 1 is 2 GHz, with
a returnAs lossindicated
(S11) of −26.4 bydB,Figure
which is3,about
the 9.5 primary
dB lowerresonant
than the nextfrequency
(secondary)for mo
resonance seen at 6.4 GHz. VSWR of the 2 GHz resonance for this mode was equal to 1.11.
a return loss (S11) of −26.4 dB, which is about 9.5 dB lower than the n
Subsequently, mode 2 shows a better main resonance at 2.04 GHz frequency than mode 1 in
onance
the seenIt at
2 GHz band. 6.4 GHz. by
is characterized VSWR
a good of theloss
return 2 of
GHz−39.5resonance
dB and a VSWR forequal
this mod
toSubsequently,
1.02. Amongst the mode three modes, this one has the best resonance
2 shows a better main resonance at 2.04 GHz in the 4 GHz band, at fre
4.44 GHz specifically. The return loss for this resonance is −22.3 dB, and the VSWR is 1.17.
in themode
Finally, 2 GHz band.resonance
3’s primary It is characterized
is found at 6.42 GHz, by awith
good returnreturn
an excellent lossloss
of of
−39.5 dB
−to 1.02.
60.6 dB, inAmongst
addition to athe very three
low VSWR modes,
found at this
1.01one has
for this the best
resonant resonance
frequency. The in
following, secondary, resonance is seen at 0.91 GHz, with a return loss of about 33.5 dB
4.44 than
higher GHzthat specifically. The return
of the main resonance. Overall, loss for this
according resonance
to the is −22.3
simulation results, the dB, an
Finally,
antenna canmode
operate 3’s in theprimary
2, 4, and resonance
6 GHz bands. is found
Mode at 6.42
2 is the GHz, with
most convenient for an ex
operation in the 2 and 4 GHz bands at frequencies of 2.04 and 4.44 GHz, while mode 3 is
−60.6 dB, in addition to a very low VSWR found at 1.01 for this reso
the best for operation in the 6 GHz band at 6.42 GHz. The −10 dB defined bandwidth
following,
for the frequencies secondary,
2.04, 4.44, and resonance
6.42 GHz is 211, is seen at 452
941, and 0.91 GHz,
MHz, with aThe
respectively. return lo
radiation patterns for these three cases are depicted in
higher than that of the main resonance. Overall, according to the sim Figure 4, where the positive x-axis
extends towards the front direction of the antenna. The azimuth angle will be referred to as
ϕ,antenna can operate
while the elevation angle asin the are
θ. Both 2, 04,◦ atand 6 GHz front
the antenna’s bands.whileMode 2 is
180◦ at the the mos
back.
eration in the 2 and 4 GHz bands at frequencies of 2.04 and 4.44
According to the 2.04 GHz radiation pattern, the maximum gain of the antenna is, GHz,
in this case, 0.82 dBi, observed at angles θ = 355◦ and ϕ = 180◦ . Furthermore, in front of
best
the for operation
antenna, for θ = ϕ = 0◦ ,in thethe
gain6is GHz
−0.78 dBi.band at 6.42
Similarly, GHz.
the 4.44 GHzThe −10
pattern dB adefined
shows
◦ and ϕ = 135◦ . In front of the antenna, at
frequencies
maximum gain of2.04,
−0.31 4.44,dBi, at and
angles6.42
θ = 310GHz is 211, 941, and 452 MHz, respec
◦
θ = ϕ = 0 , the gain is −15.74 dBi. However, the gain can be increased to −3.78 dBi with
patterns for these three cases are depicted in Figure 4, where the po
the antenna’s rotation to an angle of θ = 34◦ on the elevation plane. Finally, the 6.42 GHz
towards
radiation theshows
pattern front direction
a maximum gainof thedBi,
of 5.68 antenna.
at angles ofThe
θ = 20azimuth
◦ and ϕ = 0◦angle
while will
atwhile
angles of θ = ϕ = 0 ◦ , it equals 4.13 dBi.
the elevation angle as θ. Both are 0° at the antenna’s front whil
As derived from the simulation, the antenna performs best when operating on mode 3,
with a main resonance at 6.42 GHz. It demonstrates the maximum gain, and lowest return
loss and VSWR.
 eration in the 2 and 4 GHz bands at frequencies of 2.04 and 4.44 GHz, while mode 3 is the
best for operation in the 6 GHz band at 6.42 GHz. The −10 dB defined bandwidth for the
frequencies 2.04, 4.44, and 6.42 GHz is 211, 941, and 452 MHz, respectively. The radiation
patterns for these three cases are depicted in Figure 4, where the positive x-axis extends
towards
Sensors the front direction of the antenna. The azimuth angle will be referred to as φ,6 of 16
2023, 23, 8912

while the elevation angle as θ. Both are 0° at the antenna’s front while 180° at the back.

R PEER REVIEW 6 of 16

(a) (b)

(c)
Figure 4. SimulatedFigure
3D radiation patterns
4. Simulated for frequencies
3D radiation (a)frequencies
patterns for 2.04 GHz, (a)(b)
2.044.44 GHz,
GHz, andGHz,
(b) 4.44 (c) 6.42
and
GHz. (c) 6.42 GHz.

