proceedings

Proceedings
Design of Transparent Antenna for 5G
Wireless Applications †
Sanae Azizi 1 , Laurent Canale 2, * , Saida Ahyoud 3 , Georges Zissis 2 and Adel Asselman 1
1 Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 93030 Tetouan, Morocco;
[email protected] (S.A.); [email protected] (A.A.)
2 LAPLACE, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS 31000 Toulouse, France;
[email protected]
3 Information Technology and System Modeling Team, Abdelmalek Essaadi University,
93030 Tetouan, Morocco; [email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected]
† Presented at the 14th International Conference on Interdisciplinarity in Engineering—INTER-ENG 2020,
Târgu Mures, , Romania, 8–9 October 2020.




Published: 28 December 2020


Abstract: This paper presents the design of a compact size band patch antenna for 5G wireless
communications. This wideband antenna was designed on a glass substrate (12 × 11 × 2 mm3 ) and
is optically transparent and compact. It consists of a radiation patch and a ground plane using
AgHT-8 material. The antenna design comprises rectangular shaped branches optimized to attain
the wideband characteristics. The calculated impedance bandwidth is 7.7% covering the frequency
range of 25 to 27 GHz. A prototype of the antenna and various parameters such as return loss
plot, gain plot, radiation pattern plot, and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) are presented and
discussed. The simulated results of this antenna show that it is well suited for future 5G applications
because of its transparency, flexibility, light weight, and wide achievable frequency bandwidth near
the millimeter wave frequency band.

Keywords: transparent antenna; 5G communications; AgHT material; glass substrate; optical antenna

1. Introduction
Over recent decades, wireless mobile communication technology has developed significantly
despite its relatively recent establishment. The fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system
will be deployed on a large scale in the next decade, and it will bring us many advantages such as
higher transmission rate, high bit rate with lower battery consumption, and shorter latency than the
current 4G system [1,2].
Today, the modern telecommunication industries are already moving towards 5G enabled devices,
and some are working on fully transparent and flexible devices [3]. Such cases create the need for
flexible and transparent antennas to be designed in the 5G and millimeter wave frequency band.
Transparent antennas operating in the wireless frequency regions are useful in glass-mounted
applications including automobiles, homes, and businesses where transmission and reception through
or from a window is desired. Transparent antennas have been fabricated with AgHT materials,
indium tin oxide (ITO) [4,5], and fluorine doped tin oxide on glass and polyimide. The use of a
transparent conductor can pose challenges in fabrication and in application [6].
Among them are losses in films with lower conductivities, film thicknesses less than skin depth,
and other complications, specifically additional losses and lower radiation efficiency posed by the
presence of a transparent ground plane on thin substrates in standard, planar antennas.

Proceedings 2020, 63, 54; doi:10.3390/proceedings2020063054 www.mdpi.com/journal/proceedings

Proceedings 2020, 63, 54 2 of 7

The main objective of this work was to design and analyze a transparent antenna operating in the
wide frequency band of 26 GHz. The frequency range extends from 25 to 27 GHz, which covers the
band for 5G applications. The size of the compact antenna is (12 × 11 × 2 mm3 ).
The article is organized as follows. Section 2 summarizes a literature review, and Section 3
describes the antenna design and its initial calculation. Results and discussion are presented in
Section 4 followed by the conclusion in Section 5.

2. Literature Review
The antenna design is one of the most important factors to be considered in order to fully utilize
the 5G technology. However, a few design issues can affect an antenna’s performance. Aside from
that, in fabrication process, mechanical inaccuracies and errors can affect the antenna performance [7].
As presented in Table 1, a number of transparent antenna designs have been proposed in literature
such as dual-band [8,9] and ultra-wideband [10–13] characteristics, but very few cover millimeter wave
applications. In Ref. [14], a semi-transparent flexible antenna working in the range of 7 to 13 GHz is
proposed for 5G applications using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and silver nanoparticles.

Table 1. Comparison of the proposed transparent antenna with other existing antennas.

Operating Return Loss at

Ref Gain (dB) Transparent Size (mm2 )
Bands (GHz) Resonance (dB)
[14] 7–13 <10 5 Semi-transparent 60 × 75
[12] 2.2–12.1 <10 3–5 Yes 17 × 33.5
[11] 2–13 <10 1.5–3 Yes 20 × 20
Proposed antenna 25–27 40 5.5 Yes 12 × 11

This paper proposes a transparent patch microstrip antenna working at 26 GHz frequency with
compact size, simple shape, and good performance.

3. Antenna Design and Parameters

This section describes in detail the geometrical configuration and a procedure for designing the
transparent compact antenna for 5G applications. The concept of designing this antenna is based on
the square ring monopole antenna structure.

