Term Paper

on

Microstrip Antenna In Satellites

(BTE-330)
submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the award of the degree

of

Bachelors of Technology

in

Electronics and Communication Engineering

By

Abhilash Kumar

Enrollment No. A60205116002

Under the guidance of

Mrs. Shally Goyal

Assistant Professor

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

Amity School of Engineering & Technology
Amity University Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior
November 2017
 Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering
Amity School of Engineering and Technology
Amity University Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior

Declaration

I, Abhilash Kumar, student of Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and

Communication Engineering hereby declare that the Term Paper entitled
“MICROSTRIP ANTENNA IN SATELLITE” which is submitted by me to
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Amity School of
Engineering & Technology, Amity University Madhya Pradesh, in partial fulfilment
of the requirement for the award of the degree of Bachelors of Technology in
Electronics and Communication Engineering, has not been previously formed the
basis for the award of any degree, diploma or other similar title or recognition.

Abhilash Kumar
Date: (Enrollment No. – A60205116002)

i
 Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering
Amity School of Engineering and Technology
Amity University Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Abhilash Kumar (Enrollment No. A60205116002), student of

B.Tech (E.C.E) III semester, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering,
ASET, Amity University Madhya Pradesh, has written his Term Paper entitled
“MICROSTRIP ANTENNA IN SATELLITE” under my guidance and supervision.

The work was satisfactory. He has shown complete dedication and devotion to the given
work.

Date:

(Mrs. Shally Goyal) (Prof.(Dr.) Raghavendra Sharma)

Assistant Professor Head of the Department
Supervisor

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am very much thankful to our honourable Vice Chancellor Lt Gen. V. K. Sharma AVSM
(Retd) for allowing me to write term paper. I would also like to thanks Prof. (Dr.) M. P.
Kaushik, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Amity University Madhya Pradesh for his support.

I extend my sincere thanks to Maj. Gen. (Dr.) S. C. Jain, VSM** (Retd), HOI, Amity
School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior for his
guidance and support in writing my term paper. I would also like to thank Prof. (Dr.)
Raghavendra Sharma Head of Department (ECE), for his kind concern throughout the term
paper.

I am also very grateful to Mrs. Shally Goyal Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics
and Communication, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University
Madhya Pradesh my supervisor, for her constant guidance and encouragement provided in
this endeavour.

I am also thankful to the whole staff of ASET, AUMP for teaching and helping me always.
Last but not the least I would like to thank my parents and friends for their constant support.

Abhilash Kumar
(Enrollment No A60205116002)

iii
 ABSTRACT

Studies on the microstrip antenna array has been conducted with the objective to design,
simulate and fabricate the microstrip antenna array operating at 12GHz, Ku band downlink.
Microstrip antenna is well known for its low cost, compact and mechanically robust. This
project explores the capability of the microstrip antenna array at a higher frequency for the
satellite communication. Specification is defined and the designed antenna should be able to
operate with minimum gain of 20dBi, <-10 dB return loss, 3 to 5 percent bandwidth with
circular polarization. Simulation started with the basic single element antenna in getting the
correct geometrical parameters and feeding technique. Simulation was done step by step prior
obtaining the final design of antenna. The final design which complies to the specification
was selected for fabrication and measurement, whereby in this case (16x16) array was
selected. Study of fabrication was done successfully, however the performance comparison
shows some variation between simulation and antenna measurement.

This project work has shown a big potential of microstrip antenna array in satellite
communication, at a higher frequency. Further effort and follow ups will enhance the
performance of the microstrip antenna and lessen the impact of the shortcomings.

Keywords: Microstrip antenna, Antenna array, Satellite communication

iv
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Figure Caption Page No.

