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A New Polarization-Reconfigurable Antenna for 5G Applications

Article  in  Electronics · November 2018

DOI: 10.3390/electronics7110293

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 electronics
Article
A New Polarization-Reconfigurable Antenna for
5G Applications
Yasir I. A. Al-Yasir 1,2, * , Abdulkareem S. Abdullah 2 , Naser Ojaroudi Parchin 1 ,
Raed A. Abd-Alhameed 1 and James M. Noras 1
1 Faculty of Engineering and Informatics, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science,
University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK; N.OjaroudiParchin@bradford.ac.uk (N.O.P.);
R.A.A.Abd@bradford.ac.uk (R.A.A.-A.); J.M.Noras@bradford.ac.uk (J.M.N.)
2 Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Basrah, 61001 Basrah, Iraq;
kareem134@yahoo.com
* Correspondence: y.i.a.al-yasir@bradford.ac.uk; Tel.: +44-127-423-4033




Received: 21 October 2018; Accepted: 31 October 2018; Published: 2 November 2018


Abstract: This paper presented a new circular polarization reconfigurable antenna for 5G wireless
communications. The antenna, containing a semicircular slot, was compact in size and had a good
axial ratio and frequency response. Two PIN diode switches controlled the reconfiguration for both
the right-hand and left-hand circular polarization. Reconfigurable orthogonal polarizations were
achieved by changing the states of the two PIN diode switches, and the reflection coefficient |S11|
was maintained, which is a strong benefit of this design. The proposed polarization-reconfigurable
antenna was modeled using the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) software. It had a 3.4 GHz
resonance frequency in both states of reconfiguration, with a good axial ratio below 1.8 dB, and good
gain of 4.8 dBic for both modes of operation. The proposed microstrip antenna was fabricated on an
FR-4 substrate with a loss tangent of 0.02, and relative dielectric constant of 4.3. The radiating layer
had a maximum size of 18.3 × 18.3 mm2 , with 50 Ω coaxial probe feeding.

Keywords: 5G applications; circular polarization; microstrip antennas; reconfigurable antennas;

PIN diode

1. Introduction
Many recent books and articles have discussed the use of reconfigurable antennas for “green”
flexible RF in 5G applications [1–3]. Interest in this topic is stimulated by industry’s high demand
for antennas with additional performance and flexible properties, with the same or smaller physical
sizes as previous designs [4–8]. The 3.4 to 3.8 GHz frequency band has been identified as a worthy
candidate for 5G communications because of spectrum availability [9].
Polarization reconfigurable antennas can help to provide protection from interfering signals in
variable environments, offering a further degree of freedom to increase link quality in the form
of altered antenna characteristics. In addition, they may be used in active tracking, labeling,
read and write applications, and to enhance channel capacity [10]. Several antennas have been
developed to deliver reconfigurable polarization using switches. Su et al. proposed and fabricated
polarization-reconfigurable circularly polarizing antennas for GPS systems using four photoconductive
diodes [11]. Polarization, determined by the state of each diode, can be switched from linear to
circular, through either left-hand or right-hand circular polarization (LHCP and RHCP, respectively).
Khidre et al. [12] designed a multi-band polarization-reconfigurable antenna with an aperture feed
for WLAN wireless communications. By using four shorting posts, the designed antenna can be
operated in both 2.39 GHz and 5.7 GHz bands. The fractional bandwidths for the bands were 3.5%

Electronics 2018, 7, 293; doi:10.3390/electronics7110293 www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics

Electronics 2018, 7, 293 2 of 9
Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 9

