electronics
Article
A UWB Antenna Array Integrated with Multimode Resonator
Bandpass Filter
Sharif Ahmed 1, * , Tan Kim Geok 1, *, Mohamad Yusoff Alias 1 , Ferdous Hossain 1 , Hussein Alsariera 2 ,
Azlan Abdaziz 1 and Ping Jack Soh 3






Citation: Ahmed, S.; Kim Geok, T.;
Alias, M.Y.; Hossain, F.; Alsariera, H.;
Abdaziz, A.; Soh, P.J. A UWB
Antenna Array Integrated with
Multimode Resonator Bandpass Filter.
Electronics 2021, 10, 607. https://
doi.org/10.3390/electronics10050607
Received: 3 December 2020
Accepted: 6 January 2021
Published: 5 March 2021
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neu-
tral with regard to jurisdictional clai-
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nal affiliations.
Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Li-
censee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and con-
ditions of the Creative Commons At-
tribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Electronics 2021, 10, 607. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics10050607
1 Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Multimedia University, Melaka 75450, Malaysia;
yusoff@mmu.edu.my (M.Y.A.); ferdous.mbstu.cse@gmail.com (F.H.); azlan.abdaziz@mmu.edu.my (A.A.)
2 Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, University Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM),
Melaka 75450, Malaysia; husseinalsareira@gmail.com
3 Advanced Communication Engineering (ACE) CoE, Faculty of Electronic Engineering Technology,
University Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Arau 02600, Malaysia; pjsoh@unimap.edu.my
* Correspondence: sharifahmed1113@gmail.com (S.A.); kgtan@mmu.edu.my (T.K.G.)
Abstract: This paper presents a novel design of a modified ultrawideband (UWB) antenna array
integrated with a multimode resonator bandpass filter. First, a single UWB antenna is modified
and studied, using a P-shape radiated patch instead of a full elliptical patch, for wide impedance
bandwidth and high realized gain. Then, a two-element UWB antenna array is developed based on
this modified UWB antenna with an inter-element spacing of 0.35 λL , in which λL is the free space
wavelength at the lower UWB band edge of 3.1 GHz, compared to 0.27 λL of a reference UWB antenna
array designed using a traditional elliptical patch shape. The partial ground plane is designed with a
trapezoidal angle to enhance matching throughout the UWB frequency range. The mutual coupling
reduction of a modified UWB antenna array enhances the reflection coefficient, bandwidth, and
realized gain, maintaining the same size of 1.08 λ0 × 1.08 λ0 × 0.035 λ0 at 6.5 GHz center frequency
as that of the reference UWB antenna array. The UWB antenna array performance is investigated at
different inter-element spacing distances between the radiated elements. To add filtering capability
to the UWB antenna array and eliminate interference from the out-of-band frequencies, a multimode
resonator (MMR) bandpass filter (BPF) is incorporated in the feedline while maintaining a compact
size. The measurement results showed a close agreement with simulated results. The proposed UWB
filtering antenna array design achieved a wide fractional bandwidth of more than 109.87%, a high
realized gain of more than 7.4 dBi, and a compact size of 1.08 λ0 × 1.08 λ0 × 0.035 λ0 at 6.5 GHz
center frequency. These advantages make the proposed antenna suitable for UWB applications such
as indoor tracking, radar systems and positioning applications.
Keywords: antennas; antenna array; integrated filtering antenna; multimode resonator filter; UWB ap-
plications
1. Introduction
The ultrawideband technology, since it was introduced by the Federal Communication
Commission (FCC) [1], has been applied for many wireless applications such as Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems [2], sensing and medical applications [3], weather radar
application [4], indoor localization systems [5], wireless body area networks (WBANs) [6]
and the Internet of Things (IoT) [7]. This is because of its attractive benefits of low cost,
high data rate, and wide operating bandwidth [8,9]. Despite the widespread use of ultra-
wideband (UWB) applications, they face challenges related to interference with adjacent
wireless systems, low resolution, and degradation of radiation characteristics in the upper
portion of UWB spectrum.
To overcome these limitations, enhancement of the RF front-end of the wireless com-
munication system is considered by integrating filter elements in the antenna design to
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics
Electronics 2021, 10, 607 2 of 19

simultaneously achieve radiation and filtering. Contrary to traditional designs of filters

and antennas connected using external cables, recent studies have proposed the integration
of the two components as a single unit. Thus, the losses, cost, and size associated with the
extra impedance transformation elements are reduced [10,11].
Integrated filtering antennas, with radiation and filtering functions achieved, have
been reported in [12–21]. However, their operating impedance bandwidth is typically
narrow, and they are unable to operate throughout the entire UWB frequency spectrum. In
addition to limitations in bandwidth, the filtering antennas reported in [12–16,20,21] are
implemented using multi-layered structures, which reduces the space efficiency for practi-
cal modern wireless communication applications. To overcome this, single-layered UWB
antennas integrated with bandpass filters have been proposed in [22–25]. Despite featuring
ultrawide impedance bandwidths and compact sizes, these designs are applied on single
antenna elements with low peak gains, which are limited to 4.25 dBi, 5.2 dBi, 4 dBi, and
4 dBi, respectively.
To improve radiation characteristics, several studies have adopted an array config-
uration with wideband [26,27] and UWB [28,29] operating frequency spectrum. How-
ever, these studies do not include filter design with wideband and UWB antenna arrays;
hence, they suffer from interference. On the other hand, several other researchers have
integrated an antenna array with a bandpass filter to form a filtering antenna array as
reported in [30–35], but the maximum and minimum fractional operating bandwidth is
88.76% [31] and 3% [35], respectively.
Different bandpass filtering design techniques have been adopted in antenna ar-
rays and reported in the literature. Several instances include the stub-loaded resonator
(SLR)-based feeding network [30], feeding network based on microstrip and slotline tran-
sitions [31], filtering by using feedline and patches coupling [32], symmetrical stepped
impedance resonators [33], ring slot-coupled feeding structure with Jerusalem cross radiat-
ing element [34], and power divider connected with two baluns [35]. However, the pass-
bands of these filtering elements are narrow and limited to a maximum passband of
88.76% [31]. In addition, the filtering structure in [30] requires multi-layered configuration,
whereas other researchers in [33] and [34] implemented multiple ports with multi-layered
structures. These features increase the size and complexity of the filtering and consequently
the overall antenna structure.
To simultaneously enable the features of wide impedance bandwidth, filtering func-
tion, and good radiation characteristics, a new class of integrated UWB antenna array
is proposed. Specifically, a multimode resonator-based bandpass filter consisting of two
interdigital-coupled lines and single-wing stub is designed and implemented on the pro-
posed antenna array. This filtering configuration supports an ultrawide operation with
a fractional passband of more than 120% and a compact size of 0.58 × 0.47 × 0.036 λ0 .
Moreover, this filtering structure is designed using a single feedline and implemented
on a single layer, which ensures size compactness and simplifies its integration with the
UWB antenna array. Finally, when integrated on an antenna array, this method resulted
in an enhanced peak gain of up to 7.4 dBi and a fractional bandwidth of higher than
109.8%, which is centred at 6.5 GHz with a compact size of 1.08 × 1.08 × 0.035 λ0 . Figure 1
summarizes the difference between the traditional and proposed design approach in the
RF front-end architecture. The paper is organized as follows. First, the modified designs
of a single element UWB antenna and two-element UWB array antenna are designed and
studied in Section 2. The design, simulation, and testing of a UWB single-wing bandpass
filter and integrated modified UWB antenna array and single-wing bandpass filter are
presented in Section 3. Finally, the conclusions in this work are drawn in Section 4.
Electronics 2021, 10, 607 3 of 19
Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 19