Figure 3.1 Principle of radiating element 3

Figure 3.2 Broadband 4x4 element array 4

Figure 3.3 Full microstrip array 4

Figure 3.4 One sub array of Fig 3.2.1 4

Figure 3.5 Antenna parameterization for single patch (1x1) 6

Figure 3.6 (2x2) Microstrip Antenna Array 6

Figure 3.7 (4x4) Microstrip antenna array 7

Figure 3.8 (8x8) Microstrip antenna array 7

Figure 3.9 (16x16) Microstrip array 7

Figure 4.1 Circular polarization with thin slot on patch 9

Figure 4.2 Circular polarization by trimming opposite 9
corners of the square patch (L=W)

Figure 4.3 Elliptical with tab 9

Figure 5.1 S11 Analysis for (1x1) Microstrip Array 12

Figure 5.2 S11 Analysis for (2x2) Microstrip Array 12

Figure 5.3 S11 Analysis for (4x4) Array 13

Figure 5.4 S11 Analysis for (8x8) Microstrip Array 13

Figure 5.5 S11 Analysis for (16x16) Array 14

v
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Front Page Page No.
Declaration by student i

Certificate by Supervisor (Forwarded by HOD/HOI) ii

Acknowledgement iii

Abstract iv

List of Figures v

Chapter 1 Objective 1

Chapter 2 Introduction 2

Chapter 3 Literature Review 3-7

3.1 Stripline Array 3-4

3.2 Series Fed Array 4-5
3.3 Single Element Antenna (1x1) 6
3.4 Microstrip Antenna Array (2x2) 6
3.5 Microstrip Antenna Array (4x4) 7
3.6 Microstrip Antenna Array (8x8) 7
3.7 Microstrip Antenna Array (16x16) 7

Chapter 4 Methodology 8-10

4.1 Designing Circular Patch 8-9

4.2 Antenna Design Equation 10

Chapter 5 Result and Analysis 11-14

5.1 Stripline Array 11

5.2 Series Fed Array 11
5.3 Single Element Antenna (1x1) 11-12
5.4 Microstrip Antenna Array (2x2) 12
5.5 Microstrip Antenna Array (4x4) 13
5.6 Microstrip Antenna Array (8x8) 13
5.7 Microstrip Antenna Array (16x16) 14

Chapter 6 Conclusion and Future Scope 15-16

Chapter 7 References 17

vi
Chapter 1
OBJECTIVE
This research is concentrating on the concept and application of microstrip antenna in
satellite communication. The studies will include the single element as the fundamental and
continue with the antenna array design.

The bottom line is to design, simulate and fabricate the microstrip antenna array for satellite
communication operating at 12GHz, Ku band downlink respected to the specification. It is
expected that the design should lessen the drawback effects of the antenna in satellite
communication application This research mainly concentrates on the design, simulation and
fabrication of the microstrip antenna array at 12 GHz Ku band downlink with <-10 dB return
loss, gain better than 20dBi and linear polarization.

The motivation of this project is to explore and enhance the operational capability of the
microstrip antenna array specifically for operation in the Ku band, operating at 12 GHz
downlink. By applying the microstrip design and considering the advantages, it is expected to
have better gain with lower costs, light, less mechanical limitation distraction, more
innovative and compatible antenna in satellite communication.

1
Chapter 2
INTRODUCTION
Antenna serves as the transition between the RF front-end circuitry and the radiation and
propagation of electromagnetic waves in free space. antennas play a critical role in
microwave and other wireless applications systems. Planar oriented antennas, such as
microstrip patch and printed dipole have attracted significant attention among antenna
engineers due to the tremendous benefits they bring to modern wireless systems in
comparison to more conventional designs.

Microstrip patch antennas were first proposed in the early 1970s and since then, a lot of
activity in this area of antenna engineering has occurred, probably more than in any other
field of antenna research and development [1]. The microstrip antenna is probably the
simplest yet most popular planar antenna. In its simplest form, the patch antenna can be
realized by etching a rectangular metal pattern on a dielectric substrate. It has several well-
known advantages over other antenna structures, including their low profile and hence
conformal nature, light weight, low cost of production, robust nature, and compatibility with
microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMICs) and optoelectronic integrated circuits
(OEICs) technologies. Because of these merits, forms of the microstrip patch antenna have
been utilized in many applications such as in satellite communication, mobile communication
base stations, and even mobile communication handset terminals.

