Compact planar antenna array for point-to-point communication

Abstract

Planar Antenna Array is often chosen due to its high gain, high directional, low profile, ease of fabrication and inexpensive to manufacture. However, not many related works have been done to design the planar antenna array in dual-band operating frequency. Futhermore, currently most of the microstrip antenna arrays are physically large and bulky in size. In this project, an approach for designing and developing a Compact Planar Antenna Array (CPAA) for point-to-point or bridging communication system has been done. The antenna was designed to operate at dualband frequencies of 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz for unlicensed band applications. The CPAA was integrated with Perfect Electric Conductor (PEC) to improve the antenna gain and used as a ground plane to direct back radiation. The antenna miniaturization technique was developed using slotted structure design below the microstrip patch. The technique was used to create a second resonant frequency and miniaturization of antennas can be done at the same time. From the result obtained, the design of CPAA is 83% more compact as compared to conventional 2.45 GHz microstrip antenna array with the size of 126 mm x 126 mm. The developed CPAA gives the gain increment at both 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz at 9.78 dBi and 14.2 dBi respectively. The increment of 357% volume size has been recorded caused by the PEC located at quarter wavelength from the antenna. The overall performance shows the positive front-to-back ratio at both frequencies and this shows a significant result and justifies the antenna to be served as a point-to-point communication device.