micromachines
Article
A Compact UWB Monopole Antenna with Triple Band Notches
Han Lin, Zhongyuan Lu *, Zhonggen Wang
Citation: Lin, H.; Lu, Z.; Wang, Z.;
Mu, W. A Compact UWB Monopole
Antenna with Triple Band Notches.
Micromachines 2023, 14, 518. https://
doi.org/10.3390/mi14030518
Academic Editor: Mark L. Adams
Received: 1 February 2023
Revised: 18 February 2023
Accepted: 21 February 2023
Published: 23 February 2023
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Micromachines 2023, 14, 518. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14030518
and Weidong Mu
School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Anhui University of Science and Technology,
Huainan 232001, China
* Correspondence: l735383212@163.com
Abstract: This article presents an ultra-wideband (UWB) monopole antenna with triple band notch
characteristics. The proposed antenna consists of an octagonal patch, fed with a 50 Ω line, which
occupies a compact size of 40 mm × 29 mm (0.36λ × 0.26λ, λ is computed using 2.7 GHz frequency)
and resonances at a relatively low frequency (2.94 GHz). Specifically, an L-shaped stub, an inverted
C-shaped slot, and a pair of U-shaped resonating structures are introduced into the design, which
allow antenna to generate three band notches at 3.22–3.83 GHz, 4.49–5.05 GHz and 7.49–8.02 GHz,
corresponding to WiMAX band, Indian national satellite (INSAT) band, and X-band satellite fre-
quencies, respectively. In the center of the notched band, the antenna has lower efficiency and gain,
essentially indicating that the antenna has good interference rejection performance. To evaluate its
performance, the proposed antenna has been fabricated and measured, and the relevant functional
parameters, such as S-parameters, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and radiation property, have
been studied.
Keywords: multi-notch band; UWB antenna; monopole
1. Introduction
Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology has great potential for application in wireless
communication because of its extremely low transmission power and high data rate [1].
In recent years, research into UWB applications has gained significant attention, mainly
for communication, radar and precise positioning [2,3]. Within the defined UWB range, a
variety of narrowband communication systems, including the worldwide interoperability
for microwave access (WiMAX) band which operates at 3.3~3.7 GHz, the Indian national
satellite (INSAT) band which operates at 4.5~4.9 GHz and the X satellite communication
band which operates at 7.1~8 GHz, have the potential limitation of bringing electromagnetic
(EM) interference that affects the performance of UWB antenna. Therefore, an antenna with
multiband filtering is required to suppress the interfering bands.
Over the years, researchers have proposed various methods to design the band-
notched UWB antennas [4–12]. Among them, one such method is to add parasitic ele-
ments [13], stubs [14], and resonating structures on or near the radiator [15,16]. Meanwhile,
another approach is to etch differently shaped slots in the radiating element or the ground
plane [17–20]. The methods mentioned above can be employed to suppress single or multi-
band phenomena, and the selectivity of the rejection bands depends on the effectiveness
of the incorporated techniques. In [13], a parasitic strip was designed as a filter to elim-
inate the band limited by IEEE 802.11a and HIPERLAN/2. Progressively, four types of
band-notched antennas were proposed in [14], where the first antenna connected two strips
horizontally and symmetrically to the feed line, to create a single-notch band. Whereas
for the second one, two quarter-wavelength open-ended slots were embedded in the feed
line, and this antenna possessed a single-notch band covering the upper wireless local area
network (WLAN) band. Next, the dual-band-notched characteristics were achieved by
inserting the additional stubs into the rectangular slot of the second antenna. Compared
with the second antenna, this third one had an additional notch band covering the lower
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/micromachines
Micromachines 2023, 14, 518 2 of 11

