Dual Mode ENG-Metamaterial Inspired Electric Dipole Antenna for Wearable Applications

In this paper, a printed antenna inspired by epsilon-negative (ENG) metamaterial loaded on the electric dipole is designed. The antenna operates at 2.8 GHz (14.5%) and 4.8 GHz (21.8%). The antenna works in two different modes, where the first mode is due to ENG-metamaterial and has a quasi-omni-directional radiation pattern. Another mode is due to the electric dipole and has end-fire radiation pattern. ENG-metamaterial has been designed using shunt inductance and additional virtual ground provided by the radial stub. The balun integrated microstrip-feed is used to excite the electric dipole. The structure has been designed on a flexible substrate and can be suitable for wearable applications.