micromachines
Article
Metamaterial-Inspired Electrically Compact Triangular
Antennas Loaded with CSRR and 3 × 3 Cross-Slots for 5G
Indoor Distributed Antenna Systems
Arshad Karimbu Vallappil 1,2, *, Bilal A. Khawaja 2,3, * , Mohamad Kamal A. Rahim 1 , Muhammad Naeem Iqbal 1
and Hassan T. Chattha 4






Citation: Karimbu Vallappil, A.;
Khawaja, B.A.; Rahim, M.K.A.;
Iqbal, M.N.; Chattha, H.T.
Metamaterial-Inspired Electrically
Compact Triangular Antennas
Loaded with CSRR and 3 × 3
Cross-Slots for 5G Indoor Distributed
Antenna Systems. Micromachines
2022, 13, 198. https://doi.org/
10.3390/mi13020198
Academic Editor: Piotr Kurgan
Received: 30 December 2021
Accepted: 24 January 2022
Published: 27 January 2022
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
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Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Micromachines 2022, 13, 198. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13020198
1 Advance RF and Microwave Research Group (ARFMRG), School of Electrical Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia;
mdkamal@utm.my (M.K.A.R.); naeem.iqbal@graduate.utm.my (M.N.I.)
2 Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic University of Madinah, P.O. Box 170,
Madinah 41411, Saudi Arabia
3 Department of Electrical Engineering, PN-Engineering College (PNEC),
National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Karachi 75104, Pakistan
4 Department of Information Technology, Focus College, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8A6, Canada;
chattha43@hotmail.com
* Correspondence: kvarshad2@graduate.utm.my (A.K.V.); 7166@iu.edu.sa (B.A.K.)
Abstract: In this article, two distinct kinds of metamaterial (MTM) antennas are proposed for fifth-
generation (5G) indoor distributed antenna systems (IDAS). Both antennas operate in the sub-6 GHz
5G band, i.e., 3.5 GHz. The antenna’s radiating structure is based on a combination of triangular and
rectangular patches, as well as two complementary split-ring resonators (CSRR) unit-cells etched on
the top layer. The bottom layer of the first MTM antenna is a complete ground plane, while the bottom
layer of the second MTM antenna is etched by a 3 × 3 cross-slot MTM structure on the ground plane.
The use of these structures on the ground plane improves the antenna bandwidth. The proposed
antennas are designed using two different substrates i.e., a high-end Rogers thermoset microwave
materials (TMM4) substrate (h = 1.524 mm/εr = 4.5/tan δ = 0.002) and a low-end flame-resistant
(FR4) epoxy glass substrate (h = 1.6 mm/εr = 4.3/tan δ = 0.025), respectively. The antenna designs are
simulated using CST microwave studio, and in the end, the antenna fabrication is performed using
FR4 substrate, and the results are compared. Furthermore, parametric analysis and comparative
studies are carried out to investigate the performance of the designed antennas. The simulated
and measured results are presented for various parameters such as return-loss, gain, and radiation
pattern. The two MTM antennas have an overall dimension of 18 × 34 mm2 , demonstrating that
the proposed design is 60 percent smaller than a standard microstrip patch antenna (MPA). The
two proposed MTM antenna designs with complete ground plane and 3 × 3 cross-slot MTM on the
bottom layer using FR4 substrate have a measured gain/bandwidth characteristic of 100 MHz/2.6 dBi
and 700 MHz/2.3 dBi, respectively.
Keywords: metamaterial (MTM); fifth-generation (5G); indoor distributed antenna systems (IDAS);
complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR); unit-cells; cross-slot MTM
1. Introduction
The increasing number of individuals using mobile phones, tablets, and other hand-
held and wearable wireless devices has accelerated the development of wireless commu-
nication technologies and systems, including antennas. In particular, for next-generation
communications, which require a lightweight antenna with high-gain to improve system
performance, the compact antenna must have a high-gain and a large bandwidth to meet
the increased demand for excellent communication quality with millions of users.
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/micromachines
Micromachines 2022, 13, 198 2 of 16

The demand for high-speed and broadband data services among mobile users is
skyrocketing, and more than 80% of mobile data traffic is handled indoors, such as in
commercial buildings and airports [1]. As a result, indoor distributed antenna systems
(IDAS) are becoming increasingly vital for providing wireless communication coverage in
high-traffic and dense indoor environments [2]. Because the majority of IDAS antennas
are installed on the ceilings or walls of indoor spaces, they must have a low-profile, large
bandwidth, and high-gain [3].
The printed microstrip patch antenna (MPA) is a suitable choice because of its low-
profile, but it has the drawback of having a narrow bandwidth [3]. Different types of
broadband printed antennas have been proposed to improve bandwidth for broadband
applications, including modified fractal antennas [4,5], planar elliptical antennas [6–8],
notched trapezoidal monopole antennas [9], dual band-notched circular ring antennas [10],
a half-disc and a half-ellipse antenna [11], and a back-to-back triangular-shaped patch
antenna [12]. However, all the previously proposed antennas suffer from low-gain at
low frequency. As a result, low-profile broadband antennas with good gain that can
cover the whole sub-6 GHz 5G frequency band are in high demand [1]. A metamaterial
(MTM) antenna design technique, on the other hand, can be utilized to overcome the limits
of traditional MPA antenna design schemes and is often focused on enhancing antenna
performance, bandwidth, weight, directivity, efficiency, and other parameters [13–16].
In recent years, the scientific community has shown an increased interest in the study
of MTMs [13–16]. The MTMs are the artificial, effectively homogeneous electromagnetic
structures that exhibit novel electromagnetic properties that are not typically found in
nature [17–19]. A structure whose average cell size p is much smaller than the quarter
wavelength (p < λg /4) is known as an effectively homogeneous structure. MTMs are a type
of artificially constructed material dependent on periodical structures. These materials have
negative permittivity (ε) and permeability (µ) at the same time, thereby known as double
negative metamaterials (DNMs) [20–22]. In 1999, a scientist named Pendry et al. [23,24] first
introduced negative-ε/positive-µ and positive-ε/negative-µ structures. Pendry introduced
periodically located metallic thin-wires (TW) to achieve negative permittivity. Later, his
team proposed spilt-ring resonators (SRRs) to get negative permeability [23,24]. In [25],
Smith et al. combined Pendry’s TW and SRR structures into the composite structure. The
TW and SRR structure develops negative-ε and negative-µ, respectively. This leads to
generating left-handed-MTM (LH-MTM).
Some researchers focused their studies on the multi-band MTMs. The first kind of
multi-band MTMs is based on well-designed metallic patterns, such as the ‘S-shaped’ [26],
the ‘H-shaped’ [27], and the ‘Z-shaped’ [28] MTMs. An advanced, well-designed metallic
pattern mode is fractal shapes, such as the nested ‘U-shaped’, and the ‘tree-shaped’ [29]
MTMs. Another kind of multi-band MTMs is implemented with a combination of different
single-band MTM units. In [30], similar patterns are printed on different substrates, while
in [31], SRRs with different opening directions are printed on 3-layers substrates.
A few other researchers focused on the studies on tunable MTMs. There are multiple
methods to implement tunable characteristics, such as loading varactors [32], applying
ferrite-slabs [33] or liquid-crystals [34], and mechanically changing the structures [35].
Among these methods, varactor-loaded tunability is the most applicable solution. Some
researchers focused on the studies to improve the gain of antenna by using MTM structures.
The MTM structure has been used as a superstrate or loading MTM around the radiating
patch. Other researchers used the MTM as a defective ground structure to improve the
overall bandwidth of the antenna [36]. MTM structure properties enable a lot of applications
in microwave and optical frequencies, including absorbers [37], energy harvesting [38],
meta-lenses [39], and cloaking [40].
Therefore, this paper presents two MTM antenna designs using a complementary SRR
(CSRR) and Cross-slot structure. The radiating structure of the antenna is designed based
on the combination of triangular and rectangular patches and two CSRR unit-cells etched on
the top layer. For the first antenna, the bottom layer is a complete ground plane, i.e., perfect
Micromachines 2022, 13, 198 3 of 16

