Bow tie Microstrip Patch Antennas in Underwater

An antenna is a metal device used to send and receive radio waves. It plays a crucial role in
various systems like radio and satellite broadcasting and point-to-point communication.
Several key factors influence how well an antenna performs, including:
• Directivity: This refers to the antenna's ability to focus its signal in a particular
direction. A highly directional antenna sends and receives signals in a specific path,
while less directional ones disperse signals more widely.
• Gain: Gain measures how effectively an antenna directs and amplifies the radio
waves. A higher gain indicates a more efficient antenna at concentrating the signal.
• Efficiency: Efficiency measures how effectively the antenna converts electrical
energy into radio waves. A highly efficient antenna minimizes energy loss.
• Resonant Frequency: The resonant frequency is the frequency at which the antenna
operates most efficiently. It's like the natural frequency at which the antenna
"vibrates" to send and receive signals.
• Radiation Pattern: The radiation pattern shows how an antenna sends and receives
signals in different directions. It can be omnidirectional (sending signals in all
directions) or highly directional.

A bow-tie antenna is a specific type of antenna that resembles two triangular flat metal
plates arranged in a bow-tie shape, with the feed point located at the gap between the
apexes of the triangles. This design is a two-dimensional approximation of a bi-conic
dipole antenna. Bow-tie antennas are known for their unique structure and performance
characteristics, and they are used in various applications where their specific radiation
pattern and bandwidth properties are advantageous.
The bow-tie patch actually is the combination of imaginary image of two triangular
patches which are fabricated in a single substrate.
Bowtie antennas are a type of antenna design, and they can be implemented using various
techniques, including microstrip patch antennas. The term "bowtie antenna" refers to the
shape and configuration of the antenna's radiating elements.
These bowtie-shaped radiating elements can be realized using different technologies, and
microstrip patch antennas are one of the methods to create bowtie antennas. In the case of
microstrip patch antennas, the bowtie shape can be etched or printed on a substrate, and
the feed point can be strategically located to achieve the desired radiation characteristics.

To create a bowtie antenna using microstrip patch technology, you can either etch (remove
material) or print (add material) the metal patches in the shape of the bowtie onto a
dielectric substrate. This means that the metallic parts of the antenna, which are
responsible for radiating and receiving electromagnetic waves, are shaped like a bowtie.
bowtie antenna is similar to a patch antenna, but it has a bowtie-shaped radiating element
rather than a rectangular one. Just like a rectangular patch antenna, a bowtie antenna is a

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type of planar antenna, but its radiating element is shaped like a bowtie, which gives it
different electrical characteristics and radiation patterns.
Bowtie antennas can be designed using microstrip patch antenna technology, and this
design approach is often chosen for specific applications that benefit from the
characteristics of bowtie antennas, such as their broadband capabilities and
omnidirectional radiation patterns.
• Slim and Lightweight: Microstrip antennas are thin and lightweight, which makes
them compatible with mobile terminal equipment (smartphones, Tablets,etc). This is
important in applications where having a slim profile (thickness) and low weight is
necessary, such as in smartphones and portable devices.
• Cost-Effective: Manufacturing microstrip antennas is relatively low-cost compared
to other techniques. This cost-effectiveness is a significant advantage, especially
when producing large quantities of antennas for mass-market mobile devices.
• Narrow Bandwidth: Microstrip antennas typically have narrow bandwidths (Small
range of frequencies ). While this might seem like a limitation, it can be an
advantage in certain applications where precise frequency control is required.
• Moderate Quality Factors: These antennas generally have moderate quality factors.
Quality factor (Q) measures the efficiency of an antenna in storing and radiating
energy. A moderate Q factor strikes a balance between efficiency and performance.
• Adequate Antenna Gain: Microstrip antennas provide sufficient antenna gain.
Antenna gain refers to the ability of an antenna to direct and focus its signal in a
specific direction. In indoor radio-communication links, having adequate gain is
essential for reliable signal coverage.
• Rectangular and Circular Patches: Rectangular and circular patch antennas are
known for providing a very narrow-band response, which is approximately equal to
2%. In other words, they can operate within a very limited range of frequencies,
making them suitable for applications that require precise frequency control.
• Bowtie Antenna: In comparison, the bowtie
antenna offers a moderate bandwidth of around
5%. This means that it can operate within a
broader range of frequencies compared to
rectangular and circular patches. The wider
bandwidth makes bowtie antennas suitable for
applications where a bit more flexibility in
frequency range is required.
• Broad Bandwidth Antenna: The bow-tie antenna
is designed with two conical objects that almost
touch at their points. It's known for its broad bandwidth, making it capable of
covering a wide range of frequencies. This makes it suitable for applications like UHF

