END COUPLED PARASITIC MICROSTRIP ANTENNA

Abstract

A Parasitic Microstrip Antenna Array is discussed. The array consists of different lengths of microstrip radiating elements spaced apart in an end-to-end arrangement. Only one element is actively fed at its feedpoint, and energy emanating from the fed element is primarily coupled to parasitic elements by the electric field generated in the fed element. The radiating pattern is determined by the phase relationship and amplitude distribution between the excited fed element and the parasitic elements. This antenna configuration exhibits higher end fire gain along the missile axis than obtained with arrays having elements individually fed.