Theoretical and experimental investigation of tapered microstrip antennas for wireless communications

This paper describes a theoretical analysis and an experimental investigation of the properties of tapered microstrip patch antennas. The investigated structural parameters are mainly the patch length, the varied patch width, and the feed-point position. The theoretical analysis was performed using the transmission line and resonant cavity methods adapted for the tapered antenna structure. The work is developed for conducting patches with and without slots. Several prototypes were built and measured. An increment in the antenna bandwidth is observed for tapered microstrip antennas without slots. The introduction of a conducting patch slot gives the antenna a multiband performance. The proposed microstrip antenna is suitable for applications in wireless communications.