WLAN band. Then, in the final design, the designs of the first three steps were combined
to achieve three notch bands. In [15], the complementary split-ring resonators (SRRs) were
etched onto the backside of the feed line in order to produce a notch that covered the
satellite downlink band. In addition, the 5G and WLAN bands were notched by using a
pair of electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures. Similarly, in [16], the complementary
SRRs consisted of a pair of metallic rings which were arranged close to the feeding strip in
order to achieve a single-notched band. In [17], three U-shaped slots were etched onto the
radiating element to obtain three notched band characteristics, and a split-ring resonator
was also introduced to create an additional notch band. In [18], a meandering line slot
was added in the middle of the patch to realize the triple-notch capabilities and multiband
operation. In [19], the WLAN and X-band communication systems were rejected by a pair
of vertical slots and a horizontal rectangular slot etched onto the same radiation patch.
In [21], two identical meander line slots were etched onto the two decoupling T-shaped
stubs symmetrically to achieve a notch band from 5.09 to 5.8 GHz. In [22], by introducing
two different dimensions of U-shaped parasitic strips on both sides of each feed lines,
frequency bands of 7.37–7.8 GHz and 9.15–9.7 GHz were successfully suppressed. More
than this, two different dimensions of U-shaped slots were etched on each radiator, leading
to the rejection of the lower WLAN band and the frequency range from 6.1 to 6.53 GHz.
In [23], a frequency-agile band-notch function was realized for frequencies below 5 GHz by
placing a single varactor diode across the gap on the rectangular strip.
The following are the novel discoveries and contributions of this work:
1. The controllable triple-notch frequencies are achieved at the WiMAX, INSAT and
X-band satellite frequency bands.
2. The proposed antenna integrates multiple forms of notch structures with different
shapes and techniques.
In this work, a planar UWB monopole antenna is designed, fabricated and tested. The
dimensions of the stub and slot are varied to achieve the desired stopband center frequency.
Furthermore, three different band-notched designs are provided for illustration, along
with a description of the design concept. Lastly, the details of antenna measurement and
simulation results are presented, which demonstrate a successful band-rejection capability
for all three proposed band-notched designs. Above all, the proposed antenna can be a
potential option for specific devices operating in WiFi 6E band.

2. Antenna Configuration
2.1. Antenna Model
The proposed antenna is fabricated on a common and low-cost FR4 substrate (εr = 4.4)
with a thickness of 1.6 mm. Moreover, a 50 Ω microstrip-line was fed by an SMA connec-
tor. The geometry and configuration of the proposed antenna have been designed and
optimized using HFSS 18.0, as shown in Figure 1. Equivalent circuit of triple-notch UWB
antenna is displayed in Figure 2. S11 of equivalent circuit is shown in Figure 3. Next, the
design evolution process is illustrated in Figure 4, and the S-parameters for each stage of
the evolution process are provided in Figure 5. Additionally, the optimized values of all
the designed parameters are listed in Table 1.
Figure 2 shows the equivalent circuit of the proposed antenna, where resonator 1,
resonator 2, and resonator 3 are equivalent to the L-shaped stub, inverted C-shaped slot and
symmetrical U-shaped patches, which are equivalent to three LC parallel resonant circuit
in the circuit. Since the circuit is open, the antenna cannot receive the signal properly, thus
effectively avoiding interference from these three narrowband communication systems.
The approximate value of L and C can be computed by the following formulas [24]:

fi
Qi = (1)
BWi

Qi
Ci = (2)
2π f i Ri
 Micromachines 2023, 14, 518 3 of 11

Ci
Li = (3)
Micromachines
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x FOR FOR REVIEW
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where, i is the number of resonator, Q is quality factor, BW is the bandwidth of each
notch band, C is the shunt capacitance per unit in F, L is the shunt inductance per unit in
Micromachines 2023, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 11 at
H, f is the center notch frequency of notch band, and R is the real part of impedance
resonance frequency. W W

L L

L
Gw Gw
Gl
Gl
Gw
Z Z Y Y Gl
Lg
Z ZY Y
Lg
Z Y Z Y
Lg
X X X X
(a) X (b)
(a) (b)X
(a) 1. Proposed antenna structure: (a) Front view, (b) Back view.
Figure (b)
Figure 1. Proposed antenna structure: (a) Front view, (b) Back view.
Figure 1. Proposed
Figure antenna
1. Proposed structure:
antenna (a) Front
structure: view,
(a) Front (b) Back
view, view.
(b) Back view.
Resonator 1 Resonator 2 Resonator 3
Resonator 1
Resonator 1
Resonator 2 Resonator 3
Resonator 2 Resonator 3