Finally, Figure 5 provides a visual representation of the surface current distribution

According toacross
the 2.04 GHz radiation
the antenna pattern,
for its three primarythe maximum
resonant gain 2.04,
frequencies: of the
4.44,antenna
and 6.42is, in
GHz.
this case, 0.82 dBi,Itobserved at angles
is evident from θ =that,
the figure 355° and φ =to180°.
in addition Furthermore,
the patch, the ground planein front of the
significantly
antenna, for θ = φ influences
= 0°, thethegainantenna’s
is −0.78radiation characteristics.
dBi. Similarly, theAlthough
4.44 GHz the current
pattern is distributed
shows a max- across
the entire antenna surface, there is a pronounced concentration behind the patch. Moreover,
imum gain of −0.31 dBi, at angles θ = 310° and φ = 135°. In front of the antenna, at θ = φ =
in all three cases, substantial contributions to the antenna’s radiation emanate from the
0°, the gain is −15.74
edgedBi.
of theHowever,
two segments theofgain can be
the ground increased
plane, which aretoconnected
−3.78 dBi viawith
the PINthediode.
an-
tenna’s rotation toThere
an angle of θ = differences
are noticeable 34° on the elevation
in the plane.distribution
surface current Finally, for
theeach
6.42 GHz radia-
frequency. These
distinctions in the surface current distribution directly translate
tion pattern shows a maximum gain of 5.68 dBi, at angles of θ = 20° and φ = 0° while at into discernible differences
in radiation patterns among the three frequencies, as observed in Figure 4.
angles of θ = φ = 0°, it equals 4.13 dBi.
As derived from the simulation, the antenna performs best when operating on mode
3, with a main resonance at 6.42 GHz. It demonstrates the maximum gain, and lowest
return loss and VSWR.
Finally, Figure 5 provides a visual representation of the surface current distribution
across the antenna for its three primary resonant frequencies: 2.04, 4.44, and 6.42 GHz. It
is evident from the figure that, in addition to the patch, the ground plane significantly
influences the antenna’s radiation characteristics. Although the current is distributed
 Moreover, in all three cases, substantial contributions to the antenna’s radiation emanate
from the edge of the two segments of the ground plane, which are connected via the PIN
diode. There are noticeable differences in the surface current distribution for each fre-
quency. These distinctions in the surface current distribution directly translate into dis-
Sensors 2023, 23, 8912differences in radiation patterns among the three frequencies, as observed in Fig- 7 of 16
cernible
ure 4.

2.04 GHz 4.44 GHz

Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW

(a) (b)

6.42 GHz

(c)
Figure
Figure 5. Simulated
5. Simulated surfacesurface current distribution
current distribution for frequencies
for frequencies (a) 4.44
(a) 2.04 GHz, (b) 2.04GHz,
GHz, (b)
and 4.44 G
6.42GHz.
(c) 6.42 GHz.

Last but not least, the simulations demonstrate a good radiation efficiency for the
Last but not least, the simulations demonstrate a good radiation efficien
antenna across its three primary resonant frequencies. At 2.04 GHz, the radiation efficiency
antenna
stands across its74%,
at an exceptional three primary
while resonant
at 4.44 GHz frequencies.
and 6.42 At 2.04
GHz, it remains GHz,
notably highthe rad
ciency
at 59% andstands at an exceptional
54%, respectively. 74%, while
These findings at 4.44with
are consistent GHztypical
and 6.42 GHz, it remai
performance
expectations, signifying the absence of significant losses on the antenna.
high at 59% and 54%, respectively. These findings are consistent with typical pe
The simulation results for the three resonant frequencies, where the antenna seems
expectations, signifying the absence of significant losses on the antenna.
to function optimally, are summarized in Table 2. This summary includes the resonant
The simulation
frequencies, their return loss results for VSWR,
(S11), the the three resonant frequencies,
the bandwidth as defined on where
a −10 dBthe ante
tooffunction
level optimally,
return loss, the antenna’sare summarized
maximum gain forin Table
each case, 2. Thisassummary
as well the azimuthincludes
and th
frequencies,
elevation theirthe
angles where return loss (S11),
maximum gain wasthe VSWR, the bandwidth as defined on a −1
observed.
of return loss, the antenna’s maximum gain for each case, as well as the azimu
Table 2. Simulation results summary for the three primary resonant frequencies in the 2, 4, and
vation angles where the maximum gain was observed.
6 GHz bands.

Table 2. Simulation results

−10summary
dB for the three primary resonant
Azimuth frequencies in the
and Elevation
Frequency (GHz) S11 (dB) VSWR Max Gain (dBi)
GHz bands. Bandwidth (MHz) of Max Gain
ϕ = 180◦ ,
2.04 −39.5 1.02 211 0.82
Frequency S11 −10 dB Bandwidth Max 355◦ Azimuth and
θ =Gain
VSWR ϕ = 135◦ ,
4.44 −22.3 (GHz)
1.17 (dB) 941 (MHz)
−0.31 (dBi)
θ = 310◦
of Max
ϕ = 0◦ , φ = 18
6.42 −60.6 1.01
2.04 −39.5 452 1.02 5.68211 0.82
θ = 22◦
θ = 35
φ = 13
4.44 −22.3 1.17 941 −0.31
θ = 31
φ=0
6.42 −60.6 1.01 452 5.68
θ=2

4. Experimental Results and Discussion

 Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 8 of 16

4. Experimental Results and Discussion

The front and the back side of the fabricated multi-frequency reconfigurable patch
antenna is shown in Figure 6. For the purpose of providing the biasing voltage to the
PIN diode, two pins were soldered on the antenna, one next to the diode’s anode, and the
second to the side of the lower part of the ground plane. By varying the voltage on the
diode, three modes arise with main resonances in the 2, 4, and 6 GHz bands, as dictated
by the simulation results. Mode 1 corresponds to the best performance in the 2 GHz band,
Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 o
mode 2 in the 4 GHz band, and mode 3 in the 6 GHz band. Each mode is characterized by
a forward-biasing voltage of 0, 550, and 740 mV, respectively.