Microstrip antenna is one of the common antenna elements in telecommunications and radar
applications. Microstrip antenna has the advantage of light weight, low volume, low profile,
low fabrication cost (can be made of FR4 board), supports multiple polarization, easy
integration with microwave integrated circuits (MICs), capable of multi - frequency
operations and mechanically robust. Besides the advantages, microstrip patch antenna has its
own disadvantages in bandwidth limitation (i. e narrow bandwidth), has low radiation
efficiency, low gain, suffer from spurious radiation of feeds and junctions, poor end fire
radiator, low power handling capability and vulnerable to surface wave excitation .The aim of
the project is to explore the capability of the microstrip antenna in satellite communication
with concern of its advantages and disadvantages.

2
Chapter 3
LITERATURE REVIEW
3.1 STRIPLINE ARRAY
A new type of stripline planar array has been studied for 12GHz satellite TV reception. a 16-
element experimental antenna [2] (dimensions ~ 98 x 98 x 18 mm3), using a stripline
corporate feed, presents a 2:1 VSWR bandwidth of over 2GHz and a gain higher than 20-6
dB in the 11-7—12-5 GHz bandwidth.

Interest in small satellite communication earth terminals is growing rapidly. Planar antennas
are very promising for such applications, especially for receive-only terminals. This letter
reports the first results of a planar antenna for 12GHz satellite TV reception. Many planar
antenna structure shave been proposed in recent 2 years but the WARC specifications for
satellite TV reception1 are difficult to meet with the existing structures. Thus a new antenna
structure has been investigated. We concentrated our efforts on two principal factors in this
first stage of the study: gain and bandwidth.

The antenna uses an optimised version of a newly proposed radiating element. This element
has the form of a stripline to (an open) waveguide transition. The experimental (circular
section) version is shown schematic ally in Fig.1.Excited by a stripline, principally in the
TE1X mode for a circular (or TE10 for a rectangular) section, it radiates as an open
waveguide and is linearly polarised.

Figure 3.1 Principle of radiating element

Array configuration—stripline feed: The test antenna (Fig. 2) is a 4 x 4 rectangular array.

Element spacing, imposed by geometrical considerations, is 24-8 mm (one wavelength at 121
GHz).The stripline corporate feed provides uniform amplitude and phase distribution to the
radiating elements. A 1-57mm-thick PTFE substrate was used with 50 Q lines. All power

3
Dividers are symmetrical and matched with a/4 sections. Measured 2:1 VSWR bandwidth
stays, as for a single element, are ~ 15% around 12 GHz. The estimated loss in the feed
network is 11 dB.

Figure 3.2 Broadband 4x4 element array

3.2 SERIES FED ARRAY

One technique to minimize this insertion loss is to employ the parallel and series feed
method. [3] The simplest form of feed system for such a relatively long microstrip may is
series feeding, which not only minimizes the dielectric insertion loss of the feed transmission
lines but also reduces the radiation leakage from the lines when compared to a complete
corporate feed system. In addition, the space usage of the given aperture is significantly
improved in a series-fed array architecture.

Figure 3.3 Full microstrip array

Figure 3.4 Sub array of Full microstrip array

4
The full array is shown in Fig.3.3. To provide the required antenna gain of 34 dB, the number
of radiating elements needed is about eight hundred. In the array, there are a total of 8
horizontal sub arrays with 100 identical square microstrip patches in each sub array, which
are arrayed in two rows of 50 elements. The array is designed to resonate at 12.1GHz. The
dielectric substrate of the micro strip array has a relative dielectric constant of 2.17 and a
thickness of 2 mm. Overall length of the array, including mounting areas at both ends is 792"
and the width is 384". The whole antenna is made of eight identical sub array, as illustrated in
Fig.3.4, which has a four stage parallel fed configuration. The one-sub array of the complete
array shown in Fig.3.3 is sketched in Fig.3.4 for more detailed presentation. The top-row and
bottom row of the sub array are fed in parallel at the sub array's vertical direction and fed in
series at each row patch location. In the sub array, element spacing in the horizontal direction
is 1-dielectric wavelength. This 1 -dielectric-wavelength spacing is needed to achieve
broadside radiation with equal phases from all the series-fed elements. Element spacing in the
vertical direction is 0.56 free-space wavelength, which is designed to achieve the required
elevation beam-width. Note that at each power division point in Fig.3.3 and Fig.3.4, the
microstrip line changes width. This was uniquely designed to achieve uniform power
distribution throughout the array with proper impedance matches. By designing the
microstrip line feed network with matched impedance throughout the entire circuit, the input
impedance bandwidth performance is enhanced. The matching‘s of different line impedances
are mostly done by using quarter-wave long transformers line. Here the guide wavelength is
the effective wavelength of the transmission in dielectric substrate; we can express the guide
wavelength as follows:

