volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

In this paper, a single layer 4×4 U-slot patch antenna array based on differential feed was developed to achieve a wide bandwidth and low cross polarization with a simple feeding network. A U-slot was cut on a radiation patch to realize a wideband performance, and a microstrip-line fed structure was adopted to make the patch and feed network placed in a single layer. In order to reduce extra cross-polarization level in the H-plane caused by cutting U-slot, differential feed is adopted, which also makes it easily integrated with differential devices (such as differential amplifier) directly without baluns. A single layer U-slot patch array based on differential feed and an array having the same structure but based on normal feed were made and compared with each other. The designed differentially-fed patch array has more than 12% measured impedance bandwidth and stable gain at 18-19 dBi across the operating band from 5.2 to 5.88 GHz. The measured result shows that a better asymmetry of radiation pattern in the E-plane and a lower than -40 dB cross-polarization level in the H-plane can be achieved compared with normally-feed array.

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Dr. Zhimin Zhu

Dr. Chunhong Chen

Dr. Yunjiao Chen

Dr. Wen Wu