An X-band U-Slot Modified Square Microstrip Patch Antenna with wide beam and high gain for Radar applications

In this paper, an antenna element feasible for phased array antenna (PAA) systems is proposed. The design methodology for a PAA element is presented in the form of a flow diagram. The design procedure of a U-Slot Modified Square Microstrip Patch Antenna (USMSMPA) operating in the X-band is presented through simulations. The designed antenna element is then gauged based on Mutual Coupling (MC) and Scanning Capability in a 7 × 7 array environment. A 7 × 7 array of the USMSMPA is constructed and it’s properties are analyzed using Finite Array Domain Decomposition Method(FADDM) in HFSS. The scan volume of the array is determined by observing the drop in gain for subsequent increase in the steering angle. The 7 × 7 array of the antenna element achieves a scan volume of more than ±55°. The coupling in all variations of the 7 × 7 array is < -20 dB showing a maximum value of -19 dB.