Orthogonal linear polarization switchable slot-ring array antenna using RF-MEMS switch

An orthogonal linear polarization switchable slot-ring array antenna using an RF-MEMS switch is newly proposed and its characteristics are experimentally investigated. The proposed array antenna consists of a dual-polarized slot-ring array antenna and an RF-MEMS switch (OMRON, 2SMES-01) which has high isolation and low insertion loss characteristics. This array antenna can accurately switch ±45-deg. orthogonal linear polarizations due to the characteristics of the RF-MEMS switch. Two layers of Teflon glass fiber substrate with the relative dielectric constant s
_r
of 2.15 and the thickness of 0.8×2 mm is used. In the measurement, ±45-deg. linear polarization switching and excellent cross-polarization suppression are obtained. Thus, the RF-MEMS switch is suitable for polarization switchable array antennas. The array antenna using an RF-MEMS switch is very promising in a wide variety of wireless application areas, such as radar systems and various kinds of RF sensors.