Future challenges in microstrip antennas and arrays

There are now many new microstrip antennas being produced in industrial centres throughout the world for a host of applications. However there still remains significant challenges in full exploitation of the unique capabilities of these printed antennas. Cost reduction and tolerance control to allow realistic mass production, exploitation of the conformal nature of microstrip and further integration with circuits are seen as just some of the factors currently facing designers. This paper reviews the current state of microstrip antenna technology and highlights significant future challenges in such important areas as innovation, analytic developments, computer aided design and manufacturing aspects.