Inkjet-printed antennas for 28 GHz 5G applications

This paper presents the layout and results of an inkjet-printed antenna for 5G applications operating at 28 GHz. The inkjet-printing based antenna was modelled using silver nanoparticle ink on flexible Kapton substrate, with copper for the ground plane. Simulation results of the antenna have been presented. The antenna shows a resonant frequency at 27.75 GHz at a return loss of more than 16 dB. The distribution of surface currents of the antenna at the resonant frequency is provided and shows majority of the current concentrated along the edges and in the middle of the antenna. Obtained radiation patterns show bidirectional patterns in the E-plane and omnidirectional patterns in the H-plane. Additionally, the gain and the efficiency of the antenna have also been presented; with the values at the resonant frequency being 0.43 dBi and more than 18 % respectively. Furthermore, the effects of varying the conductivity and the thickness of the silver nanoparticle ink have also been investigated and the results presented.