sensors

Article
A Rectangular Notch-Band UWB Antenna with
Controllable Notched Bandwidth and
Centre Frequency
Anees Abbas , Niamat Hussain , Min-Joo Jeong , Jiwoong Park, Kook Sun Shin, Taejoon Kim
and Nam Kim *
Departement of Computer and Communication Engineering, Chungbuk National University,
Cheongju 28644, Korea; [email protected] (A.A.); [email protected] (N.H.);
[email protected] (M.-J.J.); [email protected] (J.P.); [email protected] (K.S.S.);
[email protected] (T.K.)
* Correspondence: [email protected]




Received: 7 January 2020; Accepted: 29 January 2020; Published: 31 January 2020


Abstract: This paper presents the design and realization of a compact ultra-wideband (UWB)
antenna with a rectangular notch wireless area network (WLAN) band that has controllable notched
bandwidth and center frequency. The UWB characteristics of the antenna are achieved by truncating
the lower ends of the rectangular microstrip patch, and the notch characteristics are obtained by using
electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures. EBGs consist of two rectangular metallic conductors
loaded on the back of the radiator, which is connected to the patch by shorting pins. A rectangular
notch at the WLAN band with high selectivity is realized by tuning the individual resonant frequencies
of the EBGs and merging them. Furthermore, the results show that the bandwidth and frequency of the
rectangular notch band could be controlled according to the on-demand rejection band applications.
In the demonstration, the rectangular notch band was shifted to X-band satellite communication by
tuning the EBG parameters. The simulated and measured results show that the proposed antenna
has an operational bandwidth from 3.1–12.5 GHz for |S11 | < -10 with a rectangular notch band from
5–6 GHz, thus rejecting WLAN band signals. The antenna also has additional advantages: the overall
size of the compact antenna is 16 × 25 × 1.52 mm3 and it has stable gain and radiation patterns.

Keywords: UWB antenna; rectangular notch; electromagnetic bandgap (EBG); notch-band antenna

1. Introduction
During the last two decades, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology has attracted the attention of
both academics and industries. UWB is a technology that uses a very low energy level for short-range,
high-information spread over a large bandwidth, usually more than 500 MHz. Due to the short
duration of UWB pulses, it is easier to engineer high data rates with low latency. This encourages the
usage of UWB in sensor networks, wireless positioning systems, biomedical imaging, and high data
short-range communications [1].
Antennas have a major effect on the performance of UWB communication systems, therefore,
the design of an antenna must meet its typical requirements, such as impedance matching, radiation
stability, compact size, and low cost, which is quite challenging to achieve. The patch antennas are
good candidates for UWB applications because of their lightweight, planar geometry, and ease of
integration with other electronic components [2,3].
The main challenge in UWB communication is to avoid existing licensed and unlicensed wireless
communication bands within the UWB spectrum, such as local area networks (WLAN) (IEEE802.11a,

Sensors 2020, 20, 777; doi:10.3390/s20030777 www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors

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HIPERLAN/2,) operating in the 5.15–5.825 GHz band, WiMax (3.3–3.6 GHz), and X-band satellite
HIPERLAN/2,) operating in the 5.15–5.825 GHz band, WiMax (3.3–3.6 GHz), and X-band satellite
communication (7.25–8.395 GHz). Filters are usually used to reject unwanted bands to improve
communication (7.25–8.395 GHz). Filters are usually used to reject unwanted bands to improve
communication quality. However, the use of filters increases the cost and volume of the system
communication quality. However, the use of filters increases the cost and volume of the system as
as well as insertion losses [4,5]. Therefore, much research has been focused on the design of UWB
well as insertion losses [4–5]. Therefore, much research has been focused on the design of UWB
antennas that have band rejection features to avoid potential interference from existing bands. Previous
antennas that have band rejection features to avoid potential interference from existing bands.
studies have developed many notched band UWB antennas using different approaches to avoid
Previous studies have developed many notched band UWB antennas using different approaches to
interference problems. These band rejection techniques include etching slots on patch [6–8], split-ring
avoid interference problems. These band rejection techniques include etching slots on patch [6–8],
resonators [9–11], electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures [12–14], and inserting a resonant cell in a
split-ring resonators [9–11], electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures [12–14], and inserting a
microstrip line [15,16]. Some researchers achieved notched band capabilities by coupling parasitic
resonant cell in a microstrip line [15,16]. Some researchers achieved notched band capabilities by
elements to the radiator [17,18].
coupling parasitic elements to the radiator [17,18].
These techniques facilitate the design of notch-band antennas. However, References [6–18] designs
These techniques facilitate the design of notch-band antennas. However, References [6–18]
had the common disadvantage of a conventional notch with poor selectivity. The conventional notch
designs had the common disadvantage of a conventional notch with poor selectivity. The
is only capable of rejecting interference in the central frequency of a targeted band. To notch the
conventional notch is only capable of rejecting interference in the central frequency of a targeted
unwanted bands in practical applications, a rectangular notch with high selectivity is required. Figure 1
band. To notch the unwanted bands in practical applications, a rectangular notch with high selectivity
shows a typical conventional notch and rectangular notch bands.
is required. Figure 1 shows a typical conventional notch and rectangular notch bands.

