Analysis and Design of Rectangular

Microstrip Antennas for

Educational Purposes
A. F. Tinoco-S., D. C. Nascimento, R. Schildberg, and J. C. da S. Lacava

Instituto Tecnol6gico de Aeronautica, Laborat6rio de Antenas e Propaga9ao

Pra9a Mal. Eduardo Gomes, 50,12228-900 Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil
E-mail: atinoco@ita.br; http://www.ele.ita.br/lap

Abstract

This paper discusses how the transmission-line model can be used in an introductory course on antennas for the analysis and
design of thin rectangular microstrip antennas. As a result of adaptations made to the model, the antenna's electrical
parameters are shown to agree very well with experimental data and with simulations performed using commercial software.
This new approach proves suitable for undergraduate courses.

Keywords: Microstrip antennas; transmission-line model; electrical engineering education

1. Introduction antennas. Transmission-line and equivalent-cavity models [9] are

Mgrounded
icrostriP antennas consist of metallic patches printed on
dielectric substrates. They offer several attractive
features, such as light weight, a low profile, and
conformability. They constitute one of the most innovative areas of
recent work on antennas [1]. Consequently, this important subject
should be covered in undergraduate courses on antenna theory,
from the very first course. However, due to the complexity of cur­
rent microstrip-antenna configurations, an essential question is
posed: What is the most proper teaching approach? For instance,
Brazilian universities cover this subject in a variety of ways,
depending on their students' background in electromagnetism,
transmission lines, and microwave principles. At the Technological
Institute of Aeronautics (ITA), in particular, microstrip antennas
are in fact part of the first course on antennas.
Theoretical analysis is generally based on the empirical, the
semi-empirical, or the full-wave models [2]. The latter, certainly
the most sophisticated model, usually requires extensive analytical
and computational effort [3]. The Method of Moments is a typical
example: it is used in commercially available packages, such as
IE3D [4] and Ansoft Designer [5], to produce very accurate
designs. However, due to its excessive cost, alternative teaching
approaches have been pursued [6, 7].
the most typical models, and, due to their straightforwardness, are
suitable for undergraduate classes. In both cases, Mathe­
®
matica [lO] is a useful tool for the analysis of elementary geome­
tries.
In this paper, how the classical accurate transmission-line
model [11], after judicious adaptations, can be used in an intro­
ductory course on antennas for the analysis and design of thin rec­
tangular microstrip antennas is discussed.
2. Classical Accurate
Transmission-Line Model
Consider a typical rectangular microstrip antenna, fed by a
coaxial probe, as shown in Figure I. The physical structure of this
radiator can be derived from a microstrip transmission line [12].
Therefore, the classical accurate transmission-line (CATL) model
is a natural choice for the analysis and design of electrically thin
rectangular microstrip patch antennas in a first course. As proposed
by Pues and Van de Capelle, it is suitable for simple computer­
aided design and optimization procedures that students can easily
implement with mathematics software, such as Mathematica.

The semi-empirical model [8] requires two steps: an educated
guess of the surface electric-current density on the patch, and the
derivation of the applicable Green's functions. However, given the
complexity of the evaluation of these quantities, either in the spec­
tral or the spatial domain, this model is not adopted in the under­
graduate courses under consideration.
A probe-fed rectangular patch antenna can be represented as
a three-port circuit (Figure 2), the admittance parameters, Ys' Ym,
and Yc' and the propagation constant, r, of which were defined in .
[12]. Based on the classical accurate transmission-line model
implemented in Mathematica, a rectangular microstrip antenna on
a typical microwave laminate (&r 2.55 , loss tangent 0.0022 ,
= =

On the other hand, empirical models are generally based on and thickness 1.524mm), fed by a 50 ohm SMA coaxial connec­
=

simplifications concerning the radiation mechanism of microstrip tor of 0.65 mm radius, was designed to operate at 2.4 GHz,

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 3. Modified Classical Accurate
(a) Patch
Transmission-Line Model
./
To compensate for the previously mentioned disagreement,
two judicious adaptations have been introduced in the classical
accurate transmission-line model. First, to shift the antenna's reso­
nance frequency down, the positions of the admittances Ys and the
Ground plane voltage-dependent current generators Ym� and YmV2 were relo­
cated to the center of the main slots (LI = P+ w/2 and
(b) Main slots � = a - p+ w/2 ). To increase the real part of the antenna's input
impedance, the equivalent patch width, be! was replaced by b
(patch width: Figure I) in the calculations of Ym and Ys' After
these modifications, the new results agreed very well with the
simulations performed with commercial software, as shown in
Figure 4, but now, correspondingly, at a frequency below 2.4 GHz.