electric conductor, and for the second antenna, the bottom layer is etched by 3 × 3 cross-
slots MTM on the ground plane. The two antennas have been designed using two different
substrates, i.e., a low-end flame-resistant (FR4) glass epoxy substrate and a high-end Rogers
TMM4 substrate. Both antenna designs are compared in terms of performance, such as gain,
bandwidth, radiation pattern, and S-parameters. The proposed antennas are operating at
3.5 GHz. Many enticing features of the proposed antenna include large bandwidth, high
gain, and directional radiation pattern, making them an ideal candidate for 5G indoor
distributed antenna systems (IDAS). The rest of this article is carried out as follows: The
MTM unit-cell design, proposed antenna design configuration, and its simulation results,
including parametric analysis, are briefly discussed in Section 2. Section 3 concisely
discussed the analysis of the proposed design with the different substrates. The two MTM
antenna simulated and measured results, including return-loss (S11 ), E- & H-plane radiation
patterns, and gain characteristics, are discussed and summarized in Section 4. Section 5
compares the results of the two proposed MTM antennas with existing research articles
and provides its findings, while Section 6 draws conclusions.

2. Proposed Antenna Design

The proposed antenna design starts with a triangular patch of side-length 14 mm,
Micromachines 2022, 13, x as shown in Figure 1a. The resonant frequency can be calculated based on Equation 4 of (1)
17
without the fringing effect [41]. The parameters c, a, εr represents the velocity of light,
triangular patch side-length, and dielectric constant, respectively.
individual RPA to resonate at 3.75 GHz will be 24.5 × 19.5 mm2. So, the total area of indi-
2c
vidual RPA will be 478 mm2. The proposed √
f r = antenna patch has a total area of 195 mm(1)2,
3a ε r
which indicates a size reduction of 60% compared to the individual RPA.

Figure 1.
Figure Step -by-Step
1. Step -by-Stepdesign
designof
ofproposed
proposedantenna
antenna(a)
(a)Triangular
TriangularPatch
Patch(b)
(b)Square
SquarePatch
Patch(c)
(c)Com-
Com-
bined Triangular
bined Triangular and Square patch.

0The resonant frequency may be determined with better accuracy if a and εr in the
-5 equation are replaced by effective dielectric constant εeff and aeff , which are given
above
by -10
S-Parameter (dB)

[42]. Finally, as per the calculation, the triangular patch antenna (TPA) resonates at
-15 and the results are verified by simulating the TPA using CST microwave studio
7 GHz,
-20
based on FR4 substrate having an εr and thickness (h) of 4.3 and 1.6 mm, respectively, as
-25
shown
-30 in Figure 2. Step-1 Step-2 Step-3
-35  −1
-40 ( ε r + 1) ( ε r − 1)

h 2
-45
ε re f f = + 1 + 12 × = 3.72 (2)
2 2 W
-50
2.5 3.75 5 6.25 7.5 8.75 h 10
Frequency (GHz)
ae f f = a + √ = 14.77
. (3)
εr
Figure 2. Step-by-Step design S-parameter response
2c0 of Proposed antenna.
√ fr =
= 7 GHz (4)
3ae f f ε re f f
2.1. CSRR MTM Structure Inserted to Proposed Antenna
A CSRR MTM structure has been inserted into the proposed antenna’s radiating
patch [45]. The structure and dimension of the CSRR structure used in this study is shown
in Figure 3. The overall dimension of the proposed antenna after inserting the CSRR struc-
ture is also shown in Figure 3. The insertion of the CSRR structure shifts the center fre-
quency of the proposed antenna to 3.5 GHz, as shown in Figure 4. The return-loss (S11)
graph is plotted by varying the dimension of the CSRR parameter ‘gc’ to 0.5 mm, 1 mm,
and 1.5 mm, respectively, as shown in Figure 4. From the graph, it can be observed that
the frequency is shifted to the left by reducing the gap ‘gc’ and shifted to the right by in-
Micromachines 2022, 13, 198 4 of 16
Figure 1. Step -by-Step design of proposed antenna (a) Triangular Patch (b) Square Patch (c) Com-
bined Triangular and Square patch.

0
-5
-10

S-Parameter (dB)
-15
-20
-25
-30 Step-1 Step-2 Step-3
-35
-40
-45
-50
2.5 3.75 5 6.25 7.5 8.75 10
Frequency (GHz) .
Figure 2.
Figure Step-by-Step design
2. Step-by-Step design S-parameter
S-parameter response
response of
of Proposed
Proposed antenna.
antenna.

