Optimal Design of Compact Dual-Band Slot Antenna Using Particle Swarm Optimization for WLAN and WiMAX Applications

Background: A novel, small size, dual-band rectangular patch antenna with two narrow vertical slots for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) application is presented here. Methods: The proposed antenna, fed by coaxial line, has dimensions of 21.075 mm ×17 mm ×1. 6 mm. With a pair of vertical slots, the antenna is resonating in 3.5 GHz WiMAX and 5.3 GHz WLAN band. The dimensions of the ground plane, substrate, radiating patch and two slots on the patch antenna are optimized using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to obtain the desired operating frequency band. Results: The proposed antenna shows good radiation characteristics at these two operating bands, making it suitable for dual-band operation. Conclusion: The same design with some different physical parameter may be suitable for other kinds of wireless services. Further, application of Defected Ground Structure (DGS) to such models may also provide better performance.