2.4 GHz Microstrip Antenna Arrays.
REACH 2006, Penang, Malaysia
2.4 GHz Microstrip Antenna
Arrays
Abdul Rani Othman , Chairulsyah Wasli, Mohd Riduan Ahmad
Abstract-This paper described the design, simulation and
fabrication of the microstrip patch antennas at 2.4 GHz using
one element, arrays 2 elements and four elements. The
antennas have been modeled using microstrip lines and S
parameter data from individual single element. The data is
extracted from the simulation and combined with the
microstrip transmission line. The properties of antennas such as
bandwidth return loss and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR)
have been investigated and compared between simulation and
measurements. Furthermore, the return losses of the antennas
are below -10 dB from both simulation and measurement.
Index Term- Antenna, microstrip, microwave, patch,
telecommunication.
I. INTRODUCTION
I
N today’s aircraft and spacecraft applications where the
antenna’s size, weight, cost, performance, ease of
installation and aerodynamic profile are of utmost
consideration, conventional antennas are not suitable for
today communication application. The term ‘Microstrip’
actually refers to any type of opens wave guiding structure
which is not only a transmission line but also used together
with other circuit components like filters, couplers,
resonators, etc. A microstrip antenna in its simplest
configuration consists of a radiating patch on one side of a
dielectric substrate, which has a ground plane on the other
side. The patch conductors usually made of copper or gold
can be virtually assumed to be of any shape. However,
conventional shapes are normally used to simplify analysis
and performance prediction. The radiating elements and the
feed lines are usually photo etched on the dielectric
substrate.
The purpose of this design is to overcome several
problems that occur with nowadays normal antennas.
Importantly is to overcome the narrow bandwidth that the
main problem of microstrip antenna[1]. Antenna that are
using the microstrip are also very small in size but capable to
radiate an ultra high frequency (UHF). It’s also build from a
though substrate that makes it strong and stable from any
high structure impact (e.g.: being drop from high places).
Since it is small, it’s also low in weight, low in cost and easy
to manufacture.
II. DESIGN AND DEVELOPE
Review Stage the design principle for the antenna arrays
using microstrip technology requires patch, transmission line
and new characteristic impedance dimension calculations. A
single element of rectangular or square geometry as shown
in Fig. 1 can be designed for the lowest resonant frequency
using transmission line model.
The value of L, W and Wo can be found through equations
in [2]. Calculation of design parameters for the single
element, 2- and 4-elements with same resonant frequencies
antennas using microstrip technology are shown in Table
I[3]. The substrate used is FR4 with dielectric constant of
4.7 and height of 1.6 mm. The loss tangent of material is
0.019. Each antenna array has been simulated through
simulation using Microwave Office.
TABLE I
DESIGN PARAMETER BETWEEN 3 ANTENNA
ARRAY
TYPE
L (mm)
W (mm)
Lo (mm)
Wo (mm)
1 ELEMENT
2
ELEMENTS
27.90
36.27
