A High-Gain Directional 1 × 8 Planar Antenna Array for 2.4GHz RFID Reader Applications

This research paper deals with a directional high gain PCB $1\times 8$ antenna array for 2.4$$ISM band utilizations. To achieve this antenna array, a well-matched equal-split 9$$dB-power splitter is designed and integrated with the suggested antenna array. It exhibits a wide operating range of 506$$MHz (2.022–2.528$$GHz) and splits the feed power to 8 equal-in-phase output quantities. Then eight identical patch elements with good reflection coefficient, high gain and excellent radiation efficiency are connected at the eight-output ports of the 1 × 8-power divider in order to obtain an array antenna consisting of eight radiating elements. A quarter-wave impedance adapter is utilized to obtain a perfect matching of impedance between patches and the power divider. The suggested directional antenna resonates at 2.4$$GHz with good impedance matching via offering reflection coefficient $S_{11}=-24.34$$$dB and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of 1.16. Moreover, it offers good radiation traits like the enhanced gain of 14.76$$dB, an excellent radiating efficiency equals about 98.86% and a directional radiation pattern. Initially, the proposed planar directional antenna array has been designed and simulated utilizing high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) EM simulation tool, the results are validated with another simulation tool via computer simulation technology (CST) software. This printed antenna array is a potential candidate to operate at around 2.4$$GHz for RFID reader utilizations due to its outstanding impedance and radiation characteristics.