Compact microstrip patch array using High-Impedance Surface (HIS) based substrate towards improved directivity

Recent aerospace applications demand a high performance, low-profile antenna array with a low sidelobe level (SLL) and optimum beamwidth. In this paper, a compact planar microstrip patch array has been designed with low SLL and high gain. The dimensions of the patch antenna are tapered to achieve the desired low SLL lower than -35 dB. The results for compact patch array with series corporate feed are also presented. The simulated results are validated against the measured ones. Further, in order to improve the performance of the array, the substrate is replaced with High Impedance Surface (HIS)-based hybrid substrate. This facilitates achieving better array performance in terms of reflection loss and directivity.