Figure 1. Conventional
Figure 1. Conventional notch
notch and
and the
the rectangular
rectangular notch.
notch.

In recent years, few rectangular notched antennas have been reported, because of their potential
In recent years, few rectangular notched antennas have been reported, because of their potential
to reject the unwanted bands [19–24]. In [19], using a large antenna, two conventional notch bands
to reject the unwanted bands [19–24]. In [19], using a large antenna, two conventional notch bands
were attained at 5.2 and 5.8 GHz to reject the wireless local area network WLAN (5–6 GHz) without
were attained at 5.2 and 5.8 GHz to reject the wireless local area network WLAN (5–6 GHz) without
filtering the bandwidth between two bands. In [20], a rectangular notch-band antenna is presented at
filtering the bandwidth between two bands. In [20], a rectangular notch-band antenna is presented
the WLAN band; however, the size of the antenna is too large to be used in modern compact electronic
at the WLAN band; however, the size of the antenna is too large to be used in modern compact
devices. In [21], several slots and split-ring resonators were coupled to a Coplanar Waveguide (CPW)
electronic devices. In [21], several slots and split-ring resonators were coupled to a Coplanar
line to achieve a wideband notch; however, because of its complicated geometry, the antenna does
Waveguide (CPW) line to achieve a wideband notch; however, because of its complicated geometry,
not offer frequency shifting of the notch band. In [22], to achieve a sharp-selectivity notch band,
the antenna does not offer frequency shifting of the notch band. In [22], to achieve a sharp-selectivity
multiple quarter-wavelength slits were etched on the ground, and half-wavelength stubs were coupled
notch band, multiple quarter-wavelength slits were etched on the ground, and half-wavelength stubs
to a microstrip; however, the geometry of the antenna was too complicated and required two-port
were coupled to a microstrip; however, the geometry of the antenna was too complicated and
excitations for its operation. In [23], folded strips and two pairs of inductively coupled resonators were
required two-port excitations for its operation. In [23], folded strips and two pairs of inductively
employed for band-rejection with the advantage of controllable bandwidth. However, the geometry of
coupled resonators were employed for band-rejection with the advantage of controllable bandwidth.
the antenna was complex, and the overall size of the antenna is large. In [24], many slots and split-ring
However, the geometry of the antenna was complex, and the overall size of the antenna is large. In
resonators were used to realize a notch with sharp selectivity with controllable bandwidth; however,
[24], many slots and split-ring resonators were used to realize a notch with sharp selectivity with
because of the complex geometry, the notch-band frequency cannot be shifted. Hence, the design of a
controllable bandwidth; however, because of the complex geometry, the notch-band frequency
compact rectangular notch UWB antenna with controllable notch bandwidth and frequency is needed.
cannot be shifted. Hence, the design of a compact rectangular notch UWB antenna with controllable
This paper presents the design and realization of a compact UWB microstrip patch antenna with a
notch bandwidth and frequency is needed.
rectangular notch band having controllable notch bandwidth and frequency. Two EBGs are used to
This paper presents the design and realization of a compact UWB microstrip patch antenna with
realize the rectangular notch at the WLAN band. Moreover, we demonstrate that notch bandwidth
a rectangular notch band having controllable notch bandwidth and frequency. Two EBGs are used
and frequency could be controlled according to the application requirements by tuning the parameters
to realize the rectangular notch at the WLAN band. Moreover, we demonstrate that notch bandwidth
of the EBG.
and frequency could be controlled according to the application requirements by tuning the
parameters of the EBG.
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2.2. AntennaDesign
2.Antenna
Design
Antenna Design
2.1.
2.1. Antenna
2.1.Antenna
Antenna Structure
Structure
Structure
The
The geometry
geometryofof
Thegeometry the
ofthe proposed
theproposed antenna
antennaisis
proposedantenna shown
showninin
isshown Figure
Figure2.2.
inFigure The
2.The antenna
Theantenna consists
consistsofof
antennaconsists ofa aamodified
modified
modified
rectangularpatch
rectangular patch andtwo twoEBG EBGstructures.
structures.The Thelower
lowercorners
corners ofthe thepatch
patchare aretruncated
truncatedby bya a
rectangular patch and two EBG structures. The lower corners of theofpatch are truncated by a semicircle
semicircle
semicircle with
with radius R to achieve UWB characteristics. The EBG structures consist of two
with radius R to radius
achieve R UWBto achieve UWB The
characteristics. characteristics.
EBG structures Theconsist
EBG ofstructures consistconductors
two rectangular of two
rectangularconductors
rectangular conductorsthat thatareareconnected
connectedtotothe theradiator
radiatorusing
using twoshorting
shorting pinswith with radiusp.p.The The
that are connected to the radiator using two shorting pins withtwo radius p. Thepins EBGs areradius
usually made
EBGs
EBGs are usually made up of small metal patches on dielectric substrates with shorting vias and have
up ofare usually
small metal made
patchesup of
onsmall metalsubstrates
dielectric patches on dielectric
with shortingsubstrates
vias andwithhaveshorting vias and
the potential have a
to create
thepotential
the potentialtotocreate
createa astopband
stopbandtotoblockblockelectromagnetic
electromagneticwaves wavesofofa acertain
certainfrequency
frequency[25]. [25].The
The
stopband to block electromagnetic waves of a certain frequency [25]. The motive of using EBG structure
motiveofofusing
motive usingEBG EBGstructure
structureisisthetheease
easeofofdesign,
design,andandsimplification
simplificationofofthe theantenna.
antenna.TheTheantenna
antennaisis
is the ease of design, and simplification of the antenna. The antenna is printed on Taconic TLY-5A
printed on Taconic TLY-5A substrate (ε r = 2.17 and tanδ = 0.0009) with length L and width A. The
printed
substrateon (ε r =
Taconic 2.17 TLY-5A
and tanδ =
substrate
0.0009) (ε
with
r = 2.17 and
length Ltanδ
and = 0.0009)
width A. with
The length
antenna L
is and
fed width
with a A. The
coplanar
antennaisisfedfedwith
witha acoplanar
coplanarwaveguide
waveguidewith witha acharacteristic
characteristicimpedance
impedanceofof5050Ω.Ω.The Theoptimized
optimized
waveguide with a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω. The optimized dimensions of the antenna are
antenna
dimensionsofofthe theantenna
antennaare areasasfollows:
follows:AA= =1616mm, mm, L = 25mm, mm,h h= =1.52
1.52mm,
mm,LgLg= =7 7 mm,LpLp= =1212mm, mm,
as follows: A = 16
dimensions mm, L = 25 mm, h = 1.52 mm, LgL== 725mm, Lp = 12 mm, r = 0.3 mm, Sw = 3.2 mm,
r = 0.3
= 0.3=mm,mm, Sw = 3.2 mm, Wd = 0.6 mm, l1 = 16 mm, l2 = 16 mm, w1 = 0.9 mm, w2 = 2 mm, s = 1.1 mm, g
r Wd 0.6 mm, = 16
Sw =l13.2 mm, mm, Wdl2 == 0.6 mm, w
16 mm, l11==16 0.9mm,
mm,l2 w = mm,
=216 2 mm,ws1 ==0.9
1.1mm,
mm, w g 2==12mm,
mm,and p =mm,
s = 1.1 g
0.2 mm.
= 1 mm, and p =
= 1 mm, and p = 0.2 mm.0.2 mm.

