Notched Circular EBG based Circularly Polarized Antenna for Performance Enhancement

Abstract In this article, a novel Compact Circularly Polarized Antenna with a notched circular Electromagnetic Band Gap (NCEBG) structure is put forward. This proposed structure comprises of a truncated rectangular patch antenna having its ground plane defected by slots etched on it to achieve compactness and wide impedance bandwidth. Electromagnetic Band Gap structures have the attractive feature of in-phase reflection and stopband creation for surface waves, enabling the surface waves to be suppressed; this, in turn, leads to enhanced performance of the antenna when loaded with such structures. For enhancing the functioning of the antenna with regard to its impedance bandwidth, axial ratio bandwidth and gain, seven NCEBG's are etched on the substrate which surrounds the truncated patch. Additionally, the antenna proposed in this research exhibits compactness with a low profile of 0.473 λo x 0.473 λo x 0.039 λo (λo at center frequency of 7.46GHz represents free space wavelength). The measured outcomes of the prototype-fabricated antenna match well with the results of the simulation, showing 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth of 13.66% and an impedance bandwidth of 73.29% having a peak gain of 7.32dBi in the operating band. The improved functioning of the proposed antenna marks it as a favorable applicant for wireless communication techniques and thus finding its application in various ways.


I. INTRODUCTION
The various field of wireless communication, which includes mobile communication, radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, wireless local area network (WLAN) applications, etc., there elements, use of Defected Ground Structure etc. [1][2][3][4][5] have been used.One of the methods mentioned above is the Defected Ground Structure (DGS) method which has the attractive feature of repressing harmonics of a higher order, improving radiation of antenna by avoiding cross-polarization and preventing mutual coupling between elements lying close by.Various forms of DGS's, for example: cross-shaped [6], rectangular dumbbell [7], circular dumbbell [8] spiral [9], U in shape, V in shape [10] and H-shaped [11] have been reported.By using the aforementioned shapes of DGS, researchers have designed many circularly polarized antennas to accomplish a wide impedance as well as AR bandwidth.A.K Singh et al [12] designed a DGS-based annular ring CP antenna at 2.6GHz and achieved an impedance bandwidth of 34.61% with an AR bandwidth of 8.08%.Again, K. Wei et al [13] designed a CP antenna with its ground fractal defected and achieved 30MHz and 6MHz of impedance bandwidth and 3-dB axial-ratio bandwidth respectively.Although the performance of CP antenna-based on DGS improved, as reported in [14], it showed back radiation characteristics which limited the antenna's performance by 0.6 dB in terms of gain.To further enhance the operation of CP antennas by reducing back radiation as well as to achieve improvement in gain and efficiency, one of the methods adopted by researchers was the deployment of Electromagnetic Band Gap structures (EBG) [15].Notably, these configurations are periodic/aperiodic artificial structures which introduce a particular stop band/pass band and counteract/aid the surface waves from propagating; this leads to improvements in antenna performance.
Various Electromagnetic Band Gap structures of different shapes, such as mushroom [16], dumbbell [17], spiral [18] etc., have been used to improve antenna performance.Upon use with a circularly polarized antenna, EBG depicted improved performance by reducing the surface waves.
Many researchers have worked in this field and have used these structures as high impedance structures [19], metasurfaces [20], polarization-dependent EBG surfaces [21], etc.When implemented on antenna's ground plane, EBG structures showed an improved performance [22][23][24].The attractive features of EBG structures has made these structures be used in broad area of applications in the antenna field.In microstrip antennas, EBG's enhances the performance of both linearly polarized as well as circularly polarized antennas.Notably, there are different ways to implement these structures on antennas.They can be implemented on antennas by being etched on the ground structure, surrounding the antenna's patch by such structures, or by being etched on substrate