2024 3rd International Conference for Innovation in Technology (INOCON)

Karnataka, India. Mar 1-3, 2024

Design and Analysis of Microstrip Patch Antenna for

Wi-fi Communication
2024 3rd International Conference for Innovation in Technology (INOCON) | 979-8-3503-8193-1/24/$31.00 ©2024 IEEE | DOI: 10.1109/INOCON60754.2024.10511784

M. Bhagya Lakshmi P Amroota Sai Naga Poojitha K

Asst. Prof., Dept. of ECE, Dept. of ECE, Dept. of ECE,
Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana Jyothi Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana
Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology,
Hyderabad, India Hyderabad, India Hyderabad, India
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Nikitha B
Dept. of ECE,
Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana
Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology,
Hyderabad, India
[email protected]

Abstract— This project focuses on designing a microstrip Anticipating the fruition of this creative and technical
patch antenna for optimal performance in 2.4 GHz WiFi synthesis goes beyond envisioning a technically precise
applications. Using advanced tools like CST Studio Suite, the microstrip patch antenna. It aspires to promising heightened
goal is achieving resonance, enhancing characteristics like gain performance to meet the demands of the most intricate WiFi
and radiation pattern. Anticipated outcomes include a finely communication scenarios, where reliability and efficiency
tuned antenna meeting advanced WiFi communication needs, are non-negotiable. Moreover, the significance of this
with broader implications for routers, access points, and IoT endeavor transcends its immediate application. It contributes
devices. The project's significance extends to shaping the valuable insights to the broader and ever-evolving field of
landscape of wireless communication systems in our
antenna design within wireless communication systems,
interconnected future.
promising to shape the trajectory of future innovations.
Keywords—Resonance, Gain, Radiation Pattern, Antenna As the project unfolds, it becomes more than a scientific
Geometry, Advanced communication, routers, access points, IoT exploration; it evolves into a narrative of resilience,
devices, Wireless Connectivity. creativity, and the pursuit of excellence. Each adjustment,
I. INTRODUCTION analysis, and refinement becomes a testament to the
relentless quest for perfection in crafting the foundational
Within the dynamic landscape of wireless communication elements of our interconnected future. In an era where the
systems, this mini project embarks on a multifaceted exploration, uninterrupted flow of information is the linchpin of progress,
dedicated to the intricate design and simulation of a microstrip this mini project stands as a pioneering force as an
patch antenna meticulously tailored for optimal performance in envisioning a transformative contribution to the evolution of
the nuanced realm of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi applications. wireless communication.
Acknowledging the pervasive nature of Wi-Fi technology and its
indispensability in our interconnected world, the project's central II. LITERATURESURVEY
aim is not merely to achieve resonance within the critical 2.4 GHz This paper responds to the multifaceted needs of modern
frequency band but to orchestrate a symphony of efficiency and antenna design by proposing the adoption of microstrip
reliability, creating a spectrum conducive to the seamless antennas. Beyond a reduction in size, the proposed solution
transmission and reception of signals. addresses the intricacies of cost-effectiveness, heightened
The journey into the complexities of microstrip patch antenna performance, and simplified installation procedures.
design is an immersive dive into the fundamentals of Microstrip antennas, known for their adaptability, are
electromagnetic principles. This encompasses a thorough increasingly pervasive in applications ranging from aircraft
investigation into a myriad of parameters, ranging from the and spacecraft to satellites and missiles.
minutiae of patch dimensions to the intricate dance of substrate The paper is a comprehensive exploration of microstrip
properties and the strategic choreography of the feedline. The antennas, presenting not only their fundamental structure but
project employs advanced electromagnetic simulation tools, also delving into the diverse types and the range of
notably the renowned CST Studio Suite, as a virtual laboratory. substrates employed in their design. It recognizes that the
Within this simulated environment, a meticulous parametric choice of substrate plays a crucial role in determining the
analysis unfolds, providing the research team with the canvas to antenna's efficiency and performance. By discussing various
refine the antenna's geometry systematically. Each adjustment substrates and types of microstrip antennas, the paper
becomes a deliberate stroke aimed at enhancing critical contributes a nuanced understanding of the technology's
characteristics—be it the amplification of gain, or the precise versatility and applicability.
orchestration of impedance matching.

