Slotted patch EBG structure incorporated with microstrip antenna array

Abstract

Electromagnetic band gap structure or EBG structure appears as a periodic metallic patch grounded with vias. This structure is initially known as photonic band gap structure realized by drilling periodic holes in the substrate for suppressing the surface wave effect for antenna design. The surface wave will reduce antenna’s efficiency because it provides the side and back radiation of the antenna resulting to the gain reduction. The most promising characteristic of the EBG structure is their stop band frequency. The EBG structure provides a stop band frequency in specific frequency ranges defined by the structure itself. For that reason, EBG structure also known as high impedances surfaces. In antenna design especially microstrip antenna which suffer the surface wave effect, the band gap frequency must be designed to operates at surface wave frequency ranges. Thus, the surface wave effect will be reduced if the EBG structure is incorporated with microstrip antenna.