Control of Higher Harmonics and Their Radiations in Microstrip Antennas Using Compact Defected Ground Structures

Controlling higher order modes up to third harmonic of the fundamental operating frequency in a microstrip line-fed patch antenna has been successfully demonstrated. Harmonic rejection in the antenna has been achieved at its feed level using highly compact design of defected ground structure (DGS). Rejection characteristics have been improved adding an open stub to the feed line. All possible higher order modes occurring in between the fundamental and the 3rd harmonic have been identified. Relative suppression of radiated fields with and without DGS-control has been quantitatively measured and effective control of harmonics has been experimentally ensured. The area occupied by the proposed DGS has been compared with earlier designs and over 40–90% reduction in size has been documented.