A Novel Microstrip Patch Antenna Miniaturization Technique: A Meanderly Folded Shorted-Patch Antenna

A novel microstrip patch antenna miniaturization technique based on multilayer meanderly folded shorted- patch structure is introduced. The technique enables a decrease of the original shorted (quarter-wavelength) patch dimension by the factor l/N where N is a number of vertically placed patch plates above the ground plane while maintaining a quarter wavelength resonant length. The antenna operational principle is explained via both E-field distribution inside the antenna structure and the surface current distribution on the conductive parts of the antenna. Two variants of the miniaturized patches with the footprint dimension approx. ~ lambda₀/12 and lambda₀/16 are simulated, realized and measured.