Large gain linear series-fed microstrip antenna arrays at Ka and C bands

In this paper, the design of a series-fed microstrip antenna array is discussed and its design challenge of limited gain is explained. It discusses that the phase between the patches of the array plays a significant role in overcoming the challenge. A 23 element series fed linear array at Ka-band gives gain of 19dBi with beam in broadside direction and has SLL better than -15dB. A scaled down version at C-band has been designed and fabricated. A 7-element series fed antenna array yielded measured gain of 15.1 dBi at 5.79 GHz. This design can be extended for planar antenna arrays to obtain higher gain.