ISSN (Print) : 2319-8613

ISSN (Online) : 0975-4024 Vaishali R. Ekke et al. / International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET)

Design and Implementation of T-junction

Triangular Microstrip Patch Antenna
Array for Wireless Applications
Vaishali R. Ekke#1, Prasanna L. Zade*2
#*
Electronics and Telecommunication Department, R.T.M. Nagpur University, Nagpur, India
1
[email protected]
2
[email protected]
Abstract— This paper describes 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch antenna using T-junction with
quarter wave transformer. By regulating the distance in patch antenna and adjusting feed position,
bandwidth can be obtained and by using an array, directivity is enhanced. The requirement of large
bandwidth, high directivity, and minimum size leads to the design of 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch
antenna array feeding with T-junction network operate at 5.5 GHz. An antenna designed on an FR4
substrate that had a dielectric constant (r) 4.4, a loss tangent 0.02 and thickness of 1.6 mm. Simulated
results showed that designed antenna has directivity 12.91 dB and bandwidth 173 MHz with VSWR 1.07
using T-junction feeding network. The proposed 2 x 2 triangular array has the benefit of light weight,
simplicity of fabrication, single layer structure, and high directivity.
Keyword - Bandwidth, Corporate feeding, Return Loss, T-junction, VSWR.
I. INTRODUCTION
Microstrip patch antennas [1] are popularly used in communication system due to its simplicity of fabrication,
small size, lightweight and less cost. But conventional microstrip antenna impedance bandwidth is not more
than 2% - 5% percent. Bandwidth increases with increasing height of substrate (h) or with small dielectric
constant. If the height of substrate further increases 0.10, degrades the antenna performance. Also, single
microstrip antenna has low directivity. A number of methods to overcome such problems by use of array
technique, modified patch shape [2]. Geometries like rectangular and circular are frequently used but the
triangular patch has the benefit of less metal area of a patch than other configurations. The directivity can be
increased by constructing antenna array of microstrip patch antenna. Basically, to distribute the energy into the
different antenna element, feeding configurations are used [3].
A number of approaches to design and investigation of microstrip patch antenna array according to feeding
technique, series fed microstrip antenna array [4, 5]. Sometimes multilayer configurations are used for feeding
the array [6], [8], [9]. Configurations like shared aperture dual frequency array [7], array with hybrid feeds using
combination of aperture coupled and proximity feed line [10], corporate feed rectangular microstrip patch array
[11] and much more have been stated. If the physical width of the microstrip line is large and arrays with more
elements, increases the size and fabrication cost.
In this paper, we proposed a 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch antenna array with T-junction feeding network
with quarter wave transformer for impedance matching. Initially, 2 x 1 rectangular microstrip patch antenna
array and 2 x 1 triangular microstrip patch antenna array are designed and simulated. Simulation results
illustrate better directivity for 2 x 1 triangular microstrip patch antenna array. Therefore, 2 x 2 triangular
microstrip patch antenna array with T-junction feeding network with quarter transformer is designed, simulated,
fabricated and tested using Vector Network Analyser (VNA). Simulation and measured results are examined.
II. THE CONFIGURATION OF THE BASIC STRUCTURE
Initially, 2 x 1 rectangular microstrip patch antenna array and 2 x 1 triangular microstrip patch antenna array
are designed. Inter-element spacing between two elements is adjusted.
Figure 1(a) and figure 2 (a) shows 2 x 1 rectangular and 2 x 1 triangular microstrip patch antenna array
designed using ANSYS HFSS respectively. Figure 1(b) and figure 2 (b) shows dimensional parameters of 2 x 1
rectangular and 2 x 1 triangular microstrip patch antenna array respectively, illustrated using AUTOCAD.
Simulation of these antenna arrays was done using HFSS software.
Figure 3 and Figure 4 shows simulated return loss and VSWR for 2 x 1 rectangular (S11 = -22.99 dB, VSWR
= 1.15) and 2 x 1 triangular (S11 = -27.61 dB, VSWR = 1.08) microstrip patch antenna array. Figure 5 shows
simulated directivity for 2 x 1 rectangular (4.62 dB) and 2 x 1 triangular (7.35 dB) microstrip patch antenna
array.

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ISSN (Print) : 2319-8613
ISSN (Online) : 0975-4024 Vaishali R. Ekke et al. / International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET)

(a) (b)
Fig. 1. 2 x 1 rectangular microstrip patch antenna array (a) HFSS, (b) AUTOCAD - all dimensions are in mm.

(a) (b)
Fig. 2. 2 x 1 triangular microstrip patch antenna array (a) HFSS, (b) AUTOCAD - all dimensions are in mm.