Based on the modified classical accurate transmission-line

hl ______________-' model (MCATL), the antenna was then redesigned to operate at
2.4 GHz. Its new dimensions were a = 37.35 mm, b 48.55 mm, =

Figure 1. The antenna geometry: (a) side view and (b) perspec­
and p 11.70 mm. The input impedance curves are shown in Fig­
=

tive view with main slots. ure 5. As seen in these curves, the maximum input resistance now
occurred at the operating frequency, according to the standard
design procedure for microstrip antennas [9]. However, this
L2=a-p
i-L,=P -i-
antenna presented an inductive input reactance

� �

Figure 2. The three-port equivalent circuit for a rectangular

microstrip antenna.

80
_ . . _. CATL
70
,1=1<.-'.-+--+--+----1 - - - IE3D
+--+- .'-:-
60 -I--+r-+-=t-:-' ,\-\-+---+---+----1 -. - . - .. Ansoft Designer
/1 "
50 ,
- ;.. '. \'.
\
I ·
/
40
S
"
u 30 -30 +-'''+�h-l-�h-l-�h=l=��-+-�
'" 2.30 2.32 2.34 2.36 2.38 2.40 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.50
'"
"0 20
" (GHz)
p., Frequency
..§ 10
-
0 \
.�
-'--�\:I-
1-1- - ' -
-.,. h:.-:.: Figure 4. The antenna's input impedance.

L"'.l
_. '

-10 _ . ,

,... ' .
\�,..r.-�-�,+--
-20 +--+--+_- .,,-.+-_t-V
-=-· i--j �m[Zinl l---+--l 60

- MCATL �
I 1\
-30 +-�+-�+_�+-�+-�+-�+--�1__��� 50 _

2.30 2.32 2.34 2.36 2.38 2.40 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.50

I
Frequency (GHz) 40
,, --

\
\
S
/ i\
30

-
Figure 3. The antenna's input impedance. - \
"
u
'"
'" 20
\
I Re[Zi) �
"0 '\
�
" \
according to the standard procedure [9]. The following patch p.,
..§
/
� V --
10
\
r---
dimensions were obtained: a = 38.35 mm, b = 49.90 mm, and
� \
p =11.40 mm. In this case, the simulated value of the antenna 0

--
\

·
input impedance was Zin 50.0+ j12.8 n at the operating fre­
=

-10
, - A
Vllm[Zin1 i
quency. This important parameter is plotted in Figure 3. For vali­
dation purposes, curves obtained with the commercial software -20
IE3D and Ansoft Designer are superimposed on the same figure. 2.30 2.32 2.34 2.36 2.38 2.40 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.50
As seen, the results obtained with the classical accurate transmis­ Frequency (GHz)
sion-line model were not in good agreement with commercial
software simulation. Figure 5. The input impedance for the standard design.

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 o
I (2in =50.0 + ill.8 Q) that affected its symmetrical bandwidth
-
r--- I--
-5
- .. 120 MHzl
I---.... /
f..-- (BW/2 =20 MHz), as shown in Figure 6.
- -),I---- - - - -

I
--- - - - - - - --- - - - - - - -7 dB

� -10 1\ To overcome this limitation, a new approach for the design of

rectangular patch antennas was proposed. Differently from the
\
CO
� standard procedure, this approach consisted of designing the patch
::l -15 / to operate at the Xin =0 condition. This way, new antenna dimen­
.Q

I
c
I-MCATLI
:; sions were obtained: a =3 7.45 mm, b =48. 70 mm, and
Ql -20 p =11.50mm. Results for the input impedance and the return loss
0::
are shown in Figures 7 and 8. From the latter figure, it could be
-25 observed that the antenna's symmetrical bandwidth increased to
v
56 MHz.
-30
2.30 2.32 2.34 2.36 2.38 2.40 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.50 The antenna's design requirements were now properly met,
Frequency (GHz) and the results agreed very well with commercial software simula­
tions.
Figure 6. The return loss for the standard design.
Electrical parameters such as radiation patterns, directivity
(D), radiation efficiency ( 1] ), gain ( Go), and impedance bandwidth
could now be calculated in a straightforward way. To plot the
antenna's radiation pattern, the far electromagnetic fields radiated
by the two main slots must first be determined. This can be done
using the aperture concept and array theory. The directivity of the
60 improved antenna design as presented here was 6.82 dB. The B
50 /"'- I - MCATL I-- and ¢ components of the far electric field radiated by the antenna
V can also be analyzed. The radiation patterns in the yz plane and in
\ three dimensions are plotted in Figures 9 and 10, respectively.

