Multiband fractal antenna design for Cognitive radio applications

Rapid development in wireless communication systems and an increase in the number of users of wireless devices is bound to result in spectrum shortage in the near future. The concept of Cognitive radio is envisaged to be a paradigm of new methodologies for achieving performance enhanced radio communication system through an efficient utilization of available spectrum. Research on antenna design is very critical for the implementation of cognitive radio. A special antenna is required in cognitive radio for sensing and communication purposes. This papers investigates the use of multiband fractal antennas for spectrum sensing application in cognitive radio units. The performance of a new fractal antenna design which generates four bands of operation in the range of 900-4000 MHz has also been studied. Through a thorough discussion on its return loss and radiation plots as well as other parameters such as gain and radiation efficiency, it is proved that the it is a promising antenna for future cognitive radio systems.