L1=664.5pH L2=208.2pH L3=84.1pH

CL1=3.11pF L1=664.5pH LC2=208.2pH
1=664.5pH 2=5.27pF L2=208.2pH
L3C 3=5.68pF L3=84.1pH
=84.1pH
C1=3.11pFC1=3.11pF C2=5.27pF C2=5.27pFC3=5.68pF C3=5.68pF

R=50Ω
R=50Ω
R=50Ω

Figure
Figure2.2.Equivalent circuitof
Equivalent circuit oftriple-notch
triple-notch UWB
UWB antenna.
antenna.
Figure2.2.Equivalent
Figure Equivalent circuit
circuit of triple-notch
of triple-notch UWB UWB antenna.
antenna.

S11
S11 of the
the equivalent
equivalentcircuit
circuit Simulated
Simulated S11S11
00
S11 of the equivalent circuit Simulated S11
-5-5 0

-10 -5
-10
-15
S11 (dB)

-15 -10
S11 (dB)

-20
-20 -15
S11 (dB)

-25
-25 -20
-30
-30 -25
-35
-35 -30
-40
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
-40 -35 Frequency(GHz)
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Frequency(GHz)
-40
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Figure 3. Comparison
Figure between
3. Comparison S11
between of
S11equivalent circuit
of equivalent
Frequency(GHz) and and
circuit simulated S11.S11.
simulated
Figure 3. Comparison between S11 of equivalent circuit and simulated S11.

Figure 3. Comparison between S11 of equivalent circuit and simulated S11.

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(a) (b) (c) (d)

Figure 4. Evolution of the design process of single element: (a) Step-1, (b) Step-2, (c) Step-3, (d) Step-
(a) 4.
(b) (c) (d)
Figure 4. Evolution of the design process of single element: (a) Step-1, (b) Step-2, (c) Step-3, (d) Step-
Figure 4. Evolution of the design process of single element: (a) Step-1, (b) Step-2, (c) Step-3, (d) Step-4.
4.
0 0

-5 -5
0 0
-10 -10
-5 -5
-15 -15
-10 -10
S11 (dB)

S11 (dB)
-20 -20
-15 -15
-25 -25
S11 (dB)

S11 (dB)
-20 -20

-30-25 -25 -30

-35-30 -30 -35

-40-35 -35 -40

-45-40 -40 -45

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
-45 -45
2 3 4 5 Frequency(GHz)
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 3 4 5 6 7 Frequency(GHz)
8 9 10 11 12
Frequency(GHz) Frequency(GHz)

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
0 0
0 0
-5 -5 -5 -5

-10-10 -10 -10

-15-15 -15 -15

S11 (dB)

S11 (dB)
S11 (dB)

S11 (dB)

-20-20 -20 -20

-25 -25
-25 -25
-30 -30
-30 -30
-35 -35
-35 -35
-40 -40
-40 -40
-45 -45
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
-45 -45
2 3 4 5 Frequency(GHz)
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 3 4Frequency(GHz)
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Frequency(GHz) Frequency(GHz)

(c) (d)
(c) (d)
Figure 5. Comparison of the return loss of the four steps of the proposed antenna: (a) Step-1, (b)
Step-2,
Figure(c) 5. Step-3, (d) Step-4.
Comparison of the return loss of the four steps of the proposed antenna: (a) Step-1, (b)
Figure 5. Comparison of the return loss of the four steps of the proposed antenna: (a) Step-1,
Step-2, (c) Step-3, (d) Step-4.
(b) Step-2,
Table (c) Step-3,
1. Optimized (d) Step-4.
dimensions of the proposed antenna (unit: mm).