Figure 2.
Figure Geometryof
2. Geometry ofproposed
proposedantenna:
antenna: (a)
(a)front
frontview
view(b)
(b)side
sideview,
view, and
and (c)
(c) back
back view.
view.
Figure 2. Geometry of proposed antenna: (a) front view (b) side view, and (c) back view.
2.2. Design of the UWB Antenna
2.2.Design
2.2. Designofofthe
theUWB
UWBAntenna
Antenna
The design of the UWB antenna evolved from the simulation of a conventional rectangular
Thedesign
The designofofthe
theUWB
UWBantenna
antennaevolved
evolvedfrom
fromthe
thesimulation
simulation ofa aconventional
conventionalrectangular
rectangularpatch
patch
patch antenna (Antenna-1) that is fed with a coplanar waveguideofin CST Microwave Studio. Because
antenna(Antenna-1)
antenna (Antenna-1)that thatisisfed
fedwith
witha acoplanar
coplanarwaveguide
waveguideininCST CSTMicrowave
MicrowaveStudio.
Studio.Because
Because
conventional monopoles have a narrow bandwidth, the lower ends of Antenna-1 were truncated in a
conventional
conventional monopoles
monopoles have
have a a narrow
narrow bandwidth,
bandwidth, thethe lower
lower ends
ends ofof Antenna-1
Antenna-1 were
were truncated
truncated inin
semicircle with radius R to achieve UWB characteristics. Figure 3 shows the evolution of the UWB
a semicircle
a patch
semicircle with radius
withdesign, R
radiuswhichto achieve
R to achieve UWB characteristics.
UWB characteristics. Figure 3 shows the evolution of the UWB
antenna is designated as Antenna-2. Figure 3 shows the evolution of the UWB
patch antenna design, which is designated as
patch antenna design, which is designated as Antenna-2.Antenna-2.

Figure 3. The design evolution of the ultra-wideband patch antenna.

