Hexagonal Stub Based Microstrip Patch Antenna for Ku Band Application

This study presents the design and simulation of a hexagonal stub-based microstrip patch antenna optimized for Ku-band applications (12–18 GHz), using ANSYS Electronics HFSS. The antenna incorporates slits, slots, and a unit structure to enhance performance metrics including gain, bandwidth, and radiation efficiency. The optimized design achieves a peak gain of approximately 3 dB, with multi-band operation demonstrated through resonances at 14.5 GHz, 16.2 GHz, 16.85 GHz, and 17.9 GHz and 19.49 GHz. The deepest return loss (S11) of 52 dB occurs near 16.73 GHz, with return loss values better than 10 dB across all resonances, effective impedance matching. The antenna covers a total bandwidth of approximately 3.2 GHz. Far-field 3D polar plots and radiation patterns validate the characteristics and suitability for Ku-band (12–18 GHz) radar and satellite communication systems.