Figure 6.6.Fabricated
Figure Fabricatedmulti-frequency
multi-frequencyreconfigurable patch antenna
reconfigurable (a) top side
patch antenna (a)and
top(b)side
bottom
andside.
(b) bottom s
A Rohde & Schwarz ZVH8 Handheld VNA was used to experimentally validate the
A Rohde
performance & Schwarz
of the ZVH8reconfigurable
multifrequency Handheld VNA patchwas used
antenna to experimentally
through S11 and VSWR.validate
performance
Figure 7a shows ofathe multifrequency
snapshot reconfigurable
of the S11 measurement for thepatch antenna through
multifrequency S11 and VSW
antenna before
Figure
adding 7atheshows a snapshot
PIN diode, of the
while Figure 7bS11 measurement
shows for the multifrequency
the S11 measurement antenna be
for the reconfigurable
antenna the
adding operating under while
PIN diode, mode 3Figure
(6.22 GHz). The reconfiguration
7b shows of the antenna
the S11 measurement is reconfigura
for the per-
formed remotely through an Android application that changes the excitation
antenna operating under mode 3 (6.22 GHz). The reconfiguration of the antenna voltage on is
the diode using a Raspberry platform.
formed remotely through an Android application that changes the excitation voltage
It is also essential to mention that, in our setup, we utilized a high-quality DAC as the
the diode using
voltage source forabiasing
Raspberry platform.
the diode. The DAC’s output has a low impedance of 1 Ohm,
ensuring a stable DC bias voltage without significant AC components. Additionally, it
provides exceptional isolation from AC signals, about 100 dB. Consequently, while the
inclusion of chokes is essential in many cases, it was deemed non-critical for our application.
The measurements of the antenna radiation pattern took place in a free-space lab
environment in the university with dimensions of 5 m width by 10 m length. The free-space
lab measurement plan appears in Figure 8. The fabricated prototype patch antenna was
placed on top of a specific wooden positioning structure at a height of 1.5 m from the ground
and at 6 m was the receiving antenna on a Tektronix RS3408A real-time spectrum analyzer.
The fabricated patch antenna was stimulated using a signal generator, transmitting an
unmodulated carrier at the frequency of three operation modes. The measurements for
each operation mode were conducted at a 10-degree-step resolution, and to optimize the
results, they were repeated five times. Each value on the antenna radiation pattern is the
average value. Figure 9 shows a photograph of the measurement setup.
 A Rohde & Schwarz ZVH8 Handheld VNA was used to experimentally validate the
performance of the multifrequency reconfigurable patch antenna through S11 and VSWR.
Figure 7a shows a snapshot of the S11 measurement for the multifrequency antenna before
adding the PIN diode, while Figure 7b shows the S11 measurement for the reconfigurable
Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 antenna operating under mode 3 (6.22 GHz). The reconfiguration of the antenna is per- 9 of 16
formed remotely through an Android application that changes the excitation voltage on
the diode using a Raspberry platform.

Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 16

Sensors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 16

The measurements of the antenna radiation pattern took place in a free-space lab en-
The measurements
vironment of the
in the university antenna
with radiation
dimensions of 5pattern
m width took
by place in a free-space
10 m length. lab en-
The free-space
vironment in the university with dimensions of 5 m width by 10
lab measurement plan appears in Figure 8. The fabricated prototype patch antenna wasm length. The free-space
lab measurement
placed on top of aplan appears
specific woodenin Figure 8. The fabricated
positioning structure at prototype
a heightpatch
of 1.5antenna
m fromwas the
placed on top of a specific wooden positioning structure at a height
ground and at 6 m was the receiving antenna on a Tektronix RS3408A real-time spectrum of 1.5 m from the
ground
analyzer. and
The atfabricated
6 m was the receiving
patch antennaantenna on a Tektronix
was stimulated usingRS3408A real-time spectrum
a signal generator, transmit-
analyzer. The fabricated patch antenna was stimulated using a signal
ting an unmodulated carrier at the frequency of three operation modes. The measure- generator, transmit-
ting
mentsanfor unmodulated
each operationcarrier
mode atwere
the frequency
conducted of
at three operation modes.
a 10-degree-step Theand
resolution, measure-
to op-
Figure
Figure 7.
7. S11
S11 measurement
measurement setup for for
setup the antenna
the (a) before
antenna (a) adding
before the PINthe
adding diode
PINand (b) after
diode and add-
(b)toafter
ments
timize for
the each operation
results, they mode
were were
repeated conducted
five times. at a
Each
ing the PIN diode, with the antenna operating in mode 3 (6.22 GHz).
10-degree-step
value on the resolution,
antenna and
radiation op-
pat-
adding
timize the
the PIN diode,
results, withwere
they the antenna
repeated operating
five in mode
times. Each 3 value
(6.22 GHz).
on the antenna radiation pat-
tern is the average value. Figure 9 shows a photograph of the measurement setup.
tern It
is is
thealso
average value.
essential Figure 9that,
to mention shows a photograph
in our of the measurement
setup, we utilized a high-qualitysetup.
DAC as
the voltage source for biasing the diode. The DAC’s output has a low impedance of 1
Ohm, ensuring a stable DC bias voltage without significant AC components. Additionally,
it provides exceptional isolation from AC signals, about 100 dB. Consequently, while the
inclusion of chokes is essential in many cases, it was deemed non-critical for our applica-
tion.

Figure 8. Free-space lab measurement plan.

Figure 8. Free-space lab measurement plan.
Figure 8. Free-space lab measurement plan.

Figure 9. Measurement setup.

