Design of a Dual-Band L1/L5 Patch Antenna for Aviation and GNSS Applications
Öz
The continuous advancement of aerospace and aviation technologies has intensified the demand for compact, efficient, and reliable antenna systems that can be employed across a wide range of platforms, including conventional passenger aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), satellite communication infrastructures, and missile systems. Considering these requirements, patch antennas have gained significant attention owing to their lightweight structure, low profile, ease of integration, and compatibility with printed circuit technologies. Their relatively simple fabrication processes and economic advantages have made them a preferred choice in mobile communication, radar systems, satellite networks, avionics, and defense applications. For antennas designed for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) applications, critical performance parameters such as multi-band operation, low return loss, and appropriate gain levels directly influence system accuracy and sensitivity. In this study, a coaxially fed patch antenna operating at the L1 (1.575 GHz) and L5 (1.176 GHz) frequency bands is developed for GNSS-based applications. The antenna attains dual-band functionality through the incorporation of a crescent-shaped slot on a circular patch geometry, ensuring optimal performance within the targeted frequency ranges. A bandwidth of 23 MHz is achieved in the L5 band (1.16–1.183 GHz), while a bandwidth of 30 MHz is observed in the L1 band (1.55–1.58 GHz). To ensure low cost and industrial applicability, the antenna is fabricated on an FR-4 dielectric substrate with dimensions of 83×83×1.6mm³. During the design process, the electromagnetic performance parameters are analyzed and optimized using CST Microwave Studio. Simulation results demonstrate a return loss of –47.6 dB with a directivity gain of 5.49 dBi at the L5 band center frequency (1.176 GHz), and a return loss of –23.7 dB with a directivity gain of 6.36 dBi at the L1 band center frequency (1.575 GHz). These findings confirm that the proposed design ensures high accuracy and reliability for GNSS-based positioning and communication applications. In conclusion, the proposed dual-band patch antenna represents an effective candidate for integration into precision navigation systems, UAV communication modules, satellite-based data transmission, and other avionics platforms.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Kaynakça
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