In this paper a brief study of various designs of microstrip patch antenna used for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) applications in Ultra High Frequency band (860-960MHZ) is presented. Various characteristics of different antenna structures are also discussed. The main problem of RFID reader antenna is its size, these antennas should be small in size and achieving circular polarization. So it is necessary to design a small size antenna with required specifications.

1. www.ijeee-apm.com International Journal of Electrical & Electronics Engineering 15
IJEEE, Volume 2, Issue 1 (February, 2015) e-ISSN: 1694-2310 | p-ISSN: 1694-2426
A REVIEW OF MICROSTRIP PATCH
ANTENNA FOR RFID APPLICATIONS
1
Gourav Chehal, 2
Abhishek Thakur, 3
Dr.Hardeep Singh Saini, 4
Rajesh kumar
1
Research Scholar, 2
Asstt. Professor, 3
Professor, 4
Asso. Professor,
1,2,3,4
Indo Global College of Engineering, Mohali-Punjab, India
1
chehalgourav19@gmail.com, 2
abhithakur25@gmail.com, 3
hardeep_saini17@yahoo.co.in,
4
errajeshkumar2002@gmail.com
Abstract- In this paper a brief study of various designs of
microstrip patch antenna used for Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) applications in Ultra High Frequency
band (860-960MHZ) is presented. Various characteristics
of different antenna structures are also discussed. The main
problem of RFID reader antenna is its size, these antennas
should be small in size and achieving circular polarization.
So it is necessary to design a small size antenna with
required specifications.
Index Terms- Microstrip Patch Antenna, Radio
Frequency Identification, RFID Reader Antenna, Circular
polarization.
I. INTRODUCTION
The current era of very swift technological up gradation,
advancement and development, radio frequency
identification (RFID) has emerged as a wonderful
technology providing applications in several fields such as
supply chain, warehouse, and retail store management.
Alike mobile communications, the exquisite performance
with a high data rate and compact profile have become
generally fulfilled expectations of the users of handheld
RFID devices. Directional antennas have been a much
better and brighter prospect for a more user feasible
happenings even in the rugged surroundings. This section
presents a comprehensive perspective of RFID technology
regarding the views of especially the directionality, forward
directional antennas and propagation for multiband
operation. The various technical constraints and
considerations of directional antenna parameters are also
elaborated for the provision of a complete realization of the
parameters in a pragmatic approach for the directional
antenna design process, primarily involving scattering
parameters and radiation characteristics. Furthermore the
antenna literature is also minutely overviewed for the
identification of the possible solutions regarding the
utilization of directional antennas in single and multi-band
handheld RFID reader functions. However, it has been
observed that such techniques are combined for the
enhancement of the directional antennas with wider
bandwidths and improved gain. Last but not least, the
possibilities of forward-directional antennas which apply
the surface wave for the radiation splendidly are to be
explored, and their differentiation with the conventional
directional antennas will be illustrated.
The innate desire for the human beings to have their
computers and machines to function exactly as per the
needs, to date remained greatly unfilled. While humans can
effortlessly interpret and recognize an object and its
operation or event, computer-based automatic systems still
remain rigid and unmoved in an embryonic state. This has
lead to the computer vision as being one the extremely
demanding research concerned area over the previous few
decades.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Ultra high frequency (UHF) radio frequency
identification (RFID) reader:
In [1], This work describes a compact antenna for a
handheld ultra-high-frequency (UHF) radio frequency
identification (RFID) reader. The antenna functions at 925
MHz with bandwidth of the return-loss smaller than 10 dB
from 917 MHz to 934 MHz. The peak gain is around 3.5
dB. The antenna is manufactured of an aluminum stand
with 60mm£20mm£17:5mm and a radiation metal with
14:5mm £ 56 mm. The e®ect of the shell of the RFID
reader and the human hand are also studied. The shell of
the RFID reader is considered as a plastic. Finally, the
fabrication and verification of the antenna design is done.
B. Corner fed Circular Polarization (CP) reader antenna
for handheld Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) application
In [2],This paper proposes a novel corner fed Circular
Polarization (CP) reader antenna for handheld Ultra-High
Frequency (UHF) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
application. The accomplishment of CP mechanism is done
by a multi-bending feeding strip located at edge of a high
dielectric constant (K = 60) ceramic substrate. With the
application of high dielectric substrate, the dimension of
the proposed antenna can be effectively reduced to 27 £ 27
£ 4mm3, consisting of a top radiating patch, an antenna
ground plane, a coupling multi-bending feeding strip, and a
SMA connector for RF input. The uppermost radiating
patch is printed on the top surface of the ceramic substrate
and the formation of antenna ground plane is done on the
opposite side. The middle frequency of resonant band can
be easily controlled by manipulating the size of the top
radiating patch.
