A frequency reconfigurable stacked patch microstrip antenna (FRSPMA) using C-Foam in stacked substrate

Abstract

In this paper, the Frequency Reconfigurable Stacked Patches Microstrip Antenna (FRSPMA) fed by aperture coupler technique is presented. The antenna is designed using C-Foam as a dielectric substrate for different stacked patches and FR-4 material for feedline substrate. One RF switch is integrated at the feedline to control the activation patches and aperture slots during ON and OFF states. During the ON state, the presented antenna is competent to execute at 2.169 GHz (S-band) and 7.552 GHz (X-band) while during the OFF state it is competent to operate at 6.53 GHz (X-band). The effects of all substrates dimensions and switch state along SWp are investigated in terms of gain enhancement. The gain is 3.892 dBi (2.169 GHz) and 6.553 dBi (7.552 GHz) respectively during the ON state, while during the OFF state, the gain increases to 8.28 dBi at the frequency of 6.53 GHz. A bandwidth of 103.9 MHz and 200.2 MHz during the ON state and 206.3 MHz during the OFF state has been achieved respectively with VSWR<2. The developed antenna has great potential for radar application especially for S and X band frequency. The simulated and measured results in terms of return loss, gain, radiation pattern and bandwidth are presented.