FLEXIBLE PRINTABLE ANTENNA

by
KABUYE SAMUEL
1111113181
Session 2015/2016

The project report is prepared for

Faculty of Engineering
Multimedia University
in partial fulfilment for
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Electronics
Majoring in Telecommunications

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
MULTIMEDIA UNIVERSITY
April 2016
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DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this work has been done by myself and no portion of the work
contained in this report has been submitted in support of any application for any
other degree or qualification of this or any other university or institute of learning.

I also declare that pursuant to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1987, I have not
engaged in any unauthorized act of copying or reproducing or attempt to copy /
reproduce or cause to copy / reproduce or permit the copying / reproducing or the
sharing and / or downloading of any copyrighted material or an attempt to do so
whether by use of the Universitys facilities or outside networks / facilities whether
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provided for therein. This shall include but not be limited to any lecture notes, course
packs, thesis, text books, exam questions, any works of authorship fixed in any
tangible medium of expression whether provided by the University or otherwise.

I hereby further declare that in the event of any infringement of the provisions of the
Act whether knowingly or unknowingly the University shall not be liable for the
same in any manner whatsoever and undertakes to indemnify and keep indemnified
the University against all such claims and actions.

Signature: ______________________
Name: KABUYE SAMUEL
Student ID: 1111113181
Date: APIRL 2016

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to express my special thanks to Ms. Noorlindawaty bt Md. Jizat for her
encouragement, guidance and assistance in this project.

I also wish to thank Mr. Gobi Vetharatnam for his kind guidance and suggestions on
how to improve the project.

I sincerely thank the school lab management especially the Nano lab and EM lab
where most time was spent on fabrication or finding results.

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ABSTRACT

A Koch fractal antenna is designed using Computer Simulation Technology (CST)

software to investigate wireless local area network WLAN behaviour using flexible
substrate like paper on the simulator and a rough porous transparent A4 Sheet during
fabrication. The design consists of a special ground slotted parabolic feature to
increase the bandwidth impedance of the antenna. The dimensions of the substrate
and the ground are explained in the report. The material used in the simulation for
both patch and ground is graphene with a thickness of 0.035 mm. A 50 ohm
impedance transmission line is connected at the radiating element and antenna
simulated for results.

The antenna characteristic parameters including the S11 parameter, voltage standing
wave ratio (VSWR), bandwidth, gain and the radiation patterns are obtained. To
prepare the hardware, PEDOT (Polyethylenedioxythiophene) is mixed with
Dispersive Conductive graphene in proportions of 30 ml to 40 ml respectively and
introduced into a black ink holder of the DCPJ100 Brother Ink jet printer. Using a
normal A4 paper and a rough porous transparent sheet, the design is fabricated and
tested for S11 parameter result that yielded -28.506841 dB at 2.459 GHz.

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Table of Contents

DECLARATION.........................................................................................................iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...........................................................................................iv

ABSTRACT.............................................................................................................v

LIST OF FIGURES.....................................................................................................ix

LIST OF TABLES......................................................................................................xii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION..........................................................................1
1.1 Preamble.............................................................................................................1
1.2 Problem Statements............................................................................................2
1.3 Project Scope.....................................................................................................2
1.4 Objective.............................................................................................................3
1.5 Motivation..........................................................................................................3
1.6 Report Outline....................................................................................................3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW...............................................................5

2.1 Introduction........................................................................................................5
2.1 A Direct-Write Printed Antenna on Paper-Based Organic Substrate for Flexible
Displays and WLAN Applications...........................................................................5
2.2 Inkjet-Printed Flexible Recongurable Antenna for Conformal
WLAN/WLAN/WiMAX Wireless Devices...........................................................14
2.3 Design of Compact Multiband Fractal Antenna for WLAN and WiMAX
Applications............................................................................................................18
2.4 A Micro strip Patch Antenna Manufactured with Flexible Graphene-Based
Conducting Material...............................................................................................24

CHAPTER 3: DETAILS OF THE DESIGN.........................................................28

3.1 Introduction......................................................................................................28
3.1 Design of the simulated substrate.....................................................................30
3.2 Design of the simulated patch...........................................................................30
3.3 The iteration procedure.....................................................................................31

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 3.4 Design of the ground........................................................................................38
3.5 The S11 parameter............................................................................................45
3.6 The radiation pattern.........................................................................................46
3.7 The Antenna Gain.............................................................................................47
3.8 The antenna bandwidth.....................................................................................48
3.9 3D radiation pattern of the proposed Antenna..................................................50
3.10 Voltage Standing Wave Ratio.........................................................................51

CHAPTER 4: FABRICATION OF THE ANTENNA AND RESULTS................52

4.1. The Printer.......................................................................................................52
4.2. Ink cartridge holder modification....................................................................53
4.3 PEDOT (Poly-ethylenedioxythiophene)/ Dispersion conductive Graphene ink
mixture....................................................................................................................53
4.5. Choosing a substrate........................................................................................54
4.6. Investigating ink conductivity on the paper substrate.....................................54
4.7 Fabricating the Antenna....................................................................................56
4.8 The measured S11 parameter............................................................................58
4.9. The measured radiation pattern.......................................................................58

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSIONS..............................................................................61
5.1. The substrate....................................................................................................61
5.2 Printer setting....................................................................................................62
5.3 The simulated results without a slot on the ground..........................................63
5.4 The S11 parameter............................................................................................64
5.5 Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) with no slot on ground.......................65
5.6 Gain for the Antenna without slot on the ground.............................................67
5.7 Bandwidth.........................................................................................................67
5.8 Comparison between simulated and measured results.....................................69

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION..............................................................................70
6.1 Summary and conclusions................................................................................70
6.1 Areas for further Research................................................................................71
6.2 REFERENCES.................................................................................................72

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LIST OF FIGURE

8
Figure 2.1: Relationship between resistance and curing temperature in degrees
6
Figure 2 .2: The s11 parameter achieved by the researchers at various length of
s from the design of the antenna to be printed. 6
Figure 2.4: S11 parameter at various ground y-dimesons. 7
Figure 2.5: Direct-write printing of the antenna using MD method. 8
Figure 2.6: The patch and ground of the fabricated antenna. 9
Figure 2.7: Comparison between the measured S11 parameter to the simulated
S11 parameter plus the region where the bandwidth of the antenna is calculated.
10
Figure 2. 8: E-plane and H-plane during the measurement of the radiation
pattern of the IFA antenna on paper. 11
Figure 2.9: E-plane of radiation pattern comparing simulated to measured
radiation patterns. 12
Figure 2.10: H-plane of the radiation pattern comparing simulated to measured
radiation patterns. 13
Figure 2.11: (a) Single Folded Slot antenna. (b) Reconfigurable folded Slot
antenna. (c) Surface Current directions for reversed biased. (d) Surface current
directions for forward biased. 15
Figure 2.12: Fabricated antenna: (a) Flat configuration. (b) Bias circuit of the
PIN-diode. (c) Circumferential configuration. (d) Axial Configuration. 16
Figure 2.13: Radiation patterns for the at conguration of the slot in forward
bias at 2.42 GHz: (a) E-plane. (b) H-plane. 16
Figure 2.14: Radiation patterns for the at conguration of the slot in reverse
bias at 3.64 GHz: (a) E-plane. (b) H-plane. 17
Figure 2.15: Radiation patterns for the at conguration of the slot in reverse
bias at 2.36 GHz: (a) E-plane. (b) H-plane. 17
Figure 2.16: S11 parameter comparing forward and reverse basing for flat
configuration. 18
Figure 2.13: Shows 0th, 1st, 2nd and 3rd iterations of the proposed antenna. 19
Figure 2.14: (a) conventional fractal antenna (b) suspended configuration of the
patch antenna. 20

