Dual-segment S-shaped aperture-coupled cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna for X-band applications

A new low-cost dual-segmented dielectric resonator (DR) antenna design is proposed for wideband applications in the X-band region. Two DRs coupled to an S-shaped slot introduce interesting features. The antenna performance was characterised in terms of the reflection coefficient, gain, and radiation pattern, and detailed simulation studies indicate excellent antenna performance from 7.66 to 11.2 GHz (37.5% fractional bandwidth) with a maximum gain of 6 dBi at 10.6 GHz, whereas the fabricated prototype has a matched bandwidth from 7.8 to 11.85 GHz (41% fractional bandwidth) and maximum gain of 6 dB(i). The antenna is compact, size 1 x 0.83 x 0.327 times the wavelength at 10 GHz. The two DR segments may be located on the same side or on opposite sides of the substrate, giving, respectively, improved gain or more uniform field patterns. Experimental testing of the prototype performance showed reasonable agreement with the predicted performance.