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 This work stands at the intersection of technological III. METHODOLOGY
innovation and practical implementation, offering insights into the The working of a microstrip patch antenna for WiFi
evolving landscape of antenna design. In a world where wireless applications is a systematic process that involves careful
communication technology advances at a rapid pace, the proposal consideration of design parameters and simulation. In the
to integrate microstrip antennas represents a strategic response, initial phase, design parameters such as the target
aligning with the imperative for smaller, cost-effective, and high- frequency (typically 2.4 GHz), substrate material
performance solutions that cater to the complexities of our properties, and patch dimensions are identified.
interconnected future.
The paper, published in March 2005 and spanning pages 994-
1003, addresses the imperative for wide bandwidth antennas in
contemporary wireless communication systems. With the
evolving landscape of communication technology, there is a
growing need for antennas capable of transmitting voice, data,
and video information across diverse applications. These
applications include fixed broadband local multipoint
communication services, small mobile units etc. A common
thread among these applications is the requirement for
miniaturized antennas to accommodate the shrinking dimensions
of modern communication devices.
Fig. 1. Structure of Microstrip Antenna
One of the central challenges outlined in the paper is the
necessity to enhance bandwidth while preserving performance, The dimensions are calculated based on the chosen
reflecting the increasing demand for higher information transfer frequency, taking into account substrate properties such
rates. The confluence of these specifications forms a complex set as dielectric constant and loss tangent. Additionally, the
of requirements, necessitating innovation in antenna design that patch shape (often rectangular) and the size and shape of
goes beyond traditional techniques. The paper thus underscores the ground plane are determined to influence the
the urgency and difficulty of meeting contemporary antenna's resonance and radiation characteristics.To
communication needs, emphasizing the role of innovative antenna accurately address fringe effects and wave propagation in
design in addressing the challenges posed by the demands for the transmission line, it is essential to determine an
miniaturization, enhanced bandwidth, and increased information efficient effective dielectric constant (εreff).
transfer rates in diverse wireless communication applications.
[2]. The presented antenna operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz
by utilizing FR4 material with a dielectric constant of 4.4 (ε࢘) as
substrate, demonstrating versatility and efficiency. Designed for
WLAN applications and Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM)
use, this antenna embodies a strategic convergence of frequency
compatibility and functional adaptability. The meticulous design
process employed ANSYS HFSS V19 simulation software,
underscoring a commitment to precision and advanced Fig. 2. Electric field lines
engineering techniques.
The effective dielectric constant (εreff) is marginally
Several notable attributes contribute to the antenna's lower than εr because the fringe fields surrounding the
effectiveness. Its low profile ensures unobtrusive integration, edges of the patch extend beyond the confines of the
while its low-cost design facilitates economic feasibility. Ease of dielectric substrate and spread into the surrounding air, as
fabrication adds practicality to its implementation, further illustrated in Figure above.
enhancing its appeal for diverse applications. Importantly, the
antenna exhibits commendable isolation, a crucial factor in ߝ‫ ݎ‬൅ ͳ ߝ‫ ݎ‬െ ͳ ݄ െͳΤʹ
minimizing interference and optimizing signal quality. ߝ‫ ݂݂݁ݎ‬ൌ ൅ ൬ͳ ൅ ͳʹ ൰
ʹ ʹ ‫ݓ‬
Performance metrics, including a return loss of less than - Here,
10dB, validate the antenna's efficacy in maintaining signal
integrity. Additionally, simulations and analyses encompass key ߝ‫ = ݂݂݁ݎ‬Effective dielectric constant
parameters such as Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR), gain,
and radiation pattern. These results provide a comprehensive ߝ‫ = ݎ‬Dielectric constant (substrate)
understanding of the antenna's behavior, reinforcing its suitability h = Height of dielectric substrate
for WLAN applications and the broader spectrum of industrial,
scientific, and medical contexts. Overall, this designed antenna W = Patch Width
represents a harmonious blend of technological sophistication,
practicality, and performance excellence.[3].