Parameter Table
Value (mm)Table Optimized
1.1.Optimized
Parameter dimensions
(mm) ofofParameter
dimensions
Value the
theproposed
proposedantenna
antenna
Value (unit:
(mm) mm).
(unit: mm).
Parameter Value (mm)
L 40 L4 8 Ls 15 Lp 5.4
Parameter
Parameter Value
Value(mm)
(mm) Parameter
Parameter Value
Value (mm) Parameter
(mm) Parameter ValueValue
(mm)(mm)Parameter
ParameterValueValue
(mm) (mm)
W 29 Lf 14.6 Ws 0.8 Wp 3.1
L L 4040 LL4 4 88 Ls Ls 15 15 L Lp 5.4 5.4
h 1.6 W f 2 GWl 10.8 LuWp 0.53.1
WL1W 2929
5.5 W
LLf f 14.6
14.6
9.42 GG
s Ws
1.41 0.8 WuLu
p Wp
3.80.5 3.1
h 1.6 W1f w
l
h L2L1 1.6
45.5 W
W W 21
f 9.42
8.4 LGc w Gl 0.51.4 1 WW c u
Lu 4.23.8 0.5
L1L3L2 5.5
4.84 W
L Wg2 1 8.49.4
13.3 Lc Gw 0.5 1.4 Wc Wu 4.2 3.8
L2 L3 44.8 Lg
W2 13.3
8.4 Lc 0.5 Wc 4.2
L3 4.8 Lg 13.3
Micromachines 2023, 14, 518 5 of 11

2.2. Design Evolution Stages of the Antenna

The details of all the stages of the design evolution process are given below:
Step-1 includes an octagonal radiation element with a rectangular ground structure
(Figure 4a). This antenna operates in the UWB region, with a bandwidth of 8.75 GHz.
Step-2 introduces an L-shaped stub at the upper left corner of the octagonal patch
(Figure 4b). The distance between the lower edge of the L-shaped stub and the lower
edge of the substrate can be calculated as: d = Lf + Lp + L1 − Ws . Here, L-shaped stub
acts as an open-circuit transmission line that shorts the antenna at the relevant frequency.
Thus, the effective transmission path of current is changed [25], causing the antenna to
resonate at a lower frequency (2.94 GHz) and creating a notch band that is immune to
WiMAX system interference.
Based on the design of step-2, an inverted C-shaped slot is etched onto the center of
the octagonal patch, which defines step-3 (Figure 4c). At certain frequencies, the current
path of the signal can be cut off, leading to an additional notch band that can shield from
the INSAT band and has a small effect on other resonance bands [26].
The specifics of the rejection bands for the design of each stage have been listed
in Table 2.

Table 2. The rejection bands and operational comparison for the evolution steps.

No of Coverage of Rejection No of Coverage of Operational

Step No.
Rejection Bands
1 0
2 1
3 2
4 3
Bands (GHz) Operational Bands Bands (GHz)
- 1 3.29~12.04
3.14~3.86 2 2.70~3.14, 3.86~11.58
3.11~3.78, 4.66~5.10 3 2.62~3.11, 3.78~4.66, 5.10~11.68
2.70~3.22, 3.83~4.49, 5.05~7.18,
3.22~3.83, 4.49~5.05, 7.18~7.84 4
7.84~11.06

An approximate size of the notch structure can be assumed as [27]:

c
L= √ (4)
2 f εe f f

where, c is the speed of light, f is the notched center frequency, εeff is the effective
dielectric constant.
Next, a transverse U-shaped resonator is placed symmetrically on both sides of the
feed line to shield the antenna from X-band system interference, which is step-4 (Figure 3d).
Here, the bandwidth of the shielded band is widened by adjusting the U-shaped resonator
parameters and etching the rectangular slots onto the ground plane.
Next, the effects of different geometrical parameters of the proposed antenna on the
band notch characteristics are studied, as portrayed in Figure 6. Evidently, with decreasing
Ls , the corresponding notched band becomes smaller, while the operational band remains
unchanged. Similarly, by adjusting the size of inverted C-shaped slot opening, the entire
second notch band can be shifted from a low frequency to a high frequency. Moreover, as
the L3 increases, the range of the notch band becomes wider and the center frequency of
the notch band shifts down. The dimension of Lf effects the phase of the antenna, while
L1 and W1 determine the area of the radiation patch. When they increase or decrease,
the resonant frequency shifts significantly in the range of 5.2−7.4 GHz and 8.1−11.0 GHz.
Accordingly, it can be concluded that, with the proposed design approach, the notched
frequency bands can be easily achieved and controlled to meet the practical requirements
by merely adjusting the dimensions and locations of the resonating elements. Meanwhile,
it is worthwhile noting that changing the parameters of resonators (notch elements) affects
only the notch bands, and the return loss in the rest of the UWB frequency band remains
virtually unchanged.
 8.1−11.0 GHz. Accordingly, it can be concluded that, with the proposed design approach,
the notched frequency bands can be easily achieved and controlled to meet the practical
requirements by merely adjusting the dimensions and locations of the resonating ele-
ments. Meanwhile, it is worthwhile noting that changing the parameters of resonators
(notch elements) affects only the notch bands, and the return loss in the rest of the UWB
Micromachines 2023, 14, 518 6 of 11
frequency band remains virtually unchanged.