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Figure 2.15: Return loss for various iterations stages on the Koch fractal curve
antenna. 21
Figure 2.16: Return loss for suspended antenna. 22
Figure 2.17: 2D and 3D radiation pattern of the Koch fractal antenna with a
5.2dB directivity 23
Figure 2.18: Graphene-based conductor 25
Figure 2.19: Micro-cutter and adhesive spray. 26
Figure 2.20: Measured and simulated s11 parameter of the antenna. 27
Figure 2.21: Antenna geometry design. 28
Figure 2.22: Simulated and measured return losses of the proposed design. 29
Figure 2.23 Simulated return losses with different lengths of W1. 30
Figure 2.24: Simulated return losses with different lengths of W2. 31
Figure 3.1: Side view of the mirostrip patch antenna with a connected wave
guide port. 33
Figure 3.2: CST substrate dimensions with the substrate on the right. 34
Figure 3.3: Horizontal ellipse with material PEC (copper) with a thickness of
0.035mm. 35
Figure 3.4: Vertical ellipse with material PEC (copper) with a thickness of
0.035mm. 36
Figure 3.5: (a) patch before intersection. (b) After intersection. 36
Figure 3.6: (a).Scaled horizontal ellipse for iteraton1. (b) Cutting a horizontal
elliptical slot to create room for a second iteration. (c) New patch with
horizontal ellipse slot. 38
Figure 3.7: The first completed iteration. 38
Figure 3.8: (a) Second iteration before intersection was done. (b) Second
iteration after intersection is done 39
Figure 3.9: (a) Complete second iteration. (b) Complete third iteration. 41
Figure 3.10: (a) Complete forth iteration. (b) Complete patch with a strip line
at 50 impedance. 42
Figure 3.11: Transformation of local coordinates of the back face of the
substrate. 43
Figure 3.12: Ground dimensions of the parabolic ground. 43
Figure 3. 13: Dimensions of the unwanted area to be cut away 44

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 Figure 3.14: Highlighted unwanted area to be cut away.45
Figure 3.15: Highlighted unwanted region. 46
Figure 3.16: Parabolic ground with transformed local coordinates to a position
for slot construction. 47
Figure 3.17: Simulated ground with a slot. 48
Figure 3.18: Simulated S11 parameter. 49
Figure 3.19: Simulated Radiation Pattern for E (red) and H (green) plane. 50
Figure 3.20: The Gain simulated at the operating frequency 2.4GHz is 2.23dBi.
51
Figure 3.21: Upper cut off frequency F2. 52
Figure 3.22: lower cut off frequency F1 53
Figure 3.23: 3D Radiation pattern with gain 54
Figure 3.24: VSWR at the operating frequency. 55
Figure 4.1: DCP-J100 Brother ink jet printer. 56
Figure 4.2: Injection of Conductive Graphene Dispersion/PEDOT ink mixture
into the black cartridge using a plastic syringe and needle. 57
Figure 4.3: Testing the printed patch for continuity after applying 12 layers of
PEDOT/ conductive graphene ink solution. 58
Figure 4.4: testing the printed ground for continuity after applying 16 layers of
PEDOT/ conductive graphene ink solution. 59
Figure 4.5: The fabricated antenna with an SM connector connected onto the
antenna. 61
Figure 4.6: H-Plane radiation pattern at 2GHz and 2.4GHz. 63
Figure 4.7: Radiation pattern at 2GHz and 2.4GHz 64
Figure 5.1: Three layers of the fabricated substrate. 66
Figure 5.2: Snapshot of antenna ground design without slot from CST. 67
Figure 5.3: S11 parameter with no slot on the ground. 68
Figure 5.4: S11 parameter for the antenna with no slot on ground showing a
second operating frequency.69
Figure 5.5: VSWR with no slot on ground. 69
Figure 5.6: VSWR with no slot on ground at second operating frequency. 70
Figure 5.7: Gain of the proposed antenna without slot on the ground. 71
Figure 5.8: S11 parameter with frequency F1 72

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Figure 5.9: S11 parameter with frequency F2 73

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 : Dimensions of IFA antenna. 7

Table 2.2 : Results of convention antenna VS suspended antenna. 23
Table 2.3 : Antenna dimensions 29
Table 3.1 : Number of iterations for the design.39

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

PEDOT Polyethylenedioxythiophene
VSWR voltage standing wave Ratio.
dBi Gain relative to an isotropic antenna
CST Computer Simulation Technology

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CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION

1.1 Preamble

Researchers today have developed antennas that are efficient and cheap to
manufacture. Noteable breakthroughs have been presented and implemented in
various industries. However, the existing designs have shortcomings and various
areasofresearchhavebeendesignedaroundaddressingtheseconcerns.

Etching method wastes a lot of valuable materials. The printing hardware for
example DMatix printer is expensive, flexible substrates like paper are
disadvantageousastheyareratherfragileincomparisontoalternativesandpose
higherlossesthatcreateaconcernoflowerefficiencyofdevelopedantennas.Copper
willbeerodedawaywithtime.However,thisprojectintroducestheusageofPoly
ethylenedioxythiophene(PEDOT).PEDOTisfoundtobeastablepolymerwitha
characteristichighleveltransmittanceofapproximately80%.However,applications
ofPEDOTfacesomelimitationsattributedtounsatisfactorymechanicalproperties
and low conductivity. To address the limitation of low conductivity, addition of
conductivegraphenedispersioninktoPEDOTisusedinthisproject.Asofrecent,
graphenehasemergedasasupremecarbonbasedmedium.A.KGeimreportedthat
thismaterialdisplayshighlevelchargetransportmobility[1],Xiangreportedhigh
leveltransparencyofthematerial[2]andC.Leereportedthatthismaterialhassuch
a highlevel mechanical strength that is even greater than that of steel [3].
IntroducinggraphenetoPEDOTpolymerstabilizesitandalsoresultsinflexibility,
highthermalstability,goodconductivityandadesirablechemicalstructurethathas
causedthecombinationtogainpopularity.Inaddition,thisreportpresentstheusage
ofanA4roughtransparentsubstratesheet. Thisproposedtransparentisrelatively
lowcost.Duetolongtakenbyspincoatingtofabricatetheantenna,thisresearch
introduces a more convenient, faster and cheaper method to produce a reliable
antenna for WLAN. Using a modified DCJ100 Brother printer, less time of
fabricationisachievedandmassproductionispossible.

