Patch antennas loaded with different resonator elements

Abstract

Nowadays, the tuning in the bandwidth and frequency is present in all the different devices and applications that we are using in our daily life. The development of 4G LTE networks and Wi-Fi are driving a dramatic increase in the number of radio frequency (RF) bands that smartphones and other mobile devices must support. For that, in this research, different designs are studied, simulated and measured in order to observe a possible tunable response that an antenna can obtain when it is loaded with resonator elements. First all, the basic patch antenna on FR-4 is studied working at different frequencies 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 433 MHz. They are simulated, manufactured and measured in the lab. Secondly different loaded structures are simulated. The 2.4 GHz antenna is loaded with a comercial filter, BST capacitor and a comercial varactor. Also a BST resonator is studied, it is modelled and is loaded at the 5 GHz patch antenna in order to obtain a tunability response in the bandwidth. Then the 433 MHz antenna is loaded with different SAW devices getting an antenna with a tunability in the bandwidth. Finally all the results are compared and discussed, the conclusions are obtained and the future work is analyzed. The contribution of this thesis in this respective research area is significant; the antenna developed in the pages of this work is a tunable patch antenna design known to date loaded with resonators. Although the technology is not yet mature, matching work have to be improve.