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arXiv · 2506.00657

Reconfigurable Antennas for Next-Generation Wireless Communications: Technologies, Prototypes, Architectures, and Signal Processing

Pinjun Zheng·Ruiqi Wang·Yuchen Zhang·Md. Jahangir Hossain·Anas Chaaban·Atif Shamim·Tareq Y. Al-Naffouri
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Abstract

The transition to sixth-generation (6G) networks calls for wireless transceivers with enhanced adaptability and efficiency. Reconfigurable antennas (RAs) have emerged as a promising solution, enabling dynamic control over the electromagnetic properties of individual antenna elements. Their integration into antenna arrays is particularly attractive due to their adaptability and potential for improved energy efficiency. This article provides a comprehensive overview of RA technologies for advanced communication systems, encompassing hardware advancements, early experimental studies, novel system architectures, and key signal processing challenges. From the combined perspective of antenna design and communication operation, we highlight the potential of RAs to enable next-generation wireless communications, while also identifying key challenges and promising research opportunities.

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Pinjun Zheng, Ruiqi Wang, Yuchen Zhang, Md. Jahangir Hossain, Anas Chaaban, Atif Shamim, Tareq Y. Al-Naffouri. 2025-05-31. Reconfigurable Antennas for Next-Generation Wireless Communications: Technologies, Prototypes, Architectures, and Signal Processing. https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.00657

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