Abstract
Frequency reconfigurable antennas are attractive as they can cover multiple bands as well as different wireless standards in different countries. Typically, these antennas utilize complex subtractive fabrication processes which result in higher costs. For switching to different bands, generally semiconductor based devices such as PIN diode switches or MEMS switches, etc. are used, which add to the cost and pose integration and reliability issues. The ideal approach would be to use low-cost additive manufacturing techniques, such as inkjet printing. This work presents, a novel fully inkjet printed frequency reconfigurable PIFA antenna, where the switch (based on vanadium dioxide (VO2)) has also been printed. The switch operates through thermal activation and reconfigures the frequency band. In one mode of the switch, the antenna operates at 2.4 GHz band for WiFi, Bluetooth or Zigbee applications, and in the other mode, it operates at 3.5 GHz band for 5G communications. The antenna achieved 1.58 dBi gain at 3.5GHz.