The next
2.1. CSRR MTM step is to design
Structure a rectangular
Inserted to Proposed patch
Antenna antenna (RPA) having the same width
(W) of TPA and length (L) of 14 mm and 7 mm, respectively, as shown in Figure 1b. In
orderAtoCSRR
get the MTM
samestructure
width of TPA,has been inserted9 GHz
we selected into the
as the proposed
resonating antenna’s
frequency radiating
for the
patch [45]. The structure and dimension of the CSRR structure used
RPA, and the simulated results are illustrated in Figure 2. In the third step, we combined in this study is shown
in
TPAFigure 3. Theasoverall
and RPA, showndimension
in Figure 1c. of the
Theproposed
3.5 GHz antenna
frequency after inserting
band has been thechosen
CSRR in struc-
this
ture
studyisfor
also
5Gshown in Figure
technology [43].3.Moreover,
The insertion of MHz,
the 700 the CSRR3.5 GHz, structure shifts GHz
and 26/28 the center fre-
have also
quency of the proposed
been identified as potentialantenna to 3.5bands
frequency GHz, for
as shown in Figure
the initial 4. Theofreturn-loss
deployment (S11)
5G technology
graph is plotted by varying the dimension of the CSRR parameter
in Malaysia [44]. The mathematical resonant frequency of TPA (f 1 ) and RPA (f 2 ) is 7 GHz ‘g c’ to 0.5 mm, 1 mm,

and
and 1.5 mm,respectively.
9 GHz, respectively,The as shown in Figure
new resonant 4. From the
frequency after graph, it can be observed
the combination of TPA that
and
the frequency is shifted to the left by reducing the gap ‘g c ’ and shifted
RPA will be (f 1 + f 2 )/4, i.e., is equal to 4 GHz. After an in-depth parametric simulation to the right by in-
creasing
study usingthe gap.
CST Finally,
microwave the desired
studio, it results
can bewere
seenachieved for the CSRR
that the combined parameters
structure at gc
resonates
=at0.5 mm,
3.75 GHz,tc =as0.5 mm, and
shown sc = 0.5
in Figure 2. mm. The for
In order results are highlighted
the comparison, the with
size of a solid blue-line
the individual
in
RPAFigure 4, and it
to resonate atcan
3.75beGHzobserved
will bethat
24.5the proposed
× 19.5 mm2 . antenna
So, the totalshows areaa of
bandwidth
individual ofRPA
150
MHz and a return-loss
2 of −30 dB at 3.5 GHz. The optimized dimensions
will be 478 mm . The proposed antenna patch has a total area of 195 mm , which indicates of
2 the CSRR unit-
cell arereduction
a size shown inofTable 60% 1.compared to the individual RPA.

2.1. CSRR MTM Structure Inserted to Proposed Antenna

A CSRR MTM structure has been inserted into the proposed antenna’s radiating
patch [45]. The structure and dimension of the CSRR structure used in this study is shown
in Figure 3. The overall dimension of the proposed antenna after inserting the CSRR
structure is also shown in Figure 3. The insertion of the CSRR structure shifts the center
frequency of the proposed antenna to 3.5 GHz, as shown in Figure 4. The return-loss (S11 )
graph is plotted by varying the dimension of the CSRR parameter ‘gc ’ to 0.5 mm, 1 mm,
and 1.5 mm, respectively, as shown in Figure 4. From the graph, it can be observed that the
frequency is shifted to the left by reducing the gap ‘gc ’ and shifted to the right by increasing
the gap. Finally, the desired results were achieved for the CSRR parameters at gc = 0.5 mm,
tc = 0.5 mm, and sc = 0.5 mm. The results are highlighted with a solid blue-line in Figure 4,
and it can be observed that the proposed antenna shows a bandwidth of 150 MHz and
a return-loss of −30 dB at 3.5 GHz. The optimized dimensions of the CSRR unit-cell are
shown in Table 1.

2.2. Metallic-Cross Metamaterial Structure

The proposed metallic-cross MTM unit-cell is initially simulated by putting it in
a rectangular waveguide to investigate the MTM properties. The structure of the proposed
metallic-crosst MTM unit-cell is shown in Figure 5. The proposed MTM unit-cell used
to load in the ground plane of the antenna, is expected to demonstrate the LH-MTM
properties. For this purpose, a metallic-cross unit-cell printed on FR4 substrate has been
designed and simulated as MTM with the help of CST Microwave studio. In this case,
perfect boundary conditions have been applied to a unit-cell comprising only one metallic-
cross, having two sides of the unit-cell (along the y-axis) with a perfect electric conductor
(PEC) as a boundary condition, and the other two (along the z-axis) with a perfect magnetic
 Micromachines 2022, 13, 198 5 of 16

Micromachines 2022, 13, x 5 of(along

conductor (PMC), as can be seen in Figure 6. The remaining two sides of the unit-cell 17
Micromachines 2022, 13, x 5 of 17
the x-axis) are used as wave ports for excitation and radiation purposes. Further details on
boundary conditions and excitations assignment to a unit-cell are shown in Figure 6.

Figure 3. Layout of proposed antenna design.

Figure 3.
Figure Layoutof
3. Layout ofproposed
proposed antenna
antenna design.
design.

0
0
-5
-5
-10
-10
S-Parameter (dB)

-15
S-Parameter (dB)