0 0 0
Ls = 13mm Wc = 2.6mm
L3 = 3.6mm
Ls = 14mm -5 Wc = 4.2mm
-5 -5 L3 = 4.0mm
Wc = 5.8mm
Ls = 15mm -10 L3 = 4.4mm
-10
-10
-15 -15
-15

S11 (dB)
S11 (dB)

S11 (dB)
-20 -20

-20 -25 -25

-30 -30
-25
-35 -35
-30 -40
-40

-35 -45 -45

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Frequency(GHz) Frequency(GHz)
Frequency(GHz)

(a) (b) (c)

0 0 0
Lf=14.1mm L1=5.0mm W1=8.8mm
-5 Lf=14.6mm -5 L1=5.5mm -5 W1=9.4mm
Lf=15.1mm W1=10.0mm
L1=6.0mm -10
-10 -10

-15 -15 -15

S11 (dB)
S11 (dB)
S11 (dB)

-20 -20 -20

-25 -25 -25

-30 -30 -30

-35 -35 -35

-40 -40 -40
-45 -45 -45
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Frequency(GHz) Frequency(GHz) Frequency(GHz)

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Figure 6. Tuning parametric study: (a) Ls, (b) Wg, (c) L3, (d) Lf, (e) L1, (f) W1.
Figure 6. Tuning parametric study: (a) Ls , (b) Wg , (c) L3 , (d) Lf , (e) L1 , (f) W1 .
3.
3. Results
Results and
and Discussion
Discussion
3.1. Fabrication
Fabrication and
and Measurement
Measurement
To validate
validate the
theproposed
proposedantenna
antennadesign,
design,anan ultra-wideband
ultra-wideband antenna
antenna waswas success-
successfully
fully fabricated
fabricated and tested
and tested according
according todimensions
to the the dimensions listed
listed in Table
in Table 1. Figure
1. Figure 7a shows
7a shows the
the prototype
prototype of the
of the proposed
proposed antenna.
antenna. Figure
Figure 7b presents
7b presents thethe environment
environment forfor S-param-
S-parameter
eter measurement.
measurement. TheThe measurement
measurement environment
environment of the
of the radiation
radiation pattern
pattern andand peak
peak gain
gain is
shown
is shownin in
Figure
Figure7c.7c.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure
Figure 7.
7. The
The proposed
proposed UWB
UWB antenna:
antenna: (a)
(a)Fabricated
Fabricatedprototype,
prototype,(b)
(b)S11
S11measurement
measurementenvironment,
environment,
(c) Pattern measurements in anechoic chamber.
(c) Pattern measurements in anechoic chamber.

Figure
Figure 88 displays
displays the
the measured
measured and and simulated
simulated results
results of
of S11
S11 and
and VSWR.
VSWR. From
From thethe
comparison of curves in Figure 8, it can be observed that the measurement
comparison of curves in Figure 8, it can be observed that the measurement results results are well
are
matched with with
well matched the simulation results.
the simulation The designed
results. antenna
The designed covers
antenna the entire
covers UWBUWB
the entire fre-
quency band
frequency for for
band VSWRVSWR≤ 2, ≤
except in theinnotched
2, except bands.
the notched At theAt
bands. center frequency
the center of notch
frequency of
band, S11 > −5 dB and the value of VSWR > 3.3, thereby indicating the desired
notch band, S11 > −5 dB and the value of VSWR > 3.3, thereby indicating the desired notch per-
formance.
notch performance.

