Design of a multifunctional SRR-loaded printed monopole antenna

In this article, we present the design and the operation principles of a printed monopole antenna loaded with two identical split-ring resonators (SRRs). The idea is to use the SRRs not only to miniaturize the antenna dimensions but also to introduce multiple resonances, which can be properly selected by using electronic switches placed across the four gaps of the two SRRs. The physics behind the operation of the proposed antenna as well as the design procedure are presented in details and the expected multifrequency operation is demonstrated and supported by proper full-wave numerical simulations. By properly combining the ON/OFF status of the four switches, in fact, it is possible to either change the operation frequency and/or the shape of the radiation pattern of the printed monopole or even add new operation frequencies. The proposed SRR-loaded printed antenna, thus, may find applications in mobile communications requiring pattern diversity and multiple operation frequencies. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 22:552557, 2012.