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 television reception.
• Higher Bandwidth than Dipole Antenna: Compared to a standard dipole antenna,
the bow-tie antenna typically offers a higher bandwidth, allowing it to receive and
transmit signals across a broader frequency range.
• Omnidirectional Radiation Pattern: The bow-tie antenna has an omnidirectional
radiation pattern, meaning it can send and receive signals in all directions, making it
useful for scenarios where signals come from various angles.
• Moderate Gain: The antenna provides moderate gain, usually in the range of about
3.5 to 7 dB. Gain indicates how effectively the antenna concentrates signals, and a
moderate gain is often suitable for many applications.
• Planar Form of UWB Finite Biconical Antenna: The bow-tie antenna is a type of
antenna that's essentially a flat, two-dimensional version of the UWB finite biconical
antenna. In other words, it's a more compact and planar representation of the UWB
antenna, which is used for ultra-wideband applications.
• Angle-Dependent: This means that the performance of the bow-tie antenna can
vary based on the angle or direction from which it receives or transmits signals. It
can adapt to different angles effectively.
• Frequency-Independent: The bow-tie antenna is not limited to a specific frequency
range. It can operate across a wide range of frequencies, making it a versatile
antenna for various applications, regardless of the specific frequency used.
• Miniaturized Antenna: The bow-tie antenna is compact in size. Achieving effective
performance with a smaller antenna, especially in lower microwave frequencies, can
be challenging.
• **Fractal Structures: The concept of fractals, introduced by the mathematician B.
Mandelbrot, is used for miniaturizing antennas and enabling multiband operation.
Fractals have two essential characteristics: self-similarity and space-filling. These
characteristics allow fractal structures to be incorporated into antennas, providing
broad bandwidth coverage and compactness.
They have unique characteristics that make them useful in various applications,
including antenna design.
Fractals: A fractal is a complex geometric shape that can be split into parts, each of
which is a reduced-scale copy of the whole. In other words, a fractal pattern has the
same or similar shape at different levels of magnification. This property is called
self-similarity.
Self-Similarity: Self-similarity means that a fractal pattern looks similar, or identical
in some aspects, when you zoom in on a small portion of it. This property is what
allows fractals to be replicated at various scales.
Space-Filling: Fractals have the property of space-filling, meaning they can cover a

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 large area or volume with intricate and detailed patterns without leaving gaps or
overlaps. They efficiently utilize space.
Now, how does this relate to antennas and multiband operation?
Antenna Miniaturization: Antennas are often limited by size, especially in modern
compact electronic devices. Fractals can be used to miniaturize antennas by folding
and repeating antenna elements at different scales. This helps reduce the overall
size of the antenna while maintaining its effectiveness.
Multiband Operation: Antennas designed with fractal structures can cover a
broader range of frequencies. The self-similarity property allows the antenna to work
efficiently at different frequency bands, making it suitable for multiband operation.
Compactness: The space-filling nature of fractals ensures that the antenna
efficiently uses space. This is especially important in applications where size
constraints are critical, such as in mobile devices or compact communication
systems.

