Dual-Polarized COVID-19 Microstrip Antenna Array for 5G Applications

This paper presents a novel unique single-layer dual-polarized microstrip patch antenna array with a COVID-19 shape designed for building a Base Station (BS) for sub-6 GHz applications at the resonant frequency 3.16 GHz. Furthermore, it is easy to fabricate and compact, which makes it suitable for 5G applications. Firstly, a single-element fractal shape antenna with a gain of 3 dB is discussed. Secondly, an 8-element 2x4 antenna array is designed with a gain of 8 dB. The antenna is fabricated using an FR4-epoxy double-sided copper board with a thickness of 1.6 mm. It is optimized by performing parametric studies of the dimensions using the finite element method (FEM) software program HFSS. The printed prototype measurements including S-parameters, polarization, and radiation pattern show a good agreement with simulation results.