Small and Compact Double E-shaped Meander Line Monopole Antenna for Forward Scatter Radar Network

Abstract

A small and compact printed monopole antenna can be obtained by introducing double E-shaped meander line patch backed by a partial ground plane. The double E-shaped meander line patch reduces the antenna resonant frequency so that the size of the antenna can be reduced for targeted frequency of 400 MHz specific for Forward Scatter Radar (FSR) Network. 77% size reduction of the antenna has been successfully achieved where the overall size of the proposed antenna is only 93.8 x 131 mm2 (0.125λ0 x 0.175λ0) compared to before it was reduced which is 190.7 x 276.3 mm2 (0.25λ0 x 0.368λ0). The size reduction is obtained without significant effects on other antenna performances. The proposed antenna produces high measured efficiency of 85.5% and measured gain of 0.3 dBi with an omnidirectional radiation pattern. A comprehensive parametric study is accomplished to obtain the best performances of the antenna. For a better understanding on the design characteristics, an equivalent circuit model is derived carefully.