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1.2 Problem Statements

Traditional etching methods of antenna fabrication are time consuming. The etching
method is also wastage of valuable material. And above all, such antennas cannot be
incorporated into the flexible wearables of the modern day electronic revolution. The
increase in demand of conventional antennas for mobile and electronic gadgets has
given rise to a new kind of pollution that is threatening the environment at an
alarming rate that is; electronic waste. Because etched produced devices cannot
decompose once exposed to the environment as waste, more and more pile up to
threaten the environment.

On the production point of view, mass production of etched devices is very

expensive, slow, and time consuming. Therefore, a new method of producing an
antenna that is cheap to mass produce and with less time to produce is investigated in
this report. The proposed is made of flexible light weight material which is an
important quality for the need of light weight devices for space missions, thin 4K
Television screen application, monitoring health wearable devices for patients
remotely monitored by doctors at their homes. The antenna is designed for WLAN
(Wireless Local Area Network) 802.11 (b) applications for a frequency range of 2.4
GHz to 2.484 GHz.

1.3 Project Scope

This section gives an overview of project activities, for example. what are carried
out, what are not and what the limitations are.

The project design is first simulated using (Computer Simulation Technology) CST
software. The S11 parameter, Antenna gain, bandwidth, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio
(VSWR) are investigated.

2
Using Dispersive Conductive Graphene with PEDOT ink mixture, the proposed
antenna design is printed on a rough A4 transparent sheet using a cheap DCP-J100
Brother ink jet printer.

The printed device is then connected to an SM connector and tested for S11
parameter and radiation pattern.

All results are presented in the report and a conclusion is drawn.

1.4 Objective

The main objective of this project is to simulate, characterise and fabricate a

printable flexible antenna for wireless local area network applications.

1.5 Motivation

The inspiration for doing this project comes from the increase demand in Wireless
Antennas for mobile applications for wearables, smart 4K TVs, internet of things
devices (IOT) where flexibility of devices is a priority.

1.6 Report Outline

Chapter 1 presents an over view of the project. It highlights the problem statement of
the current trend in antennas and how to overcome its drawbacks. The chapter also
reveals how the entire thesis is organised.

Chapter 2 is the literature review. This section outlines some of the techniques other
researchers methods employed to achieve a flexible printable antenna. The chapter
also discusses the step by step process designing of the simulated antenna.

Chapter 3 highlights the methods used in achieving a flexible printable antenna. The
chapter also reveals the results of the fabricated antenna.

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Chapter 4 is the discussion of the results and the overall result of the antenna. The
chapter also explains the reasons behind the minor contradiction between the
simulated and measured results of the fabricated antenna.

Chapter 5 gives a final conclusion of the project and suggests what should be done
for future works to improve the project.

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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction.

This section explores the works done by previous researchers on a printable flexible
antenna. Pointing out the design techniques and materials the different researchers
used to fabricate their own prototypes.

2.1 A Direct-Write Printed Antenna on Paper-Based Organic Substrate for

Flexible Displays and WLAN Applications.

In this paper [4] the authors were able to show the necessity of a printable flexile
antenna, highlighting advantages like flexibility, low design cost and fabrication. A
low cost paper substrate was used in this design. The researchers designed the
antenna to operate at a 2.45 GHz frequency for WLAN. Despite the large dielectric
loss (0.065), the fabricated antenna realized a gain of +1.2dBi to give an 82%
efficiency. The ink used by the researchers was the conductive Nano particle ink. The
thickness of the paper being tested as approximately equal to 250m. A micro strip
line having length =69.5mm, width =3.7mm was printed using a printing process
known as MD process. The ground dimensions of the inverted F antenna were 46m
x 25 mm. The researchers emphasized that to achieve a low side lobe, the y-
dimension had to be maintained at less than wave length [5]. However, the
substrate was heated at 40 to all ink bonding with the paper.

After curing for a period of one hour, a four-point probe method was used to carry
out measurements of the resistance of the printed ink on the paper. Overall the
antenna was a low cost device especially for WLAN despite exhibit of high dielectric
losses. The S11 parameter did not divert so much from what the researchers
predicted during simulation.

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 Figure 2.1: Relationship between resistance and curing temperature in degrees

The researchers graph shows that the resistance decreased rapidly between 50 0
Celsius and 1000 Celsius and remained rather constant there onwards, which clearly
proved that curing at high temperature yields better performance due to low
resistance.

Figure 2.2: The S11 parameter achieved by the researchers at various length of s
from the design of the antenna to be printed.

6
Figure 2.2 shows the effect of varying the s dimension of the antenna structure on the
S11 parameter curve. The Figure 2.2 also shows that increasing the value of the s
dimension in the antenna structure improved the performance of the antenna.

Figur
e 2.3: The simulated design to be printed.

Figure 2.3 shows the structure of the designed antenna and its equivalent electronic
circuit.

Table 2.1: Dimensions of IFA antenna.

Table 2.1 shows the dimensions of the of the designed antenna structure show in
figure 2.3.

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 Figure 2.4: S11 parameter at various ground y-dimesons.

The researchers were able to conclude that the operating frequency of 2.4 GHz is
achievable only when the y dimension of the antenna structure is 25 mm. This is
clearly seen in Figure 2.4.

8
 Figure 2.5: Direct-write printing of the antenna using MD method.

Figure 2.5 shows the fabrication process of the designed antenna.

Figure 2.6: The patch and ground of the fabricated antenna.

Figure 2.6 shows the fabricated patch and ground connected with an SM connector.

9
Figure 2.7: Comparison between the measured S11 parameter to the simulated
S11 parameter plus the region where the bandwidth of the antenna is calculated.

Figure 2.7 shows the region on the S11 parameter curve where bandwidth
frequencies are selected for both measured and simulated results.

Figure 2. 8: E-plane and H-plane during the measurement of the radiation

pattern of the IFA antenna on paper.

Figure 2.8 shows the measurement of the radiation patterns for E-plane and H-plane
of the antenna inside the Anechoic Chamber.

The Results

Below are the findings the researchers made. The researchers discovered the
radiation pattern in E-plane to be monopole like. While the H-plane radiation pattern
found to be Omni directional.

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 Figure 2.9: E-plane of radiation pattern comparing simulated to measured
radiation patterns.

Figure 2.9 shows the E-plane radiation pattern for both simulated and measured
results.

11
Figure 2.10: H-plane of the radiation pattern comparing simulated to measured
radiation patterns.

Figure 2.10 shows the H-plane radiation pattern for both simulated and measured
results.

Therefore, the researchers measured and simulated radiation patterns agreed to one
another having almost identical patterns in E and H-plane respectively.

