A bandwidth enhancement method for microstrip antennas

Bandwidth enhancement methods for electromagnetically coupled microstrip dipoles are discussed. It is demonstrated that if parasitic metallic strips are incorporated in the structure either co-planar and parallel to the embedded microstrip transmission line open end, or between the transmission line and the microstrip dipole, then substantial bandwidth enhancement results. Experimental verification of this model is introduced for a bandwidth definition based on the frequency range which satisfies a voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR) < 2 criterion. Also, experimental
\bar{E}
- and
\bar{H}
-plane patterns verify the theoretical model which accounts for radiation from the microstrip dipole, the parasitics, and the transmission line.