Single-Layer Line-Fed Broadband Microstrip Patch Antenna on Thin Substrates

In this work, the issue of limited bandwidth typical of microstrip antennas realized on a single thin substrate is addressed. A simple yet effective design approach is proposed based on the combination of traditional single-resonance patch geometries. Two novel shaped microstrip patch antenna elements with an inset feed are presented. Despite being printed on a single-layer substrate with reduced thickness, both radiators are characterized by a broadband behavior. The antennas are prototyped with a low-cost and fast manufacturing process, and measured results validate the simulations. State-of-the-art performance is obtained when compared to the existing literature, with measured fractional bandwidths of 3.71% and 6.12% around 10 GHz on a 0.508-mm-thick Teflon-based substrate. The small feeding line width could be an appealing feature whenever such radiating elements are to be used in array configurations.

Automated summary

This work addresses the issue of limited bandwidth in microstrip antennas on a single substrate by proposing a simple yet effective design approach based on traditional patch geometries. Two novel shaped microstrip patch antenna elements with an inset feed are presented, characterized by broadband behavior, low-cost manufacturing, and state-of-the-art performance. The antennas show measured fractional bandwidths of 3.71% and 6.12% around 10 GHz, demonstrating potential for array configurations.