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MEMS TECHNOLOGIES FOR ANTENNA
APPLICATIONS
L. DUSSOPT
Abstract. Recent developments in
Micro-ElectroMechanical System (MEMS) have shown a wide range of
technological approaches to enhance reconfigurable antenna systems.
Although this field started only a few years ago, the number of
publications is increasing steadily and it can be attempted to sort out
these developments among several categories. This paper presents a review
of these new solutions enabled by MEMS technologies. It covers the use of
MEMS switches for diversity techniques and reconfigurable radiating
elements, as well as new capabilities provided by MEMS technologies like
mechanically-steerable antennas. Through several examples of structures
published in the open literature, it is shown that significant benefits
can be expected for reconfigurable antennas in the near future. However,
aside conservative antenna configurations, the most innovative structures
are facing major challenges before practical applications can be
envisionned.
Index Terms. MEMS, antennas, switches, reconfigurable antennas,
beam-steering. |