Design and simulation of a microstrip patch antenna operating from 2 GHz to 6 GHz for UAV applications

This study presents the design and simulation of a microstrip patch antenna operating within the frequency range of 2 GHz to 6 GHz, suitable for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) communication systems. The antenna is modelled using CST Microwave Studio and comprises an FR-4 lossy substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm, a rectangular patch of 14.17 mm × 10.50 mm, and a feed line of 3.137 mm × 14.56 mm for 50-ohm impedance matching. The ground plane measures 40 mm × 15 mm × 0.035 mm. Simulation results demonstrate favourable S-parameters with S11 < -10 dB across the desired frequency band, indicating good impedance matching and return loss. Additionally, the Z (impedance) and Y (admittance) matrices confirm proper antenna behaviour. The design shows high radiation and total efficiency, and far-field analysis confirms directional radiation patterns with appreciable gain, making the antenna well-suited for UAV communication.