How to Design 4 elements (1×4) Patch Antenna Array Using CST Studio?|Quarter Wave Transformer Method

Summary

In this tutorial, we guide you through the design and simulation of a four-element Migosity patch antenna array operating at 2.45 GHz. Building on a previous tutorial about a two-element patch array, we demonstrate how to position patches, define feed lines, and optimize impedance using the quarter-wave transformer method. The simulation results show a significant gain improvement, from 2.9 dBi with a single patch to 10.8 dBi with the four-element array. This tutorial is perfect for those looking to enhance antenna performance through array configurations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video covers the design and simulation of a four-element microstrip patch antenna array operating at 2.45 GHz.
• 😀 The design process begins with a two-element patch antenna, which is used as a reference for the array design.
• 😀 A quarter-wave transformer method is employed for impedance matching, with 100 ohms for the feed line and 70.71 ohms for the inter-patch impedance.
• 😀 The four-element array design involves translating the initial patch elements along the X-axis and defining appropriate distances (D1) between them.
• 😀 Feed lines for the antenna are defined, with specific impedance values of 70.71 ohms for inter-patch lines and 50 ohms for the final feed line.
• 😀 The design ensures proper placement of patches, with the use of coordinates (Xmin, Xmax, Ymin, Ymax) for accurate positioning of elements and feed lines.
• 😀 The simulation uses copper as the material for the antenna and substrate, with a thickness of 0.035 mm for the patch.
• 😀 The antenna's performance is validated through simulation, where the gain is improved from 2.9 dBi (single patch) to 10.8 dBi (four-element array).
• 😀 The S-parameter results indicate that the design operates at 2.45 GHz, but optimization is required to improve performance.
• 😀 Future work will involve optimizing the antenna’s S-parameters for better results, ensuring the antenna array delivers the best possible performance.

Q & A

What is the frequency at which the four-element microstrip patch antenna array is designed to operate?

The four-element microstrip patch antenna array is designed to operate at 2.45 GHz.

What is the main principle used to design the feedline impedance in the antenna array?

The main principle used to design the feedline impedance is the quarter-wave transformer method.

What is the impedance of the feedline directly attached to the patches?

The impedance of the feedline directly attached to the patches is considered to be 100 ohms.

Why is the impedance between the two feedlines set to 70.71 ohms?

The impedance between the two feedlines is set to 70.71 ohms based on the calculation using the quarter-wave transformer method to ensure proper impedance matching.

What is the impedance of the final feedline in the design?

The impedance of the final feedline is set to 50 ohms.

How are the elements of the antenna array positioned in relation to each other?

The elements of the antenna array are positioned by copying the two-element design and translating it along the X-axis, with specific distances (D1) defined between the patches.

What is the role of the feedline in the antenna array design?

The feedline connects the antenna elements and ensures proper impedance matching between the patches, allowing for efficient power transmission and reception.

What materials are used for the antenna array, and how are they defined in the design?

The antenna array uses copper for the patches and FR4 as the substrate. The material properties, including the thickness of the substrate (1.6 mm), are defined in the simulation setup.

What improvement is seen in the gain of the antenna as more elements are added to the array?

The gain of the antenna increases with the number of elements in the array. A single patch provides a gain of 2.9–3 dBi, two elements provide 6–7 dBi, and the four-element array provides a gain of 10.8 dBi.

What is the purpose of defining the ports in the simulation?

Defining the ports in the simulation allows for the specification of the antenna's feeding structure and impedance characteristics, ensuring accurate simulation of the antenna's performance.

How does the feedline width (WF) affect the antenna's impedance and performance?

The feedline width (WF) is a critical factor in determining the impedance of the feedline. By adjusting the feedline width, it is possible to achieve the desired 50-ohm impedance for the final feedline, which is essential for efficient signal transmission.