-15
-20
-20
-25
-25
-30
-30
-35
-35
-40 gc=0.5mm gc=1mm gc=1.5mm
-40 gc=0.5mm gc=1mm gc=1.5mm
-45
-45
-50
-50
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Frequency (GHz)
Frequency (GHz)
Figure 4. S-Parameter response of proposed antenna by varying the dimensions (gc ) of CSRR unit-cell
Figure
which4. S-Parameter response
has fixed value of proposed
of 0.5 mm for tc andantenna
sc . by varying the dimensions (gc) of CSRR unit-
cellFigure
which4.hasS-Parameter
fixed valueresponse
of 0.5 mm offor
proposed
tc and scantenna
. by varying the dimensions (gc) of CSRR unit-
cell which has fixed value of 0.5 mm for tc and sc.
Table 1. CSRR Unit-cell Dimensions.
Table 1. CSRR Unit-cell Dimensions.
Table 1. CSRR Unit-cell Dimensions.
CSRR Dimensions (Unit: mm)
CSRR Dimensions (Unit: mm)
l CSRR Dimensions (Unit: mm) 5
lc c 5
lc 5
w c wc 4 4
wc 4
gc gc 0.5 0.5
gc 0.5
t c tc 0.5 0.5
tc 0.5
s c sc 0.5 0.5
sc 0.5
2.2. Metallic-Cross Metamaterial Structure
2.2. Metallic-Cross Metamaterial Structure
The proposed metallic-cross MTM unit-cell is initially simulated by putting it in a
The proposed metallic-cross MTM unit-cell is initially simulated by putting it in a
rectangular waveguide to investigate the MTM properties. The structure of the proposed
rectangular waveguide to investigate the MTM properties. The structure of the proposed
metallic-crosst MTM unit-cell is shown in Figure 5. The proposed MTM unit-cell used to
metallic-crosst MTM unit-cell is shown in Figure 5. The proposed MTM unit-cell used to
load in the ground plane of the antenna, is expected to demonstrate the LH-MTM prop-
load in the ground plane of the antenna, is expected to demonstrate the LH-MTM prop-
erties. For this purpose, a metallic-cross unit-cell printed on FR4 substrate has been de-
erties. For this purpose, a metallic-cross unit-cell printed on FR4 substrate has been de-
signed and simulated as MTM with the help of CST Microwave studio. In this case, perfect
signed and simulated as MTM with the help of CST Microwave studio. In this case, perfect
boundary conditions have been applied to a unit-cell comprising only one metallic-cross,
boundary conditions have been applied to a unit-cell comprising only one metallic-cross,

Micromachines 2022, 13, 198
Micromachines 2022, 13, x
having two sides of the unit-cell (along the y-axis) with a perfect electric conductor (PEC)
as a boundary condition, and the other two (along the z-axis) with a perfect magnetic
conductor (PMC), as can be seen in Figure 6. The remaining two sides of the unit-cell
(along the x-axis) are used as wave ports for excitation and radiation purposes. Further
details on boundary conditions and excitations assignment to a unit-cell are shown in 6 of 16
Figure 6.
Metallic-Cross MTM unit-cell structure.
Figure 5. Metallic-Cross
Figure 6.
Figure Boundary conditions
6. Boundary conditions and
and excitations
excitations applied
applied to
to aa single
single unit-cell.
unit-cell.
The S-Parameter response of the unit-cell is shown in Figure 7. It can be observed
The S-Parameter response of the unit-cell is shown in Figure 7. It can be observed
from Figure 7 that S11 and S21 parameters cross each other at 2 GHz and 4.8 GHz, respec-
from Figure 7 that S11
11 and S21
21 parameters cross each other at 2 GHz and 4.8 GHz, respec-
tively. This shows that the unit-cell structure has a bandgap between 2–4.8 GHz where
tively. This shows that the unit-cell structure has a bandgap between 2–4.8 GHz 7where
of 17
electromagnetic waves are reflected, which makes the structure to have negative material
electromagnetic waves are reflected, which makes the structure to have negative material
properties [46,47].
properties [46,47].
0
S-Parameter (dB)
-10
-20
-30 S11
S12
-40
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Frequency (GHz)
Figure
Figure7.7.S-Parameter
S-Parameterresponse
responseof
ofmetallic-cross
metallic-crossUnit-cell.
Unit-cell.
Furthermore, effective
Furthermore, effective permeability
permeability (μ (µeff
eff))and
andpermittivity
permittivity (ε
(εeffeff))of
ofan
anequivalent
equivalentMTM
MTM
unit-cell are determined from Nicolson-Ross-Weir (NRW) approach [48]. The effective elec-
unit-cell are determined from Nicolson-Ross-Weir (NRW) approach [48]. The effective
tromagnetic parameters (µeff and εeff ) are generated from Scattering parameters, i.e., S11 and
electromagnetic parameters (μeff and εeff) are generated from Scattering parameters, i.e., S11
and S21. The μeff and εeff has been calculated using the Equations (5)–(8) and its response
with respect to frequency is shown in Figure 8. The values, V1 and V2 indicate the summa-
tion and difference of S-parameters. The V1 and V2 are calculated from Equations (5) and
(6), respectively.
 Frequency (GHz)
Figure 7. S-Parameter response of metallic-cross Unit-cell.

Furthermore, effective permeability (μeff) and permittivity (εeff) of an equivalent MTM

Micromachines 2022, 13, 198 unit-cell are determined from Nicolson-Ross-Weir (NRW) approach [48]. The effective 7 of 16
electromagnetic parameters (μeff and εeff) are generated from Scattering parameters, i.e., S11
and S21. The μeff and εeff has been calculated using the Equations (5)–(8) and its response
with respect
S21 . The µeff to
andfrequency is shown
εeff has been in Figure
calculated using8. the
TheEquations
values, V1 (5)–(8)
and V2 and
indicate the summa-
its response with
tion and difference of S-parameters. The V 1 and V2 are calculated from Equations (5) and
respect to frequency is shown in Figure 8. The values, V 1 and V 2 indicate the summation
(6),
andrespectively.
difference of S-parameters. The V and V are calculated from Equations (5) and (6),
1 2
respectively. 𝑉 =𝑆 +𝑆 (5)
V1 = S21 + S11 (5)
𝑉 = V2𝑆= S−21𝑆− S11 (6)
(6)
2 21 −1𝑉− V2
𝜇 µe = ff = (7)
(7)
𝑗𝑘 jk10h+1𝑉+ V2
2 1−𝑉
𝜀 = 2 1−V (8)
= 1+𝑉 1
ε e f f 𝑗𝑘 (8)
jk0h 1 + V1
where, k0 is wave number in free space and is equated to ω/c, ω is the radian frequency
where,
and k0 iscwave
c = 2πf, is thenumber
speed ofinlight
free=space
3 × 10and is equated
8 m/s, μeff is the to
effective is the radian frequency
ω/c, ωpermeability and
of equivalent
c = 2πf, 8
light = 3 × 10of m/s,
MTM, εeffc is
is the
the effective
speed of permittivity µeff is the
equivalent MTM,effective
and hpermeability of equivalent
is the thickness/height of
MTM,
the εeff is the effective permittivity of equivalent MTM, and h is the thickness/height of
substrate.
the substrate.
90
75 Permeability (µ)
Magnitude (dB)