Simulated Measured Simulated Measured

0 6.0

-5 5.5
5.0
-10
4.5
 Figure 8 displays the measured and simulated results of S11 and VSWR. From the
comparison of curves in Figure 8, it can be observed that the measurement results are well
matched with the simulation results. The designed antenna covers the entire UWB fre-
quency band for VSWR ≤ 2, except in the notched bands. At the center frequency of notch
band, S11 > −5 dB and the value of VSWR > 3.3, thereby indicating the desired notch per-
Micromachines 2023, 14, 518 7 of 11
formance.

Simulated Measured Simulated Measured

0 6.0

-5 5.5
5.0
-10
4.5
-15 4.0
S11 (dB)

VSWR
-20 3.5

-25 3.0
2.5
-30
2.0
-35 1.5
-40 1.0
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Frequency(GHz) Frequency (GHz)

(a) (b)
Figure 8. Simulated and measured results: (a) S11, (b) VSWR.
Figure 8. Simulated and measured results: (a) S11, (b) VSWR.

3.2. Radiation
3.2. Radiation Characteristics
Characteristics
Furthermore, radiation
Furthermore, radiation patterns are plotted
plotted in Figure
Figure 9.
9. The proposed antenna pos-
sesses almost
sesses almost omnidirectional
omnidirectional radiation
radiation on
on the H-plane (yoz-plane) and 8-shaped bidirec-
tionalradiation
tional radiationononthe
the E-plane
E-plane (xoz-plane),
(xoz-plane), at low
at low frequencies
frequencies (3 GHz,
(3 GHz, 4 GHz4 and
GHz5.3and 5.3
GHz).
GHz). However,
However, with thewith the increase
increase in frequency,
in frequency, higher-order
higher-order modes aremodes are generated
generated that leadthat
to
Micromachines 2023, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 11
lead
an to an phase
uneven uneven phase distribution
distribution of the antenna.
of the antenna. Therefore,
Therefore, the radiation
the radiation patterns
patterns at 8.3 GHz,at
8.3 GHz
9.4 GHz,and
9.4 GHz and 10.3
10.3 GHz GHzdistorted.
become become distorted.

Sim E-plane Sim E-plane Sim E-plane

0 Mea E-plane 0 Mea E-plane 0 Mea E-plane
330 30 Sim H-plane 330 30 Sim H-plane 330 30 Sim H-plane
0 Mea H-plane 0 Mea H-plane 0 Mea H-plane
-10 300 60 -10 300 60 -10 300 60

-20 -20 -20

-30 270 90 -30 270 90 -30 270 90

-20 -20 -20

-10 240 120 -10 240 120 -10 240 120

0 0 0
210 150 210 150 210 150
180 180 180

(a) (b) (c)

Sim E-plane Sim E-plane Sim E-plane
0 Mea E-plane 0 Mea E-plane 0 Mea E-plane
330 30 Sim H-plane 330 30 Sim H-plane 330 30 Sim H-plane
0 Mea H-plane 0 Mea H-plane 0 Mea H-plane
-10 300 60 -10 300 60 -10 300 60

-20 -20 -20

-30 270 90 -30 270 90 -30 270 90

-20 -20 -20

-10 240 120 -10 240 120 -10 240 120

0 0 0
210 150 210 150 210 150
180 180 180

(d) (e) (f)

Figure 9. Simulated and measured radiation patterns at (a) 3 GHz, (b) 4 GHz, (c) 5.3 GHz, (d) 8.3
Figure 9. Simulated and measured radiation patterns at (a) 3 GHz, (b) 4 GHz, (c) 5.3 GHz, (d) 8.3 GHz,
GHz, (e) 9.4 GHz and (f) 10.3 GHz.
(e) 9.4 GHz and (f) 10.3 GHz.

