Frequency reconfigurable patch antenna array

A frequency reconfigurable antenna array is introduced. The array consists of planar radiating elements that may be interconnected through computer-controlled switches to form larger elements radiating at frequencies lower than the resonant frequency of the individual elements. Simulations using a 2 x 2 array of patch antennas connected using either hard shorts or RF shorts are used to establish the viability of the concept. The simulated arrays were fabricated, the measured properties of the arrays being in good agreement with predicted results. Both of the shorting methods resulted in reduction of the resonance frequency to half that of an individual element, while the radiation pattern of the individual element was maintained.