λg=λ0/√εg (1)
where λ0 is the free-space wavelength,
εg is the effective dielectric wavelength and is given by

εg=1+ εr + ( εr-1 ) x √1+10h (2)

2 2 w

where εr is the dielectric constant,

h is dielectric substrate thickness
w is the microstrip lines width

5
3.3 Single Element Antenna (1x1)

Design of the single element involves the fine tuning of antenna physical geometries such
that this antenna complies with the 12GHz frequency [4]. Figure 3.5 shows the physical
parameters that shall be considered in designing single (1x1) element.

Figure 3.5: Antenna parameterization for single patch (1x1)

3.4 Microstrip Antenna Array (2x2)

Figure 3.6 shows the (2x2) microstrip antenna array, constructed in CST based on the single
element simulation. The patches geometrical parameters are exactly similar to the single
element except for the feeding technique. The feeding technique for the arrays is the coaxial
feed, which physically the port is mounted at the centre of the circuit.

Figure 3.6: (2x2) Microstrip Antenna Array

6
3.5 Microstrip Antenna Array (4x4)

Figure 3.7: (4x4) Microstrip antenna array

3.6 Microstrip Antenna Array (8x8)

Figure 3.8: (8x8) Microstrip antenna array

3.7 Microstrip Antenna Array (16x16)

Figure 3.9: (16x16) Microstrip array

7
Chapter 4
METHODOLOGY

4.1 Designing Circular Patch

The operating frequency is at 12GHz.Gain is a useful measurement describing the antenna
performance. Although the gain of the antenna is closely related to the directivity, it is a
measure that takes into account the efficiency of the antenna as well as its directional
capabilities [5]. Gain is defined as ‗the ration of the intensity, in a given direction, to the
radiation intensity that would be obtained if the power accepted by the antenna were radiated
isotropically, The radiation intensity corresponding to the isotropically radiated power is
equal to the power accepted (input) by the antenna divided by 4π‘. [6] In this project it is a
requirement to obtain more than 10dB as the antenna is expected to transmit the signal in a
high operating frequency which is 12GHz, applied to the satellite communication.

Less than -10dB of the return loss is required. The reflection could not be exceeding more
than 10%. The lesser the value indicates a better losses of the antenna. There is a high chance
of getting lesser return loss, provided with a correct geometrical parameters and transmission
line system. Bandwidth of 3 to 4 percent is defined as the spec of this antenna. Bigger
bandwidth indicates a greater path for the signaling transmission. The antenna needs to have
a circular polarization for this application. Circular polarization is more practical compared to
the linear polarization, especially is broadcasting application. The signal should be able to
transmit and received not only in a single direction. There are many ways of obtaining the
circular polarization for example modification on the feed arrangement or on the patches
itself. For a square patch, this can be accomplished by cutting very thin slots as shown in
Figure 4.1.another alternative way is to trim the ends of two opposite corners of a square
patch as Figure 4.2 or else, circular polarization can also achieved with a circular patch by
making it slightly elliptical or adding tabs as per Figure 4.3. In this project, modification on
the square patch with the trimmed at the end has been chosen. This method is simpler
compared to the rest. This type of antenna has been designed.

