Establishment of a Fabrication and Measurement Capability for Aperture-Fed Stacked Patch Microstrip Antennas at the Air Force Institute of Technology
Abstract
Much time and effort has been applied to accurately model aperture- fed stacked patch microstrip antennas at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). The results of this study provide AFIT with the capability to fabricate and measure these antennas for comparison of measured radiation characteristics to the predicted characteristics. Basic microstrip patch antenna theory is reviewed, as well as the motivation leading to the development of aperture-fed stacked patch microstrip antennas. The fabrication process used to produce the two antennas manufactured for this study is described in detail. The construction of a small anechoic chamber for pattern measurements is discussed, and measurements of the return loss, VSWR, input impedance, and principal plane radiation patterns for the two antennas of this study are provided. Although the two fabricated antennas did not operate optimally due to under cutting during the etching process, the measurement results show the broader bandwidth characteristic of the stacked patch design. The results of this study are most useful as a guide to researchers starting an active microstrip patch antenna investigation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA230531
Entities
People
- Christopher I. Terry
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology