Tunable Radio Frequency Antenna Based on Phase Change Materials

Abstract

In conventional communication systems, dedicated tunable circuit elements are used to realize different functions and achieve performance metrics. For example, tuning the center frequency or the input impedance of an antenna in a radio frequency (RF) system is performed by complex impedance-matching circuits. In this paper, the antenna utilizes the temperature-induced irreversible mechanical deformation of a shape memory alloy (SMA) as a natural way to tune the antenna’s shape and configuration, thereby providing inherent tunability without bulky circuit elements. This paradigm of material programming for impedance tuning of an SMA-based antenna is validated by both numerical simulation and measurements.