8
 Figure 4.1: Circular polarization with thin slot on patch

Figure 4.2: Circular polarization by trimming opposite corners of the square patch (L=W)

Figure 4.3: Elliptical with tab

9
4.2 ANTENNA DESIGN EQUATIONS

The following design equation is the basic calculation according to the microstrip antenna
design procedure [7].
 Select frequency of operation and calculate its wavelength

 Obtain the substrate information:

εr – dielectric constant ; and
h – substrate thickness

In this project, the selected substrate is Gil Gml 100 with the εr equals to 3.2 and h equals to

0.762. This PCB is theoretically more suitable for the high frequency antenna due to its low
dielectric constant and loss tangent.

 Calculate antenna length (L) based on frequency and dielectric constant value as this
project is using square patch antenna, the value of the width is the same as the length.

Equation 2

Equation 3

These calculations are based on the design formula for single layer square patch antenna. The
square patch microstrip antenna which can be fed either by coaxial feed or microstrip line
feed. Do take note that this calculated antenna parameters (width and length), shall serve as
starting values for the purpose of initial antenna simulation the actual values might differ
during resonant frequency tuning and antenna parameterization is performed. The actual size
will be obtained during the construction and simulation in the software.

10
Chapter 5

RESULT AND ANALYSIS

5.1 STRIPLINE ARRAY

The measured gain is above 20-6 dB in the specified 11-7—12-5 GHz bandwidth. Compared
to the theoretical directivity based on the aperture area (4πa/λ2), the obtained gain gives an
antenna efficiency lying between 67%and 57% in the 11-7—12-5 GHz bandwidth. Cross
polarisation is about 25 dB below the maximum gain in the above bandwidth a new type of
planar antenna has been experimented with, and its high efficiency and broadband width have
been demonstrated a 15%-bandwidth, 16-element array has been realised with a gain of about
21 dB and about 62% efficiency.

5.2 SERIES FED ARRAY

At the centre frequency 12.3GHz, the measured antenna array peak gain is 36.5 dB. Based
on the radiating aperture size of 792mm x 384mm, the directly calculated gain of a uniformly
distributed aperture should be 38dB. This implies that the antenna array has an overall
efficiency of 70%. The antenna array suffered a 1 dB gain drop at 11.7GHz-12.5GHz.

5.3 SINGLE ELEMENT ANTENNA (1X1)

In terms of frequency, the simulation results indicated that single (1x1) element with
geometrical parameters as described is able to radiate at 12GHz. The return loss value is
more than -10dB while the signal bandwidth at -10dB also passes the spec at 3.4%. The S11
simulation result indicates a good sign to proceed with (2x2) array. However there are still
two parameters to confirm prior proceeding to the next level of analysis which is determining
the gain and antenna polarization.

The gain is 5.451 dB. The gain is low but it is as expected because this is only a single
element microstrip antenna. It is expected that the gain would become better as the size of the
arrays increases.

11
 Figure 5.1: S11 Analysis for (1x1) Array

5.4 MICROSTRIP ANTENNA ARRAY (2X2)

S11 analysis above revealed the dip at 12GHz with return loss -19 dB. The - 10dB
bandwidth by calculation is 3.09%. The S11 shows that both results are meeting the
spec. The next to confirm is the gain, the value is 12.67. The polarization for (2x2)
array is following the orientation of the single element antenna which is truncated
both orthogonal to obtain circular polarization.

Figure 5.2: S11 Analysis for (2x2) Microstrip Array

12
 5.5 MICROSTRIP ANTENNAARRAY (4X4)
The return loss for (4x4) array is -10.91dB. It is noted that the bandwidth has increased
to11%.The gain of 14.53dB for (4x4) array. It is an increasing trend from single patch to
(4x4).

Figure 5.3:S11 Analysis for (4x4) Array

5.6 MICROSTRIP ANTENNAARRAY (8X8)

The S11 analysis for (8x8) array shows that the signal is shifted. The shifting is affecting the
return loss where the value drops to -3.52. Besides the decrement of return loss, the gain has
maintained with the increasing trend to 19.90 dB.