etc.By implanting in the ground structure a 4×4 annular-slot EBG, CP antenna of annular ring shape was fabricated in [25]; consequently, an enhanced 160MHz impedance bandwidth and AR bandwidth of 28MHz was achieved.In [26], a compact CP antenna employing EBG-based metasurface and meta-resonator was devised to enhance the antenna's operation.Later, numerous researchers executed EBG structures on the antenna by placing it around it and observed that while the antenna performance improved, it also resulted in an increase in size.Notably, by surrounding patch antenna loaded with an inclined slot with a mushroom-shaped EBG, Zhao et al [27] achieved wide axial bandwidth.To further enhance antenna's gain, researchers designed EBG based metasurface and placed it either above or below the Again, a wideband Coplanar-waveguide fed CP antenna was fabricated in [31] with an inclined slot in ground plane and, upon placing a 2x2 U-shaped slot-loaded EBG-based metasurface on it, achieved an enhanced impedance bandwidth along with good AR bandwidth.Based on the above discussed literature survey, we conclude that EBG structures can enhance the performance of microstrip path antennas.With the aim to show improved performance that has not yet been reported, our proposed work implements a novel EBG structure on a circularly polarized DGS based antenna.
In our current research, we put forward a compact circularly polarized antenna in which the ground structure of the rectangular microstrip patch is integrated with rectangular slots to create a Defected Ground Structure (DGS) [32][33].The substrate is loaded with seven notched circular Electromagnetic Band Gap (NCEBG) structures surrounding the patch.We carry out a nuanced parametric analysis by altering the dimensions of DGS and NCEBG; consequently, the final optimized results are attained.
The antenna proposed in this work, in its operating band achieves 5750MHz of measured impedance bandwidth, AR bandwidth of 1100MHz with measured peak gain of 7.32dBi.This projected antenna is applicable in fixed-satellite service and mobile-satellite service covering 7900-8400MHZ.II.UNIT CELL OF PROPOSED NCEBG STRUCTURE Surface waves are observed on the interface among any two materials that are unrelated and could be metal and free space.Usually, these waves get bounded between the two aforementioned surfaces, causing their fields to decay exponentially [34] with reference to the perpendicular direction of the dissimilar surface.Surface waves in most antennas have been an issue because they lead to the propagation of radiation towards the ground surface in place of free space.EBG structures are materialized by implementation of dielectric, metallic, or composite structures.Two important and special electromagnetic properties are salient features of these structures.Of these two, the first is the stoppage of surface waves in specified frequency band known as the band gap while the second is the response of the phase when the plane wave illuminates the surface of EBG [35].It was observed that the Electromagnetic Bandgap structures had a change in reflection phase on varying the frequency from 180º to -180º [36].Apart from this, these configurations have several other enthusing traits, such as high impedance in their performance band.Given the presence of these characteristics, a significant amount of relevance has been stated, such as Transverse Electro Magnetic (TEM) waveguides, microwave filters and wire antennas of low profile [37].Dielectric EBG structures have been put into application on microstrip antennas for performance enhancement by exhibiting a stop band in which surface waves are inhibited to be propagated.There are various methods to find the stop band; these are Reflection Phase diagram, Dispersion diagram and Direct Transmission method [38].The method involved in our work is the Dispersion diagram method.Dispersion diagram refers to the plotting of propagation phase constant with frequency and is a vital characteristic of an EBG unit cell.Notably, the calculation was done by using a single EBG unit cell.From this unit cell, a periodic boundary condition [39], which has suitable phase shifts, was applied on various sides.The researchers observed that, based on the theorem of Floquet and its expansion by Bloch, the dispersion diagram showed periodic nature.As such, only one period was used to plot the graph of β-f for one particular period; this period is denoted the Brillouin zone.Within the Brillouin zone, the smallest area is a region in which symmetry was not related to directions.It is noteworthy that this region covers oneeighth of the complete Brillouin zone, expressed as Γ, Χ and Μ points [40][41].
