KING SAUD UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

RESEARCH CENTER

Final Research Report No. 425/7

A New multi-band antenna for GSM/DCS/GPS Systems

By

Dr. Majeed Alkanhal

Safar 1426 H April 2005G

Table of Contents Acknowledgment List of Figures Abstract (English) Abstract (Arabic) Chapter 1: Microstrip Antennas: Fundamentals and Characteristics 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Common Patch Shapes 1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Microstrip Antennas 1.4 Microstrip Antenna Applications 1.5 Microstrip Antennas for Mobile Application Chapter 2: Compact Triple Band Antennas 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Overview of PIFA Structures for Triple Band Operation 2.3 Triple Band Antenna Based on Dual Band Design 2.3.1 Proposed Dual Band Antenna Structure 2.3.2 Lumped Circuit Equivalence of the Antenna Elements 2.3.3 Dual Band Design at 900/1800 MHz 2.3.4 Triple Band Antenna Based on Dual band Design 2.4 Modified E-shaped Triple Band Antenna Chapter 3: Compact Wide Band Antennas 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Bandwidth Enhancement by adding losses to the antenna structure 3.2.1 Triple-Band Antenna Based on Dual Band Approach 3.2.2 Modified E-Shaped Antenna Chapter 4: Conclusions and Suggestions References Page 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 10 11 11 13 13 14 16 16 17 20 22 26 33 33 34 35 35 38 40

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance and the financial support provided by the Research Center in the College of Engineering at King Saud University for this project under grant number 425/7.

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2 Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 Figure 2.3 Figure 2.4 Figure 2.5 Figure 2.6 Figure 2.7 Figure 2.8 Figure 2.9 Figure 2.10 Figure 2.11 Figure 2.12 Microstrip antenna structure. Common patch shapes. Various configurations of PIFA structure. The proposed antennas geometries. The proposed antenna model. 1 versus 2 for different values of K. Computed S11 of the proposed element at lower band (900MHz). Computed S11 of the proposed element at the higher band (1800MHz). Computed S11 of the proposed dual band antenna (900/1800MHz). Top patch of the triple band antenna designed on Duroid dielectric substrate of r = 2.2, and thickness 1.57 mm. Computed S11 of the proposed triple band antenna (900/1500/1800MHz). Top patch of E-shaped triple band antenna designed on Duroid dielectric substrate of r = 2.2, and thickness 1.57 mm. Computed S11 of the proposed modified E-shaped triple band antenna (900/1500/1800MHz). Radiation pattern and current distribution at the first resonance (900 MHz band). (a) Radiation pattern. (b)Current distribution. Radiation pattern and current distribution at the second resonance (1500 MHz band). (a) Radiation pattern. (b)Current distribution. Radiation pattern and current distribution at the third resonance (1800 MHz band). (a) Radiation pattern. (b)Current distribution. Measured S11 of the proposed modified E-shaped triple band antenna (900/1500/1800MHz). Top patch of the triple band antenna designed on Duroid dielectric substrate of r = 2.2, and thickness 1.57 mm. Simulation results of the triple band antenna shown in Fig. 3.1 (designed on Duroid dielectric substrate with r = 2.2 and h = 1.57 mm). Simulation results of the modified E-shaped triple band antenna of Fig. 2.10 using 1.5 resistive post instead of the shorting post (designed on Duroid dielectric substrate with r = 2.2 and h = 1.57 mm).

Figure 2.13

Figure 2.14

Figure 2.15 Figure 3.1 Figure 3.2 Figure 3.3

ABSTRACT

The subject of this project is to develop a triple band small size microstrip antennas for operation in modern multi-band mobile transceiver systems. Various techniques for analysis and design of such antennas are investigated in this project. First, a triple band antenna design based on dual band design is explored. The analysis is based on the lumped element equivalence extracted from transmission line theory. The design curves are used to design a dual band antenna to operate at the 900 and 1800 MHz bands. For triple band operation an extra resonance element is added for 1500 MHz band. The integration is made in such away to avoid loading from any element to the other on a duroid dielectric substrate material with 2.2 relative permittivity and 1.57 mm thickness. The IE3D simulation results agree well with theoretical predictions. The advantages of this approach are the ability to design an antenna at three predetermined different frequencies and the design flexibility to select a geometry suitable for the desired application. The second technique studied is the use of modified E-shaped antenna geometry which consists of three different quarterwavelength elements for the desired three resonant frequencies. In this geometry, the three elements are integrated such that the short circuit and the feeder of all element are located in the same position. An antenna is designed at the three desired bands and optimized to adjust the three resonance frequencies using IE3D simulation. The measurements of a designed antenna which is implemented on the (above) duroid substrate are in good agreement with the simulation results. Further bandwidth enhancement by adding resistive post instead of the short circuit is investigated. For the first antenna, results show that, a 3.5 resistive post increase the bandwidth from 5 MHz to 40 MHz at the first band, from 5 MHz to 14 MHz at the second band, and from 18 MHz to 80 MHz at the third band. For the modified E-shaped antenna, adding 1.5 resistive post increase the bandwidths from 5 MHz to 50 MHz at the first band, from 11 MHz to 20 MHz at the second band, and from 11 MHz to 46 MHz at the third band.

