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Micro strip patch antennas (MSAs) are a fundamental component in modern wireless communication systems, offering advantages such as low weight, low profile, ease of fabrication, and versatility in resonant frequency and radiation characteristics. This paper delves into the design considerations, advantages, and disadvantages of micro strip patch antennas, focusing on various feed techniques. The basic structure of an MSA consists of a radiating patch and a ground plane separated by a dielectric layer. Different shapes of patches, including rectangular, square, dumbbell, circular, triangular, elliptical, U, H, and E shapes, are explored for their impact on bandwidth enhancement. The dimensions of the microstrip patch, such as length, thickness, and height of the dielectric, play a crucial role in determining the antenna's performance. The dielectric constant of the substrate, ranging from 2.2 to 12, significantly influences the bandwidth, efficiency, and radiation pattern. Proper selection of substrate material emerges as a critical task to overcome the limitations of micro strip antennas, including low gain, low efficiency, and high return loss.
Advantages of MSAs, such as their low weight, low profile, ease of fabrication, and adaptability to various applications, are discussed. However, their operational disadvantages, such as low efficiency, high Q, poor polarization, and narrow bandwidth, pose challenges. Different feed techniques, including micro strip line feed, coaxial line feed, aperture coupling, and proximity coupling, are examined, each presenting its unique set of advantages and drawbacks. The importance of achieving impedance matching for optimal power transfer and radiation pattern is emphasized. The paper concludes with an overview of the various feed techniques, highlighting their fabrication complexities, bandwidths, and radiation characteristics. Understanding the trade-offs associated with different design choices is essential for engineers and researchers working on micro strip patch antenna development, ensuring the efficient integration of these antennas into diverse communication systems. |