S-band shorted patch antenna for inter pico satellite communications

In this paper we study and evaluate shorted patch and CPW-feed square slot antennas, both of which we deem suitable for use in inter pico satellite communications in terms of gain, bandwidth and size. We have simulated both antennas in the High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). Our results show that the shorted patch antenna achieves higher gain; e.g., 4.8 dBi, wider impedance bandwidth; e.g., 3.9-11.1 GHz with Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) ≤ 2 at resonance frequencies of 4.4, 6.9 and 10.1 GHz. In addition, the Quasi Newton method is used to shift the shorted patch antenna's operating frequency to 2.45 GHz (S-band). This thus enables its use in the unlicensed ISM band without critically affecting its radiation performance. The simulated results show an impedance bandwidth of 3650 MHz (2.05-5.7 GHz) with VSWR ≤ 2 at a resonance frequency of 2.45 GHz.