. . . . 900 1800 1500 1.57 .2.2 . E . . . . 5 40 5 14 18 80 3.5 . 1.5 5 50 11 20 11 46 .

CHAPTER 1

MICROSTRIP ANTENNAS: FUNDAMENTALS AND CHARACTERISTICS

1.1 INTRODUCTION Fig. 1.1 shows a schematic diagram of a microstrip patch antenna. Microstrip antenna in its simplest configuration consists of a radiating patch on one side of a dielectric substrate (r 10), which has a ground plane on the other side. The patch conductors, normally of copper or gold, can assume virtually any shape, but regular shapes are generally used to simplify analysis and performance prediction. Ideally, the dielectric constant, r of the substrate should be low (r < 2.5), to enhance the fringe fields that account for the radiation. However, other performance requirements may dictate the use of substrate materials whose dielectric constants can be greater than, say, four. A microstrip patch antenna is a resonant-style radiator so one of its dimensions must be approximately g/2, where g is a guided wavelength taking into consideration the surrounding environment of the printed antenna. It is apparent that the properties of the substrate, namely, its dielectric constant, r and its height play a fundamental role in the performance of the printed antenna.

1.2 COMMON PATCH CONDUCTOR SHAPES Over the years there have been many conductor shapes proposed and investigated for a microstrip patch antenna. Schematic diagrams of these are shown in Fig. 1.2, and a brief summary of the advantages and disadvantages follow [1]: 1. Rectangular and square patches (Figs. 1.2a and b) are the first and probably the most utilized patch conductor geometries. Rectangular patches tend to have the largest impedance bandwidth, simply because they are larger than the other shapes . 2. Circular and elliptical patches (Figs. 1.2c and d) are the second most common shape. These patches are slightly smaller than their rectangular and as a result have slightly lower gain and bandwidth. 3. Triangular (Figs. 1.2e) geometry is smaller than rectangular and circular patchs, although at the expense of further reduction in bandwidth and gain. Triangular patches also tend to generate higher cross-polarization levels, because of their lack of symmetry in the configuration. 4. Annular ring (Fig. 1.2f) geometries are the smallest conductor shape, once again at the expense of bandwidth and gain. One problem associated with an annular ring is that it is not a simple process to excite the lowest order mode and obtain a good impedance match at resonance.

radiating patch

ground plane dielectric substrate

Fig. 1.1 Microstrip antenna structure.

(a) Square

(b) Rectangular

(c ) Disk

(d) Ellipse

(e) Triangle

(f) Ring

Fig. 1.2 Common patch shapes.

1.3 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF MICROSTRIP ANTENNAS Microstrip antennas have several advantages compared to conventional microwave antennas, and therefore can be used in many applications in the frequency range from ~ 100 MHz to 100 GHz. Some of the principal advantages of microstrip antennas compared to conventional microwave antennas are listed below [1]: o Light weight, and low volume o Low fabrication cost o Linear and circular polarizations are possible with simple feed o Dual frequency and dual polarization antennas can be easily made o No cavity backing is required o Can be easily integrated with microwave integrated circuits o Feed lines and matching networks can be fabricated simultaneously with the antenna structure However, micrstrip antennas also have some limitations compared to conventional microwave antennas such as: o Narrow bandwidth o Somewhat lower gain (~ 6 dB) o Most microstrip antennas radiates into half-space o Polarization purity is difficult to achieve o Extraneous radiation from feeds junctions o Lower power handling capability (~ 100 W) o Reduced gain and efficiency and possible excitation of surface waves o High levels of cross-polarization and mutual coupling within an array environment at high frequencies

