Compact dual-band antenna for WLAN applications

A novel and compact dual band planar antenna for 2.4/5.2/5.8-GHz wireless local area network(WLAN) applications is proposed and studied in this paper. The antenna comprises of a T-shaped and a F-shaped element to generate two resonant modes for dual band operation. The two elements can independently control the operating frequencies of the two excited resonant modes. The T-element which is fed directly by a 50 Ω microstrip line generates a frequency band at around 5.2 GHz and the antenna parameters can be adjusted to generate a frequency band at 5.8 GHz as well, thus covering the two higher bands of WLAN systems individually. By couple-feeding the F-element through the T-element, a frequency band can be generated at 2.4 GHz to cover the lower band of WLAN system. Hence, the two elements together are very compact with a total area of only 11×6.5 mm². A thorough parametric study of key dimensions in the design has been performed and the results obtained have been used to present a generalized design approach. Plots of the return loss and radiation pattern have been given and discussed in detail to show that the design is a very promising candidate for WLAN applications.