Figure 9. Measurement setup.
Figure 9. Measurement setup.
The S11 and VSWR results are depicted in Figure 10. According to the experimental
results inS11
The and VSWR
Figures 7 and 8,results are depicted
the antenna showsin Figure
three 10. According
excellent to the
resonances experimental
in the 2, 4, and 6
results
GHz bands with a return loss well below −40 dB and a VSWR no higher than 2,
in Figures 7 and 8, the antenna shows three excellent resonances in the 4, and
1.02 6
in all
GHz bands with a return loss well below −40 dB and a VSWR no higher than
cases. Specifically, the primary resonance for mode 1 is found at 2.07 GHz, with a −43.1 1.02 in all
cases. Specifically,
dB return theisprimary
loss, which 15.6 dB resonance
lower thanfor
themode 1 loss
return is found at 2.07 GHz,
of a secondary with a −43.1
resonance seen
dB return
at 6.21 loss,
GHz. Thewhich
VSWR is 15.6 dB2.07
at the lower
GHzthan the return
resonance is loss
1.01,ofand
a secondary
the −10 dBresonance
bandwidth seen
is
at 6.21 GHz. The VSWR at the 2.07 GHz resonance is 1.01, and the −10 dB bandwidth is
 Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 10 of 16

The S11 and VSWR results are depicted in Figure 10. According to the experimental
results in Figures 7 and 8, the antenna shows three excellent resonances in the 2, 4, and
6 GHz bands with a return loss well below −40 dB and a VSWR no higher than 1.02 in all
cases. Specifically, the primary resonance for mode 1 is found at 2.07 GHz, with a −43.1 dB
return loss, which is 15.6 dB lower than the return loss of a secondary resonance seen at
6.21 GHz. The VSWR at the 2.07 GHz resonance is 1.01, and the −10 dB bandwidth is
327 MHz. Concerning mode 2, it shows a main resonance at 4.63 GHz. It has a return loss
of −41.3 dB, 17.1 dB lower than that of a secondary resonance at 6.17 GHz. The value of
VSWR, in this case, is 1.02, and the −10 dB bandwidth is 260 MHz. Finally, for mode 3, the
ors 2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW
primary resonance is found at 6.22 GHz, and the return loss is −45.6 dB, 28.9 dB lower than
that of a secondary resonance found at 2.07 GHz. The VSWR of the 6.22 GHz resonance is
1.01, and the bandwidth defined at −10 dB return loss is found at 387 MHz.

Figure
Figure 10. Experimental
10. Experimental results of the results of the
S11 parameter S11 parameter
and VSWR and
for the three modes VSWR
of operation. for the
Regarding the truncation of the VSWR plots (Figures 3 and 10), it is important to note
that the Regarding
optimal VSWR the valuetruncation
is 1. In practice,ofreal
the VSWR
antennas plots (Figures
commonly exhibit VSWR 3 and 1
values within the range of 1 to 2 at their resonant frequencies. Values exceeding 10 are not
that the
displayed optimal
in the figures, asVSWR value
they signify is 1.portion
a significant In practice, realbeing
of the radiation antennas
reflected comm
and
uesnotwithin
reaching the
theantenna.
range Thisofadjustment
1 to 2 was made toresonant
at their provide a clearer focus on the Valu
frequencies.
region close to 1, which holds greater significance.
displayed in the
Next, the radiation figures,
patterns asthree
for these they signify
modes a significant
at 2.07, 4.63, and 6.22 GHz, onportion
both o
the azimuth and the elevation planes, are illustrated in Figure 11. Like before, the azimuth
flected and not reaching the antenna. This adjustment was made t
angle will be referred to as ϕ, while the elevation angle is defined as θ. Furthermore, the
on the region
simulation close
results at 2.04, 4.44,to
and1,6.42
which
GHz areholds greater
also included in thesignificance.
figure.
Next, the radiation patterns for these three modes at 2.07, 4.6
the azimuth and the elevation planes, are illustrated in Figure 11.
angle will be referred to as φ, while the elevation angle is define
simulation results at 2.04, 4.44, and 6.42 GHz are also included in
 flected and not reaching the antenna. This adjustment was made to provide a clearer focus
on the region close to 1, which holds greater significance.
Next, the radiation patterns for these three modes at 2.07, 4.63, and 6.22 GHz, on both
the azimuth and the elevation planes, are illustrated in Figure 11. Like before, the azimuth
Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 angle will be referred to as φ, while the elevation angle is defined as θ. Furthermore,
11 of 16 the
simulation results at 2.04, 4.44, and 6.42 GHz are also included in the figure.

(a) (b)

2023, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 16

(c) (d)

(e) (f)
Figure 11.Figure
Measured radiation
11. Measured patterns
radiation (in blue)
patterns (in blue)ononazimuth
azimuth(left) andelevation
(left) and elevation (right)
(right) planes
planes for for
frequencies:
frequencies: (a,b) 2.07(a,b) 2.07(c,d)
GHz, GHz,4.63
(c,d) GHz,
4.63 GHz,
andand (e,f)
(e,f) 6.22GHz,
6.22 GHz, along
along with
withthe respective
the simulated
respective simulated
radiation patterns
radiation patterns (in red)(in
forred) for frequencies
frequencies 2.04,2.04, 4.44,
4.44, andand6.42
6.42GHz.
GHz.

While the cross-polarization pattern can offer valuable insights into how the antenna
While the cross-polarization
interacts pattern
with signals of different can offer itvaluable
polarizations, insights
is excluded (Figureinto how
11) for thethe antenna
sake of
interacts conciseness.
with signals of different polarizations, it is excluded (Figure 11) for
The information already presented, including S11/VSWR, radiation pattern, the sake of
conciseness.
gain,The
and,information
now, efficiencyalready presented,
for the primary including
resonances, S11/VSWR,
can adequately radiation
convey pattern,
a compre-
hensive understanding of the antenna’s performance. In turn, according
gain, and, now, efficiency for the primary resonances, can adequately convey a compre- to the 2.07 GHz
radiation pattern, the gain of the antenna on the azimuth plane, for elevation angle θ = 0◦ ,
hensive understanding of the antenna’s performance. In turn,◦ according to the 2.07 GHz
has a maximum value of 0.45 dBi for an azimuth angle ϕ = 176 , at the back of the antenna.
radiation pattern, the gain of the antenna on the azimuth plane, for elevation angle θ = 0°,
has a maximum value of 0.45 dBi for an azimuth angle φ = 176°, at the back of the antenna.
As for the forward direction of the antenna, for azimuth and elevation angles φ = θ = 0°,
the gain is −0.54 dBi. By rotating the antenna on the elevation plane at an angle θ = 25°,
Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 12 of 16