linear
and polarization,
4.2%, controlled
respectively, and eachby PINradiates
band diode switches.
horizontal, A vertical,
constantandradiation pattern is achieved
linear polarization, for
controlled
different
by states
PIN diode of polarization
switches. withradiation
A constant cross-polarization
pattern is no more than
achieved −12.8 dBstates
for different and −8.9 dB for both
of polarization
spectrums.
with Boonying et
cross-polarization noal.
more than −12.8
proposed another
dB and −8.9 dB for both spectrums.
polarization-reconfigurable antenna for WLAN
Boonying et al.
applications
proposed at 2.451
another to 2.484 GHz, controlled by
polarization-reconfigurable six PIN
antenna fordiode
WLAN switches [13]. Other
applications researchers
at 2.451 have
to 2.484 GHz,
presentedby
controlled designs
six PINfor 5G applications,
diode switches [13].for example
Other in Reference
researchers [14], where
have presented an antenna
designs is designed
for 5G applications,
with
for circular
example polarization-reconfigurability
in Reference [14], where an antenna between
is designedLHCP and RHCP,
with circular applicable in mobile
polarization-reconfigurability
systems.LHCP and RHCP, applicable in mobile systems.
between
In this
In this study,
study, the
the diversity
diversity of
of aa reconfigurable
reconfigurable circularly
circularly polarized
polarized patchpatch antenna
antenna with
with aa
semicircular slot
semicircular slot was
was investigated,
investigated, using
using two
two PIN
PIN diode
diode switches
switches to to switch
switch between
between orthogonal
orthogonal
RHCP and
RHCP and LHCP.
LHCP.The Thereflection
reflectioncoefficient
coefficient|S11|
|S11| was
was maintained,
maintained, which
which waswas anan advantage
advantage of of this
this
design. Hybrid
design. Hybridco-simulation
co-simulationusing
using
CSTCST Microwave
Microwave Studio
Studio (CST(CST
MWS) MWS) and Design
and CST CST Design
StudioStudio
(CST
(CST
DS) DS)used
were weretoused to evaluate
evaluate the antenna,
the antenna, including
including the SPICE themodel
SPICEformodel for diodes
the PIN the PINanddiodes and the
the effect of
effect
the of thecircuit.
biasing biasing circuit.

2.
2. Polarization-Reconfigurable
Polarization-ReconfigurableAntenna
AntennaDesign
Design
Figure
Figure11shows
showsthetheproposed
proposedstructure
structure andand design parameters
design parameters of the reconfigurable
of the reconfigurableantenna. An
antenna.
FR-4 substrate
An FR-4 was used
substrate with with
was used h = 3.2 h mm, r = 4.3,
= 3.2 εmm, εr and
= 4.3,loss
and tangent 0.02. Then,
loss tangent 0.02.3.6 GHz3.6
Then, was
GHzchosen
was
as the resonance
chosen frequency
as the resonance becausebecause
frequency this frequency is suitable
this frequency for 5G. Taking
is suitable for 5G. the center
Taking theofcenter
the copper
of the
radiator as the origin,
copper radiator as thethe coaxial
origin, thefeed sat atfeed
coaxial (xf , ysat
f ) from
at (xfthis
, yf) point.
from thisThe point.
optimal location
The optimalforlocation
the coaxial
for
cable was found
the coaxial cable using the CST
was found usingparametric
the CST parametric With 50 Ω With
optimizer. optimizer. input50 impedance, at the resonant
Ω input impedance, at the
frequency 3.6 GHz, the
resonant frequency 3.6 optimized feed pointfeed
GHz, the optimized locationpointwas (xf = ywas
location f = 14.3
(xf =mm).
yf = 14.3 mm).
This
This antenna belongs to the family of square microstrip patch antennas,
antenna belongs to the family of square microstrip patch antennas, which
which cancan produce
produce
circularly
circularlypolarized
polarizedradiation
radiationininthe
thez-direction
z-direction viavia splitting,
splitting,by by
thetheright amount,
right amount,the the
frequencies of the
frequencies of
two inherently degenerate modes of a square patch using a single slot and only
the two inherently degenerate modes of a square patch using a single slot and only two PIN diode two PIN diode switches.
This method
switches. of achieving
This method of circular polarization
achieving circularautomatically
polarization makes the axial ratio
automatically makes bandwidth
the axialofratio
the
same order, of
bandwidth as the same
returnorder,
loss bandwidth.
as the return loss bandwidth.

(a) (b)

Figure 1. Proposed
Figure 1. Proposed polarization-reconfigurable
polarization-reconfigurable patch
patch antenna:
antenna: (a)
(a) Top
Topview;
view;(b)
(b)Side
Sideview.
view.

