This work explores the capabilities of a self-structuring two-port network. Based on the idea of a self-structuring antenna, a self-structuring two-port network utilizes switches to dynamically reconfigure itself using intelligent search algorithms such as genetic algorithms (GA). This allows for the S-parameters of the self-structuring two-port network to be adjusted to match, ideally, any desired set of S-parameters. A combination of simulations and experiments were carried out to characterize such a network. It was found that the constructed prototype exhibited significant loss of power yet no one mechanism could be identified either through simulations or experiments as the most significant mechanism. Steps were taken in the experimental setup to mitigate the power loss with relatively little improvement. Given the loss of power, the capabilities of the manufactured self-structuring two-port network were investigated using both random and GA based searches. Results from the random search suggested that the lowest losses for the network are over the frequency range of approximately 750~MHz to 1.5~GHz. Random search results suggested that switch combinations exist for matching various types of loads and to create an adjustable attenuator among other applications. Through the use of a GA certain applications were investigated further. Accepting the system power loss, the network was fairly successful in matching arbitrary loads. The network was also used successfully to create an arbitrary attenuator with losses larger than normally observed in the network. Due to the high power loss observed in both simulations and in experiments, further research should be directed to creating a two-port network with lower losses. Doing so would allow for further exploration of this topic.
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