A triple-band antenna array for next-generation wireless and satellite-based applications

In this paper, a triple-band 1 × 2 and 1 × 4 microstrip patch antenna array for next-generation wireless and satellite-based applications are presented. The targeted frequency bands are 3.6, 5.2 and 6.7 GHz, respectively. Simple design procedures and optimization techniques are discussed to achieve better antenna performance. The antenna is designed and simulated using Agilent ADS Momentum using FR4 substrate (r = 4.2 and h = 1.66 mm). The main patch of the antenna is designed for 3.6 GHz operation. A hybrid feed technique is used for antenna arrays with quarter-wave transformer-based network to match the impedance from the feed-point to the antenna to 50. The antenna is optimized to resonate at triple-bands by using two symmetrical slits. The single-element triple-band antenna is fabricated and characterized, and a comparison between the simulated and measured antenna is presented. The achieved simulated impedance bandwidths/gains for the 1 × 2 array are 1.67%/7.75, 1.06%/7.7, and 1.65%/9.4 dBi and for 1 × 4 array are 1.67%/10.2, 1.45%/8.2, and 1.05%/10 dBi for 3.6, 5.2, and 6.7 GHz bands, respectively, which are very practical. These antenna arrays can also be used for advanced antenna beam-steering systems. Copyright © Cambridge University Press and the European Microwave Association 2014.