Design of a 1.26 GHz high gain microstrip patch antenna using double layer with airgap for satellite reconnaissance

In this paper, we introduce a method using double layer with airgap to design a high gain single element microstrip rectangular patch antenna operating at 1.26 GHz. Double layer technique provide us easy fabrication, besides, under layer consisted of double-sided copper ensure using one side as ground plane and other side as feed network for higher gain array antenna. Low cost fabrication also has been taken into account. To do that, we used a widely available FR4 material and instead of using low-loss and expensive substrates, we inserted an air gap between radiating and ground planes. This air gap reduces both the electric field concentration on the lossy epoxy and the effective dielectric constant of the radiating plane. Therefore, a low-loss and high-gain single element rectangular patch antenna is obtained. The simulation results conducted by CST Microwave Studio and measurement results carried out in an anechoic chamber of the proposed antenna are included in this study. The close similarity between simulation results and measurement results has been observed. This proposed antenna is appropriate to use in especially global position satellite systems, life detection radar systems and wireless communication systems.