C. Octafilar helical antenna (OFHA) for handheld
ultra‐high‐frequency (UHF) radio frequency
identification (RFID) reader:
In [3], Octafilar helical antenna (OFHA) is proposed for
handheld ultra‐high‐frequency (UHF) radio frequency
identification (RFID) reader. The antenna configuration
investigated here consists of OFHA placed on reader device

2. International Journal of Electrical & Electronics Engineering 16 www.ijeee-apm.com
in the presence of human hand model. The antenna is
designed at UHF band centered at 915 MHz. The antenna
return loss, axial ratio, gain, co‐polarized and cross
polarized field components are computed by applying the
finite element method (FEM) and compared with that
calculated by finite integration technique (FIT) for
verification of the simulated results. A comparative
analysis between the performance of the quadrifilar helical
antenna (QFHA) and the octafiliar helical antenna (OFHA)
designed at 915 MHz in the presence of the reader device
and human hand model is investigated. The OFHA
introduces high gain, high front to back ratio, good axial
ratio and omnidirectional coverage.
III. PROSPECTS OF FORWARD DIRECTIONAL ANTENNAS FOR
HANDHELD RFID READERS
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology
having a huge potential with higher production efficiency,
real-time inventory updates, greater product security and
restricting counterfeit products, has become swiftly
involved in production, transportation, and retailing of
products. On the investment front, more than 40% of
shippers have raised their investment in RFID technology
for supply chain applications (Research and Markets 2012).
RFID technology is rapidly evolving due to (Cole P. H.
2003):
 enhanced awareness of the technology;
 generation of improved techniques for multiple tag
reading;
 realization in the business community of the
advantages of widespread adoption in the supply chain;
 adoption by designers of sensible concepts in the
arrangement of data between labels and databases;
 development of effective and proficient data-handling
methodologies in the relative supporting
communication networks;
 commendation of the need for cost reduction, and
advancements of new manufacturing procedures that
acquires manufacturing of billions of labels at genuine
costs.
The global RFID market is projected to reach US$18.7
billion by the year 2017 where advancement is primarily
guided by highly swift deployments of RFID projects in
developing Asian nations, especially in China.
Developments in the field of smart labels are projected and
thus hold the key to upcoming revenue growth (Research
and Markets 2012). However, RFID is now at a point in
which there are potentially huge benefits from various
applications but still some barriers remain. It is renowned
that handheld RFID readers require more compactness in
design over fixed or mounted readers. So it has been a
harsh task to make the designs highly compact antenna
fulfilling the demands of the subscribers. Similar to mobile
communications, the multi-standard ability, high data
transfer and compact profile have become the general
desires of the users of RFID equipments. Among the
frequency bands which are allocated to RFID applications,
higher-frequencies have the benefit of high data transfer
rate with an ability to detect in the far field (Islam et al.
2010). Directional antennas usually radiate in a directive
manner forcing the electromagnetic energy into a unique
and desired direction. Such an antenna reduces the
interferences form other tags in the undesirable directions
and simultaneously increases the reading range as well, as
the gain of the directional antennas are higher comparative
to the omni-directional antennas. For decrementing the
complete size of the handheld RFID readers, reducing the
size of the antenna is a pre requisite. Also reducing the size
of antenna degrades its performance. 152 Radio Frequency
Identification from System to Applications Also when the
operating frequency of RFID systems augments to the
microwave region (2.45/5.8 GHz bands), the reader antenna
design becomes more delicate and crucial. It is especially
right when a directional antenna is required for handheld
applications. However, it is a renowned practice for
handheld RFID readers to formulate a vertically radiating
directional antenna in right angle with the reader; thus the
radiation literally becomes front-directional to the reader
(Fig. 1). This arrangement significantly augments the actual
RFID reader profile. Thus it is highly beneficial for a
compact RFID reader to develop an antennas with front
directional radiation patterns.
