The dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) has several advantages over metallic antennas, which may include low-loss and compact design. However, few frequency reconfiguration methods exist for the DRA. This thesis proposes, designs and validates a new frequency reconfigurable DRA.

A proof-of-concept prototype was designed on 101.6 mm x 101.6 mm x 0.508 mm PCB. Frequency reconfigurability was achieved by changing the coupling capacitance between the DRA's fundamental mode and the antenna ground plane by sliding metalized slugs of PCB (3.5 mm x 5.0 mm x 0.29 mm) either under or away from the DRA.

The prototype had a measured tuning range of 24.7 % and had two operating frequencies: 21.4 GHz and 16.6 GHz, each with bandwidths of 9.72 % and 6.05 % respectively. The E-plane and H-plane broadside radiation patterns were also measured and were fairly consistent between high and low frequency operation.

Keywords: dielectric resonator antennas, frequency reconfigurable antennas