Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

CHAPTER 2 : EXISTING THEORY

2.1 Array of Antenna :
In general , array is collection of similar elements. When number of antennas,
physically separated from each other but connected electrically to act as a single entity
for radio wave trans-reception are designed; they are called as Array Antenna.
Normally a proper phase relation is maintained between individual elements in an array
for correct working of array antenna. Individual antennas radiations are combined so
as to give constructive fields in desired direction and destructive in remaining
directions to get better radiation output. When array antennas are to be used in receiver
circuit, a proper phase relation is maintained between currents generated by individual
elements to get best possible output signal. There can be advanced antennas which have
array of sub arrays or computer-controlled feeding modules etc.

Directivity of electrically small antennas like dipole or monopole is very small. These
antennas are omnidirectional in azimuth plane and bidirectional (figure of eight) in
elevation plane as shown in figure 2.1. Hence these antennas have less gain and are
useless in applications which require selective nature in direction of radiation. But
when these antennas are arranged and excited properly in an array , they can give highly
directional radiation pattern with larger beam steering capability. It is main reason
behind early development of array antenna technology with dipole as primary element.

10 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

Figure 2.1 : Radiation Pattern of Dipole antenna

Directivity of such antennas is increased by using specially designed large reflectors or

dielectric lenses which concentrates signal radiated in different directions to desired
direction and cancels in other directions. Parabolic dish and Yagi-Uda Antenna are
examples of reflectors used to increase directivity of antenna. These structures are not
inherent part of antenna. Total structure becomes heavy and mechanically weak. Figure
2.2 shows radiation pattern of Yagi Uda Antenna. Most amount of power is
concentrated in main beam in end fire direction and small power is lost in side lobe
radiations.

11 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

Figure 2.2 : Highly Directive Radiation Pattern of Parabolic Reflector/Yagi- Uda

Antenna

Use of array structures is another way of increasing directivity and gain of antenna.
Here distance between antenna elements and difference between excitation phase is
maintained such that directional properties can be achieved. Due to proper phasing,
spherical wave fronts from individual elements interfere with each other constructively
to create plane wave front like envelop. This increases amount of radiated power in
particular direction as per requirements of system. On the other hand, when waves from
different elements comes together out of phase they interfere destructively to cancel
radiation in those direction. In this way, array antennas are used to provide high front
to back ratio. Exactly opposite things happen in principal when arrays are used as
receiver antenna. Current generated by waves from desired direction add with each
other (in phase) to improve strength while current generated by waves from undesired
directions cancel each other (out of phase).

Figure 2.3 demonstrates two different ways of plotting radiation patter. A polar pattern
is plotted on circular scale with 00 to 3600 angle, while Linear scale can also be used to
observe different characteristic behavior of antenna. Radiation pattern of array antenna
have main lobe with maximum radiations in one direction, few sidelobes in other
direction having significantly lower power in unwanted direction and back lobe.
Backlobe and sidelobes are called grating lobes. As number of elements in antenna
increases along with total size of antenna, main lobe becomes narrow and narrower.

12 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

This means increasing number of elements used in array antenna increases gain and
directivity of array antennas.

Figure 2.3 : Radiation Pattern (a) Polar Pattern (b) Linear pattern

An individual element of array can be very small- like microstrip patch or slot antenna
and can be very large like Parabolic reflectors based on application for which it is
designed. Military applications like air plane/ missile detection radars expect its
antennas to be very light weight, mechanically robust and provide steerable sharp beam
of radiation. Therefore array made up of large number of microstrip elements is used.
Figure 2.4 shows one such array antenna which uses microstrip patch elements.

13 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

Figure 2.4 : Microstrip Patch Array Antenna

Radio Astronomy is a field which deals with detection and interpretation of waves coming from
objects far away in vast galaxy. This requires antennas with very high gain, hence large array of
parabolic reflectors is used spread across many miles. One such facility is situated near
Narayangaon-Pune named Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). Here 30 Parabolic
reflectors , each of diameter 45 meters are arranged in Y shaped array spanning over 25 kilometers
as shown in figure 2.5 below.