1.4 MICROSTRIP ANTENNA APPLICATIONS The microstrip antenna, because of its small size, lightweight, low profile, and low

manufacturing cost, is finding increasing interest in both commercial and military applications. With continued research and development and increased usage, microstrip antennas are ultimately expected to replace conventional antennas for most applications. Some notable applications for which microstrip antenna have been developed include: o Satellite communications o Doppler and other radars o Radio altimeters o Command and control systems o Missiles and telemetry o Remote sensing o Feed elements in complex antennas o Mobile communications

1.5 MICROSTRIP ANTENNAS FOR MOBILE APPLICATIONS Antennas for portable cellular phones are required to be small in size and light in weight. Microstrip antennas (MSAs) have the attractive features of low profile, small size, low cost, and conformability to mounting hosts. Therefore, MSAs are very promising candidates for satisfying this design consideration. Recently, many novel planar antenna designs to satisfy the requirements of mobile cellular communication systems have been developed. These systems include, global system for mobile communication (GSM; 890960 MHz), digital communication system (DCS; 17101880 MHz), personal communication system (PCS; 18501990 MHz), and the universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS; 1920

2170 MHz). Planar antennas are also very attractive for applications in communication devices for global poisoning system (GPS; 1575.24 MHz), and wireless local area network (WLAN) systems in the 2.4 GHz (24002484 MHz) and 5.2 GHz (51505350 MHz) bands. In many applications, operation in two or more discrete bands is desired. The trend in the development of wireless personal communication systems has been in the pursuit of a single system that can accommodate the needs of all users. In such cases, a patch antenna capable of operating in multi-band is highly desirable. In this project, the design of a single patch for GSM/GPS/DCS operation is studied. First, in the next chapter, the basic fundamentals, different structures, applications, advantages and disadvantages of microstrip antennas are discussed. Chapter 2 introduces the different structures and techniques previously suggested for triple band operation. Chapter 3 and 4 deal with the structures proposed, and analyzed during the work in this project. Implementation and experimental results are also presented. Concluding remarks are given in chapter 5.

CHAPTER 2

COMPACT TRIPLE BAND ANTENNA DESIGN

2.1 INTRODUCTION Various methods can be used to design compact triple band antennas. The first approach is the use of planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) structure. The second method can be achieved by, first, designing a dual band antenna and then adding an extra resonator antenna element for the third resonance. The element must be integrated in such a manner that avoids degradation of the matching of the first two resonance frequencies. The third approach is the use of a modified E-shaped structure. In this case the dimensions of the three branches are adjusted to resonate at the three pre-selected frequencies.

In this chapter we will first review the different PIFA structures developed for compact triple band operation. Next, a novel approach, in the design of dual band antenna will be introduced. Then, we proceed to the triple band antenna design by adding a third resonance element. Simulation and experimental results are presented. After that we will describe a novel modified E-shaped structure triple band antenna. Simulation and experimental results are also given for the later case.

2.2 OVERVIEW OF PIFA STRUCTURES FOR TRIPLE BAND OPERATION Several PIFA configurations have been suggested for GSM/DCS/WLAN, 900/1800/2450 MHz, bands. We summarize some of these configurations as follows [2] [4]: 1- The first PIFA consists of three separate shorted patches with a triple feed integrated in a compact structure; patch 1 is designed for operation at 900 MHz band, patch 2 for 1800 MHz band, and patch 3 for 2450 MHz band. These three patches are designed as quarter-wavelength resonant structures. This structure is shown in Fig. 2.1a. 2- The second PIFA structure is designed in order to reduce the number of feeders used in the above case, and then simplifies the structure and reduce the cost. The antenna comprises of two elements, as indicated in Fig 2.1b. The first element, patch 1, is designed for two of the desired frequencies. Usually, the lower frequency is one of the selected frequencies. 3- The meander patch PIFA structure, shown in Fig 2.1c, has been suggested to use only single feed instead of triple or dual feed as in the above two cases. Moreover, the structure uses two shorting pins. 4- Branch line strip PIFA has also been proposed for triple band operation. In this structure, two shorted branch strips, as shown in Fig. 2.1d, are used. Single feed is located in an appropriate location to provide good matching at the three bands. The longer strip (strip 1) controls the excitation of the resonance frequency at 900, and 1800 MHz. However, the shorted strip (strip 2) controls the excitation of the resonant frequency at 2450 MHz. The two strips are printed on FR4 substrate of thickness 3.2 mm and relative permittivity 4.4. Between the FR4 substrate and the ground plane there is an air substrate of thickness 2.3 mm. Plastic posts are used to support the FR4 substrate on the ground plat.

