Optimizing Rectangular Patch Antenna Arrays for Enhanced 5G Communication

This study presents the development and evaluation of a 28 GHz microstrip antenna array specifically tailored for next-generation wireless communication. The design utilizes a rectangular patch architecture implemented on a Rogers RT 5880 substrate, sized 16 × 30 mm², with a standard thickness of 0.254 mm, ensuring compatibility with millimeter-wave frequencies. Dual impedance bandwidths were observed, spanning 20.5–22.6 GHz and 24.8–32.5 GHz, corresponding to effective bandwidths of 2.1 GHz and 9.3 GHz, respectively. A significant return loss of -61 dB was recorded near 27.9 GHz. The antenna array employs a 1×4 linear configuration, where each radiating element integrates a partial ground and a slot centered on the patch. The system delivers high radiation efficiency (~94%), a maximum gain of 9.04 dBi, a VSWR lower than 2, and a peak directivity of 9.35 dBi.