Figure
Figure10
10displays
displays the surfacecurrent
the surface currentdistribution
distributionofof
thethe proposed
proposed antenna.
antenna. At GHz,
At 3.5 3.5
GHz, the current distribution is weak in the patch area, while it is strong at the L-shaped
the current distribution is weak in the patch area, while it is strong at the L-shaped stub.
stub. Conversely, at 4.9 GHz, the current distribution is only strong at the feed line and
the inverted C-shaped slot. Similarly, at 7.9 GHz, the currents are mainly distributed
around the U-shaped patches and are oppositely directed between the interior and exte-
rior edges. Therefore, the resultant radiation fields can be canceled out, and high attenu-
ation near the resonant frequency is achieved, thus resulting in a notched band. Besides,
 (d) (e) (f)
Figure 9. Simulated and measured radiation patterns at (a) 3 GHz, (b) 4 GHz, (c) 5.3 GHz, (d) 8.3
GHz, (e) 9.4 GHz and (f) 10.3 GHz.
Micromachines 2023, 14, 518 8 of 11
Figure 10 displays the surface current distribution of the proposed antenna. At 3.5
GHz, the current distribution is weak in the patch area, while it is strong at the L-shaped
stub. Conversely,
Conversely, at 4.9 at 4.9 GHz,
GHz, the current
the current distribution
distribution is strong
is only only strong
at theatfeed
the feed line the
line and and
the inverted C-shaped slot. Similarly, at 7.9 GHz, the currents are mainly
inverted C-shaped slot. Similarly, at 7.9 GHz, the currents are mainly distributed around distributed
around
the the U-shaped
U-shaped patches andpatches and are oppositely
are oppositely directedthe
directed between between the
interior andinterior andedges.
exterior exte-
rior edges. Therefore, the resultant radiation fields can be canceled out, and
Therefore, the resultant radiation fields can be canceled out, and high attenuation near the high attenu-
ation near
resonant the resonant
frequency frequency
is achieved, is resulting
thus achieved,in thus resulting
a notched in a Besides,
band. notched the
band. Besides,
maximum
the maximum
surface surface iscurrent
current density on the density is on
upper-left andthe upper-leftcorner
lower-right and lower-right corner
of the octagonal of the
patch at
octagonal patch at 4.0 GHz. Therefore, we can conclude that the notched structures
4.0 GHz. Therefore, we can conclude that the notched structures exert significant effects on exert
significant
the effects on theofcurrent
current distribution distribution of the antenna.
the antenna.

(a)
omachines 2023, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW (b) (c) (d)
Figure 10. Current distribution in the antenna at (a) 3.5 GHz, (b) 4.9 GHz, (c) 7.9 GHz, (d) 4.0 GHz.
Figure 10. Current distribution in the antenna at (a) 3.5 GHz, (b) 4.9 GHz, (c) 7.9 GHz, (d) 4.0 GHz.

Figure11
Figure 11progressively
progressivelydemonstrates
demonstratesthe thepeak
peakgain
gainand
andradiation
radiationefficiency
efficiencyresults
results
dBi inofthe
of the proposed
the proposed
passband. antenna.
It is The
antenna. Theefficiency
worth noting
efficiencyofof
the
thatproposed
the antenna
both curves
proposed is essentially
reduce
antenna higher
drastically
is essentially than
higher in the n
80% 80%
than over over
the UWB
the operating
UWB band,band,
operating exceptexcept
for in the
for notched
in the band, implying
notched band, that thethat
implying ma-
bands. At notch frequencies, impedance mismatch of the proposed antenna lead
jority
the energyenergy
majority is radiated away. Meanwhile,
is radiated the average
away. Meanwhile, theinaverage
peak gain
in values is around
peak gain values2.88
is
signal source energy not being fully absorbed and the formation of standing
around 2.88 dBi in the passband. It is worth noting that both curves reduce drastically in
waves
transmission
the notchedline.
bands. AsAtanotch
result, the efficiency
frequencies, impedance ofmismatch
the proposed antenna
of the proposed drops dras
antenna
leads to the
Concluding signal
the source energy
foregoing not being fully
discussions, the absorbed
suggested and the
UWB formation
antenna of standing
has good ra
waves on the transmission line. As a result, the efficiency of the proposed antenna drops
characteristics.
drastically. Concluding the foregoing discussions, the suggested UWB antenna has good
radiation characteristics.