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2.2 Inkjet-Printed Flexible Recongurable Antenna for Conformal
WLAN/WLAN/WiMAX Wireless Devices

The researchers in this paper [6] took a different approach in designing a flexible
antenna using a folded slot concept for the antenna design. Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PET) another flexible substrate material was used. The researchers
used a MetalJet6000i inkjet printer unlike the previous researchers. By adding a PIN
diode they were able to control the frequency bands of the antenna. By using the
technique of the diode PIN on the surface of the antenna, a single frequency band
was achieved at 2.45GHz (for WLAN).When reverse biased, dual bands were
produced for WLAN at 2.36GHz and for WiMAX at 3.64GHz. Hence by adding the
diode PIN, the antenna became reconfigurable. Catalytic ink was used to print the
antenna. In order to create copper metal on a substrate (PET), the substrate was
placed in a copper plating solution. The thickness of the copper metal was 1.5m at a
conductivity of 2e7 S/m leading to a resistance of only 0.03 ohms/square for the
entire sheet. A tee circuit was biased and fed to the antenna, providing both the RF
signal for the antenna and the DC signal for the Diode [7][8]. Therefore, the
researchers in this paper were able to control the antenna at certain frequencies by
the ON and OFF configuration of the diode. The radiation pattern and S11 parameter
of the simulated antenna was nearly the same as the same as the radiation pattern and
S11 parameter of the measured antenna respectively.

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 Figure 2.11: (a) Single Folded Slot antenna. (b) Reconfigurable folded Slot
antenna. (c) Surface Current directions for reversed biased. (d) Surface current
directions for forward biased.

Antenna dimensions: wg=31mm, Lg=59mm, Ws=4.75mm, Ls=53mm, Wt= 1mm,

Lt=52mm, Wf=6mm, Lf=20.5mm, g=0.2mm, Wa= 0.5mm, Wb=3.25mm, T1=26mm,
T2=12mm, T3=12mm, SW=2mm.

Figure 2.11 shows a single folded slot antenna, reconfigurable folded slot antenna
with dimensions shown. The figure also shows the surface current directions for
reversed biased and surface current directions for forward biased.

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Figure 2.11: Fabricated antenna: (a) Flat configuration. (b) Bias circuit of the
PIN-diode. (c) Circumferential configuration. (d) Axial Configuration.

Figure 2.12 shows the fabricated flat configuration, bias circuit of the PIN-diode,
circumferential configuration, axial configuration.

Figure 2.12: Radiation patterns for the at conguration of the slot in forward
bias at 2.42 GHz: (a) E-plane. (b) H-plane.

15
Figure 2.13 shows the radiation patterns for the at conguration of the slot in
forward bias at 2.42 GHz in E and H-planes.

Figure 2.13: Radiation patterns for the at conguration of the slot in reverse
bias at 3.64 GHz: (a) E-plane. (b) H-plane.

Figure 2.14 shows the radiation patterns for the at conguration of the slot in
forward bias at 3.64 GHz in E and H-planes.

16
 Figure 2.14: Radiation patterns for the at conguration of the slot in reverse
bias at 2.36 GHz: (a) E-plane. (b) H-plane.

Figure 2.14 shows the radiation patterns for the at conguration of the slot in
forward bias at 2.36 GHz in E and H-planes.

Figure 2.15: S11 parameter comparing forward and reverse basing for flat
configuration.

Figure 2.16 displays the S11 parameter when both the measured and simulated
antenna circuits are switched on and off at a time respectively and vice versa.

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2.3 Design of Compact Multiband Fractal Antenna for WLAN and WiMAX
Applications

For this paper [9], researchers used two approaches (multiband and broadband) in
designing antennas to serve various wireless applications applying various
frequencies ranging from 2.3 - 5.0 GHz, to cover Wi-Fi, at 2.4-2.48 GHz to cover
WLAN frequencies and frequencies at 2.40 to 2.48 GHz, 2.49 to 2.59 GHz, and 3.5
to 3.8 GHz for WiMAX. A star-shaped fractal concept is introduced to a microstrip
antenna where a Koch curve design for the antenna is applied to shrink antenna size.
Using a space-filling fractal geometry property, the researchers antenna [10]
revealed a reduction in the resonant frequency from 2.43 GHz to 1.78 GHz. From the
result, researchers found that as the iteration factor increased, the patch antenna
resonant frequency decreased. With a reduced size, researchers were able to obtain
multiband and broadband operations. The researchers applied suspended
configuration to improve bandwidth and efficiency [11]. Using HFSS software a
comparison between microstrip patch and fractal antenna is made regarding the S11
parameter, bandwidth, gain and VSWR.

Figure 2.17: Shows 0th, 1st, 2nd and 3rd iterations of the proposed antenna.

The resonant frequency was chosen at 2.45 GHz using FR-4 substrate material with
dielectric constant (r) of 4.4.

To improve bandwidth suspension technique is applied by the researchers by the

introduction of an air gap. The configuration displayed improved bandwidth
measured with multiband frequencies.

18
 (a) (b)

Figure 2.18: (a) conventional fractal antenna (b) suspended configuration of the
patch antenna.

Figure 2.18 shows the simulated convectional fractal and suspended configuration of
patch antennas.

19
Figure 2.19: Return loss for various iterations stages on the Koch fractal curve
antenna.

Figure 2.19 the authors discovered that the higher the iteration factor on the antenna,
the lower the operating frequency attained.

20
 Figure 2.20: Return loss for suspended antenna.

The return loss of the antenna showed a triple band antenna with frequencies of
2.4683GHz, 3.5300GHz and 3.8917GHz with corresponding dB values of -15.2442,
-11.13164 and -20.8936.

Figure 2.21: 2D and 3D radiation pattern of the Koch fractal antenna with a
5.2dB directivity

21
The figure 2.21 shows a 2D and 3D radiation pattern as simulated by the researchers.
The simulation showed that the highest gain attainable was 5.2dB also represented as
red color spots on the 3D radiation pattern model.

Table 2.2: Results of convention antenna VS suspended antenna.

Sr. No Type of Freq(GHz) Return VSWR Band Gain(d

MSA Loss(dB) width B)
(MHz)

1. Conventional 2.43 -18.10 1.28 60 5.20

fractal

2. Suspended 1) 2.43 -15.24 1.43 246 3.21

Fractal
2) 3.53 -11.31 1.75 120

3) 3.88 -20.89 1.19 257

The researchers proved that suspending the antenna led to large values of the band
width.

In conclusion the proposed antenna covered WiMAX and WLAN standards of

communication at 3.5 to 3.8GHz and 2.4 to 2.483GHz respectively. The use of
suspended configuration resulted into large bandwidth results attained.at 257MHz.
The antenna proposed is of nearly a symmetrical radiation patter, favourable return
loss below -10dB, high gain value and compact size.

