Microstrip Antenna: Types, Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages

An antenna is a device that allows users to share and transmit electromagnetic (EM) waves. Today, this wireless solution is used in various industries; even individuals use it for personal purposes. You can find antennas in different shapes and sizes. They are small, medium-sized, and large as per their unique purposes. One of the amazing wireless solutions is called a microstrip antenna. In this guide, we talk about microstrip antennas, their types, uses, advantages and disadvantages in simple terms.

Introduction to a Microstrip Antenna

A microstrip antenna, also known as a patch antenna, is a low-profile wireless solution. It produces a directional pattern, which means it is better to share a signal in a particular direction. This wireless solution is lightweight and compact. The best microstrip antennas are lightweight devices that consist of a metallic patch on a dielectric substrate with a ground plane. Its small and compact size enables users to utilize this solution in applications like wireless communication, radar, and satellites.

Types of Microstrip Antennas

Microstrip antennas come in a variety of types depending on their size and structure. Here we have defined the major types of microstrip antennas that you can choose for different purposes:

Microstrip Patch Antenna

A microstrip patch antenna is a low-profile wireless antenna. It has a metal patch that is placed above a ground plane, with a dielectric material in between. They are lightweight and also come with low radiation. That means microstrip patch antennas are suitable for shorter communication distances. They may not perform well for high-power or wide-area coverage systems.

Microstrip Patch Antenna

A microstrip dipole antenna is a thin metal strip placed on a substrate, one side of which is completely covered by a metal ground plane. This unique structure of the antenna is better for its high performance. Microstrip patch antennas are used in digital communication devices like computers and the nodes for WLAN. It is made for utilization at the entry point of the WLAN system.

Printed Slot Antenna

Printed slot antennas come with low sensitivity as compared to other antennas. It can be identified by its thin antenna with a slot (cut) in a metal layer on a circuit board. They are lightweight and are used in wireless applications like communication, RFID, and radar. This is because of their compact size and excellent performance. The presence of printed slot antennas is a reliable solution where small space is paramount.

Microstrip Travelling Wave Antenna

 Microstrip travelling wave antennas are designed using a long microstrip line with enough width to support TE mode propagation. It is a type of directional antenna that helps direct the main radiation beam anywhere from the broad side to the end of the fire. It features a small size and lightweight design that makes it ideal to use for short and medium-sized distances. Microstrip travelling wave antennas provide controlled transmission of signals. A microstrip travelling wave antenna is used in applications like radar, wireless communication, and satellite systems. 

Advantages and Disadvantages Of Microstrip Antenna

Microstrip antennas also offer several advantages and disadvantages. Here we'll talk about both sides to help you know when you should choose this antenna or when it may not work as you expect:

Advantagesof Microstrip Antenna

• Small size and weight

Microstrip antennas are compact and light. They are ideal for applications where space is limited, like satellites, drones, or mobile devices. Individuals and industrials use these devices for less space and enable wireless connections. Therefore, a microstrip antenna works as a GPS antenna to provide optimum communication of GPS signals.

• Easy to Fabricate and Install

The compact and straightforward design of the microstrip antenna makes it effortless to set up. This device can be designed easily using simple manufacturing techniques. Their small size makes them convenient to install on various devices. That means if you are looking for a simple-to-install solution, you can choose this antenna as your TV antenna or for other purposes.

• Cost-Effective

This antenna is a cost-effective wireless solution. If you are looking to purchase a low-cost Radar antenna, then a microstrip antenna should be your first choice. This device is an affordable choice for applications like mass production in consumer electronics, wireless communication, and other industries.

• Flexible Performance

Microstrip antennas can be designed to operate at multiple frequencies. The antenna allows you to support double or triple-frequency operations. That is useful in multifunctional systems. You can choose this antenna if you want to interact with a specific range of radio frequencies.

• Integration with Other Devices

You can easily integrate this device with other electronic systems like monolithic microwave ICs. That makes them ideal for compact and efficient communication systems. There are many other devices, like satellites, drones, and mobile communication, where you can install this antenna.

Disadvantages of Microstrip Antenna

• Low Efficiency and Power Handling

One of the disadvantages of microstrip antennas is their low efficiency because of conductor and dielectric losses. This provides reduced performance and may not be good for high-power applications.

• Narrow Bandwidth and Gain

Microstrip antennas come with narrow capacity and low gain. You may not get better performance when you use it for applications where you need high data rates or long-range communication.

• Environmental Sensitivity

Microstrip antennas are sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. This affects their performance when sharing and receiving signals. They are prone to cross-polarization radiation and issues from forged feed radiation that reduce their reliability in certain conditions.

Applications of Microstrip Antenna

Microwave antennas play a crucial role in many different fields. You can integrate these antennas in equipment like missiles, satellites, spacecraft, aircraft, wireless communication systems, mobile phones, remote sensing & radars, and more. The best Microstrip antennas are a reliable solution that makes strong connections in wireless communication. These antennas are much more compatible than other antennas.

The Final Words 

In this modern world, wireless communication has become one of the essential methods. Masterpiece antennas, like microwave antennas, play an important role in many applications. Since we understand the essence of microwave antennas, we hope this guide will encourage you to learn more about microwave antennas. However, it is recommended that before turning to any of the antennas, you need to consider your unique concern.