Modified Hexagonal Split Ring Resonator Based on an Epsilon-Negative Metamaterial for Triple-Band Satellite Communication

Abstract

A triple-band epsilon-negative (ENG) metamaterial based on a split ring resonator (SSR) with a modified hexagonal-shaped metal strip proposed in this study is a new combination of a single slit square resonator and a modified hexagonal-shaped metal strip. The desired unit cell FR-4 (lossy) that was selected as the substrate was 1.6 mm thick. Following the assessment of the unit cell, a high-frequency electromagnetic simulator like the computer simulation technology (CST) microwave studio was applied to assess the S-parameters. The proposed design exhibited resonance at 2.89, 9.42, and 15.16 GHz. The unit cell also demonstrated negative permittivity in the frequency ranges 2.912–3.728 GHz, 9.552–10.144 GHz, and 15.216–17.328 GHz, along with a negative refractive index. An effective medium ratio (EMR) of 11.53 is an indicator of the goodness of the metamaterial unit cell. It is deliberate at the lowermost resonance frequency of 2.89 GHz. Moreover, the simulated results that were validated using HFSS and equivalent circuit model indicated slight variations. The proposed design was finalised based on several parametric studies, including design optimisation, different unit cell sizes, various substrate materials, and different electromagnetic (EM) field propagations. The proposed triple band (S, X, and Ku bands) negative permittivity metamaterial unit cell can be utilised for various wireless applications, such as microwave communication, satellite communication, and long-distance radio communication.