Bandwidth enhancement using polymeric grid array antenna for millimeter- wave application

• Main Authors: Wan Muhamad, Wan Asilah, Ngah, Razali, Jamlos, Mohd. Faizal, Ping, Jack Soh, Ali, Mohd. Tarmizi
• Format: Article
• Published: Springer 2017
• Subjects: TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
• Online Access: http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/66128/; http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00339-016-0689-0

A new grid array antenna designed on a polymeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate is presented. A good relative permittivity of the PDMS substrate increases the antenna bandwidth. The PDMS surface is also hardened to protect the proposed grid array antenna’s radiating element. A SMA coaxial connector is used to feed the 36 × 35 mm2 antenna from its bottom. A bandwidth enhancement of 72.1% is obtained compared to conventional antenna. Besides, its efficiency is increased up to 70%. The simulated and measured results agreed well and the proposed antenna is validated to suit millimeter-wave applications.