A modified Koch-snowflake monopole antenna for short-range radio frequency identification reader and C band applications

In this research work, the design and analysis of a compact microstrip antenna having a monopole structure with 64.86% of wide bandwidth is presented. The main radiator of the structure is a fractal-based geometry with the shape of a half-Koch snowflake, and the ground plane is partial (defected ground). The design methodology of the antenna is presented using analytical modeling, and the structure prototype is fabricated to verify the performance. Measurement outcomes confirm the −10 dB bandwidth in range of 4–7.84 GHz, thus covering approximately the C-band with omnidirectional radiation patterns. The proposed antenna shows a peak realized gain of 3.4 dBi at 7.2 GHz and has an overall dimension of 0.33λ × 0.49λ × 0.03λ, at 5.8 GHz. The structure is found compact compared to some recently reported designs and the read range is found to be 1.98 cm at 5.8 GHz. The read range and validation of the propagation test indicate the suitability of the compact and wideband planar antenna in various short-range reader applications.