Analysis of microstrip antennas on finite ground planes

In this article an integral equation for a microstrip antenna on a finite ground plane is derived with the use of the reaction theory and the dyadic Green's function. The integral equation is solved with the use of the Galerkin method, and the current densities on the patch and the ground plane are obtained simultaneously. The far-field radiation pattern is evaluated from currents on the patch, on the ground plane, and on the polarization currents within the substrate. Results are presented for the case where the patch and ground plane are of same size. The results are compared with measured data and show very good agreement. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.