16.51
2.91
29.00
38.50
16.00
2.00
4
ELEMENTS
29.00
37.00
16.00
2.20
A. Physical Structure
L
Lo
Wo
Fig. 1. Microstrip patch antenna with line feed
[Type text]
W
REACH 2006, Penang, Malaysia
PORT
P=1
Z=50 Ohm
MLIN
ID=TL1
W=2910 um
L=1.651e4 um
MLEF
ID=TL2
W=3.627e4 um
L=2.79e4 um
MSUB
Er=4.7
H=1600 um
T=3 um
Rho=1
Tand=0.019
ErNom=4.7
Name=SUB1
Fig. 2. Schematic diagram antenna 1 element
Fig. 5. Layout of 4-elements antenna array with line feed
MSUB
Er= 4.7
H= 1.6 mm
T= 0.03 mm
Rho= 1
Tand= 0.019
ErNom= 4.7
Name= SUB1
MLOC
ID= TL9
W= 37 mm
L= 29 mm
MLIN
ID= TL6
W= 2.2 mm
L= 16 mm
Fig. 3. Layout of 2-elements antenna array with line feed
MLIN
ID= TL7
W= 2.2 mm
L= 16 mm
MLIN
ID= TL2
W= 2.2 mm
L= 18 mm
MTEE
ID= TL1
W1= 2.2 mm
W2= 2.2 mm
W3= 0.6 mm
1
MBENDA
ID= TL4
W= 2.2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
MSUB
Er= 4.7
H= 1.6 mm
T= 0.003 mm
Rho= 1
Tand= 0.019
ErNom= 4.7
Name= SUB1
MLOC
ID= TL9
W= 38.5 mm
L= 29 mm
MLIN
ID= TL2
W= 2 mm
L= 18 mm
1
MBENDA
ID= TL4
W= 2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
MLIN
ID= TL3
W= 2 mm
L= 18 mm
2
3
PORT
P= 1
Z= 50 Ohm
Fig. 4. Schematic diagram antenna 2 elements
[Type text]
2
MTEE
ID= TL11
W1= 1.5 mm
W2= 1.5 mm
1
W3= 1 mm
3
PORT
P= 1
Z= 50 Ohm
MLIN
ID= TL12
W= 0.6 mm
L= 17 mm
MBENDA
ID= TL5
W= 2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
MLIN
ID= TL14
W= 2.2 mm
L= 18 mm
2
MBENDA
ID= TL17
W= 2.2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
MLIN
ID= TL15
W= 2.2 mm
L= 18 mm
3
MBENDA
ID= TL16
W= 2.2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
1
MTEE
ID= TL13
W1= 2.2 mm
W2= 2.2 mm
W3= 0.6 mm
MLIN
ID= TL18
W= 2.2 mm
L= 16 mm
MLIN
ID= TL6
W= 2 mm
L= 16 mm
MBENDA
ID= TL5
W= 2.2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
2
MLIN
ID= TL8
W= 0.6 mm
L= 5 mm
MLIN
ID= TL8
W= 2 mm
L= 16 mm
MTEE
ID= TL1
W1= 2 mm
W2= 2 mm
W3= 2 mm
MLIN
ID= TL3
W= 2.2 mm
L= 18 mm
3
MLOC
ID= TL10
W= 38.5 mm
L= 29 mm
MLIN
ID= TL7
W= 2 mm
L= 16 mm
MLOC
ID= TL10
W= 37 mm
L= 29 mm
MLIN
ID= TL19
W= 2.2 mm
L= 16 mm
MLOC
ID= TL20
W= 37 mm
L= 29 mm
Fig. 6. Schematic diagram antenna 4 elements
B. Simulation
MLOC
ID= TL21
W= 37 mm
L= 29 mm
REACH 2006, Penang, Malaysia
(a)
(a)
(b)
(b)
(c)
(c)
Fig. 7. Simulation output graph of Return loss (S11) and VSWR
Fig. 8. Measurement output graph of Return loss (S11) (a) 1 element,
(a) 1 element, (b) 2 elements, (c) 4 elements respectively
(b) 2 elements, (c) 4 elements respectively
C. Measurement
Fig. 2 shows the schematic diagram antenna 1 element,
and result of the simulation of this antenna is shown in Fig.
7(a). With using the dimension from Table I, the 2 elements
antenna is structured as Fig. 3 then draw it’s schematic
[Type text]
REACH 2006, Penang, Malaysia
diagram in Microwave Office as Fig. 4 . The 4 elements
antenna is structured as Fig. 5 with using dimension from
Table I, and it’s schematic diagram shown in Fig. 6.
III. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
A. Simulation and Measurement
The simulation result of those antennas are presented in
Fig. 7 where they are compared the Return Loss and their
VSWR. The development of the antenna was using the data
from Table I to get the physical antenna look like Fig 1, Fig.
3 and Fig. 5. by etching and soldering of feed point process.