 Shorting posts Coaxial feed

(a)

(b)

Feed point air substrate Shorting posts Feed point FR4 substrate

Ground plane

Strip 2 Strip 1 Ground plane air substrate

Shorting posts Ground plane

(c)

(d)

Fig. 2.1 Various configurations of PIFA structure. (a) three separate patches with a triple feed. (b) two separate patches with a dual feed.. (c) meandered patch with a single feed and two shorting posts. (d) Branch line strips with a single feed and one shorting post.

2.3 TRIPLE BAND ANTENNA BASED ON DUAL BAND DESIGN The design of compact dual band microstrip antennas for GSM/DCS has recently received much attention for handset use. Various types of PIFAs have bee proposed for such applications [5]- [11] . Unfortunately, most of the published works are based roughly on the experience and try and errors. Due to the lack of theoretical study, the design becomes tedious and is difficult to tune for three different bands. To solve this problem, we propose, in this project, a compact simple microstrip antenna that operates at two different preselected frequencies. In our case, the antenna should be first designed at 900 and 1800 MHz bands (GSM/DCS bands). Thereafter, a third element can be added for operation at the third band, 1500 MHz (GPS band).

2.3.1 Proposed Dual Band Antenna Structure As shown in Fig. 2.2, the proposed antenna consists of two resonant elements. Each element can be designed separately at a specified frequency and integrated in such a way that the structure maintains good matching at the two frequencies, compact shape, and provides a negligible effect of the two elements on each other. Each element consists of a short-circuited narrow line connected to a wider open circuited line. The lumped element model driven from the transmission line theory can be used to predict the resonance frequency of each element. The lumped element equivalence of the antenna elements is described in the next section. Design curves of the antenna are introduced, followed by a design example.

2.3.2 Lumped Circuit Equivalence of the Antenna Elements A microstrip antenna resonator can be modeled as a parallel resonant circuit. The simplest microstrip resonator is a half wavelength line opened at both ends, or a quarter wavelength line opened at one end and short-circuited at the other. Unfortunately, the size of an antenna based even on a quarter wavelength line is physically too large to be used at 900 MHz. For this reason, usually, a shaped short circuit resonator such as short-circuited Hstructure [12] or T-shape [13] is used for single frequency operation. The proposed dual-band antenna shown in Fig. 2.2c consists of two elements: an inverted large L-shape element that resonates at the lower frequency (Fig. 2.2a) and another L-shape element that resonates at the higher frequency (Fig. 2.2b). The transmission line equivalence of the short-circuited resonator element in Fig. 2.2a or 2.2b is shown in Fig. 2.3a. The effective electrical lengths of the lines are 1 and 2, where the corresponding physical lengths are l1, and l2, at the lower frequency and l1, and l2, at the higher frequency, where the discontinuities effect is included. Z1 and Z2 are the characteristic impedances of the microstrip lines of widths W1 or W1 and W2 or W2 respectively. These transmission lines can be represented by the lumped elements L and C as shown in Fig. 2.3b. The lumped elements are calculated for each antenna using transmission line theory. The short-circuited line is equivalent to a lumped inductance as L = Z1 tan 1 (1)

where 1 = l1/vph1, vph1 and Z1 are the phase velocity and characteristic impedance of a microstrip line of width W1 and effective length l1, respectively. parallel open lines is related to their physical dimensions by C = Y2 tan 2 (2) The capacitance of the

l2

W2

W2

l1

l2 W1

W1 (a) (b)

l1

(c)

Fig. 2.2 The proposed antennas geometries. a) L-shaped antenna that operates at the lower frequency. b) L-shaped antenna that operates at the higher frequency. c) Geometry of the proposed dual band antenna.