The two PIN diodes switches were initially modeled via a lumped element network, with 0.9 Ω
The two PIN diodes switches were initially modeled via a lumped element network, with 0.9 Ω
as the resistance value of a switch in the ‘ON’ configuration, and 0.3 pF as its capacitance value in the
as the resistance value of a switch in the ‘ON’ configuration, and 0.3 pF as its capacitance value in the
‘OFF’ configuration. The CST time domain solver was used with a mesh density control parameter
‘OFF’ configuration. The CST time domain solver was used with a mesh density control parameter
of 10 lines per wavelength. The optimized dimensions ensure good matching at resonance, and the
of 10 lines per wavelength. The optimized dimensions ensure good matching at resonance, and the
antenna geometry and dimensions are given in Figure 1 and Table 1, respectively. A via to ground
antenna geometry and dimensions are given in Figure 1 and Table 1, respectively. A via to ground
with optimum location (x = −20 mm, y = −20 mm) was used to integrate the biasing circuit with the
with optimum location (x = −20 mm, y = −20 mm) was used to integrate the biasing circuit with the
PIN diodes. The RLC equivalent model of the switch is very important in the design and simulation
of the reconfigurable antenna. Therefore, to achieve a good agreement between the measured and
Electronics 2018, 7, 293 3 of 9

PIN diodes. The RLC equivalent model of the switch is very important in the design and simulation
Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 9
of the reconfigurable antenna. Therefore, to achieve a good agreement between the measured and
simulated results,
simulated results,a new
a newtechnique was used
technique was to model
used to the switches
model the by considering
switches all the specifications
by considering all the
and characteristics of the PIN diodes with the aid of the SPICE model and CST simulation
specifications and characteristics of the PIN diodes with the aid of the SPICE model and CST software.
A hybrid electromagnetic
simulation software. A hybridcircuit co-simulationcircuit
electromagnetic of theco-simulation
diodes is shown in diodes
of the Figure is2.shown
CST MWS was
in Figure
used
2. CSTtoMWS
simulate
wastheusedantenna itself, while
to simulate the SPICE
the antenna equivalent
itself, while thecircuits
SPICE of the switches,
equivalent inductors,
circuits of the
and capacitors were integrated in the schematic environment of CST DS.
switches, inductors, and capacitors were integrated in the schematic environment of CST DS.

Table 1.
Table The optimized
1. The optimized dimensions
dimensions and
and feeding
feeding point
point position
position of
of the
the antenna
antenna (units
(units in
in mm).
mm).
Wsub LsubWsub WLsub L
W LW1 W1 LL11 S S R1 RR2 1 xf = yR
f 2 xf = yf
34 34 34 18.334 18.3
18.3 18.311 11 77 0.4 0.4 6 5.36 14.35.3 14.3

A hybrid
Figure 2. A hybrid EM-circuit
EM-circuit co-simulation of the antenna.

For the
For the prototype
prototype implementation
implementation of of the
the PIN
PIN diodes,
diodes, practical
practical switches
switches (SMP1320
(SMP1320 series)
series)
manufactured by Skyworks Solutions (Woburn, MA, USA), size 1.55 × 0.75 mm 2 , were used as
manufactured by Skyworks Solutions (Woburn, MA, USA), size 1.55 × 0.75 mm , were used as the
2

the switches,
switches, as shown
as shown in Figure
in Figure 3. The
3. The “ON”“ON”
andand “OFF”
“OFF” states
states for PIN
for the the PIN diode
diode equivalent
equivalent circuit
circuit are
are given
given in Figure
in Figure 4. 4.

(a) (b)
 Figure 2. A hybrid EM-circuit co-simulation of the antenna.

For the prototype implementation of the PIN diodes, practical switches (SMP1320 series)
manufactured by Skyworks Solutions (Woburn, MA, USA), size 1.55 × 0.75 mm2, were used as the
switches,2018,
Electronics as shown
7, 293 in Figure 3. The “ON” and “OFF” states for the PIN diode equivalent circuit4 are
of 9
given in Figure 4.

Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 9

Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 9

Figure 3. A photo of the fabricated (a)antenna on a single FR-4 substrate.
(b) The red wire for (1 V) and
black wire for (0 V) are used to control the diode states: (a) Top view; (b) Bottom view.
Figure 3. A photo of the fabricated antenna on a single FR-4 substrate. The red wire for (1 V) and
Figure 3. A photo of the fabricated antenna on a single FR-4 substrate. The red wire for (1 V) and black
black wire for (0 V) are used to control the diode states: (a) Top view; (b) Bottom view.
wire for (0 V) are used to control the diode states: (a) Top view; (b) Bottom view.

Figure 4. RLC model of the switches in the ON and OFF configurations.

Figure 4.
Figure RLC model
4. RLC model of
of the
the switches
switches in
in the
the ON
ON and
and OFF
OFF configurations.
configurations.
3. Simulation and Experimental Results
3. Simulation and Experimental Results
3. Simulation and Experimental
In this section, Results
the polarization diversity was studied in terms of polarization, reflection
In this radiation
coefficient, section, the polarization
pattern, diversity
and gain. was studied
The CST in terms
simulation of polarization,
results reflection coefficient,
and the measurements from the
In this section, the polarization diversity was studied in terms of polarization, reflection
radiation
vector pattern,
network and gain.
analyzer The
(HP CST simulation
8510C, Palo Alto,results and the
CA, USA) andmeasurements
the anechoic from the vector
chamber showednetwork
good
coefficient, radiation pattern, and gain. The CST simulation results and the measurements from the
analyzer (HP 8510C, Palo Alto, CA, USA) and the anechoic chamber showed good agreement.
agreement.
vector network analyzer (HP 8510C, Palo Alto, CA, USA) and the anechoic chamber showed good
agreement.
3.1. Reflection
Reflection Coefficient
Coefficient
3.1.
The simulated
simulated
3.1. Reflection
The and measured
Coefficient
and measuredreflection
reflectioncoefficients
coefficientsare
areshown
shownininFigures
Figures55and
and6,6,respectively.
respectively.
From these
From these figures,
figures, itit is
is clear
clear that
that by
by altering
altering the
the state
state of
ofthe
thetwo
twoPIN
PINdiodes,
diodes,the
thereflection
reflectioncoefficient
coefficient
|S11|
The
was
simulated
maintained,
andwhich
measuredis an
reflection
advantage
coefficients
of this
are shown in Figures 5 and 6, respectively.
model.
|S11| was maintained, which is an advantage of this model.
From these figures, it is clear that by altering the state of the two PIN diodes, the reflection coefficient
|S11| was maintained, which is an advantage of this model.

Simulatedreflection
Figure5.5.Simulated
Figure reflectioncoefficients
coefficients for
for the
the proposed
proposed reconfigurable
reconfigurable antenna.

Figure 5. Simulated reflection coefficients for the proposed reconfigurable antenna.

Electronics 2018, 7, 293 5 of 9
Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 9

Figure 6. Measured reflection coefficients

coefficients for
for the
the proposed
proposed reconfigurable
reconfigurableantenna.
antenna.

The
The measured
measuredeffective bandwidths
effective bandwidthswithin
within < −10
S11 S11 < dB,
−10 were 9.11%9.11%
dB, were and 10% for10%
and (D1ON, D2OFF)
for (D1ON,
and
D2OFF) and (D1OFF, D2ON), respectively. Satisfactory agreement was achieved between and
(D1OFF, D2ON), respectively. Satisfactory agreement was achieved between the simulated the
measured
simulated reflection coefficients,
and measured and coefficients,
reflection the slight difference
and thecan be understood
slight as an
difference can beextra loss from
understood asthe
an
PIN diodes and bias components.
extra loss from the PIN diodes and bias components.