Figure
Figure 1. 1.
RFRF front-end
front-end architecture
architecture (a)(a) Traditional
Traditional design
design approach;
approach; (b)(b) Proposed
Proposed design
design ap-
approach.
proach.
2. UWB Antenna Design
2. UWB
In thisAntenna
work, a Design
reference UWB antenna array is first designed. This is followed by a
In this
small-sized work,
UWB a referencefilter
single-wing UWB antenna
being array is
embedded infirst designed.UWB
the modified This is followed
antenna by a
array
tosmall-sized
arrive at theUWB
final single-wing
compact-sized filter
UWBbeing embedded
filtering in the
antenna modified UWB antenna array
array.
to arrive at the final compact-sized UWB filtering antenna array.
2.1. Single Patch UWB Antenna
2.1.The
Single Patch
design UWB Antenna
procedure begins with a traditional elliptical monopole antenna, as shown
in Figure 2a. The lower band-edge
The design procedure begins frequency
with a is estimatedelliptical
traditional using design equations
monopole for an as
antenna,
equivalent cylindrical monopole antenna in [36], as follows:
shown in Figure 2a. The lower band-edge frequency is estimated using design equations
for an equivalent cylindrical monopole antenna in [36], as follows:
c 72
fL = = GHz (1)
λ c[( H + r + G 72) × k]
fL = = GHz (1)
λ ( H + r + G ) × k 
where H is the height of the planar monopole antenna and r is the radius of equivalent the
cylindrical
where H is monopole
the heightantenna. Parameter
of the planar monopoleG is the gap between
antenna the radius
and r is the patch and the partialthe
of equivalent
ground G = ( L f + L f ) − Lg.
cylindrical monopole antenna. Parameter G is the gap between the patch andEquation
plane, and it is calculated using 1 2 All units in the partial
(1) are in millimeters. Parameter k is the factor that represents the effect of the substrate
ground plane, and it is calculated using G = ( Lf 1 + Lf 2) − Lg . All units in Equation (1) are
dielectric constant, and it is around 1.15. Parameters H and r for the patch of the planar
in millimeters. Parameter k is the factor that represents the effect of the substrate dielec-
monopole shown in Figure 2a can be obtained by using Equations (2) and (3), respectively,
astric constant, and it is around 1.15. Parameters H and r for the patch of the planar mono-
follows.
pole shown in Figure 2a can be obtained H =by using Equations (2) and (3), respectively,
2Lp (2) as
follows.
r = W p/4 (3)
H = 2 Lp (2)
For the P-shaped patch monopole shown in Figure 2b, the height, H, is also equal
to 2Lp, whereas the radius, r is equal to (W r =pWp+W / 4 f 2)/8. Thus, the lower band-edge(3)
frequency of the P-shaped patch monopole antenna can be estimated using Equation (4).
On the For the
other P-shaped
hand, the upperpatch monopole
cutoff shown
frequency canin beFigure
determined 2b, the
byheight, H, which
the filter, is also selects
equal to
2Lp , whereas the radius, r is equal to (Wp + Wf 2) / 8 . Thus, the
the operating band and rejects unwanted frequency bands. All units in this equation are lower band-edge fre-
quency
also of the P-shaped patch monopole antenna can be estimated using Equation (4). On
in millimeters.
the other hand, the upper cutoff frequency can be determined by the filter, which selects
c 72
the operating band f L =and = rejects unwanted frequency bands. All units GHz in this equation(4)are
λ [(2Lp + {(W p + W f 2)/8} + G ) × k]
also in millimeters.
c 72
fL = = GHz (4)
λ ( 2 Lp + {(Wp + Wf 2) / 8} + G ) × k 

Electronics 2021, 10, 607
Wp′ = 0) is designed, the reflection coefficient response is less than −11 dB. However, when
the radiated patch is designed in a P-shape (at Wp′ = 0.89 mm = Wf2/2), the reflection
coefficient response is less than −13 dB throughout the UWB band. Finally, when the ra-
diated patch is enlarged (at Wp′ > Wf2/2), the reflection coefficient response goes above –
10 dB at frequencies higher than 9 GHz. Thus, the P-shaped patch is selected to achieve
4 of 19
an optimum performance of reflection coefficient throughout the UWB band from 3 to
more than 10 GHz.

Figure 2. Geometry ofaasingle

Geometry of singleUWB
UWB antenna,
antenna, (a) (a) reference
reference UWBUWB (ultrawideband)
(ultrawideband) antenna,
antenna, and (b)and (b) modified
modified patch
patch UWB UWB
antenna.
antenna.
The feedline of the elliptical monopole antenna can be calculated using Equation (5) [37].
The antenna Roger RO4003C substrate has a relative dielectric constant, ε r of 3.38 and
√
thickness, h of 1.524 mm where B = 377π/(2Zo ε r ), and Zo = 50Ω.

Wf εr − 1
  
2 0.61
= [ B − 1 − ln(2B − 1)] + × ln( B − 1) + 0.3 − (5)
h π 2ε r εr

The elliptical monopole antenna is designed with a transition feed between the 50 Ω
and the elliptical radiated patch, as shown in Figure 2, to enhance the impedance matching
throughout the UWB band [38]. Modification on the monopole antenna patch is performed
in Figure 2b to further improve matching and realized gain and to make it suitable for UWB
antenna array development. The radiated patch of the single UWB antenna is modified
to be in a P-shape instead of a full elliptical patch shape. After modelling of the antenna,
parameters of the antenna were optimized for optimum performance. First, antenna
parameter space and goals were specified. Second, the optimization algorithm of “Trust
Region Framework” was chosen. After that, CST software was run to study the antenna
performance at different parameters’ values. The optimized dimensions of the modified
P-shape patch antenna are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Optimized parameters of the modified UWB antenna.

Parameter Value [mm] Parameter Value [mm]

Wf1 3.38 Wp 11
Lf1 14.77 Ws 30
Wf2 1.78 Ls 40
Lf2 3.0 Lg 17.76
Lp 9.8 Null

First, the effect of the shape variations of the UWB radiator on the reflection coefficient
is investigated. A study of different lengths of the Wp0 slot located on the elliptical patch is
performed, and its result is illustrated in Figure 3a. When a half-patch radiator (at Wp0 = 0)
is designed, the reflection coefficient response is less than −11 dB. However, when the
radiated patch is designed in a P-shape (at Wp0 = 0.89 mm = Wf2/2), the reflection coefficient
response is less than −13 dB throughout the UWB band. Finally, when the radiated patch
is enlarged (at Wp0 > Wf2/2), the reflection coefficient response goes above –10 dB at
frequencies higher than 9 GHz. Thus, the P-shaped patch is selected to achieve an optimum
performance of reflection coefficient throughout the UWB band from 3 to more than 10 GHz.
 as seen in Figure 3b. In addition to the reflection coefficient improvement seen, the gain
of modified antenna is enhanced as well. The gain comparison of the conventional and
modified UWB antennas is presented in Figure 3b. Throughout the operating frequency
range, the modified UWB antenna has a higher gain. The gain of the modified UWB an-
Electronics 2021, 10, 607 tenna is higher than 3 dBi from 3 GHz onwards compared to that of the conventional 5 of 19
antenna. The gain of the modified UWB antenna continues to increase to 5.03 dBi at 10 GHz,
and only 4.76 dBi gain is achieved by the reference UWB antenna at the same frequency.