! \
40 �
�

S 30 - To calculate the radiation efficiency, the three-port equiva­

�

'"u
c
'" 20
/ \
\ !\ Re[ZI.n]r-- lent transmission-line circuit was used. First, the antenna's input
impedance was calculated considering a lossy transmission line. It
"'" \
'"0-
.§
/ \
"'-
NC\ was then recalculated for the lossless condition. For the antenna
V --
10
under consideration, the radiation efficiency so obtained was
r--
\
1] =87.6%. Consequently, the gain was Go =1]D=4.21 , or
--
0
\ - -
n-r - 1j
\ 6.24 dB.
-10
- �
VI'm[Z; n To evaluate the half-power Q factor, one can use the fact that
-20
the impedance locus of a thin microstrip antenna can be modeled
as a parallel RLC network with a series inductance Lp (Figure II).
2.30 2.32 2 .34 2 .36 2.38 2.40 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.50

Frequency (GHz)
Average values for Ra, La' and Ca can be calculated directly
Figure 7. The input impedance for the new approach. from the antenna input impedance. In Figure 12, curves for the real
and imaginary parts of 2in, both calculated according to the three­
port equivalent transmission line, are compared to those obtained
from the lumped Ra, La' Ca, Lp network. Excellent agreement
was observed.

o Finally, an equivalent series RLC network can be determined

r-- -
r-- �8 MHz --- at the operating frequency (2.4 GHz). From this network (Fig­
-5 � / ure 13), the antenna quality factor was calculated, resulting in

/
- -- - - - - --
""- - -- - -- - -- -- - -- - -7 dB Q=41.62 . For thin radiators, an approximate value of Q can be
� -10
-\ estimated from the -7 dB return-loss bandwidth, resulting in

1\ /
Vl
Q=42.73 .
�
Vl
-15

\ I
� I-MCATLI
Ql
0:: -20
4. Experimental Results
-25
A prototype was built by the students, not only to provide

-30
experimental insight but also to validate the simulation data. The
2.30 2.32 2.34 2.36 2.38 2.40 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.50 patch was positioned at the center of an 80 mm x 70 mm rectangu­
Frequency (GHz) lar ground plane, according to the geometry presented in Figure lb.
Simulated and measured results for the return loss are plotted in
Figure 8. The return loss for the new approach. Figure 14. As seen, the simulated results were not in good agree-

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 o 60
--MCATL
U .
o
� . Lumped circuit
co
\
50 _._._

-0
-5
j/
E
'J \
-10 40

�
V--
'" -15 V
S... �
/ \
30
�
.�
-20
<J
c: 1\ I � I
Re[Z.]

_\
20
co
'i<i
... "-
/II

V
-25 -0
:0
1--+-_+_---j�_F.:.!*�f_�+___+___1-+__1
Q. -{j '
� -30 70 90
.§
10
�V \ V t--r--
�
\, l@jV
-25 0

-20
-10
"'"
F=- v lm[Z;nl r--
-15
I
-20
-10
2.30 2.32 2.34 2.36 2.38 2.40 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.50
-5
Frequency (GHz)
o
180 Figure 12. The antenna's input impedance.

Figure 9. The Elf radiation pattern in the yz plane.

Rl
.-1------0
R.� = 47.85 �2

l C.\.
C\. = 0.0333 pF
L, = 132.21 nH

L.\.

Figure 13. The equivalent series RLC lumped network.

1(:
Z

o
� �
t:::-. �
Figure 10. The three-dimensional radiation pattern.
·5
"
0
,
. .- ;;?
\\ , ,. V TL
"
.
,
.

00 -10
.,

l --.M
CA I
1\ j/ /
�
'"'" \. . Prototype I
RI1 50.76 n
I.
. ._
_ _

= � -15
i"

YI
E
Co = 54.34 pF 2
.,

La R1.41 pH
� -20
= � j

L" 0.94 nH
j
1

i
= i !
-25 I .
• 1
I .
' 1
I .

�!
·30
2.30 2.32 2.34 2.36 2.38 2.40 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.50

Frequency (GHz)
Figure 14. The simulated and measured return-loss results for
Figure 11. The equivalent lumped network. prototype 1.