In our current research, we fabricated a new EBG structure, shown in figure 1(a).This structure comprises a circular EBG with four notches on its circumference, with the length of each being r1.
These four notches are of thickness r2-r3, thus providing a wide band gap to the EBG structure.The relevant unit cell is implemented on our proposed antenna by etching seven such NCEBG cells on the substrate of the antenna.The band gap formation of our proposed notched circular EBG (NCEBG) depends on the unit cell dimensions and also on periodicity of the structure.
To calculate the stop band frequency, in this instance, we utilized the Bragg's condition [42] which states that the separation of the inter-cell, also referred as periodicity (a), is nearly equivalent to a half wavelength of the stop band central frequency.The calculation of EBG unit cell's size is done with reference to the Filling Factor (FF) and by using inter-cell separation.
The Filling factor is stated in (1).
Here, FF is assumed to be 0.45 with 'a' as 5.3mm Using the above equation, we get r2=2.7mmNotably, the central band gap frequency is calculated using (2) and (3): where, 'a' represents the periodicity of EBG pattern and π refers to the wavenumber of dielectric slab's   IV.EVOLUTION OF PROPOSED ANTENNA Development of the proposed antenna is depicted in figure 3 with the three following design steps: Antenna A, Antenna B and Antenna C (proposed antenna).Variation of return loss, axial ratio and gain with frequency for all the three aforementioned antennas are displayed in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 respectively, which indicate the process of evolution that led to the improved performance of our proposed antenna (Antenna C).Initially, Antenna A was designed by truncating two adjacent corners of a rectangular patch to generate the circularly polarized wave.As seen in figure 4, this antenna showed an impedance bandwidth of 22.64% (8.4GHz-10.42GHz).Also, narrow AR bandwidth of 1.04% (9.5GHz-9.6GHz)and poor gain is observed in Figs. 5 and 6, respectively.To further improve the antenna characteristics, the ground plane was defected with rectangular slots, thus disturbing the flow of current in it; eventually, this paved the way to the evolution of antenna B. The DGS is represented as an LC resonant circuit which shows band-stop characteristics, preventing higher harmonics while also averting the propagation of surface waves, thus effectively resulting in a reduction of overall losses.Figs. 4 and 5 show that upon implementation of DGS, the impedance bandwidth increases to 55.47% (6.07GHz -10.73GHz); notably, center frequency of 8.4GHz and 3-dB AR bandwidth to 5.53% (8.26 GHz -8.73 GHz) are achieved, respectively.From Fig. 7, it can be discerned that since DGS shows back radiation characteristics, Antenna B achieves poor gain in the AR bandwidth.In turn, this causes a reduction in gain [43][44].To overcome this shortcoming, a novel EBG structure is etched on the substrate to further prevent the surface waves and, thereby, enhancing the radiation characteristics.[45][46].The substrate is loaded with seven notched circular EBG's surrounding the truncated patch.From Fig. 6, it is observed that there is an improvement in the antenna's in the 3-dB ARBW ranging from 1.33dBi to 1.56dBi.Again, as depicted by Figs. 4 and 5, a wide return loss bandwidth and AR bandwidth of 65.68% (5.01GHz -9.91GHz) and 13.33% (7.82GHz -8.94GHz), respectively, is achieved.Thus, on observing the above stages of evolution, it is established that upon implementation of the Notched circular electromagnetic band gap structure, the overall performance improves; this is depicted in Table III.EBG unit cell from 2.3 mm to 2.5mm, the resonant frequency increases with a decrease in the impedance bandwidth.Again, from the axial ratio characteristic in Fig. 7(b), we observed that at 2.4mm, the axial ratio value is minimum with a value of 0.05dB as compared to 2.3mm and 2.5mm, which have values of 0.28dB and 0.26dB, respectively.Thus, the analysis of the three aforementioned dimensions of r2 optimizes its value to 2.4mm, while attempting to get better axial ratio value and wide impedance bandwidth.