Figure 5.4: S11 Analysis for (8x8) Array

13
 5.7 MICROSTRIP ANTENNAARRAY (16X16)

Figure 5.5: S11 Analysis for (16x16) Array

The S11 analysis of the simulated (16x16) array although the dip is shifted to more than
12GHz, the return loss at 12 GHz is still acceptable with -18.64dB. The calculated bandwidth
is 8% which is better than the defined spec which is 3% to 5%.The again achieved is 21.75
dB. [8] This is the largest gain value of all the designed the antenna, due to the quantity of
patch. There are 256 patched in total for this array. This somehow supports the theory of
array, whereby the gain value should increase with the increment of quantity of patch,
provided with a correct transmission line size.

14
CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION
The results show an increasing trend of gain value from single to (16x16) microstrip antenna
array. This is the most concerned criteria during the design stage of the antenna as the
application is concentrating on broadcasting in satellite communication. This characteristic
has been taken into account as one of the factor of preceding the design. The return loss is
varied due to complexion of the circuit itself. However, only (8x8) arrays were found to have
return loss less than -10 dB. This may due to the shifted frequency which also affecting the
bandwidth percentage all the antennas bandwidth are meeting the specification between 3 to
5 percent and even better which carries more than defined spec. all the antennas were
constructed with circular polarization.

The fabricated (16x16) array antenna is measured using network analyser. Due to limitation,
the antenna was measured at an external lab at the open space. The measurement was done on
the S11 analysis.

The measurement point at 12GHz is giving a return loss of -2.106 dB [9]. There is a potential
that the frequency has shifted circulated area above, which is around 22GHz.Observed that
there is a similar pattern of signal at this frequency. The shifted frequency is affecting the
return loss to be low. There are many factors contributing to the difference between
simulation and measurement result. The imperfection of antenna construction for example
antenna misalignment, geometrical variation, process influence and variation in substrate
thickness can cause in the above mentioned problem.

Other than that, the environment while performing the measurement will influence the result
as well. This antenna was measured in an open space, whereby the distraction of other signals
from other machines, electronic gadgets, and human may affect the measurement result.

15
FUTURE SCOPE

The study on the microstrip antenna array for satellite communication through this project
and with the result obtained, are beyond perfect completion Thus, further improvements are
required to enhance the antenna performance. Below are some proposals for the future works:

 To explore the antenna performance with various type of substrate. The antenna was
only designed by using one type of substrate due to material limitation [10]. Further
studies on the material and design should be able to define a perfect match for the
better antenna performance.

 Measurement result should be obtained is a more appropriate environment to assure

the accuracy of measurement value.

 Different array configurations of these antennas shall be simulated and tested.

16
Chapter 7
REFRENCES
[1] Thomas A. Milligan, Modern Antenna Design, 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons: NJ, 2005

[2] E. Rammos ―New Wideband High-Gain Stripline Planar Array for 12 GHz Satellite TV‖
4th February 1982 Laboratoires d'Electronique et de Physique Appliquee3 avenue
Descartes, 94450 Limeil-Brevannes, France

[3] Jia Zhenyi ― A 12 GHz band linearly polarized high gain microstrip array antenna study‖
Dept. of Electronics Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei
Province, P.RChina

[4] Mimi Faisyalini Binti Ramli.―Microstrip Antenna Array for Satellite Communication
Operating At 12ghz‖ - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (DEC -2009)

[5] Balanis, C.A. (1997). Antenna Theory: Analysis and Design. 2ndEd. NewYork: John
Wiley and Sons.

[6] Rod Waterhouse (2002). ―Microstrip Patch Antennas‖, RMIT University

[7] M.A.Weiss, ―Microstrip Antennas for Millimeter Waves,‖ IEEE Trans Antenna
Propagat., Vol. Ap-29, PP. 171- 174, Jan 1981

[8] Zuraidah Binti Harith . ―Design Of a Circular Polarization Microstrip Antenna at

2.4GHz,‖ Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

[9] N. Marcuvitz, Waveguide Handbook, Peter Peregrinus Ltd., 1986.

[10] K. R. Carver, and J. W. Mink, "Microstrip antenna technology, "IEEE Trans. Antennas
Propagat., Vol .24 1991

17