significantly influence input impedance, directivity and center frequency; while the microstrip conductor width (W)
was found to have only modest influence on the directivity but was useful in optimizing the input impedance. The
substrate thickness (h) was found to be the principal determinant to bandwidth.
The value of EM antenna simulation is manifest in the ability to optimize performance as well as to provide
physical insight to antenna operation using conductor current and electric field annotation capabilities. Note
specifically the current density at the conductor edges. One might correctly consider that the radiation properties
of the microstrip antenna may also be explored using the current density; in fact, the radiation patterns of the
microstrip antenna could also be calculated using the vector potential associated with the conductor current.
PROTOTYPE MICROSTRIP ANTENNA
A prototype microstrip antenna was fabricated in accordance with the parameters of Table IV with modest
dimensional revision resulting from the EM simulation to optimize the input impedance and directivity. The
prototype antenna conductor dimensions and photograph are illustrated in Figure 9.
a. Microstrip Antenna Conductor Pattern
b. Photograph – PLACE
HOLDER
Figure 9 – Prototype Microstrip Antenna
C
C
H
H
A
A
P
P
T
T
E
E
R
R
2
2
–
–
I
I
N
N
T
T
R
R
O
O
D
D
U
U
C
C
T
T
I
I
O
O
N
N
T
T
O
O
M
M
I
I
C
C
R
R
O
O
S
S
T
T
R
R
I
I
P
P
A
A
N
N
T
T
E
E
N
N
N
N
A
A
A
A
R
R
R
R
A
A
Y
Y
S
S
Microstrip Antenna Design
13 www.cadence.com/go/awr
