Mechanically Reconfigurable Antennas using Electro-active Polymers (EAPs)

A class of electro-mechanically reconfigurable antennas are reviewed that use Electro-active polymer (EAP) actuators to move parts of the antenna including parasitic elements, thereby altering its parameters such as the radiation pattern. Compared to conventional methods such as switches and mechanical actuators, EAPs offer low cost, and high force-to-volume-ratios and are easy to manufacture. Advantages and limitations of different kinds of EAPs, i.e., ionic EAPs and dielectric EAPs, for reconfigurable antennas are discussed. Some possible actuator configurations including bending, hinge, and hemisphere forms are reported.