Chose best sample from 3 samples developed then measure
using Advantest Network Analyzer model R3767CG. The
measurement result is shown in Fig. 8 respectively for 1, 2
and 4 elements..
B. Return Loss and VSWR comparison
The simulation and measurement result of return loss for
the single element, 2 and 4 elements antennas with and
different center frequency are shown in Table II. The
resonance of the antennas can be seen by observing the
lowest curve in the return loss. There is a close agreement
between the simulation and measurement result for the
bandwidth return loss except for the four array patches.
From this research found that four array patch antenna give
the best performance in return loss and VSWR compare to
the others.
C. Differences
The result differences in resonant frequencies this may
happened due to improper transmission line matching or
improper etching process or line feed pointing process.
TABLE II
COMPARISON BETWEEN SIMULATION AND
MEASUREMENT TEST
Single
Patch
Two
Array
Patche
s
Four
Array
Patches
Simu
lation
2.4
2.4
2.4
Measu
rement
2.512
2.412
2.425
Simu
lation
-17.1
-17.1
-29.4
Measu
Ement
-16.73
-16.77
-26.76
Simu
lation
1.32
1.33
1.07
Parameters
Center
Freq
uency
(GHz)
Return
Loss
(dB)
VSWR
[Type text]
IV.CONCLUSION
In this paper, antennas using one, two and four elements
has been designed, simulated, fabricated, and tested
successfully. The physical dimension of the antennas is
shown in Table I, and the result of simulation and
measurement is shown in Table II. The four patch array
antenna give best performance compare to the other. A
bandwidth return loss below than -10 dB is achieved
successfully.
REFERENCES
[1] Girish Kumar and K.P. Ray, “Broadband Microstrip Antenna”, Artech
House, Inc., 2003
[2] Constantine A. Balanis, “Antenna Theory, Analysis and Design”, Third
Edition, John
Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2006, pg. 722 – 759.
[3] David M. Pozar, “Microwave Engineering”, Second Edition, John
Wiley
and Sons, Inc., 1998
2.4 GHz Microstrip Antenna
Arrays
Abdul Rani Othman , Chairulsyah Wasli, Mohd Riduan Ahmad
Abstract-This paper described the design, simulation and
fabrication of the microstrip patch antennas at 2.4 GHz using
one element, arrays 2 elements and four elements. The
antennas have been modeled using microstrip lines and S
parameter data from individual single element. The data is
extracted from the simulation and combined with the
microstrip transmission line. The properties of antennas such as
bandwidth return loss and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR)
have been investigated and compared between simulation and
measurements. Furthermore, the return losses of the antennas
are below -10 dB from both simulation and measurement.
Index Term- Antenna, microstrip, microwave, patch,
telecommunication.
I. INTRODUCTION
I
N today’s aircraft and spacecraft applications where the
antenna’s size, weight, cost, performance, ease of
installation and aerodynamic profile are of utmost
consideration, conventional antennas are not suitable for
today communication application. The term ‘Microstrip’
actually refers to any type of opens wave guiding structure
which is not only a transmission line but also used together
with other circuit components like filters, couplers,
resonators, etc. A microstrip antenna in its simplest
configuration consists of a radiating patch on one side of a
dielectric substrate, which has a ground plane on the other
side. The patch conductors usually made of copper or gold
can be virtually assumed to be of any shape. However,
conventional shapes are normally used to simplify analysis
and performance prediction. The radiating elements and the
feed lines are usually photo etched on the dielectric
substrate.
The purpose of this design is to overcome several
problems that occur with nowadays normal antennas.
Importantly is to overcome the narrow bandwidth that the
main problem of microstrip antenna[1]. Antenna that are
using the microstrip are also very small in size but capable to
radiate an ultra high frequency (UHF). It’s also build from a
though substrate that makes it strong and stable from any
high structure impact (e.g.: being drop from high places).
Since it is small, it’s also low in weight, low in cost and easy
to manufacture.
