Design of arc-shaped patch antenna arrays for GPS applications

Abstract

This paper proposes the design of an arc-shaped patch antenna for GPS arrays that is composed of an arc-shaped patch with two parasitic elements. The antenna is then arranged in a three-element circular array with an inter-element spacing of about a quarter wavelength, and the isolation characteristics are further improved by inserting a slot to the ground plate. Detailed design parameters are optimized by using the GA, and reflection coefficient, axial ratio, and radiation gain are measured in a semi anechoic chamber. The results demonstrate that the antenna is suitable to be used for GPS antenna arrays with good circular polarization properties.