Z2, 2 Z1, 1 L C

Can be represented by an inductance L (a) (b)

Fig. 2.3 The proposed antenna model. a) Transmission line equivalence of antenna of Fig. 2.2. b) Lumped element equivalence of the resonators in Fig. 2.2 (a) or (b).

where 2 = l2/vph2, vph2 and Y2 are the phase velocity and characteristic admittance (1/Z2) of a microstrip line of width W2 and effective length l2, respectively. Now combining (1) and (2) at the resonant frequency = 0 = 1 / LC , we get tan 1 tan 2 = K (3)

at resonance, where K is the ratio of the line impedances; K = Z2 / Z1. Using (3) 2 is plotted against 1 for different values of K in Fig. 2.4. It is observed that, for a certain value of 1, 2 decreases as K decreases resulting in a reduction of the total antenna size. The total electrical length of the antenna is given by t = 1 + 2 . For K = 1 (uniform

resonator), the total electrical length is 90o and the total length decreases as K decreases. Fig. 2.4 is a helpful graph for a primary design of each antenna element through judicial selection of the K factor, and hence the selection of electrical lengths of the antenna arms. The antenna physical dimensions l1, l2, W1, and W2, at the lower band and l1, l2, W1, and W2, at the higher band can then be calculated for a specific frequencies of operation as will be described in the next section.

4 3 2 2 0.6 0.4 0.2 1 0.8

(b)
1

Fig. 2.4

1 versus 2 for different values of K.

2.3.3 Dual Band Design at 900/1800 MHz The design approach described in the previous section is now utilized to design an antenna that operates at the GSM/DCS1800 bands. Duroid dielectric substrate with r = 2.2 and h = 1.57 mm is used. The width of the narrow line is chosen to be 4 mm for both elements to avoid degradation of the antenna efficiency and the width of the wider line is selected for a suitable value of the impedance ratio K so as to achieve antenna size reduction and concurrently to maintain the validity of transmission line approximation. We choose W2 = W2 = 10 mm to provide a suitable radiation aperture at the 900/1800 MHz bands. The characteristic impedances corresponding to these dimensions are Z1 = Z1 = 56.5 and Z2

= Z2 = 29.5 giving a K value of 0.52. It is clear that Fig. 2.4 is a good manner to hit a compromise point between 1 and 2 for both antenna elements. Interpolation between the K = 0.4 and K = 0.6 curves can be used to predict the K = 0.52 curve. Now, for the inverted L-shaped element, operates at the lower band, either equation 3 or Fig. 2.4 can be used which indicates that for 1 = 32o, 2 is 40o. The physical size of this structure calculated at 900 MHz, after adding the discontinuity effects, are l1= 18 mm and l2 = 28 mm. The discontinuity effects are calculated with the help of IE3D software. To demonstrate the antenna performance, simulation results of the input return loss (S11) using IE3D are given in Fig.2.5. The simulated resonance frequency at the lower band is 907 MHz. For good matching, a probe feed of radius 0.5 mm is located 1.8 mm from the shorting post of radius 0.5 mm. Similar steps are used to design the L-shaped antenna element to operate at 1.8 GHz. The same line widths are used and the electrical lengths are obtained from either Fig. 2.4 or Eq. 3. The physical dimensions are l1 = 6 mm and l2 = 17.5 mm. The simulation results for the L-shaped element are shown in Fig. 2.6 where the simulated resonance frequency is 1.808 GHz. The same dimensions of the feeder and the shorting post are used and made common between the two elements. The bandwidths determined from 1:2.5 VSWR, are about 5 and 18 MHz in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands, respectively. The two resonant elements are then integrated as shown in Fig. 2.2c. It is noted that locating the shorting post at the edge of both elements almost eliminates any effect of one element on the other. Matching is also maintained after integration since matching depends mostly on the relative distance between the feeder and the short-circuit. The simulation result of integrated antenna structure is shown in Fig. 2.7. The lower and higher resonance occurs at

fL = 907 MHz and fH = 1800 MHz, respectively. Little change in resonance frequency is observed after integration.

2.3.4 Triple Band Design Based on Dual band As described before, one of the approaches to design a triple band antenna is based on the design of a dual band antenna. In this case we can use the same structure designed in the above example at 900/1800 MHz. An extra element is needed for operation at 1500 MHz. To do so, a simple short-circuited quarter wave resonator is added as shown in Fig. 2.8. The element is integrated in such a manner that the shorting post that already exist in the structure is utilized and located in an appropriate location to minimize the loading effect on the main dual band antenna. The simulated results are shown in Fig. 2.9. A little shift in resonance frequencies with respect to the dual band antenna of Fig. 2.7 is observed. The lower resonance frequency is only shifted from 907 to 914 MHz. However the higher resonance shifted from 1800 to 1734 MHz. The frequency shift can be easily readjusted by simply increase or decrease the length of the corresponding arms. For example, the higher frequency is readjusted to 1803 MHz by decreasing l2 from 17.5 mm to 16.5 mm. The lower frequency resonance is moved to 905 MHz by increasing l2 from 28 to 28.5 mm. These new dimensions change also the resonance frequency of the quarter wave resonator from 1522 MHz to 1526 MHz.