22
 2.4 A Micro Strip Patch Antenna Manufactured with Flexible Graphene-
Based Conducting Material

In this paper [12] researchers completely used a different method to manufacture the
antenna. Only the patch is made flexible using graphene-based conductors unlike the
previous researchers who employed inkjet printing to manufacture a flexible antenna.
Here researchers used a micro-cutter to cut the outline of the patch created using
graphene conductors. [13] [14] [15]. Using adhesive, the cut out piece is attached to
the FR-4 substrate. This is done by applying an adhesive spray onto the surface of a
thick 100m sheet of paper and later bonded with the bottom of graphene conductor.
Then the adhesive spray is deployed on the surface of transparency of 100m
thickness. The researchers after bonded the transparency on top of the graphene
conductor hence creating a three layered structure.

The layout was defined in the micro cutter with the use of software before the layer
as placed adhesive cutting mat. At this point the microstrip patch was ready for
cutting.

Figure 2.22: Graphene-based conductor

23
The figure 2.18 shows how graphene-based conducting material is bonded using
adhesive spray on the top side of the paper layer where the graphene material is
attached.

On top of the graphene, a transparency film layer is attached on the graphene

material with its bottom side sprayed with adhesive spray.

The 3 layers are then placed on top of an adhesive cutting mat to be prepared for
bondage as single piece.

24
 Figure 2.23: Micro-cutter and adhesive spray.

Figure 2.23 shows a special machine known as a micro-cutter which the researchers
used to bond together the 3 layers mentioned above in Figure 2.22.

The Figure 2.22 also shows the important materials that were used for the bonding
process of the 3 layers. These components included spray adhesive, the micro-
cutting edge machine, adhesive cutting mat material and the 3 layers to bond.

25
 Figure 2.24: Measured and simulated S11 parameter of the antenna.

Figure 2.24 shows S11 parameter for measured and simulated results with
corresponding operating frequencies.

In conclusion the researchers managed to create a working antenna with the

measured s11 parameter slightly exceeding the simulated operating frequency. And
this was due to the wobbly nature of the cutter. But all in all the researchers proved
that their manufacturing technique had the possibility to design even the most
complicated of the designs.

26
2.5 A compact monopole antenna for WLAN applications

In this paper [17], researchers presented a monopole antenna printed in small size
with a simple structural design. This antenna is made of a bent L-shape structure
extended from the ground and another L-shaped strip that connected the feed line.
This bent L-shaped structure and an L-shape strip were coupled to excite low and
high band. By adjusting some parameters of the antenna, researchers were able to
design an antenna for WLAN application with a bandwidth covering bands of the
WLAN system.
The antenna was fabricated on an FR4 substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm having a
dielectric constant of 4.4 and a 0.0245 loss tangent. The antenna was designed with
dimensions of 30 mm 12.5 mm (WL) containing an antenna portion of a 7.5 mm
12.5 mm and 22.5 mm 12.5 mm for the ground plane.
A minimum 50 ohm cable was used as a feed. A low frequency band at 2.5GHz was
produced by coupling the bent L-shaped monopole structure and the L-shape strip
[18-23]. The antenna L-shape strip with the effect produced by the enclosed bent L-
shaped monopole excited a high frequency band of 5.2GHz.

Figure 2.25: Antenna geometry design.

27
 Table 2.3: Antenna dimensions

Table 2.3 shows the dimensions used in designing of the antenna.

From the results, when the dimension of length W1 is shortened the researchers, a
2.4 GHz low frequency is moved to a high-frequency and the high-frequency band
caused a mismatch.

Figure 2.26: Simulated and measured return losses of the proposed design.

28
The figure 2.26 displays the S11 parameter of both the simulated and measured
results.

Figure 2.27: Simulated return losses with different lengths of W1.

The figure 2.27 shows the effect of shortening the length W1 on the S11 parameter.
As shown in figure 2.23, the operating frequency increased as researchers shortened
W1. On the other hand, when researchers reduced the length W2, the entire
bandwidth at 5.2GHz disappeared hence strongly affecting the high frequency band
especially at 5.2GHz. The figure 2.24 below displays how shortening W2 led to the
disappearance of the bandwidth at 5.2GHz.

29
 Figure 2.28: Simulated return losses with different lengths of W2.

Figure 2.28 shows effect of shortening W2 on the S11 parameter and the
disappearance of the bandwidth at 5.2GHz.
Therefore, by adjusting the antenna dimensions, the researchers were able to obtain a
WLAN USB antenna. From their experimental results, the obtained bandwidth was
measured between 2.345-2.54 GHz and 5.05-5.46 GHz which hence be employed in
WLAN systems.

30
CHAPTER 3: DETAILS OF THE DESIGN

3.1 Introduction

The following is the step by step design process of the simulated antenna using
computer software technology (CST). The simulation software predicts how the
antenna may perform in real environment. There are three major important parts of a
normal micro strip patch antenna including;

a) Substrate. This can be defined as a material on which other materials are

deposited during manufacturing and fabrication of electronic devices say like
an antenna.
b) Patch. This is the material deposited on the top face of the substrate to
provide the means to radiate a signal, the patch material used was PEDOT
mixed with conductive graphene ink. In the simulator copper material was
used with a thickness of 0.035mm.
c) Ground. This is the material deposited on the back side of the substrate. For
the microstrip design of this project, the ground material used was PEDOT
plus conductive graphene ink. In the simulator copper material was used with
a thickness of 0.035mm.
d) Wave port. In simple terms a port can be defined as a place where power is
propagated into a system from outside. For this case the system is the
antenna. Because of the fact that a microstrip antenna was used in this
simulation, a basic rule of wave guide port construction strictly had to be
followed as illustrated in the figure below.

31
 6W

Wave port
W
5h+ M

Patch

Substrate h

Ground plane M

Figure 3.1: Side view of the mirostrip patch antenna with a connected wave
guide port.

Where:

W----------> width of the patch.

h-----------> thickness of the substrate.
M---------->thickness of the ground.

The basic rule of connecting a wave guide port states that the width of the
wave guide port must be 6times the width of the microstrip line. While the
length of the wave port must be 5h + M.

Figure 3.1 shows the wave guide port requirements for connection on the
antenna.

32
3.1 Design of the simulated substrate

The substrate was designed with a dielectric constant of 3.8 using (paper oil
impregnated) material with a thickness of h=2mm.The length of the substrate was set
at 50mm while the width was set at 42.2mm.

Figure 3.2: CST substrate dimensions with the substrate on the right.

3.2 Design of the simulated patch

The designed patch is Elliptical structure with four iterations. The iterations are
carried out by constructing both major minor axes of both horizontal and vertical
ellipses. The constructed ellipses are then intersected to form a new shape from
which a scaled new shape is made as shown in the iteration procedure.

33
3.3 The iteration procedure

The first iteration was a vertical ellipse with a major axis=13.5 mm and a minor
axis=10.8 mm. Then a same size horizontal ellipse was intersected to the vertical
ellipse to form a new shape as seen in Figure 3.3.

