Design of a bandwidth enhanced hybrid slot loop antenna for GSM/UWB standards

Purpose This paper aims to presents the bandwidth enhancement of a hybrid slot – loop antenna using a modified feed structure. Design/methodology/approach The conventional monopole feed of the hybrid slot – loop radiator is loaded with a flat microstrip patch to excite higher - order modes. The proposed antenna combines the resonant modes of the slot antenna, the loop antenna and the patch loading. Findings The antenna exhibits a dual - band response suitable for GSM 1800/1900 and ultrawideband (UWB) standards. The impedance bandwidth extends from 1.65 to 1.95 GHz (11.42 per cent) and 3 to 11.1 GHz (114.9 per cent). The proposed antenna has the smallest footprint with a peak gain of 5.07 dBi at 1.8 GHz and 4.97 dBi at 6 GHz. The prototype antenna is fabricated and the simulation results are validated using experimental measurements. The performance of the bandwidth - enhanced hybrid slot – loop antenna is compared with that of other slot antennas. Originality/value Thus, a hybrid slot – loop antenna with an enhanced bandwidth has been reported in this study. The conventional monopole feed of the antenna is replaced with a monopole ending with a microstrip patch load. The antenna covers the operating bands of GSM 1800/1900 and UWB. The proposed antenna has a smaller footprint compared with other wide - slot antennas reported in the literature.