0 -5

S11 (dB)

-1 0

FL = 0.907 GHz
-1 5 -2 0 -2 5 0 .8 0 .8 5 0 .9 0 .9 5 1

Frequency (GHz) Fig. 2.5 Computed S11 of the proposed element at lower band (900MHz).

S11 (dB)

-5

FH = 1.808 GHz

-10

-15 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2

Frequency (GHz) Fig. 2.6 Computed S11 of the proposed element at the higher band (1800MHz).

0 -5
S11 (dB)

-10 -15 -20 -25 -30 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
Frequency (GHz) Fig. 2.7 Computed S11 of the proposed dual band antenna (900/1800MHz). FL = 907 MHz FH = 1800 MHz

5 mm 28 mm 10 mm 32 mm 0.5 mm 17.5 mm 10 mm 7 mm 18 mm

Fig. 2.8 Top patch of the triple band antenna designed on Duroid dielectric substrate of r = 2.2, and thickness 1.57 mm.

0 -5

S11 (dB)

-10 -15 -20 -25 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2

F1 = 914 MHz F2 = 1734 MHz F3 = 1522 MHz

Frequency (GHz) Fig. 2.9 Computed S11 of the proposed triple band antenna (900/1500/1800MHz).

2.4 MODIFIED E-SHAPED TRIPLE BAND ANTENNA E-shaped microstrip antenna has been previously proposed as a wide-band antenna [14]. The bandwidth is increased at the cost of its size. We propose here a new structure developed through the elaboration of the E-shaped microstrip antenna. In this project, the compact modified E-shaped structure is introduced for triple band operation at the frequencies 900/1800/1500 MHz. In this design a triple band operation is achieved using a single feed. The geometry of this antenna is printed on Duroid dielectric substrate with r = 2.2 and thickness 1.57 mm. As shown in Fig. 2.10, the structure consists of three shortcircuited quarter wave resonators. The longer resonator (branch 1) controls the excitation of the resonant frequency at about 900 MHz, the shorter resonator (branch 3) controls the resonant frequency at about 1800 MHz, and the medium length resonator (branch 2) controls the resonance at about 1500 MHz. The three branches are connected at the Tjunction such that the feed and short circuit is common for all branches. The effect of the T-junction is modeled, using the IE3D software, in order to define the reference planes and then define the length of each branch. The bends as well as the open ends have also been modeled and their effect is compensated in the final configurations, Fig. 2.10. The

simulated results are shown in Fig. 2.11. The simulated resonance frequencies are 892 MHz, 1506 MHz, and 1871 MHz. With respect to their resonance frequency, the three frequency bands, determined from 1:2.5 VSWR or about 7.3 dB return loss, have impedance bandwidths of about 5 MHz (about 0.56 %), 12 MHz, (about 0.8 %), and 11 MHz (about 0.59 %) at the lower, medium, and higher bands, respectively. The simulated far field radiation patterns E for = 0o and 90o and current distribution at the three bands 900 MHz, 1500 MHz, and 1800 MHz, are shown in Figs. 2.12, 2.13, and 2.14, respectively.

It is clear from these figures that (1) the current in each branch dominates only at the resonance frequency of the branch element (2) the three radiations patterns at the three bands are similar to each other and are almost omni-directional patterns which are desired for mobile handset applications. The gain calculated using computer is about 1 dB at 900 MHz band, 2 dB at the second and third bands. The antenna is implemented and measured using Vector network Analyzer. The measured results are shown in Fig. 2.15. Good agreement between the simulated and the measured results is observed. The measured resonance frequencies are 884 MHz, 1460 MHz, and 1867 MHz. The first and third resonance frequencies are very close to that obtained by the simulated results. However, a 46 MHz frequency shift is noticed at the second frequency. This shift can be easily adjusted by decreasing slightly the length of branch 3. The matching performance is less than the simulated values, especially at the second resonance, 1460 MHz. This may be attributed to the inaccuracy of the available feed mounting tools.

25 mm

branch 2

8 mm

5 mm Short circuit 5 mm Probe feed branch 3 1 mm branch 1 7 mm 14 mm 5 mm

Fig. 2.10 Top patch of E-shaped triple band antenna designed on Duroid dielectric substrate of r = 2.2, and thickness 1.57 mm.