60 Permittivity (ε)
45
30
15
0
-15
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Frequency (GHz)
Figure 8. Simulated Permeability and Permittivity response of metallic-cross unit-cell.
Figure 8. Simulated Permeability and Permittivity response of metallic-cross unit-cell.
2.3. Cross-Slot Metamaterial Structure Etched in the Ground Plane of Proposed Antenna
2.3. Cross-Slot Metamaterial Structure Etched in the Ground Plane of Proposed Antenna
A 3 × 3 metallic-cross MTM structure has been etched in the ground plane of the pro-
posedA antenna
3 × 3 metallic-cross
to improve the MTM structure
bandwidth, as has
shownbeen etched 9.inAfter
in Figure the ground plane
etching in of the
the ground
proposed antenna to improve the bandwidth, as shown in Figure 9. After etching
plane, this metallic-cross will be referred to as cross-slot MTM structure. The structure in the
and
ground
dimensionplane, thiscross-slot
of the metallic-cross will be are
MTM unit-cell referred
shown topreviously
as cross-slot MTM 5.
in Figure structure. The
A parametric
structure and dimension
analysis based of the cross-slot
on the number MTM
of cross-slot MTM unit-cell are shown
structures previously
has been in Figure
investigated. The
proposed antenna in Figure 9 without cross-slot MTM in the ground plane resonates at
4.5 GHz with a bandwidth of 150 MHz, as shown in Figure 10. Initially, a 1 × 3 cross-slot
MTM structure was etched in the ground plane, which shows a bandwidth of 400 MHz. In
order to further improve the bandwidth, a 2 × 3, and 3 × 3 MTM structure analysis was per-
formed by etching in the ground plane. The final antenna design with 3 × 3 cross-slot MTM
structure etched in the ground plane is shown in Figure 9b. The Cross-Slot unit-cell etched
on the ground layer develops negative ε and µ [49]. The capacitance value of cross-slot
unit-cell can be varied by changing the gap between them. By increasing the capacitance
value, the bandwidth will improve [50]. So, by increasing the number of cross-slot unit-cell,
the bandwidth of the antenna has been improved. From the S-parameter response shown
in Figure 10, it was noticed that the bandwidth is gradually increasing as the number of
MTM structure etching in the ground plane increases. Figure 10 shows the results of the
1 × 3, 2 × 3, and 3 × 3 MTM structure etched in the ground plane. It can be seen from the
results that this MTM antenna design shows the bandwidth/return-loss characteristics of
400 MHz/−26 dB, 575 MHz/−20 dB and 730 MHz/−40 dB, respectively.
 of cross-slot unit-cell, the bandwidth of the antenna has been improved. From the S-pa-
rameter response shown in Figure 10, it was noticed that the bandwidth is gradually in-
creasing as the number of MTM structure etching in the ground plane increases. Figure
10 shows the results of the 1 × 3, 2 × 3, and 3 × 3 MTM structure etched in the ground plane.
It can be seen from the results that this MTM antenna design shows the bandwidth/return-
Micromachines 2022, 13, 198 8 of 16
loss characteristics of 400 MHz/−26 dB, 575 MHz/−20 dB and 730 MHz/−40 dB, respec-
tively.

(a) (b)
Micromachines 2022, 13, x 9 of 17
Figure 9. Layout
Figure of the
9. Layout ofproposed antenna
the proposed withwith
antenna cross-slot MTM
cross-slot structure
MTM etched
structure in the
etched in ground plane
the ground plane
(a) Top Layer
(a) Top (b) Bottom
Layer layer.
(b) Bottom layer.

0
-5
-10
S-Parameter (dB)

-15
-20
1 × 3 MTM
-25
2 × 3 MTM
-30
3 × 3 MTM
-35
Without_MTM
-40
-45
2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6
Frequency (GHz)
Figure 10. S-Parameter Response by varying the number of Cross-Slot MTM structure.
Figure 10. S-Parameter Response by varying the number of Cross-Slot MTM structure.
3. Analysis of Proposed Design with Different Substrate
Afterofgetting
3. Analysis the optimized
Proposed Design with dimensions
Different ofSubstrate
both proposed antennas from the simulation
study, the return-loss (S11 ) plots of both MTM antennas are plotted using FR4 and Rogers
After getting the optimized dimensions of both proposed antennas from the simula-
TMM4 substrate, and the results are summarized in Figure 11. The εr and h of the chosen
tion study, the return-loss (S11) plots of both MTM antennas are plotted using FR4 and
Rogers TMM4 substrate were 4.5 and 1.524 mm, respectively. It is important to note that
Rogers TMM4 substrate, and the results are summarized in Figure 11. The εr and h of the
both substrates have very similar dielectric permittivity and thickness parameters. The
chosen Rogers TMM4 substrate were 4.5 and 1.524 mm, respectively. It is important to
purpose of selecting two different substrates, i.e., a high-end Rogers TMM4 and a low-
note that both substrates have very similar dielectric permittivity and thickness parame-
end FR4 substrate, is to identify which one will provide more gain for the proposed
ters. The purpose of selecting two different substrates, i.e., a high-end Rogers TMM4 and
antenna design.
a low-end FR4 substrate,
Figure 12a,b showsis to identify
the which one
E- & H-plane will provide
simulated morepattern
radiation gain forresults
the proposed
of the pro-
antenna
poseddesign.
antenna with the complete ground plane by using both FR4 and Rogers TMM4
Figure 12a,b
substrates, shows
which the E- &
resonates at H-plane
3.5 GHz.simulated
From Figureradiation
12a,b,pattern results
it can be of thethat
observed pro-the
posed antenna with the complete ground plane by using both FR4 and Rogers
gain is improved from 2.9 dBi to 4.9 dBi by replacing the low-end and lossy FR4 substrate TMM4
substrates,
with thewhich resonates
high-end Rogers atTMM4
3.5 GHz. From Figure
substrate. It is 12a,b, it canthis
clear from be observed
study that that
thethe gain
proposed
is improved from 2.9 dBi to 4.9 dBi by replacing the low-end and lossy FR4 substrate
structure will provide high-gain characteristics by replacing the low-cost FR4 with high-end with
theRogers
high-end Rogers
TMM4 TMM4 Similarly,
substrate. substrate. Figure
It is clear from
13a,b this the
shows study that
E- & the proposed
H-plane simulatedstruc-
radia-
turetion
will provide high-gain characteristics by replacing the low-cost FR4 with
pattern results of the proposed antenna with cross-slot MTM structure etched on the high-end
Rogers TMM4
ground planesubstrate. Similarly,
using both Figure
substrates. This13a,b showsalso
structure the exhibits
E- & H-plane
better simulated radia-
gain characteristics
tion pattern results of the proposed antenna with cross-slot MTM structure etched on the
ground plane using both substrates. This structure also exhibits better gain characteristics
by replacing the substrate from FR4 with Rogers TMM4. The loss tangent (tan δ) of TMM4
and FR4 substrate are 0.002 and 0.025, respectively [51]. It means the FR4 substrate is a
 Micromachines 2022, 13, 198 9 of 16

