Log-Periodic Bow-tie Dipole Array(LPBDA) Antenna for UWB Communications

In this paper, a log periodic bow-tie dipole array (LPBDA) antenna for UWB communications is investigated. Bow-tie shaped dipole elements are used instead of general dipole elements for LPDA antennas and the input reflection coefficient and realized gain characteristics of the LPBDA as a function of a flare angle are analyzed. It turns out that as the flare angle of the bow-tie dipole elements is increased, the lowest operating frequency is shifted toward lower frequency and the operating frequency band is increased, but the average gain is decreased. However, the gain variation of the LPBDA is much decreased and the front-back ratio is improved compared to the LPDA. Standard LPDA and LPBDA with a flare angle of 13 degrees are fabricated on an FR4 substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.4 and a thickness of 1.6 mm. Measured gain for the LPDA ranges from 4 to 6.5 dBi at 3.1 to 10.6 GHz band, while that for the LPBDA is in the range of 4.2 to 5 dBi.