As for the forward direction of the antenna, for azimuth and elevation angles ϕ = θ = 0◦ ,
the gain is −0.54 dBi. By rotating the antenna on the elevation plane at an angle θ = 25◦ ,
the gain can be improved to the value of 3.81 dBi, while ϕ = 0◦ . Moreover, the absolute
maximum gain is 5.48 dBi, which is observed at an elevation θ = 140◦ at the back of the
antenna (ϕ = 180◦ ). Similarly, the 4.63 GHz patterns indicate that on the azimuth plane
(θ = 0◦ or 180◦ ), the highest gain value is 1.92 dBi found at ϕ = 322◦ . On the forward
direction of the antenna, for ϕ = θ = 0◦ , the gain is 0.58 dBi. Furthermore, taking both
planes into account, a maximum gain could be equal to 3.97 dBi at an elevation of θ = 152◦
and azimuth of ϕ = 180◦ . Finally, the 6.22 GHz radiation patterns demonstrate a primary
lobe with a maximum gain of 9.12 dBi, on the azimuth plane at ϕ = 0◦ and θ = 0◦ . In the
condition of ϕ = 0◦ , and if the antenna is rotated to an angle θ = 12◦ on the elevation plane,
then the gain can be further increased up to 12.79 dBi.
The experimental results indicate that the antenna operates almost equally well in
all three bands of 2, 4, and 6 GHz, at the resonant frequencies of 2.07, 4.63, and 6.22 GHz.
However, at 6.22 GHz, a much higher gain can be attained. A summary of the results,
derived from the network analyzer measurements and the radiation patterns, is shown
in Table 3. That includes the resonant frequency, return loss (S11), VSWR, the bandwidth
as defined on a −10 dB return loss level, the maximum attainable gain for the three main
resonances, as well as the azimuth and elevation angles where observed.

Table 3. Experimental results summary for the three primary resonant frequencies in the 2, 4, and
6 GHz bands.

−10 dB Azimuth and Elevation

Frequency (GHz) S11 (dB) VSWR Max Gain (dBi)
Bandwidth (MHz) of Max Gain
ϕ = 180◦ ,
2.07 −43.1 1.01 327 5.48
θ = 140◦
ϕ = 180◦ ,
4.63 −41.3 1.02 260 3.97
θ = 152◦
ϕ = 0◦ ,
6.22 −45.6 1.01 387 12.79
θ = 12◦

As compared to the simulation results, some slight deviations are observed. In the
simulation, the three main resonances were located at 2.04, 4.44, and 6.42 GHz, while, on
the fabricated antenna, they were found at 2.07, 4.63, and 6.22 GHz. The deviation between
the three cases is 30, 190, and 200 MHz, respectively, or 1.4%, 4.2%, and 3.1%.
Also, the experimental results show a better functionality of the antenna at 4.63 GHz,
than the one suggested by the simulation at 4.44 GHz. Furthermore, the radiation patterns
of the fabricated antenna show better gains than those seen in the simulation. For the 2, 4,
and 6 GHz bands, the maximum simulation gain was 0.58, 1.75, and 5.64 dBi, respectively,
while the corresponding measured gains were found as 5.48, 3.97, and 12.79 dBi, which
are 4.9, 5.72, and 7.15 dB higher than those suggested by the simulation. The deviations
between the simulation and the experimental results are overall insignificant, except for
the simulated and measured gain. These deviations were expected since many factors
were not accounted for in the simulation. Such factors are the effects of solder used for
the SMA connector, the PIN diode, and the effects of the pins used for applying voltage
on the diode. Also, the antenna was tinned to avoid oxidation, which could also have
some effect on its functionality. But more importantly, the deviations could be due to the
R and C values selected for the diode’s equivalent circuit in the simulation. Both these
parameters, but mostly R, are frequency-dependent. Because the simulation tool does not
support nonlinear elements in the simulations, they were both considered constant over
the whole simulated frequency range, from 0 to 8 GHz. Furthermore, the graphs in the
diode’s datasheet describe these values for frequencies only up to 2 GHz. Thus, the R and
C behavior for higher frequencies was considered to be similar, which might not be the
case. This probably is the reason that the deviation appears to be minimal at the 2 GHz
Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 13 of 16

band. Finally, the deviations in the radiation patterns, and primarily in the gain, might be
due to reflections occurring in the vicinity of the antenna, or due to the prime resonances of
the fabricated antenna not being identical to those indicated by the simulation.
The compact patch re-configurable antenna is controlled by a single PIN diode, in
contrast to several other works that require multiple diodes. The antenna has three modes of
operation with a total bandwidth of 974 MHz over prevailing tuning in the three frequencies.
Furthermore, it has a low cost, volume, and weight and can be easily implemented even
in a lab-based environment. The antenna also achieved quasi-omnidirectional radiation
patterns that make it ideal for wireless applications where omnidirectional coverage is
usually required.

Comparative Study
As we have already mentioned, there are several techniques to design and implement
a reconfigurable antenna. The comparative study is based on antennas being similar to the
one presented in this work. They are all printed on an FR-4 substrate and utilize PIN diodes
to attain the reconfiguration. Table 4 shows the key features of the antenna presented in
each work, specifically, the dimensions of the antenna, the number of PIN diodes used, and
the place of their installation, i.e., whether it is on the patch and/or on the ground plane.
The table also includes the operating frequencies of each antenna, as well as its maximum
gain, and whether it assumes the advantages of Defected Ground Structure (DGS) or not.

Table 4. Comparison between the proposed antenna and those of other, related works.