Micromachines 2022, 13, x
Micromachines 2022, 13, x
by replacing the substrate from FR4 with Rogers TMM4. The loss tangent (tan δ) of TMM4
and FR4 substrate are 0.002 and 0.025, respectively [51]. It means the FR4 substrate is a lossy
substrate, and its radiation efficiency will always be less than the TMM4 substrate. 10 of 17
This
10 of 17
is the reason TMM4 substrate has a higher gain than FR4; even the dielectric permittivity
and thickness parameters are the same. For the proof-of-concept in this work, the proposed
antenna 0 is fabricated using FR4 substrate due to its low-cost nature and easy availability.
0
-10
S-Parameter (dB)

-10
S-Parameter (dB)

-20
-20
-30
-30
-40
-40
-50
-50 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
2.5 3 Frequency
3.5 (GHz)
4 4.5 5
Proposed Antenna with complete
Frequencyground plane (FR4)
(GHz)
ProposedAntenna
Proposed Antennawith
withcomplete
completeground
groundplane
plane(FR4)
(TMM4)
Proposed
Proposed Antenna
Antenna with
with Cross-Slot
complete MTM
ground in the
plane ground plane (FR4)
(TMM4)
ProposedAntenna
Proposed Antennawith
withCross-Slot
Cross-SlotMTM
MTMininthe
theground
groundplane
plane(FR4)
(TMM4)
Proposed Antenna with Cross-Slot MTM in the ground plane (TMM4)
Figure 11. S-Parameter response of both proposed antennas using different substrate.
Figure 11.11.
Figure S-Parameter response
S-Parameter responseofof
both
bothproposed
proposedantennas
antennasusing
usingdifferent
differentsubstrate.
substrate.

0° 0°
60° 50°
330° 64 30° 330° 30°
50
330° 30° 330° 30°
42 0-5
300° 20 60° 300° -5
-10 60°
300° 0-2 60° 300° -10 60°
-15
-2-4 -15
-20
270° -4-6 90° 270° -20
-25 90°
270° -6 90° 270° -25 90°

240° 120° 240° 120°

240° 120° 240° 120°
210° 150°
210° 150°
210° 180° 150°
E-Plane_FR4 210° 150°
H-Plane_FR4
180°
180° E-Plane_TMM4
E-Plane_FR4 H-Plane_FR4
H-Plane_TMM4
180°
(a) E-Plane_TMM4 (b) H-Plane_TMM4
(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 12.
12.Simulated
Simulatedradiation
radiationpattern
patternofof
the proposed
the antenna
proposed with
antenna a complete
with ground
a complete plane
ground at 3.5
plane at
GHz (a)
Figure 12.E-plane (b) radiation
Simulated H-plane. pattern of the proposed antenna with a complete ground plane at 3.5
3.5 GHz (a) E-plane (b) H-plane.
GHz (a) E-plane (b) H-plane.
Micromachines 2022, 13, x 11 of 17
Micromachines 2022, 13, 198 10 of 16

0° 0°
4 5
330° 30° 330° 30°
2 0
-5
0
300° 60° 300° -10 60°
-2
-15
-4 -20
270° -6 90° 270° -25 90°

240° 120° 240° 120°

210° 150° 210° 150°

E-Plane_FR4
180° 180° H-Plane_FR4
E-Plane_TMM4 H-Plane_TMM4
(a) (b)
Figure13.
Figure 13.Simulated
Simulatedradiation
radiation pattern
pattern of proposed
of the the proposed antenna
antenna with cross-slot
with cross-slot MTM structure
MTM structure etched
etched in the ground plane at 3.5 GHz (a) E-plane (b)
in the ground plane at 3.5 GHz (a) E-plane (b) H-plane. H-plane.

4.4. Result
Result and
and Discussion
Discussion
The
Thetop
toplayer
layerininthe
theproposed
proposed antenna
antennadesign
designis based on the
is based on combination
the combinationof RPA and
of RPA
TPA
and with
TPA CSRR structure,
with CSRR and theand
structure, bottom layer has
the bottom been
layer hasmodified by (1) complete
been modified ground
by (1) complete
plane,
groundand (2) ground
plane, and (2) plane
groundreplaced by 3 × 3bycross-slot
plane replaced MTM structure.
3 × 3 cross-slot FigureFigures
MTM structure. 14a,b
and
14a,bFigure 15a,bshow
and 15a,b showthe thefabricated
fabricatedantenna
antennatoptopandand bottom
bottom layers
layers of the
of the proposed
proposed an-
antenna with complete ground plane and proposed antenna with cross-slot
tenna with complete ground plane and proposed antenna with cross-slot MTM structure MTM structure
etched
etched onon the ground plane,
the ground plane,respectively.
respectively.The
Theoverall
overalldimension
dimension of of
thethe antenna
antenna shows
shows the
the compactness of the proposed design (18 × 34 mm 2 ). Keysight (Agilent Technologies)
Micromachines 2022, 13, x compactness of the proposed design (18 × 34 mm ). Keysight (Agilent Technologies)
2
12Field-
of 17
FieldFox
Fox N9925A N9925A
vector vector
networknetwork analyzer
analyzer (VNA)(VNA)
was usedwas to used to conduct
conduct the S-parameter
the S-parameter meas-
measurements
urements of the offabricated
the fabricated antennas.
antennas.
Figure 16a,b shows the simulated and measured return-loss (S11) of the proposed an-
tenna with (1) complete ground plane or (2) 3 × 3 cross-slot MTM etched on the ground
plane. It can be observed from Figure 16a,b that both MTM antennas are resonating at 3.5
GHz and showing a measured return-loss of −16 dB and −19 dB, respectively. The MTM
with complete ground plane and cross-slot MTM structure etched on the ground plane
has a measured −10 dB bandwidth of 100 MHz (3.46 GHz–3.56 GHz) and 700 MHz (2.96
GHz–3.66 GHz), respectively.

