Electronically Switchable Frequency and Pattern Reconfigurable Segmented Patch Antenna for Internet of Vehicles

This work presents a novel, low-cost frequency and pattern reconfigurable antenna for Internet of Vehicles (IoV) applications. The proposed design addresses the issue of using multiple antennas for different frequency bands to enable vehicles to communicate over several channels. Also, it relieves the need for a sophisticated beamforming network. The proposed radiating system comprises a simple segmented patch antenna (SPA) integrated with a few electronic switches to achieve frequency and pattern reconfiguration. The SPA consists of a radiating patch with two incorporated slots and two slits. Three p-i-n diodes are integrated into both slots to vary the shape of the patch to enable frequency reconfiguration at 4.1, 4.7, 5.0, and 5.7 GHz. Adopting the Yagi-Uda principle, two parasitic elements, functioning as either a reflector or a director, are positioned on both sides of the patch, facilitating the pattern reconfiguration. This novel SPA can scan its beam in 12 directions (0, +/- 38 degrees, +/- 50 degrees, +/- 63 degrees, +/- 90 degrees, +/- 143 degrees, and 180 degrees) with a measured peak gain and efficiency of 4.2 dB and 92%, respectively. The proposed antenna is experimentally tested to validate the concept. Employing only five p-i-n diodes, this inexpensive antenna can radiate 12 distinguishable switchable beams, including broadside and end-fire radiation over four frequencies with acceptable gain, matching bandwidth, and efficiency. This makes the proposed antenna an excellent candidate for IoV applications.