Figure 3.3: Horizontal ellipse with material PEC (copper) with a thickness of
0.035mm.

34
Figure 3.4: Vertical ellipse with material PEC (copper) with a thickness of
0.035mm.

(a) (b)

Figure 3.5: (a) patch before intersection. (b) After intersection.

35
In order to complete the iteration, horizontal and vertical ellipse were scaled down
using 0.6. But this time the material used was a vacuum as shown below in Figure
3.6

(a)

(b)

36
 (c)

Figure 3.6: (a) Scaled horizontal ellipse for iteraton1. (b) Cutting a horizontal
elliptical slot to create room for a second iteration. (c) New patch with
horizontal ellipse slot.

Figure 3.7: The first completed iteration.

37
 (a) (b)

Figure 3.8: (a) Second iteration before intersection was done. (b) Second
iteration after intersection is done

Figure 3.7 shows 1st iteration where a scaled major minor elliptical shapes are cut
out. Figure 3.8 (a) shows the same scaled horizontal and vertical elliptical shapes are
replaced back using PEC as the material. Figure 3.8 (b) displays a new shape after
intersecting the horizontal and vertical elliptical shapes.

Table 3.1 : Number of iterations for the design.

Number of Horizontal ellipse Vertical ellipse

iteration
Major axis Minor axis Major axis Minor axis materia
l

1 10.8 13.5 13.5 10.8 PEC

6.48 8.1 8.1 6.48 Vacuum

2 6.48 8.1 8.1 6.48 PEC

38
 3.888 4.86 4.86 3.888 Vacuum

3 3.888 4.86 4.86 3.888 PEC

2.3328 2.916 2.916 2.3328 Vacuum

4 2.3328 2.916 2.916 2.3328 PEC

1.39968 1.7496 1.7496 1.39968 Vacuum

Table 3.1 shows dimensions for creating horizontal and vertical ellipses for four
iterations. For the first iteration, material is PEC and a horizontal ellipse is created by
applying its major and minor axis dimensions to CST. A vertical ellipse is therefore
constructed by swapping the major and minor axis used in the horizontal ellipse with
the same material as PEC.

To create an iteration, both horizontal and vertical ellipse are constructed with major
and minor axes scaled with 0.6 constant and material set as a vacuum

For the second iteration the vacuum space is filled with both horizontal and vertical
ellipses with dimensions and PEC material shown as per table 3.1. After intersection
of the shapes, a scaled horizontal and vertical ellipse with vacuum as material are
constructed and shapes cut away to finish a second iteration.

The procedure continues for the 3rd and 4th iterations.

From the simulation it was discovered that only four iterations achieved an operating
frequency at 2.4GHz. Adding another iteration reduces the operating frequency. This
is why only 4 iterations are done on the design to achieve a 2.4GHz operating
frequency.

39
 (a) (b)

Figure 3.9: (a) Complete second iteration. (b) Complete third iteration.

40
 (a) (b)

Figure 3.10: (a) Complete forth iteration. (b) Complete patch with a strip line at
50 impedance.

The strip line was designed with dimension of 3.2 mm in width and 20.5 mm in
length.

41
3.4 Design of the ground

A parabolic ground is implemented due to its wide bandwidth contributions when a

slot is added onto the structure. Below is a step by step construction of the ground
plane of the proposed antenna.

First the local coordinates of the back substrate face are transformed to new local
coordinates to ensure the ground to be designed became half.

Figure 3.11: Transformation of local coordinates of the back face of the

substrate.

42
 Figure 3.11: Ground dimensions of the parabolic ground.

The ground is positioned at (9, 21) to ensure that the antenna operates at the
operating frequency as possible.

Figure 3. 12: Dimensions of the unwanted area to be cut away

43
 Figure 3.13: Highlighted unwanted area to be cut away.

The unwanted region is then cut away by selecting cut away highlighted shape from
the shape intersection menu.

44
By choosing material of the unwanted region to be a vacuum, a shape intersection
window provides an option to cut away the unwanted region. This is due to the fact
that; two different materials are found intersecting one another by the CST software.
The same procedure is done on the next unwanted region highlighted in the figure
3.14 below

Figure 3.14: Highlighted unwanted region.

45
Figure 3.15: Parabolic ground with transformed local coordinates to a position
for slot construction.

Figure 3.16 shows how the coordinates are transformed from one position to another
in order to modify the design at a desired location. For the case in figure 3.16, the
desired location is found to be at -4.5 mm in direction Du and -19 mm in direction
Dv.

46
 Figure 3.16: Simulated ground with a slot.

Adding a ground slot of dimensions 4.2 mm wide and 4 mm in length, the impedance
bandwidth is increased by almost 50%. The slot is created when the rectangular box
of 4.2 mm and 4 mm has its material set as a vacuum. This in turn displays an
intersection menu from which a highlighted region is selected to be cut away, leaving
a slot as seen in Figure 3.17.

47
3.5 The S11 parameter

The S11 parameter is an important antenna parameter. Because the minimum power
for an antenna to operate or WLAN is 90%, therefore the antennas operating
frequency must be below -10dB.

Figure 3.18: Simulated S11 parameter.

Figure 3.18 shows that antenna operates well at 2.459 GHz with a - 28.506841 dB
value. Since the antenna displays one stronger signal at the operating frequency, this
antenna is considered to be a single band antenna. Hence this antenna based on the
S11 parameter curve shown in Figure 3.18, is suitable for WLAN at 2.4 GHz

3.6 The radiation pattern

The radiation pattern of the antenna is measured in both the E and H-plane.

48
 Figure 3.19: Simulated Radiation Pattern for E (red) and H (green) plane.

The simulated radiation pattern at 2.4G Hz, is Omni direction in the H-plane and
monopole like in the E- plane.

The proposed antenna radiation characteristics are investigated at, Phi=90.

According to the coordinate system, the xz-plane is the H-plane and the yz-plane is
the E-plane. Both the simulated E-plane and H-Plane radiation patterns are illustrated
in the figure 3.5 at 2.5 GHz. The radiation pattern of the antenna proposed is Omni
directional in the H-plane while it is a quasi-Omni directional in the E-plane. The
radiation pattern is therefore acceptable for WLAN bandwidth.

49
3.7 The Antenna Gain

Figure 3.20: The Gain simulated at the operating frequency 2.4 GHz is 2.23
dBi.

Compared to a normal antenna design whose gain is 3dbi, this design considerably
produces a relatively high gain hence its directivity is also relatively good. The figure
3.20 shows that the maximum gain attainable by the antenna is 2.23 dBi at the
operating frequency of 2.4 GHz.

50
3.8 The antenna bandwidth

To calculate the bandwidth of the simulated antenna, two cut off frequency points F1
and F2 are chosen where the S11 parameter curve cuts the first and second point of
the 10 dB line. Figure 3.21 and 3.22 illustrates how the points are chosen.