Figure 14. Fabricated

Fabricatedstructure
structureofofproposed
proposedantenna with
antenna complete
with ground
complete plane
ground (a) (a)
plane TopTop
Layer (b)
Layer
Bottom Layer.
(b) Bottom Layer.
Micromachines 2022, 13, 198 11 of(b)
Figure 14. Fabricated structure of proposed antenna with complete ground plane (a) Top Layer 16
Bottom Layer.

Figure 14. Fabricated structure of proposed antenna with complete ground plane (a) Top Layer (b)
Bottom Layer.

Figure 15.
Figure 15. Fabricated
Fabricated structure of proposed antenna with cross-slot MTM structure etched on the
the
ground plane (a) Top Layer (b) Bottom Layer.
ground plane (a) Top Layer (b) Bottom Layer.

Figure 16a,b shows the simulated and measured return-loss (S11 ) of the proposed
antenna with (1) complete ground plane or (2) 3 × 3 cross-slot MTM etched on the ground
plane. It can be observed from Figure 16a,b that both MTM antennas are resonating at
3.5 GHz and showing a measured return-loss of −16 dB and −19 dB, respectively. The
MTM with complete ground plane and cross-slot MTM structure etched on the ground
Figurehas
plane 15. aFabricated
measured structure
−10 dBofbandwidth
proposed antenna with cross-slot
of 100 MHz MTM structure
(3.46 GHz–3.56 GHz) andetched
700 on
MHzthe
ground plane (a) Top Layer (b) Bottom
(2.96 GHz–3.66 GHz), respectively. Layer.

Figure 16. Simulated and Measured S-Parameter response (a) Proposed antenna with the complete
ground plane (b) Proposed antenna with 3 × 3 cross-slot MTM structure etched on the ground plane.

The simulated and measured E- & H-plane radiation patterns proposed antenna with
complete are shown in Figure 17a,b. The proposed antenna shows the maximum simu-
lated and measured gain of 2.9 dBi and 2.6 dBi, respectively. From Figure 17a,b, it can be
understood that the antenna radiates in the boresight. The measured radiation pattern
slightly deviates from 0° as compared to the simulated result.
Figure
Figure 16. Simulated
16.
FigureSimulated and Measured
18a,b shows Measured S-Parameter
the E- and H-planeresponse
S-Parameter response (a)
radiation(a) Proposed
Proposedof
pattern antenna
antenna with
with the
the proposed the complete
complete
antenna
groundplane
ground plane(b)
(b)Proposed
Proposedantenna
antennawith
with33×× 33 cross-slot
cross-slot MTM structure etched on the ground
ground plane.
plane.
with 3 × 3 cross-slot MTM etched in the ground plane, respectively. It has a maximum
simulated
The and measured
simulated gain of 2.5E-
andmeasured
measured dBi and 2.3 dBi, respectively, in the E-Plane.antenna
It has a
The simulated and E- & & H-plane
H-plane radiation
radiation patterns
patterns proposed
proposed antenna with
with complete
complete are shown
are shown in Figure
in Figure 17a,b.17a,b. The proposed
The proposed antenna antenna
showsshows the maximum
the maximum simu-
simulated and measured gain of 2.9 dBi and 2.6 dBi, respectively.
lated and measured gain of 2.9 dBi and 2.6 dBi, respectively. From Figure 17a,b, From Figure 17a,b, it can
it can be
be understood
understood that
that thethe antennaradiates
antenna radiatesininthetheboresight.
boresight. The
The measured
measured radiation
radiation pattern
pattern
slightly ◦
slightly deviates
deviates from
from 00° as
as compared
compared to to the
the simulated
simulated result.
result.
Figure
Figure18a,b
18a,bshows
showsthe theE-E-
andandH-plane
H-plane radiation pattern
radiation of the
pattern of proposed antenna
the proposed with
antenna
× 3 cross-slot
3with MTM etched in the ground plane, respectively. It has
3 × 3 cross-slot MTM etched in the ground plane, respectively. It has a maximuma maximum simulated
and measured
simulated and gain of 2.5 gain
measured dBi and 2.3dBi
of 2.5 dBi,andrespectively, in the E-Plane.
2.3 dBi, respectively, in theItE-Plane.
has a side-lobe
It has a
level of −2 dBi. The H-plane has a maximum simulated and measured gain of 2.45 dBi and
2.3 dBi, respectively. The gain of the fabricated prototype was measured using a standard
horn antenna as a reference source.
Micromachines 2022, 13, x 13 of 17
Micromachines 2022, 13, x 13 of 17

Micromachines 2022, 13, 198
side-lobe level of −2 dBi. The H-plane has a maximum simulated and measured gain of
side-lobe level of −2 dBi. The H-plane has a maximum simulated and measured gain of
12 of 16
2.45 dBi and 2.3 dBi, respectively. The gain of the fabricated prototype was measured us-
2.45 dBi and 2.3 dBi, respectively. The gain of the fabricated prototype was measured us-
ing a standard horn antenna as a reference source.
ing a standard horn antenna as a reference source.

Figure
Figure17.17.Simulated
Simulated and Measured
and radiation
Measured pattern
radiation of theofproposed
pattern antennaantenna
the proposed with complete ground
with complete
Figure
ground
plane (a)17. Simulated
plane (a) (b)
E-Plane and(b)
E-Plane Measured
H-Plane. H-Plane. radiation pattern of the proposed antenna with complete
ground plane (a) E-Plane (b) H-Plane.