5 100

4
80
Efficiency (%)
Peak Gain (dBi)

60
2

1
40

0
Sim Gain
20
-1 Mea Gain
Sim Efficiency
Mea Efficiency
-2 0
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Frequency(GHz)

Figure 11. Peak gain and radiation efficiency of the proposed antenna.
Figure 11. Peak gain and radiation efficiency of the proposed antenna.
3.3. Comparison with Already Reported Works
Table 3 presents a comparison of the proposed antenna with other related literature
3.3. Comparison with Already
in terms of dimensions, Reported
impedance Works notch technique, and applications.
bandwidth, In
contrast with the previously reported antennas, the proposed antenna achieves
Table 3 presents a comparison of the proposed antenna with other related lit more notch
bands where each notch band results from a different notch technique and has acceptable
in terms of dimensions,
band-notched impedance bandwidth, notch technique, and applications.
characteristics.
trast with the previously reported antennas, the proposed antenna achieves mor
bands where each notch band results from a different notch technique and has acc
band-notched characteristics.
Micromachines 2023, 14, 518 9 of 11

Table 3. Comparisons between the proposed triple-band-notched UWB antenna and other works.

Impedance Notch Band The Lowest Operating

Reference Dimensions (mm) Notch Technique
Bandwidth (GHz) Application Frequency Ranges (GHz)
32 × 26 T-shaped stub and
[27] 2.8~11 WiMAX and WLAN 2.8–3.3
(0.30λ × 0.24λ) parasitic strips
29 × 40
[28] 3.1–11 WLAN Split-ring resonator 3.1–5.4
(0.30λ × 0.41λ)
90.5 × 60.1 Absorptive
[29] 3.1–10.6 WLAN 3.1–4.9
(0.93λ × 0.62λ) bandstop filter
18 × 17
[30] 2.9~12 INSAT and X-band C slot, U slot 2.9–4.1
(0.17λ × 0.16λ)
35 × 33 Modified V slot and
[31] 2.7~10.6 C-band and WLAN 2.7–3.5
(0.32λ × 0.30λ) EBG structure
18 × 36
[32] 2.9~20 C-band T-shaped stub 2.9–3.6
(0.20λ × 0.26λ)
Symmetrical
21 × 16
[33] 3.77~11.64 WLAN and X-band L-structured 3.77–5.6
(0.26λ × 0.20λ)
parasitics and S slot
32 × 14
[34] 3~12 WLAN and X-band Multimode resonator 3–5.2
(0.32λ × 0.14λ)
30 × 35
[35] 3.1~10.6 WLAN and X-band Multimode resonator 3.1–4.0
(0.31λ × 0.36λ)
40 × 29 WiMAX, INSAT C slot, resonator and
Proposed work 2.70~11.06 2.7–3.2
(0.36λ × 0.26λ) and X-band parasitic stub

4. Conclusions
In this work, a compact planar monopole ultra-wideband antenna with anti-interference
characteristics has been presented for UWB applications. Interestingly, the proposed an-
tenna provides a wide impedance bandwidth, ranging from 2.70 GHz to 11.06 GHz. In
addition, there was a discussion of three rejection bands around 3.22~3.83, 4.49~5.05 and
7.18~7.84 GHz for the applications of the WiMAX, INSAT and X-band. These were created
by introducing an L-shaped stub in the radiation patch, a pair of U-shaped parasitic ele-
ments beside the feed line, and an etched inverted C-shaped slot. Additionally, the designed
antenna had a simple structure and easy fabrication process. The antenna also possessed an
acceptable peak gain and efficiency, demonstrating that the proposed antenna was certainly
applicable in miniaturized devices for the the operation of UWB communication systems.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Z.W.; methodology, H.L.; software, Z.L.; validation, W.M.;
investigation, Z.L.; writing—original draft preparation, Z.L.; writing—review and editing, H.L. and
Z.L.; supervision, Z.W. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This work was supported in part by the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation of
China under Grant 2108085MF200, in part by the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Provincial
Education Department under Grant no. KJ2020A0307, and in part by Graduate Innovation Fund of
Anhui University of Science and Technology under Grant No. 2022CX2082.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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