Abstract

In this work, the design, implementation and testing of a 4×4 patch array antenna for X-band radar applications at a center frequency of 10 GHz are discussed. Several studies have been made in designing patch array antennas. The objective of this paper is to design a 4x4 patch array antenna with improved performance for radar application by investigating the patch elements spacing distance so as to develop a patch antenna array with compact size, low volume, and efficient target detection. The antenna was designed via empirical equations and numerical modeling using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio. The antenna performance was verified through experimental measurements with high gain of 15.48 dBi, bandwidth impedance of 510 MHz (9.69-10.20 GHz), and radiation efficiency of 86.17%. A solid and light-weight antenna was fabricated on RT/Duroid 5880 copper board and mounted in a radar system for medium-range applications. Field testing proves the potential of the antenna for radar applications with a percent range error measurement of 4.21%, showing that it can be used in ground-based light-weight surveillance radar systems.

Key words: Patch antenna, X-band radar, radiation pattern, field tests, radar applications, Computer Simulation Technology, Radiation.