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 The central wire of the coaxial connector passes
through the dielectric and is soldered to the radiating
patch while the outer conductor is grounded.Using the
calculated feed coordinates of Yf = W/2 and Xf = X0 -
∆L, the setup is complete.

‫ܮ‬ ͷͲ
ܺͲ ൌ ‘• െͳ ඨ
ߎ ܼͲ

ܼͲ ൌ ඥͷͲ ൈ ܼ݅݊
Following the design phase, electromagnetic simulation
software, such as CST Studio Suite, is employed to model
the microstrip patch antenna. The simulated radiation pattern
and gain are evaluated to ensure optimal performance for
Wi-Fi applications.
Fig. 3. Top View
After simulation, an iterative optimization process
Due to the λ/2 length of the patch, opposing phases cancel begins. The antenna design is fine-tuned based on simulation
electric field components at the width edges, but in-phase results, with adjustments to meet performance criteria such
tangential components generate a maximum radiated field. as resonance, gain, and radiation pattern.
These edges on the microstrip antenna serve as two radiating With an optimized and validated design, the microstrip
slots that are λ/2 apart and radiate above the ground plane. The patch antenna can be integrated into WiFi-enabled devices,
fringing fields along the width can be modeled as radiating such as routers, access points, or IoT devices. This
slots, which effectively extend the patch length by ∆L on each integration includes connecting the antenna with appropriate
end. This makes the antenna appear larger electrically. connectors and feedlines to ensure proper connectivity with
WiFi systems.

Fig. 4. Side view of Patch Antenna

ܹ
൫ߝ‫ ݂݂݁ݎ‬േ Ͳ ‫͵ ڄ‬൯ ቀ ൅ ͲǤʹ͸Ͷቁ
݄
߂‫ ܮ‬ൌ ͲǤͶͳʹ ‫ݓ‬
൫ߝ‫ ݂݂݁ݎ‬െ ͲǤʹͷͺ൯ ቀ ൅ ͲǤͺቁ
݄

Effective Length ‫ ݂݂݁ܮ‬ൌ ‫ ܮ‬൅ ʹ߂‫ܮ‬

For resonant frequency f0,
ܿ
‫ ݂݂݁ܮ‬ൌ
ʹ݂Ͳ ඥߝ‫݂݂݁ݎ‬
ͳൗ
ܿ ݉ ʹ ݊ ʹ ʹ
݂Ͳ ൌ ൤ቀ ቁ ൅ ቀ ቁ ൨
‫ܮ‬ ‫ݓ‬
ʹටߝ‫ ݎ‬Օ݂݂

Here, m= mode along L and n= mode along W Fig. 5. Block diagram

ܿ
Width ܹ ൌ Our research project followed a systematic flowchart
ߝ ൅ͳ
ʹ݂Ͳ ට ‫ݎ‬
ʹ
approach to design and optimize a microstrip patch
antenna for operating at 2.4 GHz.

