Theory of the circular-disc printed-circuit antenna

A planar conducting structure, an electrically small distance above a ground plane, can be constructed to radiate in the direction normal to its plane while still retaining its low-profile characteristics. A circular disc structure is analysed theoretically to provide aid in the design of such antennas. The currents, fields, total radiated power, directive gain, losses, Q-factor and efficiency are all calculated at several frequencies for various values of the thickness, permittivity, and loss tangent of the dielectric material that separates the antenna from the ground plane.