FDTD analysis of CPW-fed folded-slot and multiple-slot antennas on thin substrates

Abstract

Folded slot antennas are attractive for active arrays due to relatively large bandwidth, fabrication simplicity, and ease of integration with devices. Currently, there is little design information for these antennas, especially on thin substrates. In this paper, the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is applied to the analysis of CPW-fed folded-slot antennas. The paper describes the problems encountered in the analysis, compares the theoretical results and measured data, and provides some design information for folded slots. In addition, the paper explores the manipulation of input impedance through the use of additional slots, yielding antennas with a broadband 50 R input impedance.