Deformable smart antennas

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Electronic communication systems are intrinsic to society and business. Because most electronic communications rely on wireless access, the demand for service continues to grow exponentially. However, the radio frequency spectrum is a finite, globally shared resource. The current demand for spectrum means that radiowave interference between users is limiting wireless communications and degrading signal quality. Therefore, innovative technology solutions that improve shared wireless efficiency are critical to Canada's economic growth. Today the only technology that allows users to share the spectrum more efficiently is a "smart" antenna, or one that adapts its operation to the presence of other users. Currently, smart antennas are too expensive to be commercially feasible for all users. This international and interdisciplinary research team will develop new designs for affordable, smart antennas that automatically and adaptively build and maintain reliable and efficient channels in the shared spectrum. A novel solution will be tested where the proposed smart antenna will adapt by mechanically moving the antenna elements in space. Electronic "artificial muscles" will actuate the deformable antennas. This new, solid state actuation technology has the potential to actuate the antennas at low cost. Design requirements will be defined and feasible actuation systems developed in parallel with novel antenna configurations. Then, both technologies will be integrated into a deformable smart antenna system. The benefits to Canada will include highly trained, interdisciplinary research engineers, improved technology transfer between scientific disciplines, dramatic efficiency improvements for wireless users, new artificial muscle technology, novel actuator designs for Canadian industry, increased collaboration and technology transfer between Canadian hi-tech manufacturer/exporter and University research, new intellectual property, and a clear new direction for the commercial development of the new antenna systems.