Study of Parametric Effects due to Mutual Coupling using High Permittivity Dielectric-Director in Planar Array Configuration

This paper evaluate the parametric effects due to mutual coupling between inter-elements using balance antipodal Vivaldi antenna (BAVA) with high permittivity dielectric director in an array configuration. An elliptical shaped dielectric-director made by the substrate of Rogers RO-3010 with high permittivity of εr=10.2 is used with BAVA in order to enhance the radiation characteristics of the antenna in focus. An antenna (66mm × 60.75mm) in dimension designed on FR4 substrate, which covers ultra-wide frequency band of 114.28% from 3GHz to 8GHz. The performance of an antenna with dielectric director is evaluated in a capacity of gain enhancement, directivity, regular radiation pattern with low side lobe level and beam width. Further, the use of dielectric directors in planner antenna array based configuration can provide significantly change in radiation characteristic and also provide help in the reduction of mutual coupling inter-elements. The same results can be obtained by using four elements with high permittivity dielectric directors in the planner antenna array based arrangement instead of eight or more elements without directors. This is an alternative way to reduce the number of elements in an antenna array based system. The design and optimization progression is realized out using CST simulation software.