An eigenvalue technique for analysis of traveling-wave microstrip antennas

A novel theoretical analysis of the traveling-wave microstrip antenna is developed. In this new formulation the eigenvalue obtained from the solution of the transverse field problem with admittance boundaries is used to find the complex longitudinal propagation constant. Radiation patterns can be obtained using equivalent sources consisting of magnetic current filaments having the computed complex longitudinal propagation constant. The direction and beamwidth of the main lobe of the radiation patterns computed agree very well with measured results. This excellent agreement verifies the accuracy of the formulation. Good agreement between computed and measured results was found for the sidelobe structure resulting from reflection of the traveling wave at the end truncation of the microstrip line.<>