While there's no exact formula for calculating the length of the partial ground plane in a printed monopole antenna, here's a guide to determine its optimal size:
1. Consider the antenna's resonant frequency:
Lower resonant frequencies generally require larger ground planes.
Begin with a ground plane roughly a quarter wavelength at the lowest operating frequency.
2. Analyze the antenna's impedance:
Use electromagnetic simulation software to observe how ground plane size affects impedance matching.
Adjust the length to achieve a 50-ohm impedance match at the desired frequency.
3. Factor in radiation pattern:
Partial ground planes can alter the antenna's radiation pattern.
Optimize length for desired pattern characteristics (e.g., directivity, gain).
4. Consider bandwidth:
Ground plane size can impact bandwidth.
Experiment with lengths to balance impedance matching and bandwidth requirements.
5. Employ practical guidelines:
For a first approximation, use a ground plane length of about 0.25λ at the lowest operating frequency.
Refine through simulation and testing.
Image:
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printed monopole antenna with a partial ground plane
Key points:
No universal formula exists for calculating the exact length.
the length of ground plane can be adjusted depending on your targets, like the desired bandwidth, by selecting the proper separation between the lower edge of the patch and the upper edge of the ground that's will tune capacitive and inductive along the feedline that improves the antenna bandwidth.