Abstract
In this paper, a new application of an electro-active-polymer for a radio frequency (RF) switch is presented. We used an ionic polymer metallic composite (IPMC) switch to change the operating frequency of an inverted-F antenna. This switch is light in weight, small in volume, and low in cost. In addition, the IPMC is suitable for mobile devices because of its driving voltage of 3 volts and thickness of 200 μm. The IPMC acts as a normally-on switch to control the operating frequency of a reconfigurable antenna in mobile phones. We experimentally demonstrated by network analysis that the IPMC switch could shift its operating frequency from 1.1 to 2.1 GHz, with return losses of than −10 dB at both frequencies. To minimize electrolysis and maximize the operation time in air, propylene carbonate electrolyte with lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) was applied inside the IPMC. The results showed that when the IPMC was actuated over three months at 3.5 V, the tip displacement fell by less than 10%. Therefore, an IPMC actuator is a promising choice for application to a reconfigurable antenna.
Highlights
Polymers have attractive advantages; they are soft, flexible, and lightweight
The antenna simulations were performed with the high frequency structure simulator (HFSS)
There was a slight drop after day 90. These results show that the performance of the ionic polymer metallic composite (IPMC) with propylene carbonate was steady, without evaporation or electrolysis
Summary
Polymers have attractive advantages; they are soft, flexible, and lightweight. Some polymers can even change in size or shape under electrical stimulation. EAPs can provide large deformation with low driving voltage and produce force as actuators. Compared to conventional methods such as switches and mechanical actuators, EAPs have some attractive advantages like small electrical energy consumption, light weight and compliant properties, biocompatibility, ability to operate in air and aquatic media, insensitivity to magnetic fields and simple fabrication processes, making them suitable for actuators and sensors [1]. Based on the driving mechanism, EAPs can be classified into two major types: electronic EAPs and ionic EAPs [2]
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