volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

This paper presents the design, simulation, fabrication, and comprehensive measurement of a compact dual-port multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) microstrip patch antenna integrating a split-ring resonator (SRR) superstrate with a hybrid defected ground structure (DGS) for multiband C/X-band satellite uplink and radar applications. The antenna is implemented on an FR-4 substrate (ε_r = 4.4, tanδ = 0.02, h = 1.6 mm) with a compact footprint of 40 × 40 mm². A 10 × 8 array of SRR unit cells positioned at 7 mm air gap above the radiating patches serves as a periodic frequency-selective superstrate to enhance gain via Fabry-Perot cavity resonance and suppress surface waves. Hybrid H-shaped and dumbbell-shaped DGS slots etched on the ground plane provide high isolation between ports by disrupting ground current paths and introducing bandstop characteristics. The simulated antenna resonates at 7.20, 8.62, and 10.66 GHz with return loss below -10 dB and isolation better than -15 dB in the operating bands. The fabricated prototype was tested using a vector network analyzer, and the measured $S$-parameters show good agreement with the simulations, with small shifts due to fabrication tolerances, SMA soldering, FR-4 dielectric variation, and air-gap alignment. Radiation patterns and gain are reported from HFSS simulation, whereas S-parameters are experimentally validated.

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Dr. Arun Raj Velraj

Dr. Benny Hinn Margoschis Johnson

Dr. Merlise Rajan