These are the comparative results indicate fractal antenna gives better result than
conventional Bow Tie antenna. in fractal antennaBandwidth is enhance And gain is
also increases
Fractals are mathematical patterns that can be replicated at different scales, filling space
efficiently. When applied to antenna design, they enable miniaturization, multiband
operation, and compactness. This makes fractal-based antennas valuable in a wide range of
communication technologies.
Fractal Geometries: Antenna designers have used several well-known fractal
geometries such as the Helix, Koch curve, Sierpinski carpet/gasket, Murkowski Ring,
Hilbert curve, and Mandelbrot tree for their designs.
Lack of New Fractal Antennas: Despite the use of these fractal geometries, there
has been limited emergence of new fractal antennas in recent years. The main
reason for this is the complexity and difficulty in constructing fractal geometries,
even though their configuration rules are based on relatively simple iterations.
In other words, while the fundamental principles of fractal geometries are
conceptually straightforward (involving repeating patterns), the practical
implementation and construction of these geometries in antenna design can be

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 quite challenging and intricate. As a result, it has limited the development of new
fractal antennas.
Infinite Possibilities: Fractal geometry suitable for antenna design is virtually
infinite, and among these geometries, there might be better candidates for antenna
applications. The challenge lies in exploring and implementing these potential
fractal shapes in antenna design
In essence, while some well-known fractal geometries have been used in antenna design,
the complexity of fractal geometry construction and the vast possibilities within this field
suggest that there could be untapped potential for creating innovative and effective fractal
antennas.
• Multiband Operation: By implementing fractal structures, such as the self-similar
and space-filling patterns, the bow-tie antenna can achieve multiband operation.
This means it can work effectively across multiple frequency bands with a single
antenna.
• Soft Computation Techniques: The design of the bow-tie antenna with fractal
structures often involves the use of soft computation techniques. These
computational methods help optimize the antenna's design for specific
performance requirements.
• Effect of Ground Planes: When ground planes are introduced in microstrip bowtie
antennas, the omnidirectional radiation pattern changes. Instead of sending and
receiving signals in all directions, the antenna's pattern becomes more directional. In
other words, it starts focusing its signals in a specific direction.

Underwater Scenario:
• Disregard of EM Communication: EM communication was often overlooked for
underwater use due to its high-frequency attenuation. EM waves travel at high
speeds, offering several advantages over acoustic techniques, including wider
bandwidth, higher data rates, and improved transmission across boundaries.
• Breakthrough in EM Wave Propagation: It was demonstrated both experimentally
and theoretically that EM wave propagation is feasible through water at significant
distances, particularly in the lower unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical
bands.
• Effect of Antenna and Frequency: Further research emphasized the importance of
the antenna and operating frequency in enabling longer communication ranges
underwater. The type and size of the antenna played a crucial role in extending the
reach of wireless communication.
• Frequency Equilibrium in ISM Bands: Experiments targeted the 433MHz ISM band
for underwater communication because it offered a balance between attenuation
and data rate transmission. These experiments revealed that the type and size of the

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 antenna also influenced underwater communication systems.
• Return Loss (RL) also known as S11(dB) is a good measure of how much power is
reflected back (logarithmic scale) from the terminal. It is known that a good antenna
must be at least -10dB to allow 90% transfer of energy.
Impedance matching is a critical consideration in antenna design, and often, matching
circuits are used for antennas designed for air. However, there are some challenges when
transitioning antennas from air to water:
1. Medium-Specific Impedance: Antenna impedance varies when it is in air compared
to when it is in water. To design the right matching circuit, impedance
measurements must be taken with the antenna immersed in the specific medium in
which it will operate. This ensures that the antenna is effectively tuned for its
operating environment.
2. Impact of Temperature and Salinity: Antennas equipped with matching circuits
can experience signal loss if there are changes in temperature and salinity in the
water. Water has high dielectric properties, meaning it affects how signals
propagate. These changes can disrupt the matching circuit's effectiveness,
potentially leading to signal loss or poor performance.
Impedance matching is vital for antenna design, and when antennas are used in water, the
unique properties of the medium, including temperature and salinity, must be considered
to maintain effective signal transmission.
When selecting an antenna for underwater use, one approach is to opt for a broadband
antenna design that can adapt to the challenges posed by the high dielectric properties of
water. Among the various antenna types, dipoles are both simple and commonly used. The
bow-tie antenna, in particular, is a design that possesses the properties necessary to be
effective as an underwater antenna.
In essence, the bow-tie antenna is a promising choice for underwater applications due to
its ability to work well in a heavy dielectric medium like water, making it a suitable option
for achieving effective communication underwater.
• Frequency Range: Broadband antennas can operate over a wide frequency range.
In underwater environments, it's often necessary to work across different
frequencies to adapt to various conditions and communication needs.
• Signal Robustness: Underwater conditions can vary, and signals may experience
changes in propagation characteristics. A broadband antenna is more resilient to
these variations, ensuring that it can maintain signal quality across different
frequencies and conditions.
• Versatility: Broadband antennas are versatile and can be used for a variety of
applications without the need for constant adjustments or specialized antennas for
different frequencies. This versatility simplifies antenna selection and deployment in
underwater settings.