Figure 18. Simulated and Measured radiation pattern of the proposed antenna with 3 × 3 cross-slot
Figure
Figure 18. Simulated
18.
MTM structure and
and
etched Measured
onMeasured radiation
radiation
the ground plane (a) pattern
pattern of(b)
of
E-Plane theH-Plane.
the proposedantenna
proposed antennawith
with33×× 3 cross-slot
MTM structure
MTM structure etched
etched on
on the
the ground
ground plane
plane (a)
(a) E-Plane
E-Plane(b)
(b)H-Plane.
H-Plane.
Figure 19 shows the simulated and measured gain versus frequency graph for both
shows the
Figureantennas.
19 shows the simulated and measured
measured gaingain versus
versus frequency graph for both both
proposed Fromsimulated
the graph, it can be observed that thefrequency
simulated and measured
proposed antennas.
proposed antennas. From the graph, it can be observed
observed that
that the simulated
simulated and measured
measured
gain at 3.5 GHz is almost close to each other. The proposed antenna with complete ground
gain
gain at 3.5 GHz is almost close to each other. The proposed antenna with complete ground
Micromachines 2022, 13, x plane has a little higher gain as compared to the antenna with a 3 × 3 cross-slot 14 of 17 MTM
plane
plane has
has aa little
little higher
higher gain
gain asas compared
compared toto the
the antenna with aa33×× 3 cross-slot
antenna with cross-slot MTM
MTM
structure. But the bandwidth is more for the antenna with 3 × 3 cross-slot MTM structure.
structure.
structure. But the bandwidth is more for the antenna with 3 × 3 cross-slot MTM structure.
bandwidth is more for the antenna with 3 × 3 cross-slot MTM structure.

10
Proposed Antenna With Complete Ground Plane_Simulated
8 Proposed Antenna With Complete Ground Plane_Measured
Proposed Antenna With MTM Cross-Slot Ground Plane_Simulated
6
Proposed Antenna With MTM Cross-Slot Ground Plane_Measured
Gain (dBi)

-2

-4
2.5 2.75 3 3.25 3.5 3.75 4 4.25 4.5 4.75 5
Frequency (GHz)

Figure 19. Simulated and Measured gain versus frequency graph for both proposed antennas.
Figure 19. Simulated and Measured gain versus frequency graph for both proposed antennas.

5. Comparison
Table 2 compares the proposed MTM antenna performance with several other MTM
Micromachines 2022, 13, 198 13 of 16

5. Comparison
Table 2 compares the proposed MTM antenna performance with several other MTM
antennas presented in the literature and operating at 3.5 GHz [52–58]. All MTM antenna
sizes and thicknesses in Table 2 are normalized to the free space wavelength λo at the
resonant frequency 3.5 GHz. The −10 dB relative bandwidth (BW) of these MTM antennas’
results are summarized in the BW column. Table 2 shows that previous MTM antenna
designs either improved the bandwidth [52,53] or gain [54–56] or reduced the antenna
size [56–58]. Although, the proposed MTM antenna based on cross-slot results shows
a 60 percent reduction in size and a seven-fold increase in the bandwidth over the conven-
tional MPA design at 3.5 GHz. The gain of the proposed antenna can be further improved
by using a high-end Roger’s substrate. Many enticing features of this proposed MTM
antenna include large bandwidth, high-gain, and compact size, making them an ideal
candidate for the 5G IDAS.
Table 2. Performances comparison of existing MTM antenna with proposed structure at 3.5 GHz.

Operating Freq. Measured Substrate Relative

Ref./Year Structure Gain (dBi) Antenna Size
(GHz) Bandwidth (%) Thickness Permittivity
[52]/2020 Two MTM SRR cells 3.5 28.4 1.9 0.34λo × 0.26λo 0.018λo 4.4
[53]/2017 CRLH Cells 3.5 14.1 1.6 0.40λo × 0.37λo - 4.4
Triangular
[54]/2021 3.5 2.1 6.3 0.58λo × 0.58λo 0.017λo 3
MTM patch antenna
[55]/2021 Mushroom MTM 3.5 27.8 4.5 0.35λo × 0.35λo 0.017λo 2.2
Complementary
[56]/2016 3.5 1.43 5.72 0.16λo × 0.08λo 0.024λo 2.65
spiral resonators
[57]/2021 Polygonal SRR 3.5 5.5 3 0.24λo × 0.35λo 0.018λo 4.4
[58]/2019 SRR-Loaded MTM 3.5 9.7 2.25 0.35λo × 0.36λo 0.018λo 4.6
This work/2022 CSRR-MTM 3.5 2.8 2.6 0.21λo × 0.39λo 0.018λo 4.3
CSRR-MTM with
This work/2022 3.5 20 2.3 0.21λo × 0.39λo 0.018λo 4.3
Cross-Slot MTM

6. Conclusions
A combination of triangular and rectangular patches with two kinds of MTM struc-
ture, which includes complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) on the top layer and
3 × 3 cross-slot MTM on the bottom layer, was proposed in this study. The measured result
of the FR4 substrate based proposed antenna with a cross-slot MTM structure etched on the
ground plane shows larger bandwidth as compared to the MTM antenna with the complete
ground plane. Both the antennas have a gain almost close to each other. Furthermore, when
compared to the previous designs in Table 2, the MTM antenna with cross-slot etched on
the ground plane exhibits larger bandwidth and better gain. The proposed MTM antenna
with a cross-slot structure on the ground plane is considered the most promising candidate
for 5G IDAS because of its miniaturized structure and is also considered a good choice for
the upcoming 5G applications due to its small size, improved bandwidth, and gain. The
gain can be boosted more in the future by adopting a high-end Rogers TMM4 substrate.

Author Contributions: A.K.V., B.A.K. coined the idea, led, supervised, and evaluated the entire
project: edited the write-ups, designed, and simulated the proposed antennas. A.K.V., M.K.A.R.,
M.N.I. performed the experimental measurements. A.K.V. completed the initial draft of the paper;
A.K.V., B.A.K., M.K.A.R., M.N.I. and H.T.C. then analyzed, evaluated, and edited the paper. All
authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by “Deanship of Scientific Research, Islamic University of
Madinah, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, Grant Number 657”.
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to acknowledge the funding from the Deanship of
Scientific Research, Islamic University of Madinah, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, under the Research Grant
No. 657.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Micromachines 2022, 13, 198 14 of 16

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