(a) (b)
Figure 3. Single element UWB antenna; (a) Study of patch dimension change of UWB antenna on the reflection coefficient
Figure 3. Single element UWB antenna; (a) Study of patch dimension change of UWB antenna on the reflection coefficient
and bandwidth; (b) Reflection coefficient and realized gain comparison of reference and modified UWB antenna.
and bandwidth; (b) Reflection coefficient and realized gain comparison of reference and modified UWB antenna.
2.2. Modified UWB Antenna Array
A conventional UWB antenna is simulated, in Computer Simulation Technology (CST)
Next, the
software, as optimized
a referencemodified single UWB
antenna, resulting antenna
in an operationis applied
startingtofrom
form2.21
a two-element
GHz to more
UWBthanantenna
15 GHz.array,
Then,asthe
shown in Figure
modified UWB4.antenna
The radiator
is alsoofsimulated,
the conventional
producingUWB anantenna
operating
array is modified
bandwidth fromby cutting
2.327 GHztwo adjacent
to more thansides to increase
15 GHz. the spacing
The reflection between
coefficient of athe two
modified
patches
UWB and minimize
antenna mutual to
is enhanced coupling.
almost −The15 final modified UWB
dB throughout antenna array
the operating band,consists
whereas
of the
a two-element
reference UWB radiating
antennapatches with coefficient
reflection an inter-element
is closespacing
to −10of dBd2atconnected
around 8 GHz,by anas
equal
seenpower divider.
in Figure 3b. InOnaddition
the othertohand, the reference
the reflection UWB improvement
coefficient antenna array seen,
is designed
the gain
similarly with antenna
of modified this finalisantenna,
enhanced with d1 representing
as well. its inter-element
The gain comparison of thespacing. For the
conventional and
final modified
modified UWB UWB array, aisrectangular
antennas presented in section
Figureis 3b.
removed from the
Throughout thecenter of thefrequency
operating partial
range,plane
ground the modified UWB
on its reverse antenna
side has amatching.
to improve higher gain. The gain
To further of thethe
enhance modified
impedanceUWB
antennathroughout
matching is higher thanthe 3UWB
dBi from
band,3 the
GHz onwards
shape of thiscompared to thatplane
partial ground of themodified
conventional
to
antenna. The gain of the modified UWB antenna continues to increase to
be in a trapezoidal shape. This shape is defined with an angle of ϕ between the substrate 5.03 dBi at 10 GHz,
and only 4.76 dBi gain is achieved by the reference UWB antenna at the same frequency.

2.2. Modified UWB Antenna Array

Next, the optimized modified single UWB antenna is applied to form a two-element
UWB antenna array, as shown in Figure 4. The radiator of the conventional UWB antenna
array is modified by cutting two adjacent sides to increase the spacing between the two
patches and minimize mutual coupling. The final modified UWB antenna array consists
of a two-element radiating patches with an inter-element spacing of d2 connected by an
equal power divider. On the other hand, the reference UWB antenna array is designed
similarly with this final antenna, with d1 representing its inter-element spacing. For the
final modified UWB array, a rectangular section is removed from the center of the partial
ground plane on its reverse side to improve matching. To further enhance the impedance
matching throughout the UWB band, the shape of this partial ground plane modified to be
in a trapezoidal shape. This shape is defined with an angle of φ between the substrate edge
and the upper edge of the ground. All design parameters of the modified UWB antenna
array are listed in Table 2.
 Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW

Electronics 2021, 10, 607 6 of 19

edge and the upper edge of the ground. All design parameters of the modified UW
tenna array are listed in Table 2.

(a) (b)

4. Geometry
Figure
Figure of theofmodified
4. Geometry UWBUWB
the modified antenna array:array:
antenna (a) top
(a)view, (b) bottom
top view, view.view.
(b) bottom

Table 2. DesignTable 2. Design

parameters parameters
of modified UWBof modified UWB antenna array.
antenna array.

Parameter Parameter
Value [mm] Value [mm]
Parameter Parameter
Value [mm] Value [mm]
Ws
Ws 50
50 Wm
Wm 2.4
2.4
Ls Ls 50 50 Lf Lf 21.5 21.5
Wp Wp 8.6 8.6 Wf Wf 3.41 3.41
Lp Lp 9.4 9.4 Lg Lg 19.25 19.25
d1 26.76 Lgm 21.25
d1 26.76 Lgm 21.25
d2 33.61 S1 2.8
Ln d2 3.62 33.61 S2 S1 5.0 2.8
Wn Ln 3.5 3.62 φ S2 85 ◦ 5.0
Wn 3.5 ϕ 85°
The patch shape 0 ) of the UWB antenna array is
of Wplengths
The change (at different
patch shape changelengths
(at different of Wp′) of the UWB antenna arr
first studied in terms
first of reflection
studied in termscoefficient andcoefficient
of reflection operatingand bandwidth.
operatingThe influenceThe
bandwidth. of influen
the change inthethechange
length in of the 0
Wplength
on theofreflection coefficient
Wp′ on the reflectionand impedance
coefficient and bandwidth
impedance bandwid
is studied at Wp 0 = 0–8.6 mm, as shown in Figure 5. Note that Wp0 = 0 mm corresponds
studied at Wp′ = 0–8.6 mm, as shown in Figure 5. Note that Wp′ = 0 mm correspon
to the half-patch of the radiated
the half-patch of theelement
radiatedand Wp0 and
element = 8.6Wp′
mm= corresponds to the full
8.6 mm corresponds el- full elli
to the
liptical patch patch
of theofradiated element. At Wp 0 = 0 mm (at d2 = 0.37 λL), the reflection
the radiated element. At Wp′ = 0 mm (at d2 = 0.37 λL), the reflection coeff
coefficient response
response is higher
is higherthan −10
than −10dBdB
around
around frequencies
frequenciesfrom from4.84.8
GHz
GHz toto6.36.3
GHz.
GHz. This i
This is due to to
the mismatch
the mismatch between
between the
thehalf-elliptical
half-elliptical patch
patch and
and the
the feeding
feeding line.
line. When
When Wp′ = 1.7
Wp0 = 1.75 mm(at (atd2
d2==0.35
0.35λL),
λL),thethe reflection
reflection coefficient response goes
coefficient response goes below below − 10 dB from
−10 dB from 2.17 GH
2.17 GHz to 10.052
10.052GHzGHzwithwithaafractional
fractional bandwidth
bandwidth of of 129%.
129%. When
When Wp′ Wp0 > 1.75 mm
> 1.75 mm (at (at d2 < 0.35
d2 < 0.35 λL), the reflection coefficient response goes above −10 dB between 8 GHz and
the reflection coefficient response goes above −10 dB between 8 GHz and 9 GHz.
9 GHz. Thus, optimum performance is obtained when the radiated patch has a P-shape
optimum performance is obtained when the radiated patch has a P-shape (Wp′ = 1.75
(Wp0 = 1.75 mm and d2 = 0.35 λL). This is due to the increase of the inter-element spacing
and d2 = 0.35 λL). This is due to the increase of the inter-element spacing distance bet
distance between elements, resulting in a significant reduction in the mutual coupling
elements, resulting in a significant reduction in the mutual coupling between the radi
between the radiating elements.
elements.
 Electronics2021,
Electronics 2021,10,
10,607
x FOR PEER REVIEW 77ofof1919
Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 19