Figure3.3.The
Figure Thedesign
designevolution
evolutionofofthe
theultra-wideband
ultra-widebandpatch
patchantenna.
antenna.
The optimized parameters of the Antenna-1: A = 16 mm, L = 24 mm, h = 1.52 mm, g = 1 mm,
The
Lg =The
7 mm,optimized parameters
Lp =12 parameters
optimized mm, ofofmm,
Sw = 3.2 theAntenna-1:
the Antenna-1:
and Wd = 0.6 AA=mm.
=1616mm,
mm, L= =2424mm,
TheLoptimized mm,hparameters
h= =1.52
1.52mm,
mm,ofg gthe
= =1 1mm,
mm,LgLg= =
Antenna-2:
7 7Amm,
= 16
mm, LpLp
mm,=12L
=12 mm, Sw
= 24Sw
mm, = =3.2
mm, 3.2
h= mm, andWd
1.52and
mm, mm, Wd
g== =0.6
10.6
mm,mm.
mm. The optimized
= 7optimized
LgThe mm, Lp =12 parameters
mm, Sw =of3.2
parameters ofthe
the
mm, Antenna-2:
Wd =0.6Amm,
Antenna-2: A= =
16
16and mm,
mm, L =
r =L 0.3 24
mm, h = 1.52 mm, g = 1 mm, Lg = 7 mm, Lp =12 mm, Sw = 3.2 mm, Wd =0.6 mm, and r r= =
= 24mm.mm, h = 1.52 mm, g = 1 mm, Lg = 7 mm, Lp =12 mm, Sw = 3.2 mm, Wd =0.6 mm, and
0.3mm.
0.3 mm.
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The impedance
impedancecharacteristics
characteristicsof both antennas in terms of |Sof1111|||Sare shown
| are in Figure 4. The4.
The impedance characteristics ofofboth
both antennas
antennas in in terms
terms of |S are
11 shown shown in Figure
in Figure 4. The
Antenna-1
The showed an impedance bandwidth ranging from 3.1–7.8 GHz for |S 11| < -10 dB, which is
|S | < −10
Antenna-1 showed an impedance bandwidth ranging from 3.1–7.8 GHz for |S11| < -1011dB, whichdB,
Antenna-1 showed an impedance bandwidth ranging from 3.1–7.8 GHz for is
dramatically
which increased increased
is dramatically from 3.1 tofrom
12.53.1
GHzto in
12.5Antenna-2. It is worth It
GHz in Antenna-2. noting that noting
is worth the impedance
that the
dramatically increased from 3.1 to 12.5 GHz in Antenna-2. It is worth noting that the impedance
bandwidth
impedance of the antenna
bandwidth covered
of the antenna thecovered
entire bandwidth required for
the entire bandwidth UWB technology,
required which is
for UWB technology,
bandwidth of the antenna covered the entire bandwidth required for UWB technology, which is
proposed
which by the Federal
is proposed by theCommunication Commission
Federal Communication (FCC). (FCC).
Commission
proposed by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).

Figure |S11|| characteristics of Antenna-1 and Antenna-2.

Figure4.4.|S
Figure 4. |S1111| characteristics of Antenna-1 and Antenna-2.

2.3. Design of The UWB Antenna with A Conventional Notch

2.3. Design of The UWB Antenna with A Conventional Notch
2.3. Design of The UWB Antenna with A Conventional Notch
The notch characteristics are realized in UWB antennas to reject signals from unwanted bands
The notch characteristics are realized in UWB antennas to reject signals from unwanted bands
usingTheEBGnotch characteristics
structures. are realized
To achieve in UWB
the notch antennas in
characteristics to reject signals
the UWB from unwanted
antenna bands
(i.e., Antenna-2),
using EBG structures. To achieve the notch characteristics in the UWB antenna (i.e., Antenna-2), a
using EBG structures. To achieve the notch characteristics in the UWB antenna (i.e.,
a rectangular EBG was introduced on the back of the substrate, which is connected to the patch by aAntenna-2), a
rectangular EBG was introduced on the back of the substrate, which is connected to the patch by a
rectangular EBG was introduced on the back of the substrate, which is connected to
shorting pin, as shown in Figure 5 and designated as Antenna-3. Figure 6 shows a comparison of thethe patch by a
shorting pin, as shown in Figure 5 and designated as Antenna-3. Figure 6 shows a comparison of the
shorting pin, as shown
|S | characteristics in Figure and
of Antenna-2 5 and designated
Antenna-3. as antenna
The Antenna-3.
withFigure
the one6 shows a comparison
optimized of thea
EBG achieved
|S11
11| characteristics of Antenna-2 and Antenna-3. The antenna with the one optimized EBG achieved
|S 11| characteristics of Antenna-2 and Antenna-3. The antenna with the one optimized
conventional notch at the WLAN band (5.15–5.9 GHz) without degrading the overall bandwidth of the EBG achieved
a conventional notch at the WLAN band (5.15–5.9 GHz) without degrading the overall bandwidth of
aUWB
conventional
antenna. notch
Thus, at the WLAN
a notch band (5.15–5.9
was successfully GHz) without degrading the overall bandwidth of
realized.
the UWB antenna. Thus, a notch was successfully realized.
the UWB antenna. Thus, a notch was successfully realized.

Sensors 2020, 20, x 5 of 11

to a rectangular notch band with high selectivity in Antenna-4 (with two EBGs). The important
parameters that affected
Figure the notch-band
5. Design procedure to characteristics are discussed
achieve conventional laterpatch
notched UWB in this paper.
antenna.
Figure 5. Design procedure to achieve conventional notched UWB patch antenna.
Figure 5. Design procedure to achieve conventional notched UWB patch antenna.