(a) (b)
Figure 2.5 : (a) GMRT Parabolic Reflector Antenna Element (b) Y- Shaped
arrangement of GMRT antenna Array

14 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

2.2 Advantages and Applications of Array antenna :

• Improvement in Gain
• Increasing Frequency Bandwidth
• Reception Diversity
• Increasing Signal to noise Ratio (SNR)
• Radiation Pattern Steering Capability
• Determine Direction of Arrival

2.3 Types of Array Antenna:

Classification of array antenna gives opportunity to understand arrays in detail and
select or choose particular array antenna as per requirements of the system. Array
antennas can be classified based on different parameters. Few of them are listed below:

2.3.1 Based on direction of radiation beam:

a) Broadside Array-
Axis of total radiation is perpendicular to array axis/plane of array. Generally all
elements are excited in phase with each other. Following figure 2.6 shows broadside
radiation pattern for antenna in X-Y Plane. Notice that maximum radiation indicated
by red colour in 3D representation is concentrated along theta= 0 degrees i.e. along Z
axis.

15 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

(a) (b)
Figure 2.6 : Broadside Array Radiation Pattern in (a) 3D (b) 2D Polar Representation

b) Endfire Array-
Axis of radiation is same as that of axis of array elements. Generally antenna elements
are fed in with phase difference equal to path difference between consecutive elements.
E.g. If distance between two adjacent elements is half wavelength, then elements are
excited with phase shift of 180 degrees. Following figure 2.7 shows Endfire mode of
radiation. Power in grating lobes increases with reduction in main lobe size from case
1 to case 3.

16 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

Figure 2.7 : Endfire Array Radiation Pattern a)Small b) Medium c) Large

2.3.2 Based on Arrangement of Elements :

Arrangement of elements in array antenna plays a vital role in deciding radiation pattern
of array. Total radiation pattern is calculated by super position of radiation pattern of
individual elements. Based on position and spacing between antenna elements,
interference pattern differ-could add constructively or destructively to produce final
output. Based on special arrangement of elements in array they are classified as
follows-
a) Linear Array :
Here all elements are placed in one line. Generally axis of array passes through center
of elements. Output radiation pattern can be broadside or end fire based on phasing
provided. They can be further classified based on equal or unequal phase and amplitude
of excitation. Following figure 2.8 shows different configurations of linear array
antenna.

17 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

Figure 2.8 : Arrangement of Elements in Linear Array

b) Planar Array :
In planar arrays, individual elements of array are arranged in 2 dimensional plane as
shown in figure 2.9. Feeding complexity is increased in planar array as compare to
linear array. Planar arrays have design freedom in 2 dimensions and hence can give
focused beam of radiation with lesser beamwidth. Planar antennas are created using a
grid of linear antennas arranged on single surface to form planar shapes, typically
Rectangular or circular in design. Total radiation pattern of planar arrays can be
controlled more precisely due to availability of additional variable. Radiation pattern
with smaller side lobes and multiple beam can be formed by planar arrays. Any point
in space be scanned by steering main beam of antenna .

Figure 2.9 : Arrangement of Elements in Planar Array

18 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

c) Circular Array
As the name suggest, elements are arranged along periphery of a circle. This
arrangement increases separation between elements and generally all elements are
individually fed by some form of control system. Radiation pattern of circular array is
normally focused along central axis and broadside in direction.

Figure 2.10 : Arrangement of Elements in Circular Array

d) Colinear Array
These are special linear arrays, where all array elements are arranged such that axis of
array and axis of individual elements coincides with each other. Radiation pattern of
such antennas is generally broadside i.e. perpendicular to elements and plane of array.
Figure 2.11 shows collinear array.

Figure 2.11 : Arrangement of Elements in Colinear Array

19 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

e) Conformal Array
Conformality is one of the main advantage of microstrip patch antennas. Array of such
MSA can be printed on any structure to make it conformal with particular object.
Generally separate feed is provided for individual elements to avoid additional
complexity of feed network design. Following figure 2.12 shows 3 rows of rectangular
microstrip patch array elements, printed on conical shaped material with backplates
designed to support feeding ports inside hollow cavity of cone.

Figure 2.12 Arrangement of Elements in Conformal Array

2.3.3 Based on Feeding Techniques Used:

Feeding means excitation of antenna. Different types of antennas require different types
of feeding methodology. Apart from that, arrangement of elements in an array, type of
elements, space available, steering capability etc. are important factors in deciding
feeding technology to be used.
a) Separate feeding :
Most simple and versatile method of feeding is to provide separate feed for individual
element in an array. This method avoids complications occurring in design of feeding
circuits. Separate feeding gives added advantage of no unwanted radiations from
feeding circuit. Extra space is not required for feeding circuit. A computer algorithm

20 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

can be developed and connected by separate feeding to generate different radiation

patterns.