Figure 5. Study of patch dimension change of a UWB antenna array on the reflection coefficient
Figure 5.
5. Study
and bandwidth.
Figure ofpatch
Study of patch dimension
dimension change
change of a UWB
of a UWB antenna
antenna array onarray on the coefficient
the reflection reflectionand
coefficient
bandwidth.
and bandwidth.
Figure
Figure66shows
showsthe thereflection
reflectioncoefficient,
coefficient,impedance
impedancebandwidth,
bandwidth,and andrealized
realizedgain
gainofof
Figure
reference 6
and shows the
modified reflection
UWB coefficient,
antenna array. impedance
The reference bandwidth,
UWB
reference and modified UWB antenna array. The reference UWB antenna array operates and
antenna realized
array gain
operates of
reference
from
from2.502 and
2.502 GHz modified
GHz to to8.166 UWB
8.166GHz, antenna
GHz,with
withanan array. The
impedance
impedance reference
bandwidth
bandwidth UWB antenna
of 5.664
of 5.664 GHz. GHz. array
On the operates
Onother
the other
hand,
from
hand,2.502
the modifiedGHzUWB
the modifiedto 8.166
UWB GHz,
antenna with an
antenna
array impedance
array
starts starts bandwidth
operating
operating at 2.17atGHzof 5.664
2.17 GHz GHz. On10.052
and stops
and stops at the
at other
10.052
GHz, hand,
GHz,
with
the
anmodified
withimpedance UWB
an impedance antenna
bandwidth array
bandwidth ofstarts
of 7.882 7.882
GHz.operating
GHz. at 2.17 in
Comparison
Comparison GHz inand
termsterms stops
of at 10.052
of realized
realized GHz,
gaingain with
shows
shows that
that
an the modified
impedance antenna
bandwidth of array
7.882 enhanced
GHz. realized
Comparison gains
in termsby at
of least
realized
the modified antenna array enhanced realized gains by at least 2 dBi and exceeds 3.5 dBi in 2 dBi
gain and exceeds
shows that
3.5
the dBifrequencies
some in some
modified frequencies
antenna arraythe
within within
UWBthe
enhanced UWB operating
realized
operating gains atband.
band.byThese least 2These
dBi and
improvements improvements
exceeds
in the3.5 in the
dBi
modifiedin
modified
some UWB
frequencies antenna
within array
the performance
UWB operating are due
band. to the
These increased
improvements
UWB antenna array performance are due to the increased inter-element distance and re- inter-element
in the distance
modified
and
UWB reduction
antenna
duction of mutual
array
of mutual coupling
performance
coupling between
are
between thetothe
due radiating
the increased
radiating elements. TheThe
inter-element
elements. inter-element
distance and
inter-element spac-
re-
spacing
ing distances
duction
distances of are are
mutual d2 = 0.35
d2 =coupling λ and
Lbetween
0.35 λL and d1 = 0.27 respectively
the radiating
d1 = 0.27 λ elements.
λL Lrespectively for
for thethe modified
Themodified and
inter-element reference
spacing
and reference
antenna
antennaarray.
distances are d2
array. These enhancement
= 0.35
These λL and d1 =enables
enhancement 0.27 λLthe
enables modified
modifiedarray
respectively
the for
array totobe
the beeasily
easilyintegrated
modified with
and reference
integrated with
the single-wing
antenna array. UWB
These bandpass
enhancement filter and
enables will
the be described
modified array
the single-wing UWB bandpass filter and will be described in the next section.in the
to benext section.
easily integrated with
the single-wing UWB bandpass filter and will be described in the next section.

Figure6.6. Simulated
Figure Simulated reflection
reflection coefficients
coefficients and
andrealized
realizedgain
gainofofthe
thereference
referenceand
andmodified
modifiedUWB
UWB
Figure 6. Simulated
antenna array. reflection coefficients and realized gain of the reference and modified UWB
antenna array.
antenna array.
 3. Modified UWB Antenna Array with Multimode Resonator Filter
Electronics 2021, 10, 607 8 of 19
3.1. Multimode Resonator-Based UWB Bandpass Filter
In this study, a multimode resonator UWB bandpass filter based on the conc
stepped-impedance
3. Modified UWB Antenna resonator
Array with(SIR) is designed
Multimode [39]. The
Resonator Filtersingle-wing UWB bandp
is chosen
3.1. Multimode due to its wide UWB
Resonator-Based impedance
Bandpassbandwidth,
Filter good transmission and reflectio
cients, sizestudy,
In this compactness,
a multimode and ease ofUWB
resonator integration
bandpasswithfilter UWB
based onantennas.
the concept This
of bandp
aisstepped-impedance resonator (SIR) is designed [39]. The single-wing
formed using two pairs of interdigital-coupled lines that are connected to 50 Ω te UWB bandpass
filter
and isa chosen due to its
single-wing wideThese
stub. impedance bandwidth, good transmission
interdigital-coupled lines are and reflectionto two
equivalent
coefficients, size compactness, and ease of integration with UWB antennas. This bandpass
transmission lines, whereas the single-wing stub is designed to perform impedan
filter is formed using two pairs of interdigital-coupled lines that are connected to 50 Ω
ping, which
terminals and acreates multiple
single-wing modes
stub. These within the UWB
interdigital-coupled band.
lines Due to the
are equivalent strong cou
to two
the interdigital-coupled
pairs lines the
of transmission lines, whereas andsingle-wing
the overlapping of high-frequency
stub is designed modes, a UW
to perform impedance
stepping, which creates multiple modes within the UWB band. Due
pass response from 3.1 GHz to more than 10.6 GHz is achieved [40]. The interdig to the strong coupling
of the interdigital-coupled lines and the overlapping of high-frequency modes, a UWB
pled lines are designed with a length of λ 4 with respect to the upper frequenc
bandpass response from 3.1 GHz to more than 10.6 GHz is achieved [40]. The interdigital-
For narrowband
coupled antennas,
lines are designed withthe dimensions
a length of the
of λ/4 with single-wing
respect impedance
to the upper frequencytransfor
band.
pliedForto narrowband antennas, the dimensions
the interdigital-coupled lines can of be
the designed
single-wingwithimpedance transformer
reduced impedance m
applied to the interdigital-coupled lines can be designed with reduced
bandwidth. The single-wing bandpass filter and its equivalent circuit are shown in F impedance matching
bandwidth. The single-wing bandpass filter and its equivalent circuit are shown in Figure 7,
whereas its design parameters are summarized in Table 3 (all units in mm). The fa
whereas its design parameters are summarized in Table 3 (all units in mm). The fabricated
single-wing
single-wing bandpass
bandpass filter filter is illustrated
is illustrated in Figurein 8. Figure 8.

