Compact multi-band rectangular slotted antenna for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)

An Investigation in a compact multi-band rectangular microstrip antenna with two different slots suitable for future Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) applications is proposed and experimentally studied. The antenna operates at multiple frequency bands which are L1, L2, L5 for GPS and G1, G2, G3 for GLONASS and E1, E6, E5a&E5b for GALILEO. The proposed antenna is excited by a microstrip feed line and have three frequency bands through loading an U-shaped slot and an inverted H-shaped slot. It achieved good performance within a large 3-dB beamwidth, which will enable the antenna to receive signals from several GNSS satellites. The obtained results of the return loss, radiation patterns and peak antenna gains are presented using computer simulations and measurements. A prototype of the antenna is fabricated; the measured return loss is in good agreement with the simulated one.