3.1. Design of Transparent Antenna for 5G

Figure 1 shows the stepwise design evolution of the proposed antenna, which was designed and
optimized using CST Microwave Studio software simulator.
The optically transparent antenna comprises transparent glass with a dielectric constant of 4.82
and 2 mm thickness as the substrate material. Transparent conductive oxide AgHT-8 with a surface
resistivity of 8 Ω/m, which is equivalent to the conductivity of 125,000 S/m, constitutes the patch
radiator and ground. A feed line with a width of 3.58 mm is used to achieve 50 Ω impedance matching.
Front and rear views of the proposed antenna are shown in Figure 1a,b. A partial ground plane is
used to increase the performance of the antenna and ensure the impedance matching. The optimized
dimensions of the proposed transparent antenna are listed in Table 2.
Proceedings 2020, 63, 54 3 of 7
Proceedings 2020, 63, 54 3 of 7

Figure
Figure1.1.Geometry
Geometryofofproposed
proposedtransparent
transparentantenna.
antenna.(a)
(a)Front
Frontview;
view;(b)
(b)rear
rearview.
view.

Table
Table 2. Dimensionsofofthe
2. Dimensions theproposed
proposed antenna.
antenna.

Parameters
Parameters Dimension (in
Dimension (in mm)
mm)
LL 11
11
WW 12
12
Wf
Wf 3.58
3.58
Lf
Lf 4.45
4.45
L1
L1 11
L2
L2 11
L3 1
L3 1
L4 0.5
L4 0.5
w1 1.2
w1
w2 1.2
2
w2
Lg 2
4.4
Lg
tm 4.4
0.0177
tm
hs 0.0177
2
hs 2
3.2. Parametric Study
3.2. Parametric Study
Parametric investigation of the rectangular arm widths was performed to investigate the
Parametric
performance investigation
of the of the rectangular
proposed antenna. arm
In this study, widths was
rectangular armperformed to investigate
width variations are giventhe
as
performance
terms w1 and w2.of the proposed antenna. In this study, rectangular arm width variations are given as
termsFigures
w1 and2w2. and 3 show the performance of the proposed transparent antenna with the variations
Figures
of w1 and w2. 2 and 3 show
From the2,performance
Figure it is seen thatofthe
thereturn-loss
proposed transparent
performance antenna with
is better forthe
w1variations
= 1.2 mm.
of w1 and w2. From Figure 2, it is seen that the return-loss performance is better
When w1 increases from 0.8 to 1.2 mm, the wide bandwidth ranges from 25 to 27 GHz, supporting for w1 = 1.2 mm.the
When w1 increases from 0.8 to 1.2 mm, the wide bandwidth ranges from 25 to 27
bandwidth requirements for 5G. The −10 dB reflection coefficient performance degrades with further GHz, supporting
the bandwidth
decrease requirements
in the rectangular forwidth.
arm’s 5G. The −10Figure
From dB reflection coefficient
3, it can be seen thatperformance degrades
the best impedance with
matching
further decrease
is obtained as w2in=the rectangular
2 mm. The center arm’s width. From
frequency Figure
is around 3, it can
26 GHz, andbethe
seen that the best
bandwidth impedance
covered is from
matching is
25 to 27 GHz. obtained as w2 = 2 mm. The center frequency is around 26 GHz, and the bandwidth
covered is from 25 to 27 GHz.
The optimum values of w1 and w2 were selected as 1.2 and 2 mm, respectively.
Proceedings 2020, 63, 54 4 of 7
Proceedings 2020, 63, 54 4 of 7
Proceedings 2020, 63, 54 4 of 7

Figure 2.
2. Antenna performance with the variations in term w1.
w1.
Figure 2. Antenna performance with the variations in term
Figure term w1.

Figure 3. Antenna performance with the variations in term w2.

