Abstract:
The terminal node antenna of a wireless communication device should possess
the ability to perform many roles since modern communication necessitates the
adoption of advanced approaches to address the rapidly evolving needs of end
users. Circular polarization diversity, beam switching, and direction-of-arrival
estimation (DOA) are advanced antenna applications that can enhance power efficiency
and enable lossless transmission, therefore addressing the demands of the
present time. In addition, it is necessary for the devices, especially the antennas,
to have lower dimensions, even when considering long-distance communication,
which typically requires a large-scale array antenna. Integrating microstrip patch
antennas, which have a low profile and are lightweight, into transmitting or receiving
devices can resolve the problem. This thesis study focuses on the design
and simulation of a microstrip patch array antenna. The purpose is to analyze
its applicability in the areas of circular polarization, beam-switching, and DOA
estimation. A microstrip patch array antenna is constructed using both-sided
microwave integrated circuit (MIC) technology to achieve circular polarization
while keeping the feed network simple. A four-element microstrip patch array
antenna is constructed, simulated, and validated to determine the feasibility of
creating a large extensible array with 256 elements. The antenna utilizes a simple
single feed to achieve circular polarization. By making a simple adjustment
to the feed line, the formation of a Magic-T junction enables beam switching.
Additionally, a simple modification in the design allows for direction of arrival
(DOA) estimation. The simulation results demonstrate that the antennas have
the capacity to transmit across long distances with circular polarization, achieving
a gain of more than 26.15 dBic. Additionally, the antennas can alter their
beam direction by up to ±17◦. Additionally, they have the capability to determine
position by isolating the sum signal and the difference signal by different
ports.
Keywords: Array antenna, Beam switching, Both-sided MIC, Circular polarization,
DOA estimation, Left-hand circular polarization (LHCP), Magic-T, Microstrip
patch, Right-hand circular polarization (RHCP).
