Yudi Barnadi, Ajeng Mayang Kurniaviep Sugeng , Ase Suryana , Arief Budi Santiko

Design and Analysis of a Hexagonal Patch Antenna Operating at 3.5 GHz for Wireless Communication Applications

Introduction

Design and analysis of a hexagonal patch antenna operating at 3.5 ghz for wireless communication applications. Design and analyze a novel hexagonal patch antenna optimized for 3.5 GHz 5G wireless communication. Features compact structure, inset feed, and high performance (S11, gain, bandwidth).

Abstract

Microstrip antennas are widely recognized for their compact structure, low profile, and ease of fabrication, making them highly suitable for modern wireless communication systems. Traditionally, these antennas incorporate a rectangular metallic patch as the radiating element. In this study, a novel microstrip antenna design featuring a hexagonal metal patch is proposed, specifically optimized to resonate at 3.5 GHz, a frequency band allocated for 5G wireless communication applications. The antenna is constructed on an F4BMX220 substrate with a thickness of 1.5 mm, chosen for its favorable dielectric properties and mechanical stability. The feeding mechanism employs an inset-fed microstrip line, enabling better impedance matching and improved power transfer. A full ground plane is used on the underside of the substrate to enhance isolation and minimize back radiation. The complete design, simulation, and optimization processes are carried out using CST Studio Suite, a professional electromagnetic simulation tool. Key performance parameters such as return loss (S11), directivity, and gain are thoroughly analyzed. The design aims to achieve an S11 value below -10 dB, ensuring efficient radiation at the target frequency. With its optimized structure and favorable performance, the proposed antenna serves as a promising candidate for integration into next-generation 5G communication systems. Based on the fabricated prototype, the antenna demonstrates a gain of 4.5 dBi and a bandwidth of 24 MHz.

Review

The submitted paper, "Design and Analysis of a Hexagonal Patch Antenna Operating at 3.5 GHz for Wireless Communication Applications," addresses a pertinent area in modern RF engineering. It proposes a microstrip antenna design featuring a hexagonal radiating patch, specifically optimized for the 3.5 GHz band designated for 5G wireless communication. While microstrip antennas with various patch geometries are well-established, the study's focus on a hexagonal shape for this specific frequency and substrate combination presents a specific design contribution, aiming to leverage the inherent advantages of microstrip technology such as compactness and ease of integration for next-generation communication systems. The methodology employed for the antenna design appears sound, utilizing an F4BMX220 substrate with a thickness of 1.5 mm, which is a suitable choice for high-frequency applications given its dielectric properties. The selection of an inset-fed microstrip line is appropriate for achieving good impedance matching, and the inclusion of a full ground plane correctly addresses concerns regarding back radiation and isolation. The entire design, simulation, and optimization workflow, performed using CST Studio Suite, is a standard and robust approach for electromagnetic antenna analysis, ensuring the reliability of the predicted performance. However, the abstract could benefit from a brief elaboration on the specific advantages of the hexagonal geometry over more conventional patch shapes in terms of performance metrics or design complexity. The analysis details key performance parameters, including return loss (S11), directivity, and gain, with a target S11 value below -10 dB, indicating efficient operation. Crucially, the abstract provides concrete results from a fabricated prototype, reporting a gain of 4.5 dBi and a bandwidth of 24 MHz. While the reported gain is reasonable for a single patch antenna, the bandwidth of 24 MHz might be considered relatively narrow for certain wideband 5G applications, though it may be sufficient for others depending on specific system requirements. Overall, the work presents a viable antenna design, and the reported experimental results lend credibility to its potential for integration into 5G communication systems.

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