Antennas for Search and Rescue Using Electromagnetically Coupled Patch and Bow-Tie Structures Based on PDMS

Abstract

This research aims to develop low-profile rectangular electromagnetically coupled patch and bow-tie antennas using a polymer substrate, specifically designed for search and rescue missions. The antennas are fabricated on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate known for its durability, flexibility, water resistance, and suitability for demanding environments. The search and rescue application requires antennas with longer electrical lengths due to the lower operating frequency of 406 MHz, resulting in larger physical dimensions. To address this, an Electromagnetically Coupling-based antenna approach is employed to ensure a compact form factor. Simulation results demonstrate that both antennas operate at a central frequency of 406 MHz, with the Rectangular Electromagnetically Coupled Patch Antenna exhibiting a bandwidth of 11.93 MHz and the Bow-Tie Antenna showcasing a wider bandwidth of 300 MHz. The fractional bandwidths for the two antennas, expressed with a -10 dB reference level, are found to be 2.93% and 66.66% respectively.