II. DESIGN AND DEVELOPE
Review Stage the design principle for the antenna arrays
using microstrip technology requires patch, transmission line
and new characteristic impedance dimension calculations. A
single element of rectangular or square geometry as shown
in Fig. 1 can be designed for the lowest resonant frequency
using transmission line model.
The value of L, W and Wo can be found through equations
in [2]. Calculation of design parameters for the single
element, 2- and 4-elements with same resonant frequencies
antennas using microstrip technology are shown in Table
I[3]. The substrate used is FR4 with dielectric constant of
4.7 and height of 1.6 mm. The loss tangent of material is
0.019. Each antenna array has been simulated through
simulation using Microwave Office.
TABLE I
DESIGN PARAMETER BETWEEN 3 ANTENNA
ARRAY
TYPE
L (mm)
W (mm)
Lo (mm)
Wo (mm)
1 ELEMENT
2
ELEMENTS
27.90
36.27
16.51
2.91
29.00
38.50
16.00
2.00
4
ELEMENTS
29.00
37.00
16.00
2.20
A. Physical Structure
L
Lo
Wo
Fig. 1. Microstrip patch antenna with line feed
[Type text]
W
REACH 2006, Penang, Malaysia
PORT
P=1
Z=50 Ohm
MLIN
ID=TL1
W=2910 um
L=1.651e4 um
MLEF
ID=TL2
W=3.627e4 um
L=2.79e4 um
MSUB
Er=4.7
H=1600 um
T=3 um
Rho=1
Tand=0.019
ErNom=4.7
Name=SUB1
Fig. 2. Schematic diagram antenna 1 element
Fig. 5. Layout of 4-elements antenna array with line feed
MSUB
Er= 4.7
H= 1.6 mm
T= 0.03 mm
Rho= 1
Tand= 0.019
ErNom= 4.7
Name= SUB1
MLOC
ID= TL9
W= 37 mm
L= 29 mm
MLIN
ID= TL6
W= 2.2 mm
L= 16 mm
Fig. 3. Layout of 2-elements antenna array with line feed
MLIN
ID= TL7
W= 2.2 mm
L= 16 mm
MLIN
ID= TL2
W= 2.2 mm
L= 18 mm
MTEE
ID= TL1
W1= 2.2 mm
W2= 2.2 mm
W3= 0.6 mm
1
MBENDA
ID= TL4
W= 2.2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
MSUB
Er= 4.7
H= 1.6 mm
T= 0.003 mm
Rho= 1
Tand= 0.019
ErNom= 4.7
Name= SUB1
MLOC
ID= TL9
W= 38.5 mm
L= 29 mm
MLIN
ID= TL2
W= 2 mm
L= 18 mm
1
MBENDA
ID= TL4
W= 2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
MLIN
ID= TL3
W= 2 mm
L= 18 mm
2
3
PORT
P= 1
Z= 50 Ohm
Fig. 4. Schematic diagram antenna 2 elements
[Type text]
2
MTEE
ID= TL11
W1= 1.5 mm
W2= 1.5 mm
1
W3= 1 mm
3
PORT
P= 1
Z= 50 Ohm
MLIN
ID= TL12
W= 0.6 mm
L= 17 mm
MBENDA
ID= TL5
W= 2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
MLIN
ID= TL14
W= 2.2 mm
L= 18 mm
2
MBENDA
ID= TL17
W= 2.2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
MLIN
ID= TL15
W= 2.2 mm
L= 18 mm
3
MBENDA
ID= TL16
W= 2.2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
1
MTEE
ID= TL13
W1= 2.2 mm
W2= 2.2 mm
W3= 0.6 mm
MLIN
ID= TL18
W= 2.2 mm
L= 16 mm
MLIN
ID= TL6
W= 2 mm
L= 16 mm
MBENDA
ID= TL5
W= 2.2 mm
ANG= 90 Deg
2
MLIN
ID= TL8
W= 0.6 mm
L= 5 mm
MLIN
ID= TL8
W= 2 mm
L= 16 mm
MTEE
ID= TL1
W1= 2 mm
W2= 2 mm
W3= 2 mm
MLIN
ID= TL3
W= 2.2 mm
L= 18 mm
3
MLOC
ID= TL10
W= 38.5 mm
L= 29 mm
MLIN
ID= TL7
W= 2 mm
L= 16 mm
MLOC
ID= TL10
W= 37 mm
L= 29 mm
MLIN
ID= TL19
W= 2.2 mm
L= 16 mm
MLOC
ID= TL20
W= 37 mm
L= 29 mm
Fig. 6. Schematic diagram antenna 4 elements
B. Simulation
MLOC
ID= TL21
W= 37 mm
L= 29 mm
REACH 2006, Penang, Malaysia
(a)
(a)
(b)
(b)
(c)
(c)
