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Patch Antenna: Its Types, Usage, and Benefits

Patch Antenna: Its Types, Usage, and Benefits

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21 May 2024

Patch antennas are gaining more popularity than ever because of their versatility and compact design. Here we discuss patch antennas, including their types, uses, and benefits. Let’s get started!

What is Patch Antenna?

A patch antenna or microstrip antenna is just like two pieces of metal stacked together. The small piece, called a patch, holds over the top of the surface of a larger piece of metal known as the ground plane. The patch aids in signal sharing and transmission, whereas the ground plane is responsible for increasing the effectiveness of the entire antenna by providing a stable reference point.

A patch antenna has a small physical size but provides effective performance in wireless communication. This directional antenna comes in various shapes including rectangular, circular, and triangular. You can mount this wireless solution over flat surfaces like roofs, walls, poles, vehicles, and ceilings.

Types of Patch Antenna

Due to the versatility of patch antennas, they can be classified into different types. Some patch antennas are used to interact with microwave frequencies, while others are used for higher frequencies in satellite communication and radar systems. Here are some important types of patch antennas that we've mentioned:

Rectangular Patch Antenna

Rectangular patch antennas possess a flat metal patch and a ground plane structure and can be identified by its small rectangular shape. It is straightforward and simple to use in various applications, such as wireless networks, radar, etc. These devices are designed with the help of conductive materials like gold or nickel that increase the effectiveness of the overall equipment.

Circular Patch Antenna

Circular patch antennas are crucial devices for 5G technology. These devices are typically composed of a conductive radiator, a ground plant, and a dielectric substrate. Today, we see these equipment composed with artificial dielectrics that improve bandwidth while transmitting and receiving signals. 

Elliptical and Other Shaped Patch Antenna

Apart from the two above, we also have other types of patch antennas, such as elliptical, triangular, and ring-shaped ones, all of which are used based on their unique radiation patterns. These variations of patch antennas help users employ them according to their specific requirements. Elliptical patches are a better option for directional coverage, while triangular patches are effective for a compact footprint. Ring-shaped antennas offer circular polarization and can be employed in satellite communication and radar systems for seamless wireless communication.

Usage of Patch Antenna

Patch antennas are compact and highly versatile in nature, which makes them perfect solutions in different industries. You can explore these points to learn about the notable applications of patch antennas:

Wireless communication

Patch antennas are an effective solution to enable seamless wireless communication. They can be used on a variety of devices to maintain efficient functionality, including WiFi routers and mobile phones. The good thing about these wireless solutions is that they work smoothly in both indoor and outdoor environments. That means you can use them for either of these purposes.

Spacecraft and Aircraft

If you are looking for a wireless solution that can provide robust support for spacecraft and aircraft missions, look no further than patch antennas. These are the most convenient, lightweight, and low-profile antennas that are the perfect choice for establishing communication in aircraft. They help users make reliable connections between spacecraft and ground stations.

GPS Devices

Patch antennas have a directional nature, which means they are a better option for sharing signals in one particular direction. They play a critical role in GPS receivers because of their directional radiation. They assist in vanishing the navigation problem and help users to know the accurate position of a location to establish connection for enabling seamless data transmission.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

In RFID systems, patch RFID FM antennas are used to identify and track objects. Their high efficiency in transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals helps with tag detection and data transmission in applications like asset tracking and access control.

Advantages of Patch Antenna

There are many advantages to using patch antennas in your system. You can integrate this device according to the advantages you want to maximize in your system. Armed with many characteristics and features, these equipment stand taller than other alternative options. But let’s talk about some of the key advantages of patch antennas:

Low Profile

These devices are small in size and not very long vertically, as we mentioned at the beginning. However, despite this unique appearance, these are tough and can withstand harsh environmental conditions such as vibration, high temperatures, and exposure to moisture and dust. This advantage of patch antennas allows users to integrate them into a variety of vehicles, such as airplanes, small gadgets, spacecraft, spaceships, and so on.

Cost Effective

If you want equipment that can provide cost-effective functionality, a patch antenna is the perfect option here. Their easy design and small size make them good for a small amount of money. That means you can integrate this device into your system without worrying too much about the price.

Flexible Design

Their flexible design enables them to be used in different scenarios. Their elliptical design facilitates signal sharing in one direction, whereas triangular is better for a compact footprint. If you want to propagate circular polarization, a ring-shaped patch antenna is the right choice for you. Apart from these, there are many other shapes of patch antennas that make them a versatile option to send and receive signals in various situations.

Durable construction

Patch antennas are small, but built with sturdy materials. Their robust construction allows them to withstand wear and tear over time. This is why users employ patch antennas in order to experience long-term reliability and support in various environments and applications.

Conclusion

Patch antennas are high-performance and versatile wireless solutions used across various industries. Their compact size, durability, and flexible design make them crucial components for applications ranging from spacecraft missions to communications. Users can take advantage of its low profile construction, and cost-effectiveness, and integrate it into their systems, whether it is for wireless networking, or anything else.

21 May 2024