Figure 2.13 : Separate feeds used for feeding of Conformal Conical Array

b) Series feeding :
Series feeding is generally employed in linear microstrip patch array antenna and log
periodic array structures. A microstrip feedline runs through all elements in Log
periodic array. Following figure 2.14 shows inverted U-shaped microstrip lines
connecting adjacent elements in an array. Total length of this line decides phasing of
elements with respect to each other. Advantage of series feed is in fact that no additional
space is required to design feedline. Radiation interference from series feedline is less
than corporate feeding.

Figure 2.14 : Series feeding in Linear Microstrip Patch Array Antenna

21 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

c) Corporate feeding :
When array of antenna is 2 D planar structure, series feeding is not optimal solution.
Here corporate feeding is used. Power divider is main component in corporate feeding.

Figure 2.15 : Different ways of Corporate feeding

22 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

d) Hybrid feeding :
Here both series feeding and corporate feeding are employed. It is combination of best
qualities of both feeding techniques. Figure 2.16 shows one of the arrangement of
hybrid feed network.

Figure 2.16 : Hybrid Feed Network in Array

e) Edge feeding/Parasitic feeding :
In microstrip planar patch antennas, parasitically arranged elements are fed by single
active element. In such array, size of parasitic element is different than active element.
This improves bandwidth of operation along with increasing directive gain of total
system. Mutual coupling is used constructively to enhance gain.

23 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

Figure 2.17 : Edge Coupling in Array Elements

2.3.4. Based on Components used in design of array:

a) Active Array
When design and fabrication of array involves active elements like low noise
amplifiers, power amplifiers then such arrays are called active array. Active array
shows better gain and high noise cancellation due to amplifiers and LNA in design.
b) Passive Array
When atleast one of the radiating elements in an array is not excited directly by feed
network then such arrays are called as passive arrays. Reflect arrays are best example
of passive arrays, where array is created on reflective plane of antenna.

2.3.5 Based on Method of Steering

Reduction in signal to noise ratio is possible when antenna prefers one direction
(intended signal) over other directions (noise signal sources). In actual world there are
many applications where position of transmission signal source varies with respect to
position of receiver or vice versa. Sometimes a wide angle is to be covered with highly
directive antennas for better range penetrations. In such applications capability of array
antennas to steer radiation beam gives advantage over using multiple antennas. Beam
steering can be achieved by two ways.

24 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

a) Mechanically steerable :
A very highly directive antenna or antenna array is designed and then it is physically
moved using mechanical maneuvers to look in particular directions. These types of
structures were developed in early period of wireless communication. Mechanical
steering of antenna is possible by using floating arrays in liquid and changing
separation distance between individual elements or by using gear assembly to rotate
entire antenna structure. Such type of antennas are installed at GMRT station in
Narayangaon-Pune. Mechanical steering antennas become very heavy, costly and
difficult to operate due to structure. Capacity to steer beam of radiation is also limited
by physical constraints.

b) Electrically Steerable :
Electronic steering of beam is possible by changing relative excitation phase of
individual elements in an array. For this purpose BJT’s and MosFET are used as
electrical switch. These are light weight and very fast beam steering is possible. A
separate control unit is to be added in total design of array antennas.
Phased Array

When excitation phase of every element is controlled precisely to obtain steering of

radiation beam in desired direction, with desired gain; such arrays are known as phased
array. Here no physical movement is required to steer beam of radiation, rather this
work is done electronically. Sometimes these antennas are also called as Electronically
Steerable Antennas. Generally amplitude of input signal supplied to each element is
same while phase is optimized for particular results. Power distribution network is
uniform with phase shifters as additional components. Design and positioning of phase
shifters is main concern of antenna designers. A computer algorithm controls phase
shift given to each element. Based on components used these arrays are further
classified into Passive Electronically scanned Arrays and Active Electronically
Scanned Arrays. In AESA , every element is connected to transmitter individually via
programable phase shifters. Thus one can use different elements to operate on multiple
frequencies with multiple polarity and multiple radiation beams. AESA are more
advanced antennas who incorporate all features of adaptive antennas.

25 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

2.3.6 Reflect Array

This type of array is modified version of traditional reflector. Here instead of using
single large metallic object (generally corner sheets/ parabolic dish) - reflector surface
is made up of large number of resonating elements acting as passive array. A light
weight planar structure as opposed to heavy parabolic reflector provides advantage of
ease of fabrication and cost effectiveness. Direction of radiation can be controlled by
size and positioning of array elements. Beam scanning can also be achieved without
use of phase shifters and power dividers, unlike phased arrays who heavily depend
upon efficient design of power dividers and phase shifters.