The optimized parameters of the Antenna-3: A = 16 mm, L = 24 mm, h = 1.52 mm, g = 1 mm, Lg =
The optimized parameters of the Antenna-3: A = 16 mm, L = 24 mm, h = 1.52 mm, g = 1 mm, Lg =
7 mm, Lp = 12 mm, Sw = 3.2 mm, Wd = 0.6 mm, r = 0.3 mm, l1 = 16 mm, w1 = 0.9 mm, s = 1.1 mm, and p
7 mm, Lp = 12 mm, Sw = 3.2 mm, Wd = 0.6 mm, r = 0.3 mm, l1 = 16 mm, w1 = 0.9 mm, s = 1.1 mm, and p
= 0.2 mm.
= 0.2 mm.
2.4. Design of the UWB Antenna with the Rectangular Notch
2.4. Design of the UWB Antenna with the Rectangular Notch
The conventional notch using one EBG described in the previous section had high selectivity at
The conventional notch using one EBG described in the previous section had high selectivity at
lower frequencies but low selectivity at higher frequencies. Therefore, another EBG was added to
lower frequencies but low selectivity at higher frequencies. Therefore, another EBG was added to
Antenna-3 and optimized to obtain high selectivity in the entire rejection band by merging the
Antenna-3 and optimized to obtain high selectivity in the entire rejection band by merging the
individual notch bands of EBG1 and EBG2. Figure 7 shows the geometry of the rectangular notch-
individual notch bands of EBG1 and EBG2. Figure 7 shows the geometry of the rectangular notch-
band antenna with EBG1 Figure |S11 | characteristics
and6.EBG2 of Antenna-2
(i.e., Antenna-4). The |Sand
11| Antenna-3.
characteristics of Antenna-3 and
band antenna with EBG1 and6. EBG2
Figure (i.e., Antenna-4).
|S11| characteristics The |Sand
of Antenna-2 11| Antenna-3.
characteristics of Antenna-3 and
Antenna-4 are shown in Figure 8. The conventional notch of Antenna-3 (with one EBG) was changed
Antenna-4 are shown in Figure 8. The conventional notch of Antenna-3 (with one EBG) was changed
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to a rectangular notch band with high selectivity in Antenna-4 (with two EBGs). The 5 of 11
important
to a rectangular
parameters notch band
that affected with high characteristics
the notch-band selectivity in Antenna-4 (with
are discussed latertwo EBGs).
in this The important
paper.
parameters that affected the notch-band characteristics are discussed later in this paper.
The optimized parameters of the Antenna-3: A = 16 mm, L = 24 mm, h = 1.52 mm, g = 1 mm,
Lg = 7 mm, Lp = 12 mm, Sw = 3.2 mm, Wd = 0.6 mm, r = 0.3 mm, l1 = 16 mm, w1 = 0.9 mm, s = 1.1 mm,
and p = 0.2 mm.

2.4. Design of the UWB Antenna with the Rectangular Notch

The conventional notch using one EBG described in the previous section had high selectivity
at lower frequencies but low selectivity at higher frequencies. Therefore, another EBG was added
to Antenna-3 and optimized to obtain high selectivity in the entire rejection band by merging the
individual notch bands of EBG1 and EBG2. Figure 7 shows the geometry of the rectangular notch-band
antenna with EBG1 and EBG2 (i.e., Antenna-4). The |S11 | characteristics of Antenna-3 and Antenna-4 are
shown in Figure 8. The conventional notch of Antenna-3 (with one EBG) was changed to a rectangular
Figure 6.in
notch band with high selectivity |SAntenna-4
11| characteristics of Antenna-2 and Antenna-3.
(with two EBGs). The important parameters that affected
Figure 6. |S11| characteristics of Antenna-2 and Antenna-3.
the notch-band characteristics are discussed later in this paper.

Figure 7. Characteristics of Antenna-2 and antenna design procedure to achieve conventional notched
Figure 7. Characteristics of Antenna-2 and antenna design procedure to achieve conventional notched
Figure 7. Characteristics
UWB patch antenna. of Antenna-2 and antenna design procedure to achieve conventional notched
UWB patch antenna.
UWB patch antenna.

