A subsystem embedded microstrip antenna structure for satellite radio applications

A microstrip antenna structure with RF components embedded inside the structure is proposed for satellite radio applications. The space to embed the RF components is created by a metal cavity inside the substrate of the antenna structure. With the increasing use of MMIC techniques, the thickness of the substrate will be sufficient to accommodate the RF components. Hence, the structure has the advantages of a compact subsystem and a small overall system thickness, which may increase a variety of applicable areas. Numerical studies and experimental examinations are performed to validate the performance of the antenna. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1350–1354, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21650