Microelectromechanical switch (MEMS) antenna array

Abstract

A microelectromechanical switch (MEMS) beam-steering antenna array is provided. The antenna comprises an active element including a selectively connectable MEMS, and a lattice of beam-forming parasitic elements, each including a selectively connectable MEMS, proximate to the active element. In some aspects, the active element is a dipole radiator having an effective quarter-wavelength odd multiple length at a first plurality of frequencies in response to connecting radiator MEMS. Likewise, the dipole counterpoise has an effective quarter-wavelength odd multiple length at the first plurality of frequencies in response to connecting counterpoise MEMS. Further, each parasitic element has an effective half-wavelength odd multiple length at the first plurality of frequencies in response to connecting their corresponding MEMS. In other aspects, the active element is a monopole and includes a radiator with a radiator MEMS, a counterpoise groundplane, and parasitic elements with MEMSs.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.