Reconfigurable Antenna Booster System for Multiband Operation in IoT Devices With an SP4T Switch

Abstract

The increase in the IoT (Internet of Things), such as trackers and sensors, puts pressure on device dimensions and performance. This is translated to the antenna system since it has to be both efficient and provide operation across different frequency bands. However, these antennas must also be small enough to fit into the limited space available in wireless devices. To address this challenge, a reconfigurable architecture with a single SP4T (Single-Pole 4-Throw) operating at 698 MHz -960 MHz and 1710 MHz -2170 MHz is proposed, designed, and built embedding a 30 mm x 3 mm x 1 mm (0.07) non-resonant element called an antenna booster element. This approach does not require antennas with complex geometric shapes to achieve multiband behavior. Instead, they rely on a multiband matching network to achieve efficient operation across multiple frequency bands. This design approach is easier, faster, and simpler than creating a new antenna for every device. Additionally, the reconfigurable matching network allows an easy configuration and optimization of frequency bands. The analysis shows the advantages of the reconfigurable solution compared to a non-reconfigurable one for a 75 mm x 60 mm printed circuit board (PCB).INDEX TERMS Small, multiband, and reconfigurable antennas, matching networks, and antenna boosters.

Antenna Booster Element for Multiband Operation

“…Even when doubling the bandwidth, the smaller 50 × 50 mm 2 PCB remains insufficient to cover the entire frequency range of 698-960 MHz and 1710-2690 MHz. Consequently, a reconfigurable solution is recommended in such cases [40].…”