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 1) Design Specifications: The software accurately modelled the substrate, patch,
We aimed for a 2.4 GHz frequency range suitable for Wi- and feed line based on chosen dimensions and materials.
Fi and Bluetooth applications. During simulations, various antenna parameters were
2) Antenna Parameterization: systematically adjusted to determine the optimal
A substrate material was chosen based on performance and configuration for minimum return loss, desired
fabrication constraints, balancing dielectric constant (εr) and 4) Conclusion & Future Work:
thickness.Patch shape selection based on desired The final outcome of the research project was the
characteristics. Rectangular patch was chosen for optimization presentation of the optimized antenna design and its
ease. simulated performance characteristics.
Equations were used to calculate the width and length of Potential improvements to the antenna design were
the patch based on the chosen frequency, εr, and desired identified, paving the way for future research in the field.
resonant frequency.
A suitable feeding technique (such as microstrip line or IV. ANTENNA DESIGN
coaxial feed) was selected to efficiently transfer In crafting our microstrip patch antenna design, the
radiofrequency energy to the patch.The feed location was initial phase involved the careful setup of the software
adjusted to ensure a good impedance match and achieve the environment using CST Studio Suite. A new project was
desired radiation pattern. created, meticulously configured with the necessary units,
frequency range, and simulation settings. Boundary
conditions were defined to mirror real-world scenarios,
laying a crucial foundation for an accurate analysis. This
software setup facilitated a tailored exploration into the
intricate details of microstrip patch antenna design,
ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its behavior.
Moving on to the antenna design itself, the substrate
was modeled with precision within CST Studio Suite.
The substrate, characterized by dimensions of 65 mm in
width, 65 mm in length, and a thickness of 1.6 mm, was
intricately represented in a detailed 3D model. This
accurate depiction served as a critical factor in obtaining
reliable simulation results, setting the stage for a deeper
exploration of the antenna's performance.

Fig. 6. Antenna Parameters

Within the substrate modeling, particular attention
was given to the dielectric layer. This layer was defined
with a dielectric constant (εr) of 4.0 and a loss tangent of
0.035, parameters chosen to precisely simulate the
electromagnetic interactions within the antenna structure.
The dielectric layer's role in wave propagation made its
accurate representation crucial for a nuanced
understanding of the antenna's performance
characteristics. Additionally, if applicable to the design,
the ground plane was meticulously defined, incorporating
its properties and geometry, such as a ground plane with a
width of 36 mm and a length of 28.68 mm. The accurate
representation of these components ensured a
comprehensive exploration of radiation patterns and
impedance matching—key facets of antenna
performance. Lastly, a customized frequency range was
set, tailored to the Wi-Fi application, guiding the
simulation process to focus on resonance and other
critical characteristics within the specified spectrum
relevant to Wi-Fi communication. This holistic approach
ensured a thorough and targeted investigation into the
Fig. 7. Antenna Dimensions intricacies of the microstrip patch antenna design.
3) Antenna Modelling & Simulation:
A virtual model of the antenna was built using dedicated
electromagnetic simulation software CST Studio.

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 V. RESULTS
A. Simulation Output

Fig. 11. S PARAMETERS

Fig. 8. Step 1 S-parameters, or scattering parameters, constitute a

fundamental set of metrics employed to elucidate the
behavior of linear electrical networks, particularly in the
intricate domains of microwave circuits and antenna
systems. These parameters serve as indispensable tools for
comprehending the intricate dance of electromagnetic waves
within the network, shedding light on critical aspects of
signal propagation, transmission, and reflection.
Within the nuanced arena of microstrip patch antenna
design, S-parameters assume a pivotal role in unraveling the
antenna's performance intricacies. This encompasses a
thorough exploration of impedance matching, radiation
pattern, and the efficiency of signal transmission, crucial
elements in optimizing the antenna's overall functionality.
Fig. 9. Step 2 Among the suite of S-parameters, particular attention is
directed towards S11, often dubbed the "return loss" or
"reflection coefficient."
S11 provides a quantitative measure of the signal portion
that reflects back towards the source, primarily due to
impedance mismatches between the source and the antenna.
In practical terms, a lower value of S11 signifies an
enhanced degree of impedance matching, indicative of a
more efficient power transfer from the source to the
antenna.