Figure 8.
Figure |S11
8. |S | characteristics
11| characteristics of
of Antenna-3
Antenna-3 and
and Antenna-4.
Antenna-4.
Figure 8. |S11| characteristics of Antenna-3 and Antenna-4.
The design summary of the rectangular notch UWB antenna is illustrated in the detailed flowchart
shown in Figure 9. First, a simple rectangular patch that is fed with a microstrip line with the
partial ground plan is designed. The antenna is then optimized by varying the parameters of the
antenna. The lower ends of the patch are then truncated in the semicircle R and tuned to attain UWB
characteristics. A rectangular EBG is introduced, and its parameters (l1 , w1 , and s) are optimized
to realize a conventional notched band. Finally, another EBG is designed and its parameters (l2, w2 ,
and s1 ) are tuned to achieve a rectangular notch band in the UWB antenna.
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Figure 9.
Figure Design procedure
9. Design procedure of
of the
the proposed
proposed antenna
antenna with
with rectangular
rectangular notch-band
notch-band characteristics.
characteristics.
2.5. Controllable Notch Bandwidth and Frequency
The design summary of the rectangular notch UWB antenna is illustrated in the detailed
The bandwidth
flowchart of the rejection
shown in Figure 9. First, aband is anrectangular
simple important characteristic
patch that is fed of the
withdesign of UWB line
a microstrip antennas.
with
The notch bandwidth and frequency should be adjusted according to
the partial ground plan is designed. The antenna is then optimized by varying the parametersthe requirements of the wireless
of the
communication
antenna. The lower system.
ends ofIn the
the patch
proposed antenna,
are then the length
truncated in the and width R
semicircle ofand
bothtuned
EBG to
structures
attain UWB are
key parameters that affect the notch bandwidth of the antenna. To make it clear,
characteristics. A rectangular EBG is introduced, and its parameters (l1, w1, and s) are optimized to we are studying the
parametric study. It is notched
realize a conventional to be noted
band.that duringanother
Finally, the parametric study, only
EBG is designed andoneits parameter
parametersis(lchanged,
2, w2, and
and all other parameters are unchanged. Figure 10a shows
s1) are tuned to achieve a rectangular notch band in the UWB antenna. the |S 11 | of the antenna according to different
lengths (l1 ) of EBG1. The upper frequency of the notch band shifted linearly toward the left side,
increasing
2.5. the l1Notch
Controllable without affecting
Bandwidth andthe passband of the antenna. Because EBG1 controls the upper
Frequency
frequency of the notch, the lower frequency showed almost no change in the l1 . However, the length
(l2 ) ofThe
EBG2 bandwidth
affects the of the frequency
lower rejection of band is an band,
the notch important
as showncharacteristic
in Figure 10b.of the
The design of UWB
lower frequency
antennas. The notch bandwidth and frequency should be adjusted according to
of the notch shifted toward the left side, increasing (l2 ) while showing a negligible change in the upper the requirements of
the wireless
Sensors
frequency
2020, 20,communication
of the notch band. system. In the proposed antenna, the length and width of both EBG
x 7 of 11
structures are key parameters that affect the notch bandwidth of the antenna. To make it clear, we
are studying the parametric study. It is to be noted that during the parametric study, only one
parameter is changed, and all other parameters are unchanged. Figure 10a shows the |S11| of the
antenna according to different lengths (l1) of EBG1. The upper frequency of the notch band shifted
linearly toward the left side, increasing the l1 without affecting the passband of the antenna. Because
EBG1 controls the upper frequency of the notch, the lower frequency showed almost no change in
the l1. However, the length (l2) of EBG2 affects the lower frequency of the notch band, as shown in
Figure 10b. The lower frequency of the notch shifted toward the left side, increasing (l2) while
showing a negligible change in the upper frequency of the notch band.

Figure 10. |S11 | of the antenna for different lengths of: (a) EBG1 l1 , and (b) EBG2 l2 .
Figure 10. |S11| of the antenna for different lengths of: (a) EBG1 l1, and (b) EBG2 l2.
Figure 11 shows the effect of changing the EBG widths on the |S11 | of the antenna. The variations
in theFigure
width11ofshows
EBG1 the
(w1effect of changing
) and EBG2 the EBG
(w2 ) show widths on
a response the |S
similar to11|the
of change
the antenna.
in theThe variations
length of the
in the width of EBG1 (w ) and EBG2 (w ) show a response similar to the change in the length
EBG. The upper frequency of the notch band moved to the left side, increasing the values of w1 , and
1 2 of the
w2
EBG. The upper frequency of the notch band moved to the left side, increasing the values of w1, and
w2 changed the lower frequency of the notch band in the same way as w1. These observations indicate
that by tuning the dimensions of the EBGs, we can control the bandwidth and notch frequency of the
proposed antenna according to the demands of the application. In the demonstration, the bandwidth
of the notch band was reduced from 5–6 to 5.2–5.8 GHz, and the notch band was shifted to the X-
 Figure 10. |S11| of the antenna for different lengths of: (a) EBG1 l1, and (b) EBG2 l2.

Figure 11 shows the effect of changing the EBG widths on the |S11| of the antenna. The variations
Sensors
in the 2020,
width20, of
777EBG1
(w1) and EBG2 (w2) show a response similar to the change in the length of 7 ofthe
11

EBG. The upper frequency of the notch band moved to the left side, increasing the values of w1, and
w2 changed the lower frequency of the notch band in the same way as w1. These observations indicate
changed the lower frequency of the notch band in the same way as w1 . These observations indicate
that by tuning the dimensions of the EBGs, we can control the bandwidth and notch frequency of the
that by tuning the dimensions of the EBGs, we can control the bandwidth and notch frequency of the
proposed antenna according to the demands of the application. In the demonstration, the bandwidth
proposed antenna according to the demands of the application. In the demonstration, the bandwidth
of the notch band was reduced from 5–6 to 5.2–5.8 GHz, and the notch band was shifted to the X-
of the notch band was reduced from 5–6 to 5.2–5.8 GHz, and the notch band was shifted to the X-band
band satellite downlink (7–8 GHz), as shown in Figure 12. For the reduction (5.2–5.8 GHz) in the
satellite downlink (7–8 GHz), as shown in Figure 12. For the reduction (5.2–5.8 GHz) in the bandwidth
bandwidth of the notch band l1 was increased by 2 mm, while l2 was decreased by 2 mm from the
of the notch band l1 was increased by 2 mm, while l2 was decreased by 2 mm from the optimized
optimized values. Moreover, to shift the notch from WLAN to the X-band, the width, length, and
values. Moreover, to shift the notch from WLAN to the X-band, the width, length, and spacing between
spacing between the EBGs were reoptimized. The optimized parameters of the X-band notch antenna
the EBGs were reoptimized. The optimized parameters of the X-band notch antenna are as follows:
are as follows: A = 16 mm, L = 24 mm, h = 1.52 mm, g = 1 mm, Lg = 7 mm, Lp =12 mm, Sw = 3.2 mm,
A = 16 mm, L = 24 mm, h = 1.52 mm, g = 1 mm, Lg = 7 mm, Lp =12 mm, Sw = 3.2 mm, Wd = 0.6 mm,
Wd = 0.6 mm, r = 0.3 mm, l1 = 8.5 mm, w1 = 2 mm, s = 3.5 mm, and p = 0.2 mm, l2 = 8.5 mm, w2 = 2, and
r = 0.3 mm, l1 = 8.5 mm, w1 = 2 mm, s = 3.5 mm, and p = 0.2 mm, l2 = 8.5 mm, w2 = 2, and s1 = 11.3 mm.
s1 = 11.3 mm.

