Bandwidth and Gain Enhancement of a Modified Ultra-wideband (UWB) Micro-strip Patch Antenna Using a Reflecting Layer

Abstract

A novel technique to enhance bandwidth and gain of an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) antenna using a reflecting layer is presented in this chapter. A Microstrip Patch Antenna (MPA) with T-shaped patch and partially grounded plane is used in this design where a T-slot is inserted into the patch. The proposed compact-size antenna is designed and simulated using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio software by considering flame retardant 4 (FR-4) as substrate with a relative permittivity of 4.3 and a thickness 1.6 mm. The antenna efficiency includes, a wide impedance bandwidth of 9.31 GHz ranging from 3.19 to 12.5 GHz, for voltage standing wave ratio, VSWR < 2; 5.74 dB gain; and 6.87 dBi directivity. In comparison with the MPA without the reflecting layer, the bandwidth, gain and directivity of the proposed antenna (with reflector) is increased by 123%, 3.64 dB, and 3.44 dBi respectively. Thus, the proposed antenna can cover a wider range than the UWB range (3.1–10.6 GHz) and can be suitable for the use of various bio-medical applications.