In this paper, a new reconfigurable microstrip fractal ultra-wideband antenna with a capability of variable rejection frequency bands is presented. The main patch of this antenna has two modified C-shaped gaps. Also, on these c-shaped gaps, 10 ideal MEMS switches are used to produce band-notch frequencies at six different frequencies of: 5.4 GHz (5.2–5.5), 5.8 GHz (5.7–5.9), 6.1 GHz (5.9–6.3), 7 GHz (6.9–7.2), 7.9 GHz (7.7–8.1), and 8.4 GHz (8.2–8.6). This antenna is fed by a 50 Ω microstrip line and works in a wide bandwidth of 2.9–11 GHz. The antenna is designed and fabricated on an inexpensive substrate of FR4. Dimensions of the antenna are 31.2 × 38.4 mm. Measurement and simulation results are in good agreement.

This paper presents an overview on novel microwave micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device concepts developed in our research group during the last 5 years, which are specifically designed for addressing some fundamental problems for reliable device operation and robustness to process parameter variation. In contrast to conventional solutions, the presented device concepts are targeted at eliminating their respective failure modes rather than reducing or controlling them. Novel concepts of MEMS phase shifters, tunable microwave surfaces, reconfigurable leaky-wave antennas, multi-stable switches, and tunable capacitors are presented, featuring the following innovative design elements: dielectric-less actuators to overcome dielectric charging; reversing active/passive functions in MEMS switch actuators to improve recovery from contact stiction; symmetrical anti-parallel metallization for full stress-control and temperature compensation of composite dielectric/metal layers for free-standing structures; monocrystalline silicon as structural material for superior mechanical performance; and eliminating thin metallic bridges for high–power handling. This paper summarizes the design, fabrication, and measurement of devices featuring these concepts, enhanced by new characterization data, and discusses them in the context of the conventional MEMS device design.