0 -5
S11 (dB)

-10 -15 -20 -25 -30 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
Frequency (GHz) Fig. 2.11 Computed S11 of the proposed modified E-shaped triple band antenna (900/1500/1800MHz). F1 = 892 MHz F2 = 1506 MHz F3 = 1871 MHz

(a)

(b)

Fig. 2.12 Radiation pattern and current distribution at the first resonance (900 MHz band). (a) Radiation pattern. (b)Current distribution.

(a)

(b)

Fig. 2.13 Radiation pattern and current distribution at the second resonance (1500 MHz band). (a) Radiation pattern. (b)Current distribution.

(a)

(b)

Fig. 2.14 Radiation pattern and current distribution at the third resonance (1800 MHz band). (a) Radiation pattern. (b)Current distribution.

S11 (dB)

-5

F1 = 884 MHz F2 = 1460 MHz F3 = 1867 MHz

-10

-15 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2

Frequency (GHz) Fig, 2.15 Measured S11 of the proposed modified E-shaped triple band antenna (900/1500/1800MHz).

CHAPTER 3

COMPACT WIDE BAND ANTENNAS

3.1 INTRODUCTION The compact microstrip antenna structures studied in the previous chapter suffers from the bandwidth limitations. Generally speaking microstrip antenna bandwidth can be improved by one of the following methods: 1. Reducing the antenna efficiency 2. Increasing the antenna size 3. Using the approach of tuned antenna In this chapter, the bandwidth enhancement based on inserting losses in the antenna structure and hence reducing the antenna efficiency is studied. The bandwidth of the two narrow band antennas proposed in sections 2.3 and 2.4 is improved by using resistive post instead of the shorting post as described in the following sections.

3.2 BANDWIDTH ENHANCEMENT BY ADDING LOSSES TO THE ANTENNA STRUCTURE The chip-resistor loading techniques have been shown to be very effective in reducing the antenna size and increasing bandwidth at the expense of efficiency and so the antenna gain [15]- [18]. Designs of a chip-resistor loaded rectangular MSA fed using a probe or inset microstrip line have been reported [15]. A chip resistor of 1 was selected and placed at the edge, instead of the shorting pin. The 10 dB return loss antenna bandwidth was increased from 1.9% for the shorted patch to 9.3%. It has been noted that, the bandwidth increases as the resistance increases and the feed moves away from the chip resistance position as the resistance increases. The characteristics of loading a circular MSA with chip resistor and chip capacitor have also been studied [16]. Significant size reduction with good bandwidth has been obtained. It was estimated that the antenna gain for the 1 chipresistor is approximately 1.5 dB lower than that of the short circuited patch; that is the bandwidth enhancement is at some expense of the antenna gain. The reduction in bandwidth of short-circuited triangular MSA has also been improved through the use of 1 chip-resistor load instead of the shorting [17]. Broadband small size modified PIFA loaded by a chip-resistor has been implemented on thin air filled substrate (h = 3.2 mm) to work at 850 MHz band [18]. The antenna length is < o/8 due to the cutting slits in the radiating patch. The enhanced antenna bandwidth has been achieved at the expense of the antenna gain due to the ohmic loss of the loading resistance. The gain reduction of about 6 dB due to ohmic loss of a 5.6 chip resistor loading was reported. All chip resistors previously used, have only been used for single band compact antenna.

3.2.1

Triple-Band Antenna Based on Dual Band Approach

The band width of the triple band antenna designed in section 2.3, Fig. 2.8, can be improved by replacing the short-circuit post by a resistive post. The effect of resistive post usually deteriorates the matching, unless a modification in the feeding structure is made. In this case the feeder must be moved away in order to match for the new conditions. Since the three elements are joined together and the feeder was very close to the short circuit, moving the feeder means that the feeder will be in one of the branches. So, feeder adjustment for simultaneously matching the three bands is not an easy procedure. It has also been observed that, the resonance frequencies of the antenna change with the change of feeder position. The antenna dimensions has been little modified in order to keep the resonance frequencies unchanged. The final structure for 3.5 resistive post is shown in Fig. 3. 1. The simulation results are shown in Fig. 3.2 The simulated resonance frequencies are 895 MHz, 1515 MHz, and 1835 MHz. With respect to their resonance frequency, the three frequency bands, determined from 1:2.5 VSWR or about 7.3 dB return loss, have impedance bandwidths of about 40 MHz (about 4.4 %), 14 MHz, (about 0.9 %), and 80 MHz (about 4.4 %).

