Bandwidth enhancement of Dielectric Resonator Antenna (DRA)

Presently, wireless systems operating in the microwave range require relatively larger physical size antenna. For instance, the present mobile systems suffer spatial problems due to their relatively voluminous antennas. This has prompted bandwidth enhancement and size reduction of Dielectric Resonator Antenna (DRA) of various wireless applications. This paper reviews the latest research pertaining to bandwidth enhancement and size reduction of DRA in the recent year. Subsequently, the pros and cons of different methods to enhance bandwidth such as single stacked DRA structures, special DRA shapes and multi-segment DRA (MSDRA), hybrid DRA have been reviewed extensively. This review also explores the extent of the new techniques used for improving the bandwidth characteristics using DRA and Microstrip line for Next Generation Networks (NGN) applications. Various aspects of bandwidth enhancement techniques, suggestions for merging, modelling and optimization method for designing compact wideband DRAs have been reviewed extensively. Finally, the possible implications are identified for further improvement to overcome shortcomings by employing design modification, alternative modeling, and optimization of design parameters. This will benefit researchers and antenna manufacturers.