Dimensions Max Gain

Ref. No. of Diodes Diode Location Operating Frequencies (GHz) DGS
(mm2 ) (dBi)
Patch and
[31] 25 × 25 2 4.80, 5.32, 6.01, 6.22, 6.41 3.85 Yes
Ground Plane
[32] 16 × 22 2 Resonator 2.09, 2.15, 3.16, 4.3, 4.8, 5.2, 5.3 2.5 No
[14] 66 × 58 1 Patch 2.4, 3.8, 5.3 5.34 No
Radiating
[33] 44 × 14 2 0.84, 2.12 2.12 No
Element
Patch and
[34] 23 × 31 3 3.1, 6.8, 2.5–4.2, 6.2–7.4 4.6 No
Ground Plane
[24] 32 × 40 4 Patch 1.8, 2.1, 2.6, 3.5, 5, 5.6, 6.4, 6.5 3.6 No
[35] 29 × 34 5 Resonator Multiple between 1.74 and 4.84 GHz 3.86 No
[36] 30 × 30 4 Patch 2.52, 2.68, 3.49, 3.58 4.46 No
[37] 46 × 32 12 Patch 1.95–2.30, 2.36–4.17, 4.52–5.39 4.67 No
[38] 30 × 20 3 Patch 2.1, 2.6, 3.5, 5.0, 6.2, 6.4, 3.51–8.51 2.5 No
[39] 58 × 50 2 Ground Plane 1.750, 1.7750, 1.815, 1.610 1 Yes
[40] 80 × 50 2 Patch 0.915, 0.433, 0.868 2 No
[41] 50 × 46 5 Ground 1.777, 1.909, 1.986, 2.151, 2.302, 2.421 3.23 No
This Work 70 × 60 1 Ground Plane 2.07, 4.63, 6.22 12.79 Yes

Table 4 clearly illustrates the prevalence of employing PIN diodes in prior studies.
Multiple diodes were used in the majority of them. In contrast, this study distinguishes
itself by utilizing a single PIN diode. Conventionally, reconfigurable antennas tap into
the two states of the PIN diodes, ON (forward bias) and OFF (reverse bias). Notably, the
antenna proposed herein demonstrates three distinctive modes of operation (based on the
two states of the diode). It is worth mentioning that varying the forward biasing voltage
can result in multiple modes. The use of a singular PIN diode and the low forward biasing
voltage it requires offer convenience, and the process of reverting between the three modes
can be very straightforward to automate with devices such as a microcontroller. Moreover,
this work employed a Defected Ground Structure (DGS), a feature scarcely used in previous
works. By and large, the proposed antenna exhibits an omnidirectional radiation pattern
across all frequencies, along with low return loss, a broad bandwidth, and exceptionally
high maximum gain. Lastly, the compact size of the antenna makes it convenient for
Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 14 of 16

applications where portability is important and where reduced space is a key matter such
as in military applications.

5. Conclusions
In this paper, a novel reconfigurable antenna operating in the 2, 4, and 6 GHz bands
is presented. Reconfiguration is achieved using a single PIN diode. The antenna was
simulated and implemented. The fabricated antenna exhibits three modes of operation
with resonances at 2.07, 4.63, and 6.22 GHz. The three modes were defined by different
values of the forward biasing voltage applied to the diode, in the range of just zero to
900 mV. The return loss is well below 40 dB for the primary resonance in every mode,
and the VSWR is minimal, 1.01–1.02. The experimental results of the radiation patterns
suggest that the gain is maximum at the bottom side of the antenna and equal to 5.48 dBi
when operating in the 2 GHz band, 3.97 dBi on the bottom side when operating in the
4 GHz band, and 12.79 dBi in front of the antenna when operating in the 6 GHz band. If
the antenna works for transmission or reception solely in the forward direction, it should
be rotated toward the front by an elevation angle between 12◦ and 25◦ for maximum gain.
In this case, depending on the rotation angle, the maximum gain which can be attained in
the 2, 4, and 6 GHz band resonances is 3.81, 0.36, and 12.79 dBi, respectively. Finally, the
fabricated antenna demonstrated better functionality in the 4 GHz band than suggested
by the simulation, while the measured gain was much higher in all cases. Overall, the
deviation between the simulation and the experimental results was negligible.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, A.S. and V.C.; methodology, A.S., V.C. and S.K.C.; in-
vestigation, A.S., V.O. and G.B.; validation, V.O., G.M., G.T. and V.T.; data curation, A.S. and G.T.;
writing—original draft, A.S. and V.C.; writing—review and editing, A.S., V.C., V.T. and S.K.C.; super-
vision, V.C., G.T. and S.K.C.; project administration, V.C. and S.K.C. All authors have read and agreed
to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the
corresponding authors, upon reasonable request.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References
1. Mohanta, H.C.; Kouzani, A.Z.; Mandal, S.K. Reconfigurable Antennas and Their Applications. Univers. J. Electr. Electron. Eng.
2019, 6, 239–258. [CrossRef]
2. Christodoulou, C.G.; Tawk, Y.; Lane, S.A.; Erwin, S.R. Reconfigurable Antennas for Wireless and Space Applications. Proc. IEEE
2012, 100, 2250–2261. [CrossRef]
3. Parchin, N.O.; Basherlou, H.J.; Al-Yasir, Y.I.A.; Abdulkhaleq, A.M.; Abd-Alhameed, R.A. Reconfigurable antennas: Switching
techniques—A survey. Electronics 2020, 9, 336. [CrossRef]
4. Costantine, J.; Tawk, Y.; Barbin, S.E.; Christodoulou, C.G. Reconfigurable Antennas: Design and Applications. Proc. IEEE 2015,
103, 424–437. [CrossRef]
5. Ojaroudi Parchin, N.; Jahanbakhsh Basherlou, H.; Al-Yasir, Y.; Abd-Alhameed, R.; Abdulkhaleq, A.; Noras, J. Recent Developments
of Reconfigurable Antennas for Current and Future Wireless Communication Systems. Electronics 2019, 8, 128. [CrossRef]
6. Kumar, D.; Siddiqui, A.S.; Singh, H.P.; Tripathy, M.R.; Sharma, A. A Review: Techniques and Methodologies Adopted for
Reconfigurable Antennas. In Proceedings of the 2018 International Conference on Sustainable Energy, Electronics, and Computing
Systems (SEEMS), Greater Noida, India, 26–27 October 2018; pp. 1–6.
7. Tawk, Y.; Costantine, J.; Ayoub, F.; Christodoulou, C.; Doyle, D.; Lane, S.A. Physically Reconfigurable Antennas: Concepts and
Automation. In Proceedings of the 2017 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation & USNC/URSI National
Radio Science Meeting, San Diego, CA, USA, 9–14 July 2017; pp. 419–420.
8. Sharma, A.; Rathi, A.; Al-Khafaji, H.M.R.; Siddiqui, M.G.; Yadav, A.K.S. Hybrid Mode Reconfigurable Antenna with V-Shaped
Extrudes for Cognitive Radio Applications. Electronics 2023, 12, 1680. [CrossRef]
Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 15 of 16

