Design of a Compact PIFA for Telemetry Applications

A compact antenna is required for wireless telemetry from projectiles. But due to their aerodynamic designs, space available for the wireless module is limited. In this paper, a compact planar inverted F antenna is designed and simulated in CST Microwave Studio. The antenna has been fabricated and its radiation pattern and return loss characteristics have been measured at the operational frequency of 1.5 GHz. The antenna has an overall footprint of 50mm × 30mm and a height of 12 mm, and has been tested on an emulated projectile body. Based on the dimensions and performance this antenna can meet practical telemetry requirements.