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 0
""' 5. Conclusions
-- .-=---'

-5
�. �"
./
�
This paper reported a simple and accurate new approach for
/
',\
f\
the analysis and design of thin rectangular microstrip antennas.
,-, -10
After judicious adaptations were introduced in the classical accu­

\
Q:) 1/ rate transmission line model, the antenna's electrical parameters
:3.
JII MCATL agreed very well with experimental data and simulations per­

J
-- &r= 2.582
\
til
-15

I II
til

..9 .
formed using commercial software. Moreover, designing the patch
- . - - .. Prototype 1
E to operate at the Xin 0 condition resulted in a symmetrical band­
a
=

., -20
� width. This new approach is suitable for computer-aided design
procedures, and has proven adequate for undergraduate courses.
-25 Students can implement it in a simple way by using mathematics
software such as Mathematica.
-30
2.30 2.32 2.34 2.36 2.38 2.40 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.50

Frequency (GHz) 6. Acknowledgements

Figure 15. The return-loss curves used to determine the 6r
permittivity. The authors are grateful to RHODES and SINA V projects
and MSc. Nilson Rabelo for his fruitful suggestions.

60

50 /:'\ J
I
-
..
MCATL
Prototype 2
� 7. References
1/ I. J. L. Volakis (ed.),
1\
_._._

I
Antenna Engineering Handbook, Fourth

'-'J \
40

�
."
�. Edition, New York, McGraw-Hili, 2007.
s:
\
30
[.:::....
:'"
Q)
0
c
V \. I Re[Z;nl �
2. P. Bhartia, et aI., Millimeter-Wave Microstrip and
cuit Antennas, Norwood, MA, Artech House, 1991.
Printed Cir­

\.
til 20
"0
Q)
a. / �
�.
V 3. K. F. Lee and W. Chen (eds.), Advances in
I--V �
10 Microstrip and
E

0
� � New York, John Wiley, 1997.
Printed Antennas,

-10 \�,-' LA-;,.-....

\lm[Z;n1 r . v
4. IE3D, Zeland Corporation, http://www.zeland.com.

-20
5. Ansoft Designer, Ansoft Corporation, http://www.ansofi.com.
2.30 2.32 2.34 2.36 2.38 2.40 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.48 2.50

Frequency (GHz) 6. I. Bianchi, 1. C. S. Lacava, and L. Cividanes, "Microstrip

Antenna Analysis Using Mathematica," Proceedings of the Inter­
Figure 16. The final results of the input impedance for proto­ national Mathematica Symposium, Banff, AB, Canada, 2004.
type 2.
7. I. Bianchi, R. Moreano, J. C. S. Lacava, and L. Cividanes,
"Using Mathematica in Microstrip Antenna Education," IEEE
International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation Digest, 3,
ment with the experimental data. This is due to the tolerance of the Monterey, CA, USA, June 2004, pp. 3353-3356.
substrate's electric permittivity, i.e. ± 0.04, according to the ArIon
laminate datasheet [13]. The proper value of 6r for this particular 8. P. Perlmutter, S. Strikman, and D. Treves, "Electric Surface
Current Model for the Analysis of Microstrip Antennas with
application was determined by running the MCALT-based com­
puter program for several values of 6r As shown in Figure 15, the
Application to Rectangular Elements," IEEE Transactions on
Antennas and Propagation, AP-33, 3, March 1985, pp. 301-311.
•

closest match between experimental and simulated return-loss data

occurred for 6r 2.582 . = 9. R. Garg, et aI., Microstrip Antenna Design Handbook, Norwood,
MA, Artech House, 2001.
With the correct value of 6r , another antenna was designed.
10. Mathematica, Wolfram Research, http://www.wolfram.com/
The new patch dimensions were a 37.23 mm, b 48.40 mm, = =
products/mathematical.
and p 11.40 mm. As in the first prototype, the patch was also
=

positioned at the center of an 80 mm x 70 mm rectangular ground
plane.
The results for the antenna's input impedance are presented
in Figure 16. The simulated results agreed very well with the
experimental data, showing the accuracy of the proposed approach.
11. H. Pues and A. Van de Capelle, "Accurate Transmission-Line
Model for the Rectangular Microstrip Antenna," lEE Proc., 131 ,
Pt. H, December 1984, pp. 334-340.
12. J. R. James, et aI., Handbook of Microstrip Antennas, London,
Peter Peregrinus, 1989.

13. Arion MED (Materials for Electronics Devices), http://

www.arlonmed.comlmicro.html. E"®

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