9. Mohamed, H.A.E.; Elkorany, A.S.; Saad, S.A.; Saleeb, D.A. New Simple Flower Shaped Reconfigurable Band-Notched Uwb
Antenna Using Single Varactor Diode. Prog. Electromagn. Res. C 2017, 76, 197–206. [CrossRef]
10. Ullah, S.; Elfergani, I.; Ahmad, I.; Din, I.U.; Ullah, S.; Rehman Khan, W.U.; Ahmad, T.; Habib, U.; Zebiri, C.; Rodriguez, J.
A Compact Frequency and Radiation Reconfigurable Antenna for 5G and Multistandard Sub-6 GHz Wireless Applications.
Wirel. Commun. Mob. Comput. 2022, 2022, 4658082. [CrossRef]
11. Jenath Sathikbasha, M.; Nagarajan, V. Design of Multiband Frequency Reconfigurable Antenna with Defected Ground Structure
for Wireless Applications. Wirel. Pers. Commun. 2020, 113, 867–892. [CrossRef]
12. George, R.; Kumar, S.; Gangal, S.A.; Joshi, M. Frequency Reconfigurable Pixel Antenna with Pin Diodes. Prog. Electromagn. Res. Lett.
2019, 86, 59–65. [CrossRef]
13. Hassan, M.M.; Zahid, Z.; Khan, A.A.; Rashid, I.; Rauf, A.; Maqsood, M.; Bhatti, F.A. Two Element MIMO Antenna with Frequency
Reconfigurable Characteristics Utilizing RF MEMS for 5G Applications. J. Electromagn. Waves Appl. 2020, 34, 1210–1224. [CrossRef]
14. Palsokar, A.A.; Lahudkar, S.L. Frequency and Pattern Reconfigurable Rectangular Patch Antenna Using Single PIN Diode.
AEU Int. J. Electron. Commun. 2020, 125, 153370. [CrossRef]
15. Tu, D.T.T.; Cao, S.; Duong, H. An Open Double Ring Antenna with Multiple Reconfigurable Feature for 5G/IoT below 6 GHz
Applications. Bull. Electr. Eng. Inform. 2022, 11, 310–318. [CrossRef]
16. Singh, A.; Dubey, R.; Jatav, R.; Meshram, M.K. Electronically Reconfigurable Microstrip Antenna with Steerable Beams.
AEU Int. J. Electron. Commun. 2022, 149, 154179. [CrossRef]
17. Muthuvel, S.K.; Choukiker, Y.K. Wideband Frequency Agile and Polarization Reconfigurable Antenna for Wireless Applications.
IETE J. Res. 2023, 69, 1529–1538. [CrossRef]
18. Al-Yasir, Y.; Abdullah, A.; Ojaroudi Parchin, N.; Abd-Alhameed, R.; Noras, J. A New Polarization-Reconfigurable Antenna for 5G
Applications. Electronics 2018, 7, 293. [CrossRef]
19. Valdes, J.L.; Huitema, L.; Arnaud, E.; Passerieux, D.; Crunteanu, A. A Polarization Reconfigurable Patch Antenna in
the Millimeter-Waves Domain Using Optical Control of Phase Change Materials. IEEE Open J. Antennas Propag. 2020,
1, 224–232. [CrossRef]
20. Xiong, H.; Ma, X.; Liu, H.; Xiao, D.; Zhang, H. Research on Electromagnetic Energy Absorption and Conversion Device with
Four-Ring Multi-Resistance Structure. Appl. Phys. Lett. 2023, 123, 153902. [CrossRef]
21. Mansoul, A.; Ghanem, F.; Hamid, M.R.; Trabelsi, M. A Selective Frequency-Reconfigurable Antenna for Cognitive Radio
Applications. IEEE Antennas Wirel. Propag. Lett. 2014, 13, 515–518. [CrossRef]
22. Selvam, Y.P.; Kanagasabai, M.; Alsath, M.G.N.; Velan, S.; Kingsly, S.; Subbaraj, S.; Ramana Rao, Y.V.; Srinivasan, R.; Varadhan,
A.K.; Karuppiah, M. A Low-Profile Frequency- and Pattern-Reconfigurable Antenna. Antennas Wirel. Propag. Lett. 2017,
16, 3047–3050. [CrossRef]
23. Ullah, S.; Ahmad, S.; Khan, B.A.; Flint, J.A. A Multi-Band Switchable Antenna for Wi-Fi, 3G Advanced, WiMAX, and WLAN
Wireless Applications. Int. J. Microw. Wirel. Technol. 2018, 10, 991–997. [CrossRef]
24. Dildar, H.; Althobiani, F.; Ahmad, I.; Khan, W.U.R.; Ullah, S.; Mufti, N.; Ullah, S.; Muhammad, F.; Irfan, M.; Glowacz, A. Design
and Experimental Analysis of Multiband Frequency Reconfigurable Antenna for 5G and Sub-6 GHz Wireless Communication.
Micromachines 2020, 12, 32. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
25. Ullah, S.; Ahmad, I.; Raheem, Y.; Ullah, S.; Ahmad, T.; Habib, U. Hexagonal Shaped CPW Feed Based Frequency Reconfigurable
Antenna for WLAN and Sub-6 GHz 5G Applications. In Proceedings of the 2020 International Conference on Emerging Trends in
Smart Technologies (ICETST), Karachi, Pakistan, 26–27 March 2020; pp. 1–4.
26. Boukarkar, A.; Rachdi, S.; Mohamed Amine, M.; Sami, B.; Benziane Khalil, A. A Compact Four States Radiation-Pattern
Reconfigurable Monopole Antenna for Sub-6 GHz IoT Applications. AEU Int. J. Electron. Commun. 2023, 158, 154467. [CrossRef]
27. Department of Telecommunication Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan; Ali Shah, I.;
Hayat, S.; Khan, I.; Alam, I.; Ullah, S.; Afridi, A. A Compact, Tri-Band and 9-Shape Reconfigurable Antenna for WiFi, WiMAX
and WLAN Applications. Int. J. Wirel. Microw. Technol. 2016, 6, 45–53. [CrossRef]
28. Shah, S.A.A.; Khan, M.F.; Ullah, S.; Basir, A.; Ali, U.; Naeem, U. Design and Measurement of Planar Monopole Antennas for
Multi-Band Wireless Applications. IETE J. Res. 2017, 63, 194–204. [CrossRef]
29. Sakkas, A.; Christofilakis, V.; Tatsis, G.; Baldoumas, G.; Evangelou, E.K.; Nistazakis, H.E. A Portable RF Signal Attenuation
Testbed. In Proceedings of the 2023 12th International Conference on Modern Circuits and Systems Technologies (MOCAST),
Athens, Greece, 28–30 June 2023; pp. 1–4.
30. Christofilakis, V.; Tatsis, G.; Chronopoulos, S.K.; Sakkas, A.; Skrivanos, A.G.; Peppas, K.P.; Nistazakis, H.E.; Baldoumas, G.;
Kostarakis, P. Earth-to-Earth Microwave Rain Attenuation Measurements: A Survey on the Recent Literature. Symmetry 2020,
12, 1440. [CrossRef]
31. Singh, P.P.; Sharma, S.K.; Kalia, P.; Goswami, P.K. A Frequency Reconfigurable Circular Microstrip Patch Antenna Using PIN
Diode. In Proceedings of the 2019 8th International Conference System Modeling and Advancement in Research Trends (SMART),
Moradabad, India, 22–23 November 2019; pp. 352–356.
32. Gençoğlan, D.N.; Çolak, Ş.; Palandöken, M. Spiral-Resonator-Based Frequency Reconfigurable Antenna Design for Sub-6 GHz
Applications. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 8719. [CrossRef]
33. Ghaffar, A.; Altaf, A.; Aneja, A.; Li, X.J.; Khan, S.; Alibakhshikenari, M.; Flalcone, F.; Limiti, E. A Frequency Reconfigurable
Compact Planar Inverted-F Antenna for Portable Devices. Int. J. Antennas Propag. 2022, 2022, e7239608. [CrossRef]
Sensors 2023, 23, 8912 16 of 16