Sensors 2020, 20, x 8 of 11

Figure 11. |S11 | of the antenna for different widths of (a) EBG1 w1 and (b) EBG2 w2 .
Figure 11. |S11| of the antenna for different widths of (a) EBG1 w1 and (b) EBG2 w2.

Figure 12. Demonstration of controllable notch band of the proposed antenna: (a) bandwidth and
Figure 12. Demonstration of controllable notch band of the proposed antenna: (a) bandwidth and (b)
(b) frequency.
frequency.
3. Antenna Measurements
3. Antenna Measurements
The modeled antenna was fabricated on Taconic TLY 5A (1.52 mm) for experimental verification,
The modeled
as shown in Figureantenna
13. Thewas fabricatedand
impedance on Taconic
radiationTLY 5A (1.52 mm)offor
characteristics experimental
the verification,
designed antenna were
as shown in Figure 13. The impedance and radiation characteristics of the designed
measured by an Agilent vector network. Figure 14 shows the simulated and measured impedance antenna were
measured by an Agilent vector network. Figure 14 shows the simulated and measured
characteristics. The measured and simulated results are well-matched. The antenna showed good impedance
characteristics.
impedance The measured
matching and simulated
characteristics throughoutresults are well-matched.
the entire UWB spectrum The(3.1–12.5
antennaGHz)
showed good
with the
impedance matching characteristics throughout the entire UWB spectrum (3.1–12.5
exception of the WLAN band (5.1–5.9 GHz), which was rejected to avoid interference. There is GHz) with the
a
difference between simulated and measurement |S11 | results, especially at high frequencies. Thisa
exception of the WLAN band (5.1–5.9 GHz), which was rejected to avoid interference. There is
difference between
discrepancy simulated
is most likely and
due to measurement
cable |S11| results,
losses and fabrication especially at high frequencies. This
tolerances.
discrepancy is most likely due to cable losses and fabrication tolerances.
measured
impedanceby an Agilent
matching vector network.
characteristics Figure 14
throughout theshows
entire the
UWBsimulated
spectrumand measured
(3.1–12.5 GHz) impedance
with the
characteristics.
exception of theThe measured
WLAN band and simulated
(5.1–5.9 GHz), results
which are
waswell-matched. The interference.
rejected to avoid antenna showedTheregood
is a
impedance matchingsimulated
difference between characteristics throughout the
and measurement |S11entire UWBespecially
| results, spectrumat(3.1–12.5 GHz) withThis
high frequencies. the
exception of the WLAN band (5.1–5.9 GHz), which was rejected
discrepancy is most likely due to cable losses and fabrication tolerances. to avoid interference. There is a
Sensors 2020, 20, 777
difference between simulated and measurement |S11| results, especially at high frequencies. This 8 of 11
discrepancy is most likely due to cable losses and fabrication tolerances.

Figure 13. Photo of fabricated UWB antenna with rectangular notched band: (a) front side (b) back
side.
Figure 13. Photo of fabricated UWB antenna with rectangular notched band: (a) front side (b) back side.
Figure 13. Photo of fabricated UWB antenna with rectangular notched band: (a) front side (b) back
side.

Figure 14.
Figure |S11
14. |S | characteristics of the proposed antenna.
11| characteristics of the proposed antenna.

The
The measured
measured and simulated
and simulated peak
peak
Figure 14. |S
gains of
gains of the
theof
11| characteristics
antenna
antenna are plotted
are
the proposed
plotted as aa function
as
antenna.
function of
of frequency,
frequency,
as shown
as shown in
in Figure
Figure 15. In the measurement of peak gain, a well-calibrated standard horn
15. In the measurement of peak gain, a well-calibrated standard horn antenna9 of antenna was
was
Sensors
used 2020,
as the 20, x
source antenna while the fabricated prototype was measured as the receiving 11
antenna.
The measured and simulated peak gains of the antenna are plotted as
used as the source antenna while the fabricated prototype was measured as the receiving antenna.a function of frequency,
Transmit
as shown andin receiver
Figure amplifiers
15. In were used
the measurement of to provide
peak gain, astable power reception.
well-calibrated standardThe antenna
horn antennaunder
was
Transmit and receiver amplifiers were used to provide stable power reception. The antenna under
test
used was
as rotated
the source to measure
antenna the
whilepeak
the gain at
fabricated different orientations.
prototype was A
measured stable
as peak
the gain
receivingcurve was
antenna.
test was rotated to measure the peak gain at different orientations. A stable peak gain curve was
obtained in the frequency range of interest with a maximum value of 4.5 dBi, but it sharply decreased
obtained in the frequency range of interest with a maximum value of 4.5 dBi, but it sharply decreased
to about -6 dBi at the notch band. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the antenna’s rectangular
to about -6 dBi at the notch band. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the antenna’s rectangular
notching characteristics.
notching characteristics.

