A Novel Planar Log-Periodic Array Based on the Wideband Complementary Strip-Slot Element

Abstract

A novel microstrip log-periodic array based on the broadly-matched complementary strip-slot radiating element is proposed. The array consists of microstrip-fed log-periodically-scaled slots on the ground plane and their complementary stubs on the microstrip layer. Since the radiating element is not resonant, the analysis differs from the previously reported log-periodic arrays. Low scale factor (τ) with high radiation efficiency is possible, since the element radiation efficiency is not resonant and the relative spacing (σ) does not have to be selected for good matching, because the element is intrinsically matched. A design example with τ = 0.909, σ = 0.17 and 15 elements has been analyzed. The achieved bandwidth goes from 2.7 to 8.7 GHz, with a radiation efficiency and a gain of better than 85% and 5 dB, respectively. Moreover, the antenna can be terminated in an open circuit without affecting its performance. Simulated and experimental results show that the radiation pattern is stable over frequency. A method for computing the radiation pattern using equivalent circuits as well as results with a reflector plane for cancelling the beam in one half-space are also included. Due to the good performance, simplicity and low cost, this antenna can be suitable for broadband applications.