A compact 3-D cubic antenna for wireless sensor networks

The wireless Sensor network (WSN) consisting of spatially autonomous distributed devices using sensors to monitor physical or environmental conditions at different locations. Each node in WSN consists of Sensing, Processing and communication capability. The major constrain of WSN is the energy consumption. The energy consumption of radio communication unit is much higher. So it is necessary to design an antenna which improves the energy efficiency. This paper deals with the design of cubic antenna and its performance are analyzed. The cubic antenna produces a truly Omni-directional pattern in both E-plane and H-plane, which allows for orientation independent communication between the sensor nodes. The frequency of operation lies in the UHF RFID band (902 MHz-928 MHz) centered at resonant frequency 915MHz. The ultra compact cubic antenna has dimensions of 27cm³. The shape of the antenna allows for “smart” packaging, as the cubic structure allows housing for the sensors. The fabrication can be performed on six (planar) sides on liquid crystal polymer substrate, and then folded into the cubic structure. This concept may be easily reconfigured for many values of impedances and design parameters.