Figure Single-wing
Figure7. 7. UWBUWB
Single-wing multimode resonator
multimode (MMR) bandpass
resonator (MMR)filter and its equivalent
bandpass filter andcircuit.
its equivalen

Table Design
Table3. 3. parameters
Design of the of
parameters single-wing UWB MMR
the single-wing bandpass
UWB MMR filter.
bandpass filter.
Parameter Value [mm] Parameter Value [mm]
Parameter Value [mm] Parameter Value [m
Wf 25 W2 0.49
LfWf 20 25 W3 W2 0.1 0.49
L1 Lf 2.5 20 W4 W3 0.68 0.1
L2 2.5 W5 0.43
L3L1 6.6 2.5 W6 W4 0.1 0.68
L4L2 2.1 2.5 W7 W5 3.40 0.43
L5 6.34 R1 5
g L3 0.95 6.6 R2 W6 1.43 0.1
W1L4 0.41 2.1 W7
Null 3.40
L5 6.34 R1 5
g 0.95 R2 1.43
W1 0.41 Null
The multimode bandpass filter is measured using Vector Network Analyzer
The measured S-parameters (S11, S12, S21, S22) of the filter are compared with si
results obtained from CST software as shown in Figure 9. The measured results
 mission coefficient (S21). A close agreement is observed between the simulation a
Electronics 2021, 10, 607 9 of 19
urement results. The offsets in frequency observed is due to substrate permittiv
tion and fabrication resolution tolerance.

Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 1

mission coefficient (S21). A close agreement is observed between the simulation and meas
urement results. The offsets in frequency observed is due to substrate permittivity varia
tion and fabrication resolution tolerance.

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 8. Prototype
8. Prototype of theof
UWBthesingle-wing
UWB single-wing bandpass
bandpass filter: filter:
(a) Front view,(a)
(b)Front view,
Back view. (b) Back view
The multimode bandpass filter is measured using Vector Network Analyzer (VNA).
The measured S-parameters (S11, S12, S21, S22) of the filter are compared with simulated
results obtained from CST software as shown in Figure 9. The measured results indicate
a—10 dB reflection coefficient (S11) from 2.77 GHz to 11.23 GHz, and about 1 dB of
transmission coefficient
(a) (S21). A close agreement is observed between the simulation and
(b)
measurement results. The offsets in frequency observed is due to substrate permittivity
Figure 8.and
variation Prototype of theresolution
fabrication UWB single-wing
tolerance.bandpass filter: (a) Front view, (b) Back view.

Figure 9. S-Parameters of the fabricated UWB single-wing bandpass filter.

3.2. Integration of Modified UWB Antenna Array and BPF Filter

Upon the optimization of the modified UWB antenna array in terms of refle
efficient, impedance bandwidth, and gain, it is now integrated with the single-wi
Figure9.9.S-Parameters
Figure S-Parameters of the
of the fabricated
fabricated UWBUWB single-wing
single-wing bandpass
bandpass filter. filter.
bandpass filter. As shown in Figure 10, the single-wing MMR bandpass filter is em
in Integration
3.2.
3.2.the feedline
Integration of of theUWB
of Modified
Modified modified
UWBAntenna UWB antenna
ArrayArray
Antenna and BPF array
andFilter
BPF that consists of two-elemen
Filter
with Upon the optimization of the modified UWB antenna the
the
Upon modified
the partial
optimization ground
of the plane.
modified UWBTableantenna4 lists
array in designs parameters
of reflectionofco
terms of reflection
array in terms
coefficient, impedance
antennaimpedance bandwidth,
array withbandwidth,
the bandpass and gain, it is now integrated with the single-wing
efficient, and filter
gain, itinismm.
now integrated with the single-wing MM
MMR bandpass filter. As shown in Figure 10, the single-wing MMR bandpass filter is
bandpassinfilter.
embedded As shown
the feedline inmodified
of the Figure 10,UWBtheantenna
single-wing
array MMR bandpass
that consists filter is embedde
of two-element
patches with the modified partial ground plane. Table 4 lists the designs parameters of the patche
in the feedline of the modified UWB antenna array that consists of two-element
withantenna
UWB the modified partial
array with ground plane.
the bandpass filter inTable
mm. 4 lists the designs parameters of the UW
antenna array with the bandpass filter in mm.
Electronics 2021, 10, 607 10 of 19
Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 19

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure10.
10.Geometry
Geometry of the integrated
of the integratedUWB
UWBantenna
antenna array
array with
with thethe single-wing
single-wing bandpass
bandpass filter:filter: (a) Front
(a) Front view, view, (b)view.
(b) Back Back
view.
Table 4. Design parameters of the UWB filtering antenna array.
Table 4. Design parameters of the UWB filtering antenna array.
Parameter Value [mm] Parameter Value [mm]
Parameter Value [mm] Parameter Value [mm]
Ws
Ws 50
50 W6
W6 0.1
0.1
Ls 50 W7 3
Ls
L1
502
W7
W9
3
24.66
L1
L2 22 W9
R1 24.66
5.16
L2
L3 2
7.44 R1
R2 5.16
1.33
L4
L3 2.05
7.44 Wp
R2 8.6
1.33
L5 7.66 Lp 9.4
L4 2.05 Wp 8.6
g 1.9 Lg 19.25
L5
S 7.66
23.83 Lp
Wm 9.4
2.4
g
Ln 1.9
3.61 Lg
Wn 19.25
3.5
W1
S 0.44
23.83 Lgm
Wm 21.25
2.4
W2
Ln 0.67
3.61 S1
Wn 4
3.5
W3 0.1 S2 2.8
W1
W4 0.44
0.83 Lgmφ 21.25
85◦
W2
W5 0.67
0.88 S1
W8 4
3.39
W3 0.1 S2 2.8
W4 0.83 ϕ 85°
Reflection coefficients of modified UWB antenna array before and after integration
W5
with the single-wing 0.88
BPF as well as the reference UWBW8 3.39
antenna array are compared as in
Figure 11. The reference UWB antenna array has a narrow impedance bandwidth from
Reflection
2.8 GHz coefficients
to 8 GHz, which doesof modified
not cover UWB antenna
the entire UWBarray before
band. and
This afterto
is due integration
the small
with the single-wing BPF as well as the reference UWB antenna array are
inter-element spacing between antenna array elements that led to a strong mutual coupling compared as in
Figure 11. The reference UWB antenna array has a narrow impedance
and resulted in a poor reflection coefficient and impedance bandwidth. A UWB antenna bandwidth from
2.8 GHz
array to a8 bandpass
with GHz, which does
filter not covertothe
is observed entirefrom
operate UWB band.
2.967 GHzThis is dueGHz,
to 10.05 to the small
with an
inter-element spacingbandwidth
equivalent fractional between antenna array
of 108.83%. The elements
integratedthatdesign
led tocan
a strong
suppressmutual cou-
the upper
pling and resulted
frequencies up to 15inGHz.
a poorInreflection
contrast, coefficient andcoefficient
the reflection impedance of bandwidth.
UWB antennas A UWB an-
without
tenna array with a bandpass filter is observed to operate from 2.967
the bandpass filter operates from 2.17 GHz to 10.052 GHz, with a higher order mode GHz to 10.05 GHz,
with an equivalent
generated at aroundfractional
14.5 GHz.bandwidth of 108.83%.
This indicates that the The integrated
suppression design can
capability suppress
of lower and
the upper
upper frequencies
bands up to 15and
is not achieved GHz. In contrast,
may thecause
potentially reflection coefficient
interference of UWB
with otherantennas
wireless
without the bandpass
communication systemsfilter operates
operating in from
these 2.17 GHz to
frequency 10.052 GHz, with a higher order
bands.
mode generated at around 14.5 GHz. This indicates that the suppression capability of
lower and upper bands is not achieved and may potentially cause interference with other
wireless communication systems operating in these frequency bands.
Electronics 2021, 10, 607 11 of 19
Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 19

Figure 11.
Figure 11. Simulated
Simulated reflection
reflection coefficients
coefficients of
of reference
reference antenna
antenna array,
array,modified
modifiedantenna
antennaarray,
array,and
and modified antenna array with bandpass filter
modified antenna array with bandpass filter (BPF). (BPF).