Figure 3. Antenna
Figure 3. Antennaperformance
performance with thevariations
with the variationsinin term
term w2.w2.
4. Simulation Results and Analysis
4. Simulation
The optimum Results
valuesand of w1Analysis
and w2 were selected as 1.2 and 2 mm, respectively.
Simulations of the proposed antenna were performed using Computer Simulation Technology
Simulations of the proposed antenna were performed using Computer Simulation Technology
4. Simulation
(CST) Microwave Results and An
Studio. Analysis
antenna parameter of significant importance in the antenna is the
(CST) Microwave Studio. An antenna parameter of significant importance in the antenna is the
reflection coefficient
Simulations (S11),
of the which
proposed defines
antennathe bandwidth
were performed andusing
the impedance
Computer matching
Simulation characteristic.
Technology
reflection coefficient (S11), which defines the bandwidth and the impedance matching characteristic.
The simulated
(CST) Microwave result of the return
Studio. An loss forparameter
antenna transparent of antenna
significant is depicted
importancein Figure
in 4. antenna
the The simulated
is the
The simulated result of the return loss for transparent antenna is depicted in Figure 4. The simulated
results show
reflection that the
coefficient single element antenna has a reflection coefficient (S11) of −40 dB, less than −10
results show that the(S11),
singlewhich
element defines the bandwidth
antenna has a reflectionand coefficient
the impedance(S11)matching
of −40 dB,characteristic.
less than −10
dB
The in the frequency
simulated range
resultrange of
of theof 25
return to 27 GHz. More than 2 GHz of impedance bandwidth was obtained.
dB in the frequency 25 to loss for transparent
27 GHz. More than antenna
2 GHz ofisimpedance
depicted inbandwidth
Figure 4. The
wassimulated
obtained.
Another
results show that imperative parameter
the singleparameter beside
element antenna the reflection
hasreflection
a reflection coefficient
coefficientand input
(S11) impedance
of −40 that reflects
dB, less than −10 dB
Another imperative beside the coefficient and input impedance that reflects
thethe
in antenna
frequency performance
range of is to
25 the27 voltage
GHz. standing
More than wave
2 GHz ratio
of (VSWR). bandwidth
impedance The antenna wasis obtained.
only able to
the antenna performance is the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). The antenna is only able to
operate at frequencies
Another imperativewhere the values
parameter of the
beside VSWR are less
reflection than 2 (Figure
coefficient 5). impedance that reflects
and input
operate at frequencies where the values of VSWR are less than 2 (Figure 5).
The
the antenna gain performance
performance of
is of the
thethe proposed
voltage standingtransparent
wave ratio antenna
(VSWR).is shown in Figure
The antenna 6. The
is only high
able to
The gain performance proposed transparent antenna is shown in Figure 6. The high
positive
operate gain
at performance
frequencies where is observed
the values all
of over
VSWR the working
are less thanfrequency
2 (Figure band.
5). The peak gain of about
positive gain performance is observed all over the working frequency band. The peak gain of about
5.5 dB is observed at 26 GHz. This positive gain and widespread radiation pattern ensure the stable
5.5 dB is observed at 26 GHz. This positive gain and widespread radiation pattern ensure the stable
performance of the antenna for 5G applications.
performance of the antenna for 5G applications.
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Figure
Figure 4.
4. Simulated
Simulated return
return loss
loss (S11)
(S11) for
for proposed
proposed antenna.
antenna.

Figure
Figure
Figure 5. 5. Voltage
5. Voltage
Voltage standing
standing
standing wave
wave
wave ratio
ratio
ratio (VSWR)
(VSWR)
(VSWR) valuesof
values
values ofthe
of thesingle
the single element
single elementantenna.
element antenna.
antenna.

The gain performance of the proposed transparent antenna is shown in Figure 6. The high positive
gain performance is observed all over the working frequency band. The peak gain of about 5.5 dB is
observed at 26 GHz. This positive gain and widespread radiation pattern ensure the stable performance
of the antenna for 5G applications.
The radiation patterns in terms of E-plane and H-Plane are shown in Figure 7. It can be noticed
that the E plane radiation pattern appears bi-directional at 26 GHz, and the H plane pattern covers a
wide aperture angle with three main orientations.

Figure
Figure 6.
6. Simulated
Simulated peak
peak gain
gain of
of the
the proposed
proposed antenna.
antenna.
Proceedings 2020, 63, 54 6 of 7

Figure 5. Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) values of the single element antenna.

Proceedings 2020, 63, 54 6 of 7

The radiation patterns in terms of E-plane and H-Plane are shown in Figure 7. It can be noticed
that the E plane radiation pattern appears bi-directional at 26 GHz, and the H plane pattern covers a
Figure
Figure
wide aperture angle with 6. Simulated
Simulated
6.three peak gain
peak gain of
main orientations. ofthe
theproposed
proposedantenna.
antenna.

