A Flexible Reconfigurable MIMO Antenna for IoT‐Enabled Smart Systems

As the Internet of Things (IoT) advances, low‐cost, intelligently networked wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are being developed and deployed at cloud edge locations to enable new Internet‐based services. However, energy consumption in these networked smart sensors is a significant concern. This work focuses on using an ultra‐wideband (UWB) multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna sensor printed on optically transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material to reduce energy consumption in WSN nodes. The antenna sensor structure consists of two rectangular‐shaped printed monopole antenna elements (AEs) and four PIN diodes used for switching purpose. A narrow strip is also integrated in the AE to notch WLAN band. The antenna sensor operates in a variety of modes, achieved by varying the ON/OFF states of PIN diodes. The frequency range covered by the antenna is 3.2–11 GHz when all four PIN diodes are turned ON. The overall measurements of the suggested antenna are 31 mm × 31 mm × 1.5 mm. It performs well in terms of diversity, with a minimum isolation of 20.7 dB over the whole operating band. The outcomes of the simulation and the measurements agree fairly well.