Analysis of Properties of the Multilayer Meander Structures for Wireless Communications

Multilayer meander structures for wireless communications are presented in this paper. The miniaturization of meander structures is solved by positioning the meander conductor in multiple layers. The influence of the increasing number of layers and connecting vias on the operational parameters of the meander structures is investigated. Three-dimensional models of the meander structures are designed and analyzed in the CST Microwave Studio (c) software package. The general mathematical model of the meander structure is presented. The computer-based simulation is verified by a physical experiment and analytical calculations. The investigation shows that it is possible to miniaturize the meander structure by placing it into different layers and connecting the meander conductors with vias. The overall length of the meander structure is decreased by 48% from 16.24 mm to 8.4 mm, while the delay time td is changed only by less than 3.2% and increased till 1.145 ns, which is 35 ps. The overall dimensions of the miniaturized meander structure are 8.4 x 17.35 x 0.76 mm. The designed structure is suitable for operation at a 2.4-2.5 GHz ISM frequency band.