U-Slot Patch Principle and Design Methodology Using Characteristic Mode Analysis and Coupled Mode Theory

TL;DR

This paper explains the impedance behavior of U-slot patch antennas using Characteristic Mode Analysis and Coupled Mode Theory, providing a new design methodology for wideband antennas based on these principles.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach combining Characteristic Mode Analysis with Coupled Mode Theory to analyze and design wideband U-slot patch antennas.

Findings

Modes are in-phase and anti-phase coupled, governing resonant frequencies.

An equivalent circuit model accurately reproduces impedance behavior.

The design methodology enables quick and efficient wideband antenna design.

Abstract

Patch antennas incorporating a U-shaped slot are well-known to have relatively large (about 30%) impedance bandwidths. This work uses Characteristic Mode Analysis to explain the impedance behavior of a classic U-slot patch geometry in terms of Coupled Mode Theory and shows the relevant modes are in-phase and anti-phase coupled modes whose resonant frequencies are governed by Coupled Mode Theory. Additional analysis shows that one uncoupled resonator is the conventional TM01 patch mode and the other is a lumped LC resonator involving the slot and the probe. An equivalent circuit model for the antenna is given wherein element values are extracted from Characteristic Mode Analysis data and which explicitly demonstrates coupling between these two resonators. The circuit model approximately reproduces the impedance locus of the driven simulation. A design methodology based on Coupled Mode Theory and guided by Characteristic Mode Analysis is presented that allows wideband U-slot patch geometries to be designed quickly and efficiently. The methodology is illustrated through example.