Figure 2.18 : Structure of reflect Array

Variation in geometry and dimensions of individual planar elements is used as means
to achieve phase shift required, so that such arrays can mimic the function of actual
physical reflector structures. Strengths of phased array technology and traditional
reflectors combined together in ReflectArray and enhance efficiency of system. Just
like conventional parabolic or plane reflector, this ReflectArray uses open space or free
space as medium between active source and passive reflector elements. Arrangement
of array elements to achieve proper phase excitation leads to similarity with phased
array structures. Phased array network have disadvantage of unwanted ohmic and
radiation loss from feed network. Here air serves as medium to distribute power and no

26 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

physical transmission line network is present ,thus overcomes aforesaid disadvantage.

Conventional panel reflectors or parabolic reflectors are more costly and susceptible to
errors during fabrication, transport and installation phase. Fabrication technology used
in ReflectArrays is highly developed printed circuit bord technology which is more
fast, cost effective and reliable solution.

Figure 2.18 shows reflect array. Design of reflection array needs careful calculations
of progressive reduction in size of patch elements as compensation to phase shift from
central elements. Size of elements and number of elements along with spacing between
them are parameters to be optimized for tailored design of reflect array. Different
materials can be used for design of reflect array which include Dielectric resonator
antenna, all metal antenna, waveguide and microstrip patch antennas. Every material
has its own advantage and limitations and antenna designer should consider application
requirement while selecting array element. Reflectarrays are found to be good
candidate for very high frequency antenna applications.

2.3.7 Log Periodic Array

This array focuses on bandwidth improvement of antenna structure rather than
directional capabilities. Basic principle in antenna design dictates that “Length
of antenna must be half wavelength (dipole) or quarter wavelength (monopole) or so
on.” Log periodic antennas combine different length antennas, together to act as single
entity as shown in figure 2.19. For N- element log periodic array
𝐿(𝑁−1)
= 𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 (𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡)
𝐿𝑁

27 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

Figure 2.19 : Log periodic Dipole Array for TV application

Total number of elements (N), separation between elements(s) and scaling factor are
important parameters in design of log periodic antenna. Scaling factor can be adjusted
to either give multiband operation or wideband operation for overlapping bands.
Scaling factor and number of elements are deciding factors in over all bandwidth of
antenna. Separation between elements decides phasing and hence radiation pattern of
antenna. Above antenna covers wideband starting from 450 MHz to 700 MHz with
endfire radiation Pattern.

2.3.8 Adaptive Array

These are deployed in smart Antenna Systems which have ability to change output
signal parameters instinctively. These parameter include but not limited to operating
frequency, polarization, direction of radiation and gain etc. these are very important in
programable radios or defense applications. Figure 2.20 shows General block diagram
for adaptive arrays.

28 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

Figure 2.20 : General Block Diagram of Adaptive Arrays

Summary

In last chapter we revisited universal laws governing relationship between Magnetic

and Electric forces of nature in the form of Maxwell’s equations. Understanding and
application of these equations in practice made past, present and future of wireless
communication possible. Concept of radiation pattern, main terms involved in defining
radiation pattern and different types of radiation patterns are briefly described for
theoretical understanding of essential antenna parameter. Benefits of using Microstrip
patch as best choice for antenna were studied like light weight, cheap and fast
fabrication, electrically small footprint, ability to work alongside conformal shapes
with low profile etc. These properties give microstrip antennas advantage over
conventional wire dipole/monopole antenna, helical antenna , slot or waveguide
antennas, horn antenna or parabolic reflectors and will soon dominate consumer

29 | P a g e
 Design and Investigations of Compact Microstrip Patch Array Antennas for Narrowband Applications

market, space research and military. Inherent limitation of smaller range can be
overcome by increasing directional gain using array antennas. Advantages of using
array structures instead of single radiator are listed and multiple types of array antenna
based on different criteria were studied briefly regarding structure, technology,
advantages and limitations. Evolution of array antenna with availability of complex
simulators is well justified due to increased consumer requirement. More and more
advanced array antennas needs to be developed and customized approach is
reprimanded. Design, fabrication, control of feed network essential for smooth
operation of different types of arrays is discussed in more detail with relevant literature
in next chapter.

30 | P a g e