Beamforming-based Conformal Patch Antenna Array Design for Enhanced Community Cellular Coverage

A beamforming-based conformal 4-element patch antenna array was designed to address coverage gaps in directional antennas used for rural GSM applications. Operating at 900 MHz, the system integrates a Butler matrix for fixed-angle beam steering and employs inset-fed microstrip patch antennas on a flexible polyimide substrate. Various curvatures were tested, and the 180° curved configuration achieved the best performance. It produced main lobes at -23.0°, 44.0°, 18.0°, and -65.0° relative to broadside, with realized gains of around 3-4 dBi and 3 dB beamwidths of around 30-50° — demonstrating promising applicability for enhancing coverage in community cellular deployments.