34. Iqbal, A.; Smida, A.; Mallat, N.K.; Ghayoula, R.; Elfergani, I.; Rodriguez, J.; Kim, S. Frequency and Pattern Reconfigurable
Antenna for Emerging Wireless Communication Systems. Electronics 2019, 8, 407. [CrossRef]
35. Singh, G.; Kanaujia, B.K.; Pandey, V.K.; Gangwar, D.; Kumar, S. Pattern and Frequency Reconfigurable Antenna with Diode
Loaded ELC Resonator. Int. J. Microw. Wirel. Technol. 2020, 12, 163–175. [CrossRef]
36. Madhav, B.T.P.; Prudhvi Nadh, B.; Anilkumar, T.; Pardhasaradhi, P.; Rao, M.C.; Lakshman, P. Frequency Reconfigurable Split
Ring Antenna for LTE And WiMAX Applications. Int. J. Electron. Telecommun. 2020, 66, 255–260. [CrossRef]
37. Ahmad, I.; Khan, W.U.R.; Dildar, H.; Ullah, S.; Ullah, S.; Mufti, N.; Kamal, B.; Ahmad, T.; Ghaffar, A.; Hussien, M.I. A
Pentaband Compound Reconfigurable Antenna for 5G and Multi-Standard Sub-6GHz Wireless Applications. Electronics 2021,
10, 2526. [CrossRef]
38. Ahmad, I.; Dildar, H.; Khan, W.U.R.; Ullah, S.; Ullah, S.; Albreem, M.A.; Alsharif, M.H.; Uthansakul, P. Frequency Reconfigurable
Antenna for Multi Standard Wireless and Mobile Communication Systems. Comput. Mater. Contin. 2021, 68, 2563–2578. [CrossRef]
39. Kumar, S.; Khandekar, R.; Tupe-Waghmare, P. Frequency Reconfigurable Patch Antenna for L Band Applications.
Int. J. Eng. Adv. Technol. 2019, 9, 4775–4784. [CrossRef]
40. Yahya, M.S.; Soeung, S.; Singh, N.S.S.; Yunusa, Z.; Chinda, F.E.; Rahim, S.K.A.; Musa, U.; Nor, N.B.M.; Sovuthy, C.; Abro, G.E.M.
Triple-Band Reconfigurable Monopole Antenna for Long-Range IoT Applications. Sensors 2023, 23, 5359. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
41. Yang, X.; Sheng, L.; Lin, J.; Chen, G. Frequency Reconfigurable Hybrid Slot Antenna Using PIN Diodes. Frequenz 2015,
69, 457–461. [CrossRef]

Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual
author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to
people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.