Design and Analysis of Stacked 4×4 Array Antenna for Applications in the S and C Bands

Patch antenna arrays are renowned for their low profile and compact form factor. This paper introduces a dual-layer stacked 4x4 microstrip patch antenna array is intended to achieve high gain and multiband response. The array is constructed using a cost-effective FR-4 epoxy substrate. The single patch antenna's performance is compared with that of a 2×2 array, a 4×4 array, and a dual-layer stacked array. Performance metrics analyzed include the reflection coefficient, gain, radiation pattern, and surface current density. The dual-layer stacked array demonstrates a gain of 18.6 dBi at 3.95 GHz and 18.8 dBi at 6.71 GHz, showcasing its multiband capability. The bandwidth of the stacked array at 3.95 GHz and 6.71 GHz is 150MHz and 2750MHz, respectively. The array effectively operates across multiple frequencies within the S and C bands, making it suitable for various applications in communication systems. Additionally, the enhanced design of the dual-layer stacked array offers significant improvements in gain and bandwidth compared to traditional single-layer arrays. This makes it an excellent candidate for advanced wireless communication technologies where high performance and multiband operation are critical. The use of FR-4 epoxy not only reduces the cost but also maintains the structural integrity and performance of the antenna array.