The realized
The realizedgaingainand andradiation
radiationefficiency
efficiencyofof thethe
UWB UWB antenna
antenna array
array with with
andand with-
without
out the single-wing bandpass filter are compared in Figure
the single-wing bandpass filter are compared in Figure 12. From the low frequency of 12. From the low frequency of
3.1
3.1 GHz to around 6 GHz, the realized gain of the UWB antenna
GHz, the realized gain of the UWB antenna array is similar to that array is similar to that of
thethe
of UWBUWB antenna
antenna array
arrayintegrated
integrated withwith thethebandpass
bandpass filter. However,
filter. However, at at
frequencies
frequencies of
more
of morethan 6 GHz,
than 6 GHz, thethegaingainof UWB
of UWB antenna
antenna arrayarraywithwiththe the
bandpass
bandpass filterfilter
increases
increasesto a
to a maximum
maximum of 7.636
of 7.636 dBi dBi at 10.35
at 10.35 GHz. GHz.After After
10.35 10.35
GHz, GHz,
the the
gaingain of this
of this antenna
antenna arrayarray
de-
decreases
creases toto reachitsitsminimum
reach minimumofoflower lowerthan than4.28 4.28dBidBiat at 12
12 GHz. It is observed
observed that that thethe
presence of the filter has suppressed high frequencies (higher
presence of the filter has suppressed high frequencies (higher than UWB band), which than UWB band), which
reduces
reduces thethe radiated
radiated power
power at at these
these frequencies
frequencies and and thus
thus eliminated
eliminated their their interference
interference
with
with other
other adjacent
adjacent wireless
wireless devices.
devices. It is observed
observed that the the variation
variation in in terms
terms of of gain
gain
within
within the
the UWB
UWB bandband is is more
more evident
evidentin in the
the filtering
filteringantenna
antennain incomparison
comparisonto tothat
thatof ofthe
the
antenna
antenna array.
array. This
This isis associated
associated with with thethe variation
variation in in impedance
impedance matching
matching at at different
different
frequencies
frequencieswithin
withinUWB UWBband, band,besides
besidesthe thestrong
strong coupling
coupling between
between thethe
interdigital
interdigital lines of
lines
the MMR and the feedlines. From the radiation efficiency
of the MMR and the feedlines. From the radiation efficiency response of the UWB antennaresponse of the UWB antenna
array
array with
with and
and without
without aa bandpass
bandpass filter,
filter, itit can
can be be seen
seen that
that the
the radiation
radiation efficiency
efficiencyof ofthe
the
UWB antenna array without a filter is around 96% throughout
UWB antenna array without a filter is around 96% throughout the simulated frequency the simulated frequency
range,
range, whereas
whereas the the UWB
UWB filtering
filtering antenna
antenna array array radiation
radiation efficiency
efficiency is is around
around95% 95%in inthe
the
selected UWB band and dropped significantly in the out-of-band
selected UWB band and dropped significantly in the out-of-band frequencies. This drop frequencies. This drop in
the out-of-band frequencies radiation efficiency is due to the single-wing
in the out-of-band frequencies radiation efficiency is due to the single-wing bandpass fil- bandpass filter,
which suppressed
ter, which suppressedthe power
the powerof the ofunwanted
the unwanted frequencies
frequenciesfromfromradiating.
radiating.
To investigate the operation of the single-wing bandpass filter on UWB antenna array,
the current distribution densities are simulated at 10 GHz for both UWB antenna arrays.
As seen in Figure 13a, a higher current distribution density is achieved with the presence
of the bandpass filter in the array compared to the current distribution density of the array
without filter, as illustrated in Figure 13b. This is due to the strong currents flow on the
interdigital coupled lines in the single-wing bandpass filter, especially in the x direction.
These currents are of the same phase with the modified radiated patch, resulting in a
significant realized gain enhancement.
 Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 19

Electronics
Electronics 2021, 10,2021,x10,
FOR607 PEER REVIEW 12 of 19

Figure 12. Simulated realized gain and radiation efficiency of the modified UWB antenna array
with and without BPF.

To investigate the operation of the single-wing bandpass filter on UWB antenna ar-
ray, the current distribution densities are simulated at 10 GHz for both UWB antenna ar-
rays. As seen in Figure 13a, a higher current distribution density is achieved with the pres-
ence of the bandpass filter in the array compared to the current distribution density of the
array without filter, as illustrated in Figure 13b. This is due to the strong currents flow on
theFigure
interdigital
Figure 12.12. coupled
Simulated
Simulated lines
realized in and
the radiation
realized
gain single-wing
gain and bandpass
radiation
efficiency filter, especially
of theefficiency
modified the in
of antenna
UWB the
modifiedx with
array direc-
UWB an
tion.
and These currents
without BPF. are of the same phase with the modified radiated patch, resulting in
with and without BPF.
a significant realized gain enhancement.

To investigate the operation of the single-wing bandpass filter on UW

ray, the current distribution densities are simulated at 10 GHz for both UW
rays. As seen in Figure 13a, a higher current distribution density is achieved
ence of the bandpass filter in the array compared to the current distribution
array without filter, as illustrated in Figure 13b. This is due to the strong cu
the interdigital coupled lines in the single-wing bandpass filter, especially
tion. These currents are of the same phase with the modified radiated patc
a significant realized gain enhancement.

(a) (b)
Figure 13. 13.
Figure Current distributions
Current at 10
distributions at GHz for for
10 GHz the the
UWB antenna
UWB array:
antenna (a) Antenna
array: array
(a) Antenna with
array single-wing
with filter,
single-wing (b)(b)
filter, An-
tenna array without filter.
Antenna array without filter.

Then,
Then,allallUWB
UWBantennas
antennasare
arefabricated
fabricated using Roger
Roger RO4003C
RO4003Cboard,
board,withwitha relative
a relative
permittivity
permittivity ofof 3.38,
3.38, thicknessofof1.524
thickness 1.524mm,
mm,and
anda atangent
tangentloss
lossof
of0.0027.
0.0027.TheTheprototypes
prototypes of
theofsingle
the single
UWB UWB antenna
antenna andand
UWB UWB antenna
antenna array
array integrated
integrated withthe
with thefilter
filterare
areshown
shown in
in Figure
Figure 14. 14.

