Multiport Reconfigurable Antenna System

Abstract

The objective of this research project was to design, fabricate and test a multiport reconfigurable antenna for use in a beamforming system. This antenna is designed to be fed by a Butler matrix control circuit which will allow for phase shifting and switching of the antenna. The Butler matrix is a beamforming network that will be able to transmit and receive signals through the 2-patch 2-port antenna. The goal of this system is to be able to change the multiport antenna radiation pattern according to the radiofrequency (RF) environment. This allows for optimized signal strength and directivity.

The functionality of reconfigurable antennas can be useful in automated systems. Control of the antenna can be done by adjusting the excitations of a Butler matrix, which in turn adjusts the phase shifts at each of the input ports of the antenna and the directivity of the antenna.

The project sets out to create and prove the benefits of a dual patch, dual port antenna system. The output will optimize the strength of an antenna. This is tested by applying phase shifts to the input ports to the antenna. The phasing corresponded to that of a Butler matrix circuit. The antenna showed increased directionality in simulation and in testing.