Fig. 3. Return loss for 2 x 1 rectangular and triangular microstrip patch antenna array

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ISSN (Print) : 2319-8613
ISSN (Online) : 0975-4024 Vaishali R. Ekke et al. / International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET)

Fig. 4. VSWR for 2 x 1 rectangular and triangular microstrip patch antenna array

Fig. 5. Radiation pattern for 2 x 1 rectangular and triangular microstrip patch antenna array
TABLE I. Comparison Of Simulation Results For 2 X 1 Rectangular And 2 X 1 Triangular Microstrip Patch Antenna Array

Parameter 2 x 1 Rectangular MPAA 2 x 1 Triangular MPAA

Frequency 5.5GHz 5.55GHz

Return Loss - 22.99 dB -27.61 dB
VSWR 1.15 1.08
Directivity 4.62 dB 7.35 dB
Bandwidth 250 MHz 205 MHz

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ISSN (Print) : 2319-8613
ISSN (Online) : 0975-4024 Vaishali R. Ekke et al. / International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET)

Above simulation results from Table I shows return loss is -27.61 dB, bandwidth of 205 MHz and directivity
7.35 dB for 2 x 1 triangular microstrip patch antenna array which is 2.73 dB more than 2 x 1 rectangular
microstrip patch antenna array. But bandwidth gets reduced by 45 MHz. To enhance directivity, four elements
are positioned in an array, but it influences the bandwidth. By regulating patch antenna spacing and adjusting
feed position, can achieve bandwidth. In designed array, impedance tuning configuration is used to enhance
directivity without affecting bandwidth.
III.PROPOSED ANTENNA ARRAY DESIGN
Simple T-junction feeding configuration is used for impedance matching with quarter wave transformer.
Energy gets divided into different paths by T-junction. The design of proposed 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch
antenna array is shown in Figure 6 (a) and (b).

(a) (b)
Fig. 6. 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch antenna array (a) HFSS, (b) AUTOCAD - all dimensions are in mm.

Results shown in figure 7 and 8 are simulated return loss and VSWR which is -30.34 dB and 1.07
respectively, the bandwidth of 173 MHz. Figure 9 shows directivity of 12.91 dB for proposed 2 x 2 triangular
microstrip patch antenna array with T-junction which is 5.56 dB more than 2 x 1 triangular microstrip patch
antenna array. Simulation results illustrate the improvement in directivity. Figure 10 shows the E-field
distribution for proposed antenna array. It shows that electric field uniformly distributed in the region of the
patch.

DOI: 10.21817/ijet/2016/v8i5/160805429 Vol 8 No 5 Oct-Nov 2016 2108

ISSN (Print) : 2319-8613
ISSN (Online) : 0975-4024 Vaishali R. Ekke et al. / International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET)

Fig. 7. Return loss for proposed 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch antenna array

Fig. 8. VSWR for proposed 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch antenna array

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ISSN (Print) : 2319-8613
ISSN (Online) : 0975-4024 Vaishali R. Ekke et al. / International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET)

Fig.9. Radiation pattern for proposed 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch antenna array

Fig.10. E-field Distribution for proposed 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch antenna array

Figure 11 shows smith chart of proposed antenna array. Loop size is controlled by the gap between two
patches [2], [12]. There is good impedance matching between patch and feed network, as smith chart arc passing
very close to value1.

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ISSN (Print) : 2319-8613
ISSN (Online) : 0975-4024 Vaishali R. Ekke et al. / International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET)

Fig. 11. Smith chart for proposed 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch antenna array

IV. PERFORMANCE OF PROPOSED ANTENNA ARRAY

For validation of simulation results, proposed antenna is fabricated as per design specifications are illustrated
in Table 2. The performance of same is tested using VNA.
Figure 12 shows fabricated designed antenna array. Return loss and VSWR of presented antenna array are
measured using VNA and comparison of simulated and measured results are shown in Figure 13 (a) & (b). The
measured bandwidth ranges from 5.459 GHz to 5.645 GHz with core frequency 5.58 GHz.

Fig.12. Fabricated proposed 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch antenna array

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ISSN (Print) : 2319-8613
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(a)

(b)
Fig. 13. Comparison of Simulated and Measured (a) Return loss and (b) VSWR of proposed 2 x 2 triangular microstrip patch antenna array

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ISSN (Print) : 2319-8613
ISSN (Online) : 0975-4024 Vaishali R. Ekke et al. / International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET)

Figg. 14. Smith Charrt of fabricated prroposed 2 x 2 triaangular microstripp patch antenna arrray

Smith chart of proposed antenna arrays shownn in figure 14. The side lenggth of patch deetermines loop
p position
on a smitth chart. The distance
d betweeen two patchhes affects the size of the looop [2], [5], [7]].
TABL
LE II. Parametricc Analysis of Sim
mulated and Measu
ured Results of presented Antennaa Array

Paraameters Simulated Measureed

Frequuency 5.58 GHz 5.55 GH
Hz
Returrn Loss - 30.349 dB -32.349 dB
d
VSW
WR 1.07 1.17
Banddwidth 173 MHz 186 MHz
Impeedance 50.90 44.47

