Microstrip dual band millimeter-wave antenna array for UAV applications

Abstract

A Microstrip Dual band patch antenna array with coaxial feed which resonates at 29-30 GHz (ka band) and 57-66 GHz (unlicensed V band) is presented in this paper. The unit cell is a star shaped patch antenna with thin low cost substrate (FR4 Epoxy substrate, with relative permittivity of 4.4 and a thickness of 1.6 mm) in which slots were created and it has a max gain of 4.2 dBi. The 1×2 and 1×4 linear arrays of unit cell were designed to improve gain. The unit cell, 1×2 and 1×4 arrays were also investigated after placement onto the UAV's generic wing structure. The unit cell of the antenna was fabricated and tested. Radiation patterns after placement of the proposed antenna array were studied.