3.2. Radiation Patterns, Axial Ratios, and Gain

3.2. Radiation Patterns, Axial Ratios, and Gain
Figure 7 shows the measured and simulated radiation patterns of the proposed structure for both
Figure 7 shows the measured and simulated radiation patterns of the proposed structure for
configurations (RHCP and LHCP) at resonance frequencies. Full wave simulation was carried out using
both configurations (RHCP and LHCP) at resonance frequencies. Full wave simulation was carried
CST software (ver. 2017, CST, Framingham, MA, USA) and the measurement radiation pattern was
out using CST software (ver. 2017, CST, Framingham, MA, USA) and the measurement radiation
observed inside an anechoic chamber. Eφ represents the co-polarization properties and Eθ denotes
pattern was observed inside an anechoic chamber. Eϕ represents the co-polarization properties and
the cross-polarization properties. The E and H planes are represented by the yz and xz coordinates,
Eθ denotes the cross-polarization properties. The E and H planes are represented by the yz and xz
respectively. These results were simulated and measured at the resonance frequency of 3.4 GHz.
coordinates, respectively. These results were simulated and measured at the resonance frequency of
From these results, the axial ratio can be observed and measured as shown in Figure 8.
3.4 GHz.
At resonance,
From these a value
results,for
thethe axial
axial ration
ratio can of
be 2observed
dB or lessandresults
measuredif theasdifference
shown in between
Figure 8.theAt
cross-polarization
resonance, a value component and the
for the axial co-polarization
ration of 2 dB orcomponent is 2ifdBthe
less results or less. From the
difference measured
between the
and simulated results,
cross-polarization circular and
component polarization was observed
the co-polarization in each switching
component is 2 dB orstate, and inthe
less. From themeasured
E and H
planes. The results demonstrate circular polarization at broadside and in the most important
and simulated results, circular polarization was observed in each switching state, and in the E and H directions
for both the
planes. Thexz-plane
results and the yz-plane.
demonstrate circular polarization at broadside and in the most important
directions for both the xz-plane and the yz-plane.
Electronics 2018, 7, 293 6 of 9
Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 9

Figure 7.7. Simulated

Figure Simulated and
and measured
measured radiation
radiation patterns
patterns of
of the
the proposed
proposed polarization-reconfigurable
polarization-reconfigurable
antenna: (a) ON-OFF state, xz plane; (b) ON-OFF
antenna: ON-OFF state, yz plane;
plane; (c) OFF-ON
OFF-ON state, plane; (d)
state, xz plane; (d)
OFF-ON state,
OFF-ON state, yz
yz plane.
plane.

(a) (b)
Figure 8.8. Axial
Figure Axial ratios
ratios for the proposed
for the proposed reconfigurable
reconfigurable antenna:
antenna: (a) Simulation results;
(a) Simulation results; (b)
(b)
Measurement results.
Measurement results.

Figure 99 shows
Figure shows thethe captured
captured view
view of of the
the animated
animated field
field explaining
explaining thethe sense
sense of
of rotation
rotation ofof
circular polarization
circular polarization for
for the
the antenna.
antenna. It
It is
is clear
clear that
that the
the field
field is
is rotating
rotating in
in the
the right-hand
right-hand sense
sense in
in the
the
D1ON-D2OFF state,
D1ON-D2OFF state, and
and rotating
rotatingin
inthe
theleft-hand
left-handsense
senseininthe
theD1OFF-D2ON
D1OFF-D2ONstate. state.
Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 9

Electronics 2018, 7, 293 7 of 9

Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 9

Figure 9. Captured view of the animated field showing the sense of rotation of circular polarization,
for the proposed reconfigurable antenna.

Figure 10 shows the simulated and measured gain, i.e., a maximum of 3.8 dBic for simulated
gain in both switching states for the diodes, and measured gain of 3.1 to 3.5 dBic. The discrepancy
Figure9.9.Captured
Figure Capturedview
viewof
ofthe
theanimated
animatedfield
fieldshowing
showingthe
thesense
senseof
ofrotation
rotationof
ofcircular
circularpolarization,
polarization,
between
for theproposed
the simulated and measured
reconfigurable results was attributable to the tolerances of the FR-4 substrate
antenna.
for the proposed reconfigurable antenna.
and other factors, such as etching precision, soldering, biasing circuits, and copper thickness.
Figure2 10
Table shows the
compares thissimulated
proposedand measured gain, i.e., a maximum
polarization-reconfigurable antenna of with
3.8 dBic forantennas,
other simulatedwith
gain
Figure 10 shows the simulated and measured gain, i.e., a maximum of 3.8 dBic for simulated
in bothconfigurations
similar switching states forperformances.
and the diodes, and measured
The antennagain of 3.1 to
proposed in 3.5
thisdBic.
studyThe
was discrepancy
better thanbetween
others,
gain in both switching states for the diodes, and measured gain of 3.1 to 3.5 dBic. The discrepancy
the simulated
with respect toandthemeasured
antenna results was attributable
size, number to the
of switches tolerancespolarization
controlling of the FR-4 substrate
diversity,and
andother
the
between the simulated and measured results was attributable to the tolerances of the FR-4 substrate
factors, such
number as etching states
of polarization precision, soldering,
compared withbiasing circuits,
the design and copper thickness.
complexity.
and other factors, such as etching precision, soldering, biasing circuits, and copper thickness.
Table 2 compares this proposed polarization-reconfigurable antenna with other antennas, with
similar configurations and performances. The antenna proposed in this study was better than others,
with respect to the antenna size, number of switches controlling polarization diversity, and the
number of polarization states compared with the design complexity.

Figure
Figure 10.
10.Measurement and simulation
Measurement results for
and simulation maximum
results for gain for the gain
maximum proposed
for reconfigurable
the proposed
antenna.
reconfigurable antenna.

Table 2 compares this proposed polarization-reconfigurable antenna with other antennas, with
similar configurations and performances. The antenna proposed in this study was better than others,
Figure 10. Measurement and simulation results for maximum gain for the proposed reconfigurable
antenna.
Electronics 2018, 7, 293 8 of 9

with respect to the antenna size, number of switches controlling polarization diversity, and the number
of polarization states compared with the design complexity.

Table 2. Comparison between the proposed design and others.

No. of Design
Ref. Antenna Size (mm3 ) f0 (GHz) Polarization States
Switches Complexity
[8] 70 × 70 × 1.6 1.5 4 simple LP-RHCP-LHCP
[9] 140 × 80 × 10 2.4 2 simple RHCP-LHCP
[10] 80 × 80 × 3.2 2.4 6 Very complex VP-HP-SP-RHCP-LHCP
[15] 70 × 70 × 10.8 2.4 2 simple RHCP-LHCP
consists of two
[16] 100 × 100 × 3.2 1.5 2 HP-VP-RHCP
layers
[17] 67.5 × 39 × 1.5 2.4 2 simple LP-CP
this work 34 × 34 × 3.2 3.4 2 simple RHCP-LHCP

4. Conclusions
A circular polarization reconfigurable-microstrip antenna, for use in 5G wireless communications,
was designed, modeled, and fabricated. The proposed antenna is reconfigurable for both RHCP and
LHCP, by adjusting the DC biasing of two PIN diodes. The proposed design shows a 9.11% fractional
bandwidth, with maximum realized gain of (3.1 to 4.8) dBic at 3.5 GHz.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Y.I.A.A.-Y. and A.S.A.; methodology, Y.I.A.A.-Y. and A.S.A.; software,
Y.I.A.A.-Y. and A.S.A.; validation, Y.I.A.A.-Y., A.S.A., N.O.P., and R.A.A.-A.; formal analysis, Y.I.A.A.-Y., A.S.A.,
N.O.P., and R.A.A.-A.; investigation, Y.I.A.A.-Y., A.S.A., and R.A.A.-A.; resources, Y.I.A.A.-Y., A.S.A., and
R.A.A.-A.; data curation, Y.I.A.A.-Y., A.S.A., and R.A.A.-A.; writing—original draft preparation, Y.I.A.A.-Y., A.S.A.,
R.A.A.-A., and J.M.N.; writing—review and editing, Y.I.A.A.-Y., A.S.A., R.A.A.-A., and J.M.N.; visualization,
Y.I.A.A.-Y., A.S.A., R.A.A.-A., and J.M.N.
Funding: This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation
programme under grant agreement H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 SECRET-722424.
Acknowledgments: Authors wish to express their thanks to the support provided by the innovation programme
under grant agreement H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 SECRET-722424 and the Iraqi ministry of higher Education and
scientific research.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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