Lumped-Element Loaded EBG Structure with an Enhanced Bandgap and Homogeneity

In this paper, a wideband EBG structure with an enhanced bandgap and homogeneity by loading lumped-elements is presented. Lumped-element capacitors are loaded between the adjacent patch conductors, and also lumped-element inductors are loaded in series with vertical vias in the proposed EBG, leading to a drastic reduction of the unit cell size, and consequently, an enhanced homogeneity. In addition, it relaxes a limitation of the frequency versus physical dimensions. A systematic design procedure for broadband EBG structures is provided based on the equivalent circuit model of 2-D CRLH transmission line. In Addition, the validity of the design is confirmed experimentally.