Polarization-Diversity Cross-Shaped Patch Antenna for Satellite-DMB Systems

Abstract

A small reconfigurable patch antenna is proposed to achieve polarization diversity for digital multimedia broadcasting systems at 2.6 GHz. To obtain polarization diversity, a pair of on-slit PIN diodes is inserted in each diagonal of a cross-shaped patch. Thus, four PEN-diodes on these slits are utilized to change the connection of the slits and thus achieve polarization. Bias circuits for the diodes are allocated in the cutting corner of the cross-shaped patch to minimize the antenna size. The antenna produces left-hand circular polarization, right-hand circular polarization, or linear polarization, depending on the PIN-diode status. Analysis of circular polarization operation is explicated. Measurements show a gain of about 1.5 dB, a cross polarization of about 20 dB, and an axial ratio of about 2.5 dB.