(a) (b)
Figure 13. Current distributions at 10 GHz for the UWB antenna array: (a) Antenna array with single-wing filt
Electronics 2021,
Electronics 10,10,x 607
2021, FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 19

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure
Figure 14.14. Photograph
Photograph ofUWB
of the the UWB
antennaantenna prototypes:
prototypes: (a) Modified
(a) Modified UWB antenna UWB antenna
front view, front
(b) Modified UWB
Modified UWBantenna backback
antenna view,view,
(c) Modified UWB filtering
(c) Modified UWB antenna array
filtering front view,
antenna (d) Mod-
array front view,
ified UWB filtering antenna array back view.
ified UWB filtering antenna array back view.
Figure 15 reflects the simulation and measurement results of the reflection coefficients
Figure 15
of the modified reflects
single UWBthe simulation
antenna and measurement
and modified UWB antenna array results
withof the reflectio
filtering
cients of
function. Thethe modified
simulation single
results are UWB
obtainedantenna
using CSTand modified
software, UWB
whereas antenna array w
measurement
results are obtained using Vector Network Analyzer (VNA).
ing function. The simulation results are obtained using CST software, It is noted that the simulated whereas m
and measured −10 dB reflection coefficient response of a single antenna covers a frequency
ment results are obtained using Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). It is noted that
range from less than 2.33 GHz up to 15 GHz. On the other hand, the reflection coefficient
ulated from
obtained and themeasured
simulation−10 anddB reflectionofcoefficient
measurement response
the UWB filtering antennaof array
a single antenna
covers
frequency
the UWB bandrange from less
and suppresses thethan
lower2.33 GHz frequencies
and higher up to 15 GHz. On
up to 15 theThis
GHz. other hand, the r
filtering
coefficient
capability is anobtained
advantagefrom the simulation
of integrating the UWB and measurement
single-wing bandpass of thewithin
filter UWB thefiltering
antenna array. The slight difference between simulation and
array covers the UWB band and suppresses the lower and higher frequencies measurement results of up to
the reflection coefficient is due to the substrate permittivity variation and fabrication
This filtering capability is an advantage of integrating the UWB single-wing band
resolution tolerance.
ter The
within
gainstheandantenna
radiationarray.
patterns The slight difference
measurement between
of the reported simulation
antenna array withanda meas
resultsfunction
filtering of the reflection
was conducted coefficient is duechamber
in an anechoic to the substrate
in Universiti permittivity
Teknologi MARA variation a
(UiTM) and the measurement
cation resolution tolerance. was stepped up as shown in Figure 16. A horn antenna
was set as a transmitter, and the fabricated prototype of the UWB filtering antenna array
The gains and radiation patterns measurement of the reported antenna arra
was put as a receiver. The distance between the transmitting horn antenna and antenna
filtering
under test, function
R, is set to was1.5 m.conducted
For E-planein an anechoic
radiation chamber
measurement, the in Universiti
receiving antennaTeknolog
is(UiTM) and the
rotated from 0 tomeasurement
◦ 360 on its axis was
◦ stepped
in steps of 5 . up
◦ Theas shown in Figure
measurement 16. A horn ante
for the radiation
pattern is repeated in another plane (H-plane) by rotating both transmitting
set as a transmitter, and the fabricated prototype of the UWB filtering antenna a and receiving
antennas 90◦ . The antenna
put as abyreceiver. gain is obtained
The distance between bythe
applying the Friis equation
transmitting and the gain
horn antenna and anten
transfer method [41].
test, R, is set to 1.5 m. For E-plane radiation measurement, the receiving antenna i
from 0° to 360° on its axis in steps of 5°. The measurement for the radiation p
repeated in another plane (H-plane) by rotating both transmitting and receiving
by 90°. The antenna gain is obtained by applying the Friis equation and the gain
method [41].
Electronics 2021, 10, 607 14 of 19
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Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 19

Figure
Figure 15.15.Simulated
Simulatedand
andmeasured
measuredreflection
reflectioncoefficients
coefficientsofofaasingle
singlemodified
modifiedUWB
UWB antenna
antenna and
and
UWB antenna array integrated with BPF.
UWB antenna
Figure array integrated
15. Simulated with BPF.
and measured reflection coefficients of a single modified UWB antenna and
UWB antenna array integrated with BPF.

Figure 16. Radiation and gain measurement setup of UWB filtering antenna array.

Figure16.
16. Radiationand
andgain
gainmeasurement
measurementsetup
setupofofUWB
UWBfiltering
filteringantenna
antennaarray.
array.
Figure TheRadiation
simulated and measured realized gain results of the modified single UWB an-
tenna and modified UWB filtering antenna array are compared as shown in Figure 17. It
Thesimulated
simulated and measured realized gain resultsthe
ofmodified
the modified single
UWB UWB an-
canThe
be observed and
that measured
the integratedrealized
filtergain results
within the of
antenna single
array has enhanced antenna
the gain
and modified UWB filtering antenna array are compared as shown in Figure 17. It canIt
tenna and modified UWB filtering antenna array are compared as shown in Figure 17.
around 10 GHz and reduced gain in the upper frequencies higher than 10.6 GHz by more
becan be observed
observed that that the integrated
the integrated filterfilter within
within the the antenna
antenna array
array hashas enhanced
enhanced thegain
the gain
than 3 dBi. This indicates the effectiveness of the proposed filter. The maximum achieved
around10
around 10GHz
GHz and reduced
reduced gaingainininthe theupper
upper frequencies
frequencies higher than
higher 10.610.6
than GHzGHz by more
by
gain of the fabricated prototype is 7.4 dBi, whereas 7.64 dBi is obtained from simulation.
than than
more 3 dBi.3 This
dBi. indicates the effectiveness
This indicates of the proposed
the effectiveness filter. The
of the proposed maximum
filter. achieved
The maximum
This variation in gain is associated with the impedance matching variation at different
gain of the
achieved gainfabricated prototypeprototype
of the fabricated is 7.4 dBi,iswhereas
7.4 dBi,7.64 dBi is7.64
whereas obtained
dBi isfrom simulation.
obtained from
frequencies within UWB band. This variation in the impedance is due to the strong cou-
This variation
simulation. Thisinvariation
gain is associated with the impedance
in gain is associated matching variation
with the impedance matchingat different
variation
pling between the interdigital lines of MMR and the feed lines, besides small environmen-
atfrequencies within UWB
different frequencies band.
within Thisband.
UWB variation
Thisinvariation
the impedance is due to the
in the impedance strong
is due cou-
to the
tal effects during measurements.
strong couplingthe
pling between between the interdigital
interdigital lines of MMR lines
andof the
MMR and
feed thebesides
lines, feed lines, besides
small small
environmen-
environmental
tal effects duringeffects during measurements.
measurements.
 Electronics
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2021, 607 PEER REVIEW
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Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 19

Figure17.
Figure
Figure 17.17. Simulated
Simulated
Simulated and and measured
and measured
measured realized realized
realizedgain gain
gainofofsingle of single
modified
single UWB
modified modified
UWBantenna UWB
and
antenna UWB
and antenna
filtering
UWB fil- and UW
tering
antenna antenna
array. array.
tering antenna array.

The simulated
The simulated and measured
and measured results
results of
of the
the radiation
radiation patterns
patterns of
of the
the modified
modified UWB
The
antenna simulated
array with a and
bandpassmeasured
filter are results
compared ofat the
3 radiation
GHz, 5 GHz, patterns
and 9 GHz, ofasUWB
the
pre-modifie
antenna array with a bandpass filter are compared at 3 GHz, 5 GHz, and 9 GHz, as pre-
antenna
sented
sented in
array18.
in Figure
Figure with
18. Close
Close
a agreements
bandpassare
agreements filter
are are compared
observed
observed
at 3 GHz,
between simulation
between simulation and5measurement
and
GHz, and 9 GHz
measurement
sented
results. in
The Figure
reported18. Close
antenna agreements
array has an are observed
omnidirectional between
radiation
results. The reported antenna array has an omnidirectional radiation property in the simulation
property in and
H- measu
the
H-plane,
results.
plane, withwith
The similar
reported
similar radiation
radiation characteristics
antenna array has
characteristics as
as that that of the conventional
anofomnidirectional
the conventional UWB UWB antenna
radiation
antennaproperty
ar- in
array
ray without
without filtering capability. This indicates that there is no degradation of radiation
plane, withfiltering
similar capability.
radiation This indicates that there
characteristics
performance associated with the bandpass filter integration.
as thatis noofdegradation of radiation
the conventional UWB ant
performance associated with the bandpass filter integration.
ray without filtering capability. This indicates that there is no degradation of r
performance associated with the bandpass filter integration.

