A multilayer microstrip patch antenna subarray design using cad

This article describes the design and development of an X-band, linearly polarized 4 x 4 element aperture-coupled microstrip patch antenna (ACMPA) subarray with a corporate feeding network. To reduce the design cycle time, commercially available CAD software packages are utilized in the antenna design process. The Ensemble(R) software package is used to obtain dimensions of a single multilayer microstrip patch antenna element. The feed network for the subarray is optimized using Touchstone(R) software. The overall design is verified experimentally by performing return loss, radiation pattern and gain measurements. This experimental part is useful in determining the accuracy of the CAD tools and in making small dimensional adjustments so that the final design meets the required specifications.