A new integrated piezoelectric-dielectric microstrip antenna for dual wireless actuation and sensing functions

This paper presents the basic principles of operation and experimental investigations of a novel multi-layer microstrip antenna element for applications in integrated smart structures. The device is configured in a multilayer piezoelectric-dielectric-strip grating environment, integrating dual functions of wireless sensing as well as actuation in a single, compact device. The device employs microwave radiation and reception for the wireless remote operations. The sensing function is electrically discriminated from the actuation function in the single Simultaneous Sensing and Actuating Smart Antenna Element device by making use of two orthogonal E-field polarizations of microwave radiation for the two separate functions. This is possible by using a novel 'polarization grating' arrangement, which allows selective transmission and interactions of the microwave signals in the two orthogonal polarization modes. Alternate methods using two distinct frequency bands, instead of the two polarizations, may also be effectively employed for discrimination of the separate sensing and actuation functions.