3.2.2

Modified E-Shaped Antenna

Now, the modified E-shaped antenna studied in section 2.4 is reconsidered for wideband applications. Using the same dimensions presented in Fig. 2.10, a 1.5 resistance is inserted instead of the short circuit. The feeder must be moved away and should be appropriately located in order to maintain matching at the three frequencies. The

simulation results are shown in Fig. 3.3. These results are obtained for 7 mm distance

between the resistive post and the feeder. The simulated resonance frequencies are 898 MHz, 1512 MHz, and 1915 MHz. With respect to their resonance frequency, the three frequency bands, determined from 1:2.5 VSWR or about 7.3 dB return loss, have impedance bandwidths of about 50 MHz (about 5.6 %), 20 MHz, (about 1.3 %), and 46 MHz (about 2.4 %). The antenna is implemented and measured using Vector network Analyzer. The antenna is implemented and measured using Vector network Analyzer. The measured results are shown in Fig. 3.4.

3 mm 12.5 mm 28 mm 10 mm 32 mm 0.5 mm 17.5 mm 10 mm

18 mm

4 mm

Fig. 3.1 Top patch of the triple band antenna designed on Duroid dielectric substrate of r = 2.2, and thickness 1.57 mm.

0 -5

S11 (dB)

-10 -15 -20 -25 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2

F1 = 895 MHz F2 = 1515 MHz F3 = 1795 MHz

Frequency (GHz) Fig. 3.2 Simulation results of the triple band antenna of Fig. 3.1 (designed on Duroid dielectric substrate with r = 2.2 and h = 1.57 mm).

0 -5

S11 (dB)

-10 -15 -20 -25 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2

F1 = 898 MHz F2 = 1512 MHz F3 = 1915 MHz

Frequency (GHz) Fig. 3.3 Simulations results of the modified E-shaped triple band antenna shown in Fig. 2.10 using 1.5 resistive post instead of the shorting post (designed on Duroid dielectric substrate with r = 2.2 and h = 1.57 mm).

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

In this project two different antenna configurations, suitable for triple band operation, compact, and simple in implementation, have been studied. The first configuration was based on dual band design. Triple band operation is then obtained by adding an extra element for the third band. The analysis of such antenna has been carried out using lumped element equivalence extracted from the transmission line theory. Design equations and curves helpful in the design procedure have been developed. These curves, showed more flexibility in the design and in the selection of the appropriate geometry and, the, the simplicity in construct of the triple band antenna using three different integrated elements. Based on the proposed design procedure, a dual band antenna has been designed to operate at 900 and 1800 MHz bands and then a third element which operates at 1500 MHz band has been added. Duroid dielectric substrate with r = 2.2 and thickness = 1.57 mm has been used. The IE3D simulator has been used during the validation stage. The simulation results agree well with theoretical predictions. The second configuration studied in this project is the modified E-shaped geometry. An E-shaped antenna has been designed, simulated, implemented and measured for operation at the three desired bands. Duroid dielectric substrate used in the first example has again been used in this case. Good agreement between simulations and measurements

has been observed. The far field radiation patterns at the three bands 900 MHz, 1500 MHz, and 1800 MHz have been computed using IE3D. It has been shown that the radiation patterns at the three bands are approximately similar to each other and are almost omnidirectional patterns which are desired for mobile handset applications. It has also been observed that the current in each branch dominates only at the resonance frequency of the branch element. The gain calculated using computer simulation is about 1 dB at 900 MHz band, 2 dB at the second and third bands. A technique to improve the bandwidth by replacing the short circuit by a resistive post has been studied and implemented. Adding 3.5 resistive post instead of the short circuit, for the first case increases bandwidth from 5 MHz to 40 MHz at the first band, from 5 MHz to 14 MHz at the second band, and from 18 MHz to 80 MHz at the third band. Moreover, 1.5 resistive post for the modified E-shaped antenna increases the bandwidth from 5 MHz to 50 MHz at the first band, from 11 MHz to 20 MHz at the second band, and from 11 MHz to 46 MHz at the third band. Future work to improve the performance of the triple band compact microstrip antenna developed in this research is recommended. In this regard, the bandwidth of these

geometries can be extended using multilayer substrate technology. Using such technology it is expected to enhance the efficiency of the antennas as well. Further design tuning of the developed single layer and the suggested multilayer geometries to the operating frequencies, bandwidth, and efficiency requirement is also a feasible and valuable research topic for future investigation.

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