(a) (b)

Figure 7. Figure 7. (a) E-plane

(a) E-plane radiation
radiation pattern
pattern at GHz;
at 26 26 GHz;
(b)(b)H-plane
H-plane radiation
radiationpattern
patternat 26
atGHz.
26 GHz.
5. Conclusions
5. Conclusions
With the development of 5G communication, the integration of transparent antennas on glass
With the development of 5G communication, the integration of transparent antennas on glass
surfaces or OLED lighting sources will become a necessity in the next decade. In this study,
surfaces ortransparent
OLED lighting sources
antennas will shape
of simple becomeanda miniaturized
necessity instructure
the nextwere
decade. In this study,
investigated. transparent
The proposed
antennas of simple
antenna shape and
is potentially miniaturized
a good structure
option for fifth were
generation (5G)investigated.
wireless systemsThe
thatproposed antenna
require high gain is
potentiallytopology
a goodand low profile.
option The
for fifth simulated results
generation show a reflection
(5G) wireless systemscoefficient of −40 dB
that require with
high an S11
gain of
topology
less thanThe
and low profile. −10 dB in the frequency
simulated resultsrange
show 25 atoreflection
27 GHz andcoefficient
an impedance bandwidth
of −40 of more
dB with an S11thanof
2 less
GHz. In the future, we will try to manufacture the proposed antenna and compare the radiation
than −10 dB in the frequency range 25 to 27 GHz and an impedance bandwidth of more than 2 GHz.
pattern and reflection coefficient of the simulated and measured results.
In the future, we will try to manufacture the proposed antenna and compare the radiation pattern and
reflection coefficient of the simulated
Author Contributions: and measured
Conceptualization, results.
S.A. (Sanae Azizi) and S.A. (Saida Ahyoud); methodology, S.A.
(Sanae Azizi) and A.A.; validation, L.C., S.A. (Sanae Azizi) and A.A.; formal analysis, S.A. (Sanae Azizi);
investigation, S.A.
Author Contributions: (Sanae Azizi); resources,
Conceptualization, S.A.S.A. (Sanae Azizi)
(Sanae Azizi); data
andcuration, S.A. (Sanae
S.A. (Saida Azizi), S.A.
Ahyoud); (Saida
methodology,
S.A. (SanaeAhyoud) and A.A.;
Azizi) and A.A.;writing—original
validation, L.C., draft preparation,
S.A. S.A. (Sanae
(Sanae Azizi) andAzizi),
A.A.;S.A. (Saida
formal Ahyoud),S.A.
analysis, L.C.;(Sanae
writing—Azizi);
review
investigation, and editing,
S.A. (Sanae S.A.
Azizi); (Sanae Azizi),
resources, L.C., S.A.
S.A. (Sanae (Saidadata
Azizi); Ahyoud), G.Z.S.A.
curation, and(Sanae
A.A.; visualization, S.A. (Sanae
Azizi), S.A. (Saida Ahyoud)
Azizi), L.C.; supervision,
and A.A.; writing—original draftL.C., A.A.; projectS.A.
preparation, administration, L.C., A.A.;
(Sanae Azizi), S.A.funding
(Saidaacquisition,
Ahyoud),L.C. Allwriting—review
L.C.; authors have
and editing,read
S.A.and
(Sanae
agreedAzizi), L.C., S.A.version
to the published (SaidaofAhyoud), G.Z. and A.A.; visualization, S.A. (Sanae Azizi), L.C.;
the manuscript.
supervision, L.C., A.A.; project administration, L.C., A.A.; funding acquisition, L.C. All authors have read and
Funding: This research was funded by PHC Maghreb 2020 “MELINA” (Mastering Efficient Lighting in North
agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Africa), grant number 43981ZG–Campus France and supported by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign
Affair
Funding: This and, in Morocco,
research was fundedby the
byMinistry of National
PHC Maghreb Education,
2020 “MELINA”Professional Training,
(Mastering Higher Lighting
Efficient Education in
andNorth
Africa), grant number
Scientific 43981ZG–Campus
Research, France
in partnership with and supported
the National Center forby the French
Scientific Ministry
and Technical of Europe
Research and Foreign
(CNRST).
Affair and, in Morocco, by the Ministry of National Education, Professional Training, Higher Education and
Acknowledgments: This work is granted by PHC Maghreb (Program Hubert Curien) MELINA (Mastering
Scientific Research, in partnership with the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST).
Efficient Lighting in North Africa) by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and supported by
Campus France
Acknowledgments: and, inisMorocco,
This work grantedby bythe
PHCMinistry of National
Maghreb (ProgramEducation,
HubertProfessional Training, Higher
Curien) MELINA (Mastering
Education
Efficient Lighting and Scientific
in North Africa)Research, in partnership
by the French Ministrywith
ofthe National
Europe andCenter for Scientific
Foreign Affairs andand supported
Technical Research
by Campus
France and,(CNRST).
in Morocco, by the Ministry of National Education, Professional Training, Higher Education and
Scientific Research, in partnership with the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the
study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to
publish the results.
Proceedings 2020, 63, 54 7 of 7

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the
study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to
publish the results.

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