The microstrip patch antenna calculator allows you to determine the optimal dimensions of a patch antenna for a given resonant frequency.
It is useful for RF engineers and technicians who design antennas for wireless communications, radar, or IoT applications.
Formula used
W = (c / (2 × f₀)) × √(2 / (ε r + 1))
ε eff = (ε r + 1)/2 + ((ε r – 1)/2) × (1 + 12 × (h/W)) -0.5
L eff = c / (2 × f₀ × √ε eff )
ΔL = 0.412 × h × ((ε eff + 0.3) × (W/h + 0.264)) / ((ε eff – 0.258) × (W/h + 0.8))
L = L eff – 2 × ΔL
Explanation
The width W of the antenna depends on the resonance frequency f₀ and the dielectric constant of the substrate ε r .
The effective dielectric constant ε eff takes into account the effect of the substrate and the surrounding air.
The effective length L eff and the correction ΔL make it possible to obtain the real length L of the antenna so that it resonates exactly at the desired frequency.
Calculation example
For an antenna with:
ε r = 4.4 , h = 1.6 mm , f₀ = 2.4 GHz :
W = (3×10⁸ / (2 × 2.4×10⁹)) × √(2 / (4.4 + 1)) ≈ 38.5 mm
ε eff ≈ 4.0
L eff = 3×10⁸ / (2 × 2.4×10⁹ × √4.0) ≈ 31.2 mm
ΔL ≈ 0.8 mm
L = 31.2 – 2 × 0.8 ≈ 29.6 mm
Benefits and Use
- Allows you to quickly calculate the dimensions of a patch antenna for a given frequency.
- Useful for the design and optimization of antennas in RF and wireless systems.
- Facilitates experimentation with different substrates and resonant frequencies.
- Helps achieve accurate and reliable performance for communications applications.
