Patch Antenna

A patch antenna (also called a microstrip antenna) is a low-profile, flat antenna consisting of a metallic patch mounted on a grounded dielectric substrate. It’s widely used for applications where compact size and ease of integration are important—such as GPS, Wi-Fi, RFID, and mobile devices.

The metal patch acts as a resonator that radiates electromagnetic waves when excited by a signal. The signal is typically fed through a microstrip line, coaxial probe, or aperture coupling. The size and shape of the patch determine the operating frequency.

The most common shapes include:

• Rectangular (most widely used)

• Circular

• Triangular

• Elliptical

• Ring or slot configurations

These shapes can be modified or combined to achieve specific bandwidth or polarization characteristics.

• Compact and lightweight design

• Easy to fabricate using PCB technology

• Low manufacturing cost

• Conformal to flat or curved surfaces

• Suitable for array configurations

• Good performance for portable or embedded devices

• Narrow bandwidth (typically a few percent of the center frequency)

• Low gain compared to larger directional antennas

• Limited power handling

• Susceptible to detuning due to nearby materials or moisture

Patch antennas can be designed for a wide range of frequencies—from UHF (300 MHz) up to millimeter-wave bands (>30 GHz). Common examples include:

• GPS L1 band: ~1.575 GHz

• Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

• 5G and radar: 24 GHz and above

Single patch antennas generally have a gain of 5–9 dBi. Higher gain can be achieved by combining multiple patches in an antenna array configuration.

Patch antennas can be designed for different polarizations:

• Linear polarization (vertical or horizontal)

• Circular polarization (right-hand or left-hand), achieved using specific feed or patch modifications.

Circular polarization is common in GPS and satellite communications.

The substrate’s dielectric constant (εr) and thickness influence bandwidth, size, and efficiency.

• Low εr → larger antenna, wider bandwidth

• High εr → smaller antenna, narrower bandwidth

Common materials include FR4, Rogers, Teflon, and ceramic composites.

Patch antennas are widely used in:

• GNSS/GPS receivers

• Wi-Fi routers and access points

• RFID readers

• 5G and IoT devices

• Aerospace and automotive radar systems

• Wearable and embedded communication systems

Patch antennas offer a good balance of size, gain, and performance. They are less bulky than dish or Yagi antennas but provide more directionality than omnidirectional antennas.

Yes, MCV patch antennas are built with rugged materials and can be housed in weather-resistant enclosures, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

To place an order for patch antenna or any other RF antenna please contact us and we will help you!