A novel compact quad-band planar antenna using meander-line, multi-stubs, and slots for WiMAX, WLAN, LTE/5G sub-6 GHz applications

Abstract

Abstract This article concerns the design of a new quad-band monopole antenna with a specific configuration and reduced size. The antenna design is based on a single step meander-line parasitic structure, parasitic stubs, and double inverted L-shaped defected microstrip structure units on the top side of the substrate, and double rectangular-shaped defected ground structure units along with partial ground plane on the bottom side. This design procedure allows to achieve quad-band characteristics and improve the impedance matching. The fabricated antenna prototype with overall dimensions of (0.24λ0 × 0.17λ0 × 0.013λ0) is operating at 2.55, 3.65, 4.65, and 5.8 GHz with fractional bandwidth about 7.7, 12.84, 9.23, and 12.8%, respectively. The antenna exhibits an omnidirectional and a monopole like radiation patterns in the H- and E-planes, respectively, with suitable gains between 2.1 and 3.75 dBi. The measurement results are in good agreement with simulation values, which indicates that the proposed antenna design is suitable for WiMAX, LTE B7 (2.52–2.75 GHz), Sub-6 GHz 5G (n77) (3.39 – 3.87 GHz), Sub-6 GHz 5G (n78) (4.4–4.86 GHz), and WLAN, LTE B46 (5.1–5.82 GHz) wireless applications.