Flexible substrate based CPW-fed antenna for WiMAX application

Abstract

A novel coplanar waveguide fed compact multi band antenna based on a flexible substrate is presented in this paper. First, the flexible substrate is electromagnetically characterized and then the design is carried out using CST microwave studio. For making the required pattern, laser micromachining is being used to cut accurately adhesive aluminum sheet. One of potential applications of this flexible RF planar antenna is in microwave imaging and non-destructive testing (NDT) of various structures and media, where the antenna can be closely fitted around the test objects and may act as sensor. It is low cost, light weight, flexible and easy to integrate with other electronic devices. The designed antenna is fabricated on plastic substrate of thickness, 254 μm. which can be reshaped to any test object. The measured scattering parameters and the radiation pattern are having good agreement with the simulated result with small variation of 2–3 percent.