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 • Signal Consistency: By accommodating a broader frequency range, broadband
antennas help ensure more consistent signal transmission. This is essential for
maintaining communication reliability in the challenging underwater environment.

Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks

Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) are complex systems consisting of

components like vehicles and sensors deployed in a specific underwater area for
collaborative monitoring and data collection. These networks facilitate interactive
communication between various nodes and ground-based stations. However, UWSNs
encounter several challenges and issues, including:
• Limited Bandwidth: Underwater environments often offer limited bandwidth for
data transmission, which can restrict the volume of information that can be sent and
received.
• High Propagation Delay: Signals travel more slowly underwater, leading to higher
propagation delays. This delay can impact real-time communication and data
retrieval.
• 3D Topology: Unlike terrestrial networks, UWSNs have a three-dimensional (3D)
topology due to the underwater environment. This complex topology adds
challenges to network organization and data routing.
• Media Access Control: Efficient media access control protocols are required to
manage communication within UWSNs, ensuring that multiple devices can share the
limited available bandwidth.
• Routing: Routing data in underwater environments is a complex task due to the
variable characteristics of the medium. Reliable routing protocols must be
developed to adapt to changing conditions.
• Resource Utilization: Effective resource management is essential in UWSNs to
optimize power usage and make the most of the limited resources available in
remote underwater areas.
• Power Constraints: Most UWSN devices are battery-powered, and replacing
batteries underwater is often impractical. This necessitates power-efficient
communication protocols and energy-saving strategies.
Over the past few decades, the research community has developed various methodologies
to address these challenges. However, some issues remain open for research due to the
ever-changing and unique characteristics of the underwater environment. Continuing
research efforts are essential to further enhance the performance and capabilities of
UWSNs.
There are several types of underwater vehicles used in UWSNs, including:
• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): ROVs are controlled by human operators

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 from the surface. They are connected to the surface via cables and are commonly
used for tasks such as underwater exploration, maintenance, and research.
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): AUVs are autonomous and operate
without direct human control. They are used for tasks like oceanographic research,
environmental monitoring, and data collection. AUVs follow pre-programmed
instructions or use sensors and algorithms to navigate and carry out missions.
• Gliders: Gliders are autonomous underwater vehicles that move by changing their
buoyancy. They "glide" through the water and can cover long distances. They are
often used for oceanographic research and data collection.
• Submersibles: Submersibles are small underwater vehicles designed for specific
tasks, such as inspecting underwater structures or conducting scientific research.
They are often operated by humans and are equipped with cameras and sensors.
These underwater vehicles play a crucial role in UWSNs, as they provide mobility and the
ability to access different parts of the underwater environment. They work in conjunction
with stationary underwater sensors to create a network for data collection, monitoring, and
various applications, including oceanography, marine biology, environmental assessment,
and underwater infrastructure inspection.
Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) do require antennas, but these antennas
are specialized for underwater communication. UWSNs consist of underwater sensors and
often incorporate underwater vehicles (like autonomous underwater vehicles or remotely
operated vehicles) for data collection and communication purposes. These underwater
sensors and vehicles use antennas to transmit and receive data in the underwater
environment.
Antennas in UWSNs are essential for enabling communication between sensors, vehicles,
and surface stations. They are specially designed to function effectively in the underwater
environment, taking into account the challenges posed by underwater signal propagation
and the specific requirements of the network.
Sensors equipped with antennas can collect data from the surrounding environment and
transmit it for analysis, allowing for real-time monitoring of underwater conditions.

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