Performance enhancement of ground radiation antenna for Z-wave applications using tunable metal loads

Abstract

A ground radiation antenna with tunable metal loads is proposed to improve the performance of a normal antenna at 900 MHz for Z-wave applications. The proposed design is comprised of a 5 mm x 5 mm ground radiation antenna and inductor-connected metal loads in a 30 x 50 mm ground plane. The metal loads can take the form of rims, a frame, strips, or wires at the ends of the ground plane and are connected with lumped elements to allow easy adjustment. The proposed antenna was simulated to tune the metal loads, and was then fabricated and measured to verify its improved performance in the Z-wave band.