Power-Handling Capabilities Optimization of MEMS-Reconfigurable Antennas

The paper discusses a rigorous simulation of reconfigurable integrated antennas operated by MEMS switches, based on a combined nonlinear/electromagnetic (EM)/structural approach. The patch antenna is characterized as a linear multiport network by EM analysis. The MEMS are described as nonlinear components by means of their structural-based electromechanical equations. The accuracy of the nonlinear model is validated by comparison with measures. A rigorous analysis of the entire nonlinear (sub)system behavior is then performed by the harmonic balance (HB) technique combined with a numerical implementation of bifurcation theory. This allows an in-depth investigation of the complex stability pattern of the reconfigurable patch antenna including power-handling capabilities depending on MEMS switches position.