Researchers have developed a new ultra-wideband (UWB) printed monopole antenna that incorporates a cardioid-shaped fractal geometry. This innovative design aims to enhance the performance of UWB antennas, which are crucial for high-speed communication and precision sensing applications. The integration of fractal geometry allows for the optimization of the antenna's radiation properties and efficiency over an exceptionally broad frequency range, addressing the size and bandwidth limitations of conventional designs.
The proposed design utilizes a low-cost FR-4 substrate with compact dimensions of 28 x 30 x 1.6 mm³. The antenna features a 50 Ω input impedance, facilitating its integration with standard radiofrequency systems. Optimization of the cardioid-shaped fractal geometry has enabled the achievement of a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) below 2 across a frequency band spanning from 2.3 GHz to 12.5 GHz. This 10.2 GHz operating range represents a fractional bandwidth of 135.1%, making it a highly versatile solution for various applications.
The antenna's radiation characteristics have been evaluated, showing an omnidirectional radiation pattern in the H-plane and a figure-of-eight pattern in the E-plane, typical of monopole antennas. The maximum measured gain is 4.5 dBi, with a radiation efficiency exceeding 80% across most of the UWB band. These results demonstrate the viability and superior performance of the proposed antenna compared to other existing UWB designs, opening new possibilities for next-generation wireless communication systems, short-range radars, and medical imaging applications.