Fig. 7. Simulation output graph of Return loss (S11) and VSWR
Fig. 8. Measurement output graph of Return loss (S11) (a) 1 element,
(a) 1 element, (b) 2 elements, (c) 4 elements respectively
(b) 2 elements, (c) 4 elements respectively
C. Measurement
Fig. 2 shows the schematic diagram antenna 1 element,
and result of the simulation of this antenna is shown in Fig.
7(a). With using the dimension from Table I, the 2 elements
antenna is structured as Fig. 3 then draw it’s schematic
[Type text]
REACH 2006, Penang, Malaysia
diagram in Microwave Office as Fig. 4 . The 4 elements
antenna is structured as Fig. 5 with using dimension from
Table I, and it’s schematic diagram shown in Fig. 6.
III. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
A. Simulation and Measurement
The simulation result of those antennas are presented in
Fig. 7 where they are compared the Return Loss and their
VSWR. The development of the antenna was using the data
from Table I to get the physical antenna look like Fig 1, Fig.
3 and Fig. 5. by etching and soldering of feed point process.
Chose best sample from 3 samples developed then measure
using Advantest Network Analyzer model R3767CG. The
measurement result is shown in Fig. 8 respectively for 1, 2
and 4 elements..
B. Return Loss and VSWR comparison
The simulation and measurement result of return loss for
the single element, 2 and 4 elements antennas with and
different center frequency are shown in Table II. The
resonance of the antennas can be seen by observing the
lowest curve in the return loss. There is a close agreement
between the simulation and measurement result for the
bandwidth return loss except for the four array patches.
From this research found that four array patch antenna give
the best performance in return loss and VSWR compare to
the others.
C. Differences
The result differences in resonant frequencies this may
happened due to improper transmission line matching or
improper etching process or line feed pointing process.
TABLE II
COMPARISON BETWEEN SIMULATION AND
MEASUREMENT TEST
Single
Patch
Two
Array
Patche
s
Four
Array
Patches
Simu
lation
2.4
2.4
2.4
Measu
rement
2.512
2.412
2.425
Simu
lation
-17.1
-17.1
-29.4
Measu
Ement
-16.73
-16.77
-26.76
Simu
lation
1.32
1.33
1.07
Parameters
Center
Freq
uency
(GHz)
Return
Loss
(dB)
VSWR
[Type text]
IV.CONCLUSION
In this paper, antennas using one, two and four elements
has been designed, simulated, fabricated, and tested
successfully. The physical dimension of the antennas is
shown in Table I, and the result of simulation and
measurement is shown in Table II. The four patch array
antenna give best performance compare to the other. A
bandwidth return loss below than -10 dB is achieved
successfully.
REFERENCES
[1] Girish Kumar and K.P. Ray, “Broadband Microstrip Antenna”, Artech
House, Inc., 2003
[2] Constantine A. Balanis, “Antenna Theory, Analysis and Design”, Third
Edition, John
Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2006, pg. 722 – 759.
[3] David M. Pozar, “Microwave Engineering”, Second Edition, John
Wiley
and Sons, Inc., 1998