Effect of Defected Ground Structures on Microstrip Patch Antenna Performance for ISM Band Applications

Recent years have seen a rise in the use of microstrip patch antennas (MPAs) due to their superior radiation properties, affordability, lightweight design, ease of feeding, and ease of manufacturing and analysis. This study investigates how the addition of Defected Ground Structures (DGS) affects the performance of microstrip patch antennas designed for Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band applications. Antennas are developed using an inexpensive FR-4 substrate that has a thickness of 1.6 mm and a dielectric constant of 4.4. Using HFSS software, the antennas are studied and simulated at the ISM Band operating frequency i.e. 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz. The design was verified by manufacturing and experimental testing with a Vector Network Analyser (VNA).