IV.POSSIBILITIES OF FORWARD-DIRECTIONAL
ANTENNAS FOR COMPACT HANDHELD
RFID readers: An example from single & multi-band
perspectives Forward directional antennas can provide the
RFID readers the required compactness both in single and
multi-band applications. Here an example of forward
directional antenna is presented which is ameliorated from
single band to multi-band operation. The frequency of
operation is chosen from the microwave ISM bands
(2.45/5.8GHz), while the similar methodology and design
practices are applicable different combinations of narrow
RFID bands as the design has greater flexibility. The details
of the design procedure and the optimization are discussed
for an improved understanding of the readers. The flow
chart in Fig. 2 depicts the design and fabrication
methodology of a desirable single antenna. Firstly the
requisites of the RFID antenna are conglomerated as per
the specifications of the RFID reader module. An extensive
literature review is done for the design purpose. Here some
models are selected which provide smooth forward
directionality. These are elaborated in the previous
sections. However, each design has some benefits and also
some drawbacks. Proper understanding of the antenna
operation is effective for selecting the antenna model.
Meanwhile the familiarization with the simulation software
IE3D EM simulator has been done and an appropriate
model is selected for the design 154 Radio Frequency
Identification from System to Applications by using
mathematical models. The simulation of this design is done
and its operation is examined and optimized until
satisfactory results are obtained. When the optimization is
complete, it is instant to augment the performances by
using some techniques. This section is discussed more in
the next sections. The last but not the least step is the
fabrication process where the prototype is to be built and
eventually the measurement of the antenna parameters for
validation and comparison with the simulated results will
be done. Eventually among these manipulations the desired
antenna with the given specification is attained. However,
for any subject failing to get its objectives, it is repeated
until the aims are achieved.

3. www.ijeee-apm.com International Journal of Electrical & Electronics Engineering 17
IV. STUDY OF ANTENNA DESIGNING PARAMETERS
There are a few essential parameters for design of a
rectangular micro strip Patch Antenna. Firstly, the resonant
frequency (f0 ) of the antenna is to be chosen appropriately.
The frequency range for ultra wide band applications is 3.1
to 10.6 GHz and the design antenna must be operating
within this frequency range. Another important parameter
of antenna is the substrate thickness. The height of
dielectric substrate (h) of the micro strip patch antenna with
coaxial feed is to be used in S-band range frequencies.
Hence, the height of dielectric substrate incorporated in this
design of antenna is h= 1.6mm. The third important
parameter for an exquisite antenna design is dielectric
substrate (ℇr). A thick dielectric substrate having low
dielectric constant is required. This provisions better
efficiency, larger bandwidth and better radiation. The low
value of dielectric constant augments the fringing field at
the patch periphery and thereby increments the radiated
power lower quality factor Q. FR-4 Epoxy which has a
dielectric constant of 4.4 and loss tangent equal to 0.02 can
be used for new antenna design. The patch acting as a
conductor is be fed by a micro strip transmission line. The
structure of the antenna is with length of patch L, width W
height of dielectric substrate h and Loss tangent.
Furthermore the dielectric constant of the substrate material
is a significant design parameter. These are placed on
infinite ground plane. The length is formed around Lg/2,
that the patch starts radiating, that typically incorporates 50
Ohm impedance. The antenna is specifically fed at the
diverging edge on the dimension W because it offers
sensible polarization , but the drawbacks are the spurious
radiation and the extreme need for electric impedance
matching .Also this is often as a result of 150 to 300 typical
edge resistance of a microstrip antenna ranges. The antenna
parameters antenna are computed by the transmission line
method and [4] as exemplified below:
Width of the Patch:
The width of the antenna can be determined by (James et
al, 1989): where, c = speed of light in free-space.
Resonant Frequency:
and length Le (Effective Length) is chosen as
Actual Length is given as
Ground Dimension:
For practical considerations, it is a requisite to have a finite
ground plane if the size of the ground plane is more than
the patch dimensions by approximately six times the
substrate thickness all around the periphery. Hence, the
ground plane dimensions would be given as:
Lg = 6h+L
Wg= 6h+W
By using these formulas we can calculate L*W the
dimension of the main patch and Lg*Wg the dimension of
the ground plane of the main patch.
Feed Location Design:
For the radiation from an antenna a feed is used to excite by
direct or indirect contact. The feed of microstrip antenna
can have many configurations like microstrip line, coaxial,
aperture coupling and proximity coupling. But for easy and
effective fabrication microstrip line and the coaxial feeds
are relatively used .Coaxial probe feed is used because it is
very easily applicable and the input impedance of the
coaxial cable in general is 50 ohm. There are several points
on the patch which have 50 ohm impedance. We have to
find out such points and match them with the input
impedance. Feed point is chosen so that at the point of
radiating patch maximum area of patch is covered. By
changing feeding points antenna is radiating at several
radiating frequencies. We generally use coaxial probe
feeding technique.
