Wideband Dual Circularly Polarized Multi-Slot Loaded Magnetoelectric Dipole Antenna

A wideband dual circularly polarized (CP) multi-slot loaded magnetoelectric (ME) dipole antenna is presented in this paper. This antenna consists of four composite ME dipole elements, a circular boxed metallic reflector with a parasitic loop, and a feeding network. The impedance bandwidth of the antenna is enhanced by introducing two rectangular slots on the E dipole, one n-shaped and two rectangular slots on the M dipole. Dual CP mode is obtained by connecting the wideband feeding network with equal output amplitude and ±90° phase difference. The results of the fabricated antenna prototype show that the measured standing wave ratio (SWR) < 2, with a corresponding bandwidth of 118% (2.40∼9.42 GHz) / 117% (2.40∼9.20 GHz), is achieved for left-handed CP (LHCP) or right-handed CP (RHCP) antenna, sufficiently for S and C band applications. The measured axial ratio (AR < 3 dB) bandwidth of the L/RHCP antenna is 102% (2.7∼8.85 GHz) / 108% (2.75∼9.25 GHz), this antenna has a peak gain of 10.8 dBic and a 3 dB gain bandwidth (GBW) of 79%. The proposed antenna has a consistent radiation pattern and flat gain, and its measured and simulated results are in good agreement, which ensures the stable and reliable performance of the antenna in practical applications.