B. Parametric analysis on Sl
One dimension of the DGS is Sl, which is slot side length.On varying it from 4.8mm to 5.2mm, it is observed from Figs. 8(a) and 8(b) that Sl influences the return loss traits and axial ratio of the antenna.
From Fig. 8(a), it is depicted that when Sl is 5mm, a maximum return loss bandwidth of 4900MHz is obtained in comparison to 4.8mm and 5.2mm, where the impedance bandwidth decreases to 4660MHz and 2990MHz, respectively.Fig. 8(b) shows that when Sl is 4.8mm and 5.2mm, the axial ratio deteriorates to 0.55dB and 0.25dB, respectively.In contrast, at Sl =5mm, the axial ratio reaches 0.05db, a value near to the standard value of one.Thus, we select the magnitude of Sl as 5mm to proceed with the final simulation of our proposed antenna.VI.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION By taking assistance of the Agilent Vector Network Analyzer (N5230A: PNA-L), the experimental results was obtained and near adherence to the results of simulation was observed.Because of fabrication tolerances and measurement system errors, a minute variation among the measured and simulated results is depicted.
On the ground plane, the surface current density (simulated result) at 8.31GHz is portrayed in Fig. 9 at the four values of θ which are 0°, 90°,180°and 270°.It clearly indicates that when θ attains value of 0°and 180°, the vector currents (simulated) are in phase opposition having their magnitude equal.
Likewise, when θ is 90°and 270°, they are of same magnitude but in phase opposition.Therefore, it is perceived that on change in phase, rotation of vectors is in anticlockwise direction and, thus, it can be determined that proposed structure depicts left-hand circular polarization (LHCP).It is also observed that the orthogonal mode is TM11 mode, which is excited by using lumped port excitation.Fig. 10, depicts measured and simulated return loss versus the frequency of the CP antenna with NCEBG is depicted.It is discerned that the proposed structure gives a simulated impedance bandwidth of 65.68% (5.01GHz to 9.91GHz) at center frequency of 7.46 GHz with measured impedance bandwidth of 73.29% (4.97 GHz to 10.72 GHz).Again, from Fig. 11, it is observed that a wide AR bandwidth of 13.36% (7.82GHz-8.94GHz) is obtained at the center frequency of 8.38GHz with the measured AR bandwidth as 13.66% (7.50GHz-8.60GHz)having minimum axial ratio of 0.08dB, showing that a pure circular polarization is obtained.Next, Fig. 12 shows the inset image of our fabricated proposed antenna, which achieves a peak gain (measured) of 7.32dBi in the operating bandwidth with a peak gain (measured) in AR bandwidth of 5.12dBi.Thus, it is predicted that on implementation of NCEBG, the surface waves are suppressed, which, in turn, results in enhancement of gain.The antenna observes a good LHCP radiation at 8.38GHz in the broadside.Fig. 13 displays the simulated and measured LHCP and RHCP radiation patterns in the two planes: x-z and y-z.Both results, measured as well as simulated, agree well and in the two planes, the 3dB beamwidths are 52°a nd 68°, respectively.The 3D radiation pattern at 8.38GHz is shown in Fig. 14.Following this, Table 4 depicts our planned antenna in contrast with other reported EBG based CP antennas present in the survey, showing that our antenna is more compact with improved performance.

Fig. 7 .
Fig. 7. (a) Effect on varying simulated return loss for various magnitude of r2, (b) Effect on varying simulated axial ratio for various magnitude of r2.

Fig. 8 .
Fig. 8. (a) Effect on simulated return loss for various magnitude of Sl , (b) Effect on simulated axial ratio for various magnitudes of Sl.
Journal of Microwaves, Optoelectronics and Electromagnetic Applications, Vol.22,No.1,March2023The substrate is etched with seven notched circular EBG's surrounding the patch at a periodicity of 6 mm.Further, a lumped port is exploited to excite the antenna.TableIIdepicts the planned antenna's optimized dimensions.

TABLE II .
PROPOSED ANTENNA 'S OPTIMIZED DIMENSIONS

TABLE IV .
COMPARATIVE SURVEY OF THE CITED EBG BASED CP AS COMPARED TO OUR PLANNED ANTENNA