(a)

Figure 18. Cont.

(a)
Electronics
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2021, 10,
10, x607
FOR PEER REVIEW 16
16 of
of 19
19

(b)

(c)
Figure
Figure 18. Simulated
18. Simulated (solid(solid line)measured
line) and and measured (dashed
(dashed line) radiation
line) radiation patterns
patterns of modified
of modified UWB filtering
UWB filtering antennaantenna array:
array: (a) At 3 GHz,
(b) At(a) At 3 GHz,
5 GHz, (b)At
and (c) At95GHz.
GHz, and (c) At 9 GHz.

The
Thefeatures
featuresofofthe
theproposed
proposedfiltering antenna
filtering antennaareare
compared
compared in detail in terms
in detail of de-
in terms of
sign configuration,
design integrated
configuration, filtering,
integrated center
filtering, frequency,
center f0, size,
frequency, f 0 ,profile, impedance
size, profile, band-
impedance
width, IBW, fractional
bandwidth, bandwidth,
IBW, fractional FBW, and
bandwidth, FBW,peak
andgain
peakwith
gainother
withliterature in Table
other literature in5.Table
It is
evident that the proposed
5. It is evident UWB antenna
that the proposed UWB featured
antenna afeatured
wide operating bandwidth,bandwidth,
a wide operating high real-
highgain,
ized realized
andgain, and a size.
a compact compact
Thesesize. These attractive
attractive features
features make themake the proposed
proposed design
design suitable
suitable for UWB
for UWB applications.applications.

Table 5.
Table Comparison of
5. Comparison of the
the proposed
proposed design
design with
with previous
previous filtering antenna designs in literature.

Integrated f 0 f0 Size,
Size, 10 10
dBdB IBW
IBW FBW Peak
FBW PeakGain
Gain
Ref.
Ref. Design Configuration
Design Configuration Integrated Filtering?
Filtering? (GHz)
(GHz) λ0 3 λ03 (GHz)
(GHz) (%)
(%) (dBi)
(dBi)
FilteringFiltering
structure de-
structure
signed on two on
designed dielectric
two dielectric
[13]
[13] YesYes 2.612.61 0.390.39 × 0.3
× 0.3 × 0.0044
× 0.0044 2.57
2.57 to 2.64
to 2.64 2.72.7 2.2
2.2
layers with Г-shaped
layers with an-
Г-shaped
tenna antenna
A co-designed filtering
A co-designed filtering
antenna that consists
antenna of a of a
that consists
patch radiator and cou-and
patch radiator
[14]
[14] YesYes 4 4 × 0.53
0.530.53 × 0.07
× 0.53 × 0.07 3.72 to 4.36
3.72 to 4.36 15.8
15.8 5.2
5.2
pled stripcoupled strip line
line open-loop
open-loop
resonators resonators
based band-
based bandpass
pass filter filter
Multilayer wideband
Multilayer fil-
wideband
[15] tering antenna
[15] filtering using
antenna pe-using YesYes 7 7 × 0.77
0.770.77 × 0.04
× 0.77 × 0.04 6.87 to 8.1
6.87 to 8.1 17.6
17.6 8.3
8.3
riodicperiodic metasurface
metasurface cells cells
Electronics 2021, 10, 607 17 of 19

Table 5. Cont.

Integrated f0 Size, 10 dB IBW FBW Peak Gain

Ref. Design Configuration
Filtering? (GHz) λ0 3 (GHz) (%) (dBi)
Patch antenna is
integrated with filter with
bandpass response. This
[16] Yes 2.44 0.44 × 0.44 × 0.04 2.38 to 2.5 5 3.5
filter consists of coupled
open-loop strip
line resonators.
Integration of monopole
antenna with an
[17] Yes 1.47 0.45 × 0.23 × 0.0064 1.02 to 1.92 61.22 3.5
interdigital bandpass
filter (IBPF)
Filtering monopole
[18] antenna using split ring Yes 2.4 0.40 × 0.44 × 0.0064 2.25 to 2.55 12.5 2.4
resonator (SRR)
Planar filtering antenna
[19] using capacitive loaded Yes 2.362 0.23 × 0.213 × 0.0079 2.264 to 2.46 8.3 1.376
loop (CLL) filter
UWB slot antenna with
stepped impedance
[22] Yes 7 0.56 × 0.28 × 0.018 3.1 to 11 114 ~4
resonator feed line and
two ground slots
Modified UWB antenna
[23] integrated with Yes 6.883 0.849 × 0.574 × 0.035 2.95 to 10.82 114.3 4.25
single-wing BPF filter
UWB filtering antenna by
[24] integration of antenna and Yes 6.855 0.823 × 0.48 × 0.018 3.06 to 10.65 110.7 5.2
UWB bandpass filter
A circular patch antenna
coupled to a Multimode
[25] Resonator (MMR) with Yes 6.85 1.21 × 0.96 × 0.0184 3.1 to 10.6 109.5 4
triangular ring stub for
UWB filtering antenna
Planar antenna array
integrated with filtering
[31] feed network based on Yes 4.2 1.2 ×1.2 × 0.014 2.35 to 6.1 88.76 7.1
microstrip and
slotline transitions
Stacked layer,
differentially fed filtering
[33] Yes 3.5 0.7 × 0.7 × 0.15 3 to 3.95 27.3 8.1
antenna applying
E-shaped feeding lines
Filtering antenna array
based on modified UWB
This
antenna array integrated Yes 6.5 1.08 × 1.08 × 0.035 2.89 to 9.94 109.87 7.4
work
with a single-wing
BPF filter

4. Conclusions
In this article, a new design of UWB antenna array with the capability of filtering
has been reported. The UWB antenna array is modified to obtain mutual coupling im-
provement, high realized gain, and wide impedance bandwidth while simultaneously
maintaining the compact size. The integration of a UWB antenna array and multimode
resonator bandpass filter eliminated its operation in the out-of-band frequencies (higher
Electronics 2021, 10, 607 18 of 19

than 10.6 GHz). The realized gain at high frequencies is enhanced to more than 7.4 dBi,
maintaining a compact size of 1.08 λ0 × 1.08 λ0 × 0.035 λ0 at a center frequency of 6.5 GHz.
Furthermore, this UWB antenna array with an integrated filter achieves a wide fractional
bandwidth of more than 109.87%. These features of the reported UWB antenna array with
filtering capability make it a suitable choice for modern UWB wireless applications.

Author Contributions: Writing—original draft preparation, S.A.; methodology, S.A.; conceptual-

ization, S.A.; software, S.A.; validation, S.A.; investigation, S.A.; resources, S.A. and T.K.G.; data
curation, S.A., H.A. and F.H.; writing—review and editing, S.A., T.K.G., P.J.S., M.Y.A. and A.A.;
formal analysis, S.A., F.H., H.A. and A.A.; visualization, S.A., F.H. and H.A.; project administration,
T.K.G. and M.Y.A.; supervision, T.K.G. and M.Y.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published
version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research work was supported by Multimedia University Graduate Research Assistant
Scheme (MMU GRA) under Grant number: MMUI/170119.02.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank Multimedia University (MMU) and Universiti
Teknologi MARA (UiTM) for their assistance in measurement process. The authors thank the Siti-
Hasmah digital library for providing reference resources.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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