A compact pattern reconfigurable antenna employing shorted quarterwave patch antennas

In this study, a compact pattern reconfigurable antenna structure is proposed. The proposed antenna is a half-wave square microstrip patch antenna divided into two quarter-wave antenna portions by a conducting wall. This wall forces potential zero at the connection point; therefore, it separates the antenna into two independent quarter -wave portions. Pattern reconfiguration is achieved by separate feeding of the quarter-wave portions. Phase difference between excitations of antenna ports result in variation at the maximum beam direction. Hence, pattern reconfiguration is achieved. Within such a compact antenna, beam steering up to 400 is achieved.