An efficient patch antenna with bandwidth enhancement

A patch antenna constructed with supporting posts is described in this paper. A unique feature is the absence of a dielectric layer between the patch and the ground plane. As such, this construction precludes the excitement of surface waves increasing the efficiency of the antenna. It was experimentally discovered metallic supports (as compared to dielectric supports) appreciably increased the bandwidth of the antenna. The placement of the supports assumed a simple cavity model estimation of the currents and was validated by measurements and computer simulations. A probe is used as the mechanism to excite the patch.