FDTD analysis of a dual-frequency microstrip patch antenna

Characteristics of a single- layer, dual- frequency microstrip patch antenna, which uses a T- strip loaded rectangular microstrip patch, are studied. This antenna is easy to achieve good impedance matching at both frequencies by tuning the feed position and other design parameters. Another advantageous aspect is that it has high polarization purity. A detailed parameter study is performed and the theoretical analysis is based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The FDTD programs are developed and validated by measurement results. The effects of various antenna parameters on two resonant frequencies, frequency ratio, and radiation pattern characteristics of the antenna are analyzed and discussed. It is shown that various frequency ratios (1.5 - 2.49) can be obtained by varying the design parameters of this antenna. Similar radiation patterns with same polarization are obtained at two resonant frequencies. Several design curves are presented.