Analysis of microstrip patch antennas using finite difference time domain method

The study of microstrip patch antennas is directly treated in the time domain, using a modified finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Assuming an appropriate choice of excitation, the frequency dependence of the relevant parameters can readily be found using the Fourier transform of the transient current. The FDTD method allows a rigorous treatment of one or several dielectric interfaces. Different types of excitation can be taken into consideration (coaxial, microstrip lines, etc.). Plotting the spatial distribution of the current density gives information about the resonance modes. The usual frequency-dependent parameters (input impedance, radiation pattern) are given for several examples