Figure 3.21: Upper cut off frequency F2.

The upper cut off frequency is read at the point where the 10 dB line cuts the
second point of the S11 parameter curve. The frequency reading is taken as shown in
the Figure 3.21. This frequency reading is then used in the calculation of the
bandwidth of the antenna.

51
 Figure 3.22: Lower cut off frequency F1

The lower cut off frequency is read at the point where the 10 dB line cuts the first
point of the S11 parameter curve. The frequency reading is taken as shown in the
Figure 3.22

Bandwidith=( f 2f 1 ) f 2 xf 1

= (5.3851GHz-2.0165GHz) ( 5.3851GHzx 2.0165GHz )

=1.022241351

1.0222

The bandwidth expressed as a percentage = 1.0222 x 100%

Bandwidth = 102.22%.

52
3.9 3D radiation pattern of the proposed Antenna.

Figure 3.23: 3D Radiation pattern with gain

Figure 3.23 shows a 3D radiation pattern where the peak gain simulated occurs at the
red spots. The antenna is included in the 3D radiation pattern to reveal the parts of
the antenna that emit more radiation. From the figure it is observed that peak gain is
achieved around the patch area. The maximum gain of the antenna occurs at 2.51
dBi.

53
3.10 Voltage Standing Wave Ratio.

Figure 3.24: VSWR at the operating frequency.

For the antenna impedance to be well matched to that of the transmission line
delivering the energy the antenna is radiating, its VSWR must be less than a value of
2. From the Figure 3.24 of the simulation, the lowest point occurs at 1.074 is
therefore chosen as VSWR value. The value obtained is less than two. This is a clear
indication that the antenna is well impedance matched to the transmission line.

54
CHAPTER 4: FABRICATION OF THE ANTENNA AND RESULTS

Introduction.

This chapter explains in detail, the methods used in achieving the fabricated antenna.
The tested results are also discussed and later compared to the results of the
simulated antenna.

4.1. The Printer.

The aim of the project is to come up with a cheap printable antenna to be utilized by
new technologies including flexible wearables, technological gadgets for internet of
things. IOT. To replace various antennas for space craft applications. Previously
engineers used a DMATIX [13] inkjet printer in achieving a printable antenna.
Although such a printer is a high precision performance printer with good result, its
cost is extremely high and secondly requires skilled man power to operate it.
Therefore, a new and very low cost printer was used in the fabrication process of the
proposed antenna. At 280rm, a DCPJ100 Brother printer is cheaper than most
printers the previous researchers used.

Figure 4.1: DCP-J100 Brother ink jet printer.

55
4.2. Ink cartridge holder modification.

Black ink was pulled out of the black ink cartridge and placed into a secure
container. Suction of the ink was exercised using a syringe and a needle. Cleaning of
the cartridge was done 16 times using distilled water and then left to dry for 1 day.
This was so to a well dried up cartridge with no water molecules left on its walls.

4.3 PEDOT (Poly-ethylenedioxythiophene)/ Dispersion conductive Graphene

ink mixture

40 ml (milliliters) of conductive graphene were mixed with 30ml of PEDOT solution

into a beaker. Using a plastic syringe and needle, the solution was injected into the
black ink cartridge.

Figure 4.2: Injection of Conductive Graphene Dispersion/PEDOT ink mixture

into the black cartridge using a plastic syringe and needle.

56
To ensure a good quality print on to the porous transparency, shaking the cartridge
filled with PEDOT/Conductive graphene mixture for a period of 1minute is
recommended.

4.5. Choosing a substrate

In order to come up with a complete flexible printable antenna, two substrate

materials were investigated. On the affordability point of view, a normal commercial
paper had superior low price tags, RM 5cents a sheet compare to the transparent A4
sheet at RM 5 a sheet. For this investigation both sheets were tested.

4.6. Investigating ink conductivity on the paper substrate.

The patch of the Antenna was printed on the paper substrate. And tested for
continuity. As seen below.

Figure 4.3: Testing the printed patch for continuity after applying 12 layers of
PEDOT/ conductive graphene ink solution.

57
To test what happens to continuity when more than 12 layers of the ink mixture was
applied, the ground is printed to 16 layers. Below is the result for continuity of the
printed ground plane.

Figure 4.4: testing the printed ground for continuity after applying 16 layers of
PEDOT/ conductive graphene ink solution.

From the two samples, printing more layers ensured good electrical continuity and
conductivity of the antenna. But this comes with a heavy cost on the amount
PEDOT/Graphene ink solution that is used. The cost PEDOT and Conductive
graphene respectively is relatively high. And printing many layers becomes
extremely non economical especially on industrious scale production. Hence making
the production of the overall printable antenna on a paper substrate very expensive.

Therefore, to solve this problem of high cost of producing a printable antenna with
less layers, a porous A4 size transparent paper was instead utilized. Despite its high
price compared to a normal A4 paper, the transparency only required 2 layers of ink
to provide a good conductivity PEDOT/Graphene ink solution.

58
4.7 Fabricating the Antenna

Both the patch and ground were printed on the same transparent face to ensure
conductivity. They were then baked for 1 minute at 100 degrees Celsius using a
normal A4 commercial transparent paper of thickness 1.1mm. Baking increases the
conductive capability of the ink solution. The patch and ground are then cut out with
the use of a cutting knife. Using paper glue, the smooth surfaces of the ground and
the patch are glued together.

An SM connector then connected and attached using conductive silver paste to

provide continuity between the ink surface and the SM connector.

To ensure good grip between the SM connector and the antenna, a stronger glue
known as super glue is added between the connector and the antenna.

59
Figure 4.5: The fabricated antenna with an SM connector connected onto the
antenna.

60
4.8 The measured S11 parameter

The S11 parameter is tested using ENA Series Network Analyzer of frequency range
300 KHz 3GHz. Using a special probe, the antenna is connected from the analyzer
to the SM connector of the antenna under test.

The measured S11 parameter displayed a series of strong signals at various

frequencies. The sharpest of all is displayed at 2.4 GHz with a - 18.723 dB value.
Since simple patch antenna require 90% of the transmitted power as minimum to
radiate, the standard radiating patch antenna must therefore operate below -10dB to
be considered as functioning well. Therefore, since the measured result is -18.723dB,
this antenna performs well at the operating frequency 2.406GHz.

4.9. The measured radiation pattern.

The radiation pattern is an important parameter of the antenna. It helps to show how
well the antenna is radiating. An Omni directional radiating antenna is favorable in
WLAN applications. Below is the Radiation patterns of the fabricated antenna in
both H and E planes. These results were obtained from the anechoic chamber after
the antenna was tested.

61
 Figure 4.6: H-Plane radiation pattern at 2G Hz and 2.4 GHz.

At 2.4 GHz, the radiation pattern is Omni direction while at 2 GHz is almost Omni
direction.

62
 Figure 4.7: Radiation pattern at 2 GHz and 2.4 GHz

The radiation pattern is monopole like at both 2 GHz and 2.4 GHz for E-Plane.

