CHAPTER 2

SIMULATED RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

2.1 ANALYSIS: ASSIGNING BOUNDRIES AND EXCITATIONS

After 3-D model is designed we will assign the boundaries to the patch and the air box. We have
boundaries and excitations dialog boxes from which we can choose the respective value to be
given to our patch, ground and air box. Perfect E boundary is assigned to the patch to create
perfect conducting surface.

Figure 2.1 3-D View of Antenna

2.2.1 SIMULATED RESULTS OF RECTANGULAR MICRO STRIP

PATCH ANTENNA FOR WLAN
Simulating the performance of a rectangular microstrip patch antenna for WLAN involves
employing electromagnetic simulation software or numerical methods to assess key parameters.
In these simulations, engineers analyze the antenna's return loss (S11) to evaluate impedance
matching and power transfer efficiency. The bandwidth, crucial for WLAN applications at
frequencies around 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, is examined to ensure effective frequency coverage.
Additionally, radiation patterns are scrutinized for well-defined azimuth and elevation coverage.
Gain, polarization, and efficiency are assessed to optimize the antenna's ability to direct energy,
maintain linear polarization, and convert input power into radiated power effectively. VSWR,
axial ratio (for circularly polarized antennas), and input impedance are also scrutinized to ensure
low reflections, circular polarization if required, and compatibility with the WLAN system's 50-
ohm impedance. Simulated results, obtained through tools like HFSS or CST Microwave Studio,
aid in refining the antenna design to meet WLAN performance criteria.

Figure 2.2 S-PARAMETER

2.2.2 VOLTAGE STANDING WAVE RATIO

For the micro strip lines the optimum value of VSWR is less than two decibels to transmit the
radiations effectively.

Figure – 3.3 VSWR

2.2.3 RADIATION PATTERN
The radiation pattern of a microstrip patch antenna serves as a crucial depiction of its
electromagnetic energy distribution in space. Analyzed in both azimuth and elevation planes, this
pattern provides insights into the antenna's directional characteristics. In the azimuth plane, the
radiation pattern illustrates the antenna's radiative behavior around its horizontal axis, while the
elevation plane shows energy distribution in the vertical direction. The primary focus is on the
main lobe, representing the direction of maximum radiation and influencing coverage.
Minimizing side lobes is essential to reduce interference, and the beamwidth, indicating the
angular spread of the main lobe, impacts directivity. Gain quantifies how effectively the antenna
concentrates radiated power, and the polarization, typically linear in microstrip patch antennas,
corresponds to the orientation of the electric field in the radiation pattern. Additionally,
understanding back radiation, or radiation in the opposite direction of the main lobe, is vital for
applications where interference mitigation is critical. Engineers employ simulation tools and
measurements to optimize the radiation pattern, ensuring that microstrip patch antennas meet
specific requirements for applications such as WLAN and communication systems.

Figure – 2.4 RADIATION PATTERN

2.2.4 GAIN
The energy radiated by an Omni directional antenna when compared to the energy radiated by an
local antenna in a particular direction gives the value of gain. Thus by gain we can measure the
directivity of the antenna that is how efficiently the radiations are transmitted in an particular
direction.

Figure – 2.5 GAIN

2.2.5 PORT SIGNAL

The port signal in a microstrip patch antenna refers to the electrical signal that is either fed into
the antenna for transmission or extracted from it in receiving applications. The feed point,
designated on the antenna structure, serves as the location where this signal is connected. The
feed network, which often comprises microstrip lines, coaxial cables, or aperture-coupled
structures, is responsible for linking the antenna to the external transmission line. Achieving
impedance matching at the feed point is critical to minimize signal reflections and optimize
power transfer efficiency. The characteristics of the port signal, including its frequency, power
level, and polarization, significantly influence the antenna's resonant frequency, bandwidth, and
radiation efficiency. Engineers carefully design the feed network and adjust microstrip line
dimensions to attain the desired impedance matching and polarization. Understanding and
manipulating the properties of the port signal are essential for tailoring microstrip patch antennas
to meet specific performance requirements in applications such as wireless communication
systems, including WLANs. Simulation tools and measurements play a crucial role in analyzing
and optimizing the antenna's response to different port signals during the design and testing
phases.
 Figure – 2.5 PORT SIGNALS

2.2.6 SURFACE IMPEDANCE

In the realm of microstrip patch antennas, the concept of surface impedance holds pivotal
importance, significantly shaping the antenna's overall performance. This antenna configuration,
featuring a radiating patch on a dielectric substrate with a ground plane beneath, relies on the
interplay between the surface properties for effective radiation and signal integrity. The surface
impedance, encompassing both a resistive and reactive part, is intimately tied to the conductivity
of the ground plane and the dielectric losses in the substrate. The resistive element, known as
surface resistance, governs the losses attributed to the material's conductivity, while the reactive
part, surface reactance, contributes to energy storage and phase considerations.

The surface impedance profoundly influences the radiation efficiency of the microstrip patch
antenna, a critical parameter for assessing its ability to convert input power into radiated energy.
Engineers carefully manipulate the surface impedance by adjusting the substrate's dielectric
properties and dimensions of the patch. Achieving low surface resistance is imperative to
minimize ohmic losses and enhance radiation performance.

Moreover, surface impedance plays a pivotal role in impedance matching, a crucial aspect of
antenna design. The real part of the surface impedance directly impacts the impedance seen at
the antenna's feed point, guiding engineers in tailoring the antenna for efficient power transfer
between the feeding network and the radiating element. Material selection for the dielectric
substrate is paramount, with engineers opting for materials that exhibit specific dielectric
constants and loss tangents to attain desired electrical characteristics and influence surface
impedance.

In practice, engineers leverage electromagnetic simulation tools to delve into the intricacies of
surface impedance, optimizing microstrip patch antennas for parameters like return loss,
bandwidth, and radiation pattern. This nuanced understanding enables the design and
deployment of microstrip patch antennas with tailored performance characteristics, aligning them
with the requirements of diverse applications, including wireless communication systems like
WLANs.

Figure – 2.6 SURFACE IMPEDANCE