Design and implementation of microstrip array antenna for intelligent transportation systems application

This article proposes a design and implementation of array Microstrip Patch antenna of configuration 2 x 2 at an operating frequency of 3.5 GHz. The proposed design takes a dimension of 80 mm x 92 mm x 1.6 mm with four radiating elements arranged in rectangular form with an optimized separation between the patches. All the radiating elements were connected through a corporate series network with an inset feed to have better impedance matching. The model gives an efficiency of 90.99% with a bandwidth of 510 MHz and with fractal configuration, the bandwidth further enhances to 1.12 GHz. The maximum gain measured was found as 11.01 dBi at a = 10 degrees and 4) = 360 degrees and 10.45 dBi with fractal configuration. The designed antenna is proposed to be used in RADAR which will be used in the intelligent transportation system for the detection of nearby (short-range) vehicles in the blind zone. This kind of Radar also finds its application in collision avoidance and activating airbags/break boosting and thus helping mankind by saving lives. The article gives an idea of the use of an array antenna in intelligent transportation system for better gain and efficient results.