63
CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSIONS

The result of the return loss did not match the predicted one in the simulator. This
may perhaps be due to a number of possible reasons.

5.1. The substrate.

Among the tested flexible substrates, only the porous transparent A4 sheet allowed
conductive ink mixture to be deposited effectively and efficiently. A rough
transparent sheet proved to be more reliable than normal commercial A4 paper
because ink molecules stick well on a rough surface than a smooth surface. The
paper substrate might absorb some of the ink mixture that was deposited hence
requiring more layers (12 and above for patch and ground each) of
PEDOT/Graphene ink mixture to achieve a good stronger conductivity for the
fabricated antenna.

PEDOT and Conductive Graphene are expensive on the market costing RM 600 and
RM 2000 respectively. Both being sold in smaller amounts; it makes the total cost of
producing an antenna on a paper substrate extremely very expensive despite the cost
of one sheet of A4 paper being as super low as RM 0.1 cents.

However, 50 milters of PEDOT-graphene mixture are used to print a single sheet of

paper at a cost of RM 75.

An alternative relatively an affordable A4 transparency sheet is utilized instead of a

normal paper. This is due to the fact that the rough transparent sheet did not absorb
any ink mixture deposited on its surface. The amount of ink used is also less that to
say; only 3militers of PEDOT-graphene ink mixture is used. The antenna is printed
twice, costing as low as RM 10. This low cost of fabricating the antenna, makes it
ideal for mass production applications

64
In the investigation the printed antenna required to be baked in an oven for 1 minute
at 100 degrees Celsius. This is to allow an increase in conductivity of the ink
molecules while ink jet on to the transparent sheet.

To economize the time taken to fabricate and the expense of using two transparent
sheets, the patch and ground are both printed on the same rough face of the
transparent material.

The two specimens are cut out and joined together with the help of super glue to
form one solid substrate harboring the patch ink at the top and ground at the bottom.
This increases the thickness of the overall substrate which in turn improves the
fringing effect between patch and ground through the substrate, leading to an
improvement in the antenna performance.

Patch substrate

Super glue

Ground substrate

Figure 5.1: Three layers of the fabricated substrate.

Therefore, combining patch and ground specimens not only increased the substrate
thickness but also improved the antenna performance.

5.2 Printer setting.

Setting the DCP-J100 Brother in jet printer also affluence the quality of the antenna
that was printed. To improve the quality to be printed, the printer is set to print at the
highest quality.

65
The SM is attached on to the antenna using conductive silver paste to provide
electrical conductivity between the antenna and the transmission line. To provide a
firm grip of the SM connector onto the antenna, superglue is applied between the
connectorstrip line junctions to hold the connector onto the fabricated antenna.

5.3 The simulated results without a slot on the ground.

This result demonstrates the significance of the slot. It reveals how the absence of the
slot affects the antenna characteristics.

Figure 5.2: Snapshot of antenna ground design without slot from CST.

66
5.4 The S11 parameter.

Figure 5.3: S11 parameter with no slot on the ground.

The return loss curve does not operate at 2.4 GHz instead it operates at two
frequencies 2.32 GHz as seen in Figure 5.3. The other operating frequency is shown
in the Figure 5.4

67
 Figure 5.4: S11 parameter for the antenna with no slot on ground showing a
second operating frequency.

5.5 Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) with no slot on ground

Figure 5.5: VSWR with no slot on ground.

68
At the first operating frequency 2.31 GHz, the VSWR occurs with a value (1.164)
less than two as shown in Figure 5.5.

The VSWR displays how good the feed line is well impedance matched to the
microstripline. A good VSWR must be less than two.

Figure 5.6: VSWR with no slot on ground at second operating frequency.

From the VSWR it is clear that with or without slot, the strip line is well impedance
matched to the transmission line.

69
5.6 Gain for the Antenna without slot on the ground

Figure 5.7: Gain of the proposed antenna without slot on the ground.

The gain of an antenna with a slot designed on the ground is far superior compared to
an antenna with a ground with no slot.

5.7 Bandwidth

The bandwidth is calculated as follows.

Bandwidith=( f 2f 1 ) f 2 xf 1

Band width = (3.5798-2.0234) (3.5798 x 2.0234)

Band width = 0.57829

Band width as a percentage = 0.57829 x 100

70
Band width as a percentage =57.83%

Therefore, without a slot the bandwidth of the antenna is only 57.83%

F1 and F2 are shown in the Figure 5.8 and Figure 5.9 respectively.

Figure 5.8: S11 parameter with frequency F1

71
 Figure 5.9: S11 parameter with frequency F2

5.8 Comparison between simulated and measured results

The result of simulated S11 parameter showed that the antenna resonant frequency
occurred at 2.4593 GHz with a - 28.5 dB value. When compared to the measured
value of S11 parameter, the results were different. The measured operating frequency
was 2.406 GHz with a corresponding dB value of -18.723dB.

Perhaps this difference in dB value may be attributed to the losses in the

transmission cable and in addition, the connector is never taken into account during
simulation hence the difference in results. Despite this difference, the measured S11

72
parameter with a -18dB value is still considered an effective antenna for WLAN
applications at 2.4 GHz.

73
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION

6.1 Summary and conclusions

In the investigation done on the project, the task of achieving a flexible printable
antenna is attained by simulation and fabrication. Using CST (computer simulation
technology), the Koch fractal design is simulated for radiation pattern, S11
parameter, VSWR and Bandwidth. The results show a single band antenna operating
at 2.4 GHz.to 2.484 GHz band for 802.11 b applications that to say WLAN and
measured results using an ENA series Network Analyser for the return loss parameter
and anechoic chamber for radiation pattern. During fabrication process two special
inks are utilized which are PEDOT and Dispersive Conductive Graphene.

This method completely changed the overall substrate and its structure because the
glue used may not have been uniformly distributed all over the smooth surfaces of
the transparencies to be glued together. In addition, the Graphene/ PEDOT ink
solution on the rough transparent sheet is fragile. Tiny flakes of the dried ink pilled
off in contact with fingers during the union of patch and ground substrates hence
contributing to the ripples observed in the measured S11 parameter. Therefore, the
measured 10 dB S11 parameter with an operating frequency 2.4GHz is concrete
proof that this Antenna design can be used for WLAN (Wireless Local Area
Network).

74
6.1 Areas for further Research.

More flexible materials need to be investigated on which WLAN antennas could be

printed for 802.11 b applications. More research on a double sided porous material to
allow printing both the ground and the patch on same sheet but opposite sides is
needed. Furthermore, other conductive inks like Silver nanowire need to be
investigated with PEDOT to investigate a suitable combination that is ink efficient
and highly conductive. In addition, the antenna needs are improvement to allow it to
operate in the other frequency band for WLAN of 5.15 to 5.35GHz and 5.725 GHz to
5.825 GHz.

75
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