An Ultra-Wideband Integrated Filtering Antenna with Improved Band-Edge Selectivity Using Multimode Resonator

In this paper, a novel design of ultra-wideband (UWB) filtering antenna integrated with the multimode resonator (MMR) bandpass filter is proposed, aiming to enhance band-edge selectivity. At the beginning, a MMR bandpass filter is modified and studied. Based on the classic MMR filter, the proposed filter folds the microstrip transmission line to reduce its size while retaining the original filtering performance. Moreover, an open stub and short stub are added to the proposed filter to obtain a transmission of zero. Then, the folded filter with stubs and a UWB bow-tie antenna are integrated together to form a filtering antenna. The open stub and short stub in the MMR structure enhance the antenna’s upper and lower band-edge selectivity, respectively. Series of parameters are studied to analyze their influences on the frequency selection range and band-edge characteristics. Compared with the original UWB dipole antenna, such an integrated approach brings many benefits. Firstly, the UWB filter not only broadens the bandwidth of the device, but also improves band-edge selectivity, which can eliminate the unwanted passband near the operating frequencies. Secondly, the integrated system reduces the size and cost of the devices, which is very important in the miniaturization of wireless systems. In this research, the reflection coefficient (S11) of integrated filtering antenna is lower than −10 dB between 2.92 and 11.51 GHz, and it has a fractional bandwidth of 119%. The measured shape factor is 1.027 (very close to 1), which proves that this design has a better band-edge selectivity. Simultaneously, good radiation characteristics are also attained, with a maximum realized gain of 6 dBi. Theoretical simulation results are similar to the experimental results. The measurement results of the manufactured device effectively validate that its performances have reached the simulation design requirements.