Review of Seven-Element Ground Skirt Monopole ESPAR Antenna Design From A Genetic Algorithm and the Finite Element Method

Electronically Steerable Passive Array Radiator Antenna (ESPAR) is a smart antenna that can help to improve the performance and effectiveness of wireless network systems, especially in ad hoc networks. There are several benefits that can be attained by smart antenna, such as better range and coverage, increased capacity, multipath rejection and reduced expense. In this research, the antenna structure was optimized by a genetic algorithm using a finite element based cost function, and maximal main lobe gain in a single azimuth with loading conditions. The result of the simulated gain was 7.3 dBi at 2.4 GHz. However, the experimental gain was recorded as greater than 8 dBi. The antenna was optimized and the error that was noticed between simulated and measured gain was the same in several structures. The average main lobe elevation was reduced in the optimized antenna by 15.3 to just 9.7 above the horizontal. ESPAR presented in the research was accurately optimized with agreement between simulated and measured results. Keywords—Adaptive antenna; Finite Element; Genetic algorithm; Parasitic radiator; Passive Array.