Fig. 10. Step 3

In conclusion, the meticulous design and simulation process

of the microstrip patch antenna using CST Studio Suite presented
a comprehensive and targeted exploration into the realm of
wireless communication technology. The software setup,
carefully configured with specific units, frequency range, and Fig. 12. VOLTAGE WAVE STANDING RATIO
simulation settings, laid the groundwork for an in-depth analysis.
The substrate modeling, with precise representation of Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) is a crucial
dimensions and dielectric properties, enabled a faithful simulation parameter in the realm of RF (radio frequency)
of the antenna's behavior. The consideration of a ground plane, engineering, serving as a fundamental metric to quantify
when applicable, further enhanced the accuracy of the the quality of impedance matching within a transmission
representation, focusing on critical aspects like radiation patterns line or antenna system. VSWR, or voltage standing wave
and impedance matching. ratio, is a ratio that indicates the relationship between the

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 maximum and minimum voltage amplitudes of a standing
wave along a transmission line. It is a useful metric for
determining how well the impedance of a transmission line or
antenna matches the impedance of the connected load.
In the context of microstrip patch antenna design analysis,
VSWR assumes particular significance in evaluating the
impedance matching quality between the antenna and the
connecting transmission line.
A high VSWR indicates poor impedance matching,
signifying a mismatch between the antenna and the
transmission line. This mismatch leads to the occurrence of
standing waves, resulting in signal reflections back towards Fig. 14. GAIN vs. FREQUENCY
the source. On the other hand, a low VSWR suggests an
improved impedance match, indicating that the majority of the The gain vs. frequency plot provides a visual
signal power is efficiently transferred to the antenna without representation of how the antenna's gain varies across the
significant reflections Wi-Fi frequency band. This plot is essential for assessing the
antenna's performance characteristics, and demonstrating the
efficiency of signal transmission and reception. The graph
helps in identifying the frequencies at which the antenna
achieves optimal gain, allowing for fine-tuning of design
parameters to meet specific requirements. The gain vs.
frequency plot serves as a valuable tool for antenna
optimization, aiding in the achievement of high performance
and adherence to Wi-Fi communication standards.
VI. CONCLUSION
The 2.4 GHz microstrip patch antenna designed for
WiFi communications is a robust and efficient solution
tailored to the demands of modern wireless networking.
The project began with the careful selection of an antenna
design that considered key specifications such as
frequency with WiFi standards.
Through a systematic process, the antenna model was
crafted, incorporating precise dimensions for the radiating
patch, substrate, and ground plane. Advanced simulation
tools such as CST Studio Suite were instrumental in
translating the theoretical design into a practical and
optimized antenna model. The calculated dimensions
Fig. 13. RADIATION PATTERN were refined to ensure resonance at the desired WiFi
frequency and to maximize the antenna's performance.
The radiation pattern describes how the antenna radiates
Simulation results provided a comprehensive
electromagnetic energy into space. In the context of a microstrip
understanding of the antenna's behavior, including
patch antenna for Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz, the radiation pattern typically
metrics such as return loss, VSWR, radiation pattern, and
exhibits a broad, directional shape, resembling a flattened
gain. The iterative nature of the design process allowed
doughnut. This pattern is often characterized by a peak in
for adjustments, fine-tuning, and optimization to achieve
radiation intensity at the broadside direction, indicating maximum
the best possible performance within the constraints of
radiation in the plane perpendicular to the antenna surface. The
WiFi communication requirements.
antenna's design parameters, such as the size and shape of the
patch, substrate material, and feeding technique, significantly In summary, the 2.4 GHz microstrip patch antenna
influence the radiation pattern. For WiFi applications, achieving a stands as a testament to effective engineering in the realm
well-defined and consistent radiation pattern is essential for of WiFi communications. The project contributes to the
optimal signal coverage, ensuring that the antenna efficiently ongoing efforts to enhance wireless connectivity,
communicates with WiFi-enabled devices in its vicinity. providing a reliable and efficient antenna solution for
applications in the ever-evolving landscape of wireless
communication technologies.

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