Figure 15. The measured and simulated gain of the proposed antenna.
Figure 15. The measured and simulated gain of the proposed antenna.
Figure 16 shows the simulated and measured radiation patterns in H-plane (xz-plane) and
Figure
E-plane 16 shows
(yz-plane) at 3,the7, simulated
and 10 GHz.andThe
measured radiation
radiation pattern patterns in H-plane
at H-plane is nearly(xz-plane)
symmetricalandand
E-
plane (yz-plane)for
omnidirectional at 3,
3, 7,7,and
and1010GHz,
GHz. The radiation
however, pattern
in E-plane at H-plane
the radiation is nearly
patterns symmetrical with
are bidirectional and
omnidirectional for 3, 7, and 10 GHz, however, in E-plane the radiation patterns are bidirectional
dumbbell shape. The radiation pattern at E-plane in 10 GHz shows little deterioration because of the
with dumbbell
increased shape.
radiating area The radiation
at higher pattern at E-plane in 10 GHz shows little deterioration because
frequencies.
of the increased radiating area at higher frequencies.
 Figure 16 shows the simulated and measured radiation patterns in H-plane (xz-plane) and E-
plane (yz-plane) at 3, 7, and 10 GHz. The radiation pattern at H-plane is nearly symmetrical and
omnidirectional for 3, 7, and 10 GHz, however, in E-plane the radiation patterns are bidirectional
Sensors 2020, 20, 777shape. The radiation pattern at E-plane in 10 GHz shows little deterioration because
with dumbbell 9 of 11
of the increased radiating area at higher frequencies.

Figure 16. Simulated measure radiation pattern in E-and H-plane radiation pattern at 3, 7, and 10 GHz.
Figure 16. Simulated measure radiation pattern in E-and H-plane radiation pattern at 3, 7, and 10
Finally,
GHz. the antenna is compared with the previously reported rectangular notched band
antennas [19–24] in terms of overall size, controllability of the notch-band bandwidth and frequency,
and design complexity (Table 1). Almost all the antennas are large and have complex geometries.
The antenna presented in [19, 21] are very large and lack controllable frequency and bandwidth.
Although the antennas reported in [20, 22] offer the advantages of controllable bandwidth and
frequency, the former is very large, and the latter have the disadvantage of design complexity, which
is due to the presence of many stubs and slots; moreover, they require two-port excitations in its
operation. The antenna designs proposed in [23, 24] offer controllable bandwidth without frequency
shifting of the notch band, which is due to their complex geometry. In summary, the proposed antenna
outperformed the existing rectangular notch UWB antennas based on its simple design and small size,
as well as the controllable bandwidth and frequency of the notch band.

Table 1. Performance comparison of the proposed antenna with existing rectangular notched antenna
in literature.

Antenna Size Controllable Controllable Design

Ref. Antennas
(mm3 ) Notch-Bandwidth Notch Frequency Complexity
[19] 44 × 44.4 × 0.1 No No simple
[20] 48 × 50 × 1 Yes Yes simple
[21] 50 × 50 × 1.575 No No complex
[22] 28 ×18 × 0.8 Yes Yes very complex
[23] 38 × 42 × 0.5 Yes No very complex
[24] 8.5 × 22 × 0.8 Yes No complex
This work 16 × 25 × 1.52 Yes Yes simple
Sensors 2020, 20, 777 10 of 11

4. Conclusion
A rectangular notched band UWB antenna with controllable bandwidth and frequency with
an overall compact size of 16 × 25 × 1.52 mm3 is presented. The antenna is fabricated on the
TLY 5A (εr =2.17) substrate. The proposed antenna covers the entire UWB spectrum from 3.1 to
12.5 GHz. The UWB characteristic of the antenna is achieved by truncating the lower ends of the patch.
The conventional notch is obtained by using a single EBG structure, and a rectangular notch at the
WLAN band is realized by using two EBG structures with optimized parameters, which are laid on the
back of the substrate and connected to the patch by shorting pins. The results showed that the notch
band and frequency can be tuned by changing the EBG parameters. The measurement results of the
fabricated antennas are well-matched to the simulation results.

Author Contributions: Investigation, K.S.S. and T.K.; Project administration, N.K.; Writing—original draft, A.A.;
Writing—review & editing, N.H., M.-J.J. and J.P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of
the manuscript.
Funding: This work was supported by the ICT R&D Program of MSIT/IITP, Republic of Korea. [No. 2019-0-00102,
A Study on Public Health and Safety in a Complex EMF Environment].
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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