Experiimental resultts slightly difffer from simuulated results due to fabriccation issues as soldering, dielectric
material, and loss tanggent.
V CONCLUSIO
V. ON
Simplee 2 x 1 trianguular microstripp patch antennna array and proposed
p 2 x 2 triangular mmicrostrip patcch antenna
array usiing T-junctionn was presented. Fabricatiion results sh how little variiation betweenn resonance frequency
f
because of variation inn the r of the dielectric material
m with a length of thhe material. But result show ws clearly
good mattching and raddiation characcteristics.
Propossed antenna design
d has retuurned loss -300.349dB and VSWRV 1.07 inn the simulatiion. Fabricateed antenna
shows retturn loss -32.3349 dB and VSWR
V 1.17. Thhe directivity of proposed antenna
a in the simulation is 12.91 dB
which is more than 5.556 dB. Measurred directivityy obtained for fabricated anttenna array is 11.28 dB.
The geometry appllied for simullation model and fabricated array with the modifiedd feeding of T-junction T
gives thee good performmance antennaa characteristiccs.
REFERENCESS
[1] Pozerr D. M., "Microsttrip antennas," Prooc. IEEE, vol. 800, no. 1, pp. 79-91
1, Jan-1992.
[2] Kumaar, G. and Ray, K.P,
K Broadband Microstrip
M Antennna, Artech House, 2002.
[3] Yeung S. H., Garcia-L Lamperez A., Sarkkar T. K., and Saalazar-Palma M., "Comparison of Performance
P Betwween a Parasiticaally Coupled
and a Direct Coupled Feed for a Microostrip Antenna Arrray," IEEE Tran nsaction on Antennnas and Propagaation, vol. 62, no. 5, pp 2813-
2818,, May 2014.
[4] K Gruszczynski S., , "Series-fedd Microstrip Anttenna Array withh inclined slot couplers as three way power
Slomiian I., Wincza K.,
divideers," IEEE Antennnas and Wirelesss Propagation Lettters, vol. 12, pp. 62-64, Jan. 2013.
[5] Metzller, T., "Microstriip series arrays," IEEE Transactions on Antennas anda Propagation, vol. 29, issue 1, pp. 174-178, Jan n. 1981.
[6] Seki T.,
T Honma N., Nishikawa
N K. and Tsunekawa K., "Millimeter-wav ve high-efficiencyy multilayer parassitic microstrip an
ntenna array
on Teeflon substrate", IEEE Transactioons on Microwavee Theory and Tecchniques, vol. 53,, no. 6, pp.2101 -2106, Jun. 2005 5.

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ISSN (Print) : 2319-8613
ISSN (Online) : 0975-4024 Vaishali R. Ekke et al. / International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET)

[7] Smolders A. B., Mestrom R.M.C., Reniers A.C.F., Geurts M., "A Shared Aperture Dual-Frequency Circularly Polarized Microstrip
Array Antenna," IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, vol. 12, pp. 120 – 123, Jan. 2013.
[8] Al-Tikriti M., Koch S. and Uno M., "A compact broadband stacked microstrip array antenna using egg cups-type of lens", IEEE
Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, vol. 16, no. 4, pp.230 -232, Apr. 2006.
[9] Seki T., Honma N., Nishikawa K. and Tsunekawa K., "A 60-GHz multilayer parasitic microstrip array antenna on LTCC substrate for
system-on-package", IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, vol. 15, no. 5, pp.339 -341, May 2005.
[10] Qi L., Steven G., Mohammed S., Josaphat T. S. S., Jianzhou L., Gao W., Jiadong X., Changying W., " Dual Circularly-Polarized
Equilateral Triangular Patch Array," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation Letters, vol. 15, pp. 1577 - 1580, Jan. 2016.
[11] Subbulakshmi P., Rajkumar R., "Design and characterization of corporate feed rectangular microstrip patch array antenna," Proc. ICE-
CCN, pp. 547 – 552, 2013.
[12] Yusuf Y., Xun Gong, "Beam-steerable patch antenna array using parasitic coupling and reactive loading," IEEE Antennas and
Propagation Society International Symposium, pp. 4693 – 4696, Dec. 2007.

AUTHOR PROFILE
Vaishali R. Ekke had received the B.E. in Electronics and Telecommunication from University of Pune and
M.E. in Electronics from the Shivaji University, India. She is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in the
Electronics Engineering, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur. Presently she is working in Electronics and
Telecommunication Department of Jaihind College of Engineering, Kuran, Maharashtra, as an Assistant
Professor. Her current research interests are in Microstrip Patch Antenna Array design and enhancement of gain
of microstrip antennas. She is a life member of ISTE.
Prasanna L. Zade is presently working as a Professor and Head of the Department of Electronics and
Telecommunication in Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering, Nagpur, Maharashtra. He received a Ph.D.
from RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur (India). His area of interest is Microstrip Patch Antenna and also
expertise in RF Antenna Design. He has contributed various research papers in reputed journals and
conferences. He is also a member of IEEE.

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