Design of a fractal antenna based on hexaflake fractal structure

Abstract

Design of a fractal antenna structure based on iteration 1 and iteration 2 of hexaflake fractal structure is proposed. A multiport network model of basic hexagonal patch structure is analysed. Based on hexagonal structure two hexaflake fractal structures are designed. The resulting patch structure provides a way to significantly reduce the patch antenna size and increase bandwidth over rectangular patch structure. Effects of changing coupling width and substrate thickness on fractals have been studied. The designed antenna is based on simple printed circuit technology and can be readily constructed using low cost FR-4 substrate material. The hexagonal element showed reduction of bandwidth and reduced resonance frequency compared to rectangular patch antenna. The first iteration of hexaflake fractal results in a 46.92% reduction of patch area compared to hexagonal patch element. The second iteration of hexaflake fractal patch element results in 18.5% reduction of patch area compared to the first iteration of hexaflake fractal, and 56.74% reduction of patch area compared to the hexagonal patch. Thus the fractal structures clearly demonstrate ability to reduce patch size for operation at a higher frequency.