V. CONCLUSION
Study of the Micro strip Patch Antenna for UWB
frequency range for Wireless communication devices
applications has been reviewed. Characteristics of MSA
such as Return loss, VSWR, Radiation pattern, impedance
bandwidth can be ameliorated by variation in the
parameters such as operating frequency, ground plane
dimensions, feeding techniques. Also new designs can be
made usable and the structure defined MSA within UWB
ranges for several wireless equipments providing different
communication applications.
REFERENCES
[1] W. C. Hung1, H. L. Su1, S. L. Chen2, and C. T. Lin2, “A
Compact UHF Antenna for Handheld RFID Reader”, PIERS
Proceedings, Taipei, 2013.
[2] Yuan-Chih Lin, Wen-Shan Chen, Bau-Yi Lee, Tzu-Chen Hung,
and Chii-Ruey Lin, “A novel circular polarization rfid reader
antenna with a multi-bending feeding strip for handheld
applications”, Progress In Electromagnetics Research C, Vol.
39, pp. 255-264, 2013.
[3] Saber H. Zainud-Deen, Hend A. Malhat1 and Kamal H.
Awadalla, “Octafilar Helical Antenna for Portable UHF-RFID
Reader”, International Journal of Radio Frequency
Identification and Wireless Sensor Networks, Vol 1, No 2, pp.
13-20, 2011.
[4] Nasser Ojaroudi*, Mohammad Ojaroudi, and Yaser Ebazadeh
“UWB/Omni-Directional Microstrip Monopole Antenna for
Microwave Imaging Applications “.Progress In
Electromagnetics Research C, Vol. 47, pp. 139- 146, 2014.
[5] A.Kasinathan, Dr.V.Jayaraj,M.Pachiyaannan,” E-Shape
Microstrip Patch Antenna Design for Wireless Applications”
IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science,
Engineering & Technology, Vol. 1 Issue 3, 2014.
[6] T.Suganthi1, Dr.S.Robinson2, G.Kanimolhi3,
T.Nagamoorthy4” Design and Analysis of Rectangular
Microstrip Patch Antenna for GSM Application” IJISET -
International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering &
Technology, Vol. 1 Issue 2, 2014.
[7] Nita Kalambe, Prof. Dhruv Thakur and Prof. Shubhankar Paul,
“Review of Microstrip Patch Antenna Using UWB for Wireless
Communication Devices”, IJCSMC, Vol. 4, Issue. 1, pp.128 –
133, 2015.
[8] Ahmed Toaha Mobashsher and Rabah W. Aldhaheri,
“Advancements and Prospects of Forward Directional Antennas
for Compact Handheld RFID Readers”, Radio Frequency
Identification from System to Applications.
[9] Cole P. H., Fundamentals in Radiofrequency Identification.
Summer Course, MIT,

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http://autoidlab.eleceng.adelaide.edu.au/Papers/RFID_World_F
undamentals.pdf, 2003
[10] Charu Sharma, Ritu Gupta, “Microstrip Patch Antenna for
RFID Handheld Reader Applications- A Review”,
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AUTHORS
1
Chehal Gourav, Research Scholar, in Electronics and
Communication Engineering of Indo Global College of
Engineering, Mohali, Punjab-140109, Punjab Technical
University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
Email: chehalgourav19@gmail.com
2
Abhishek Thakur M. Tech. in
Electronics and Communication
Engineering from Punjab Technical
University, MBA in Information
Technology from Symbiosis Pune, M.H.
Bachelor in Electronics (B.E.) from
Shivaji University Kolhapur, M.H. Five
years of work experience in teaching and
one year of work experience in industry. Area of interest:
Digital Image and Speech Processing, Antenna Design and
Wireless Communication. International Publication: 7,
National Conferences and Publication: 6, Book Published:
5 (Microprocessor and Assembly Language Programming,
Microprocessor and Microcontroller, Digital
Communication and Wireless Communication). Working
with Indo Global College of Engineering Abhipur, Mohali,
P.B. since 2011.
Email: abhithakur25@gmail.com
3
Dr. Hardeep Singh Saini obtained his
Doctorate degree in Electronics & Communication
Engineering in 2012. He holds Master’s degree in
Electronics & Communication Engineering from Punjab
Technical University, Jalandhar passed in 2007. His total
experience is 15 years, presently working as Professor
(ECE