A novel 3D hemispherical reconfigurable antenna with a switchable radiation pattern using Butler matrix.

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• Antenna Theory

Background:

• 5G networks require advanced antenna systems for efficient wireless communication.
• Reconfigurable antennas are crucial for adapting to dynamic signal environments.
• Existing solutions may lack the desired compactness or beam-steering flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a compact, three-dimensional hemispherical reconfigurable antenna system.
• To achieve electronically switchable beams for 5G applications around 3.6 GHz.
• To demonstrate wide angular coverage and consistent directivity.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a four-element Vivaldi antenna array with a passive Butler matrix.
• Implementation of a PIN diode switching network for beam steering without active phase control.
• Utilizing experimental measurements and full-wave simulations for validation.

Main Results:

• The antenna system provides electronically switchable beams in upward, rightward, and backward directions.
• Consistent directivity and wide angular coverage were experimentally confirmed.
• Achieved approximately 180° elevation coverage and 360° azimuthal coverage.

Conclusions:

• The proposed hemispherical reconfigurable antenna system is suitable for 5G networks.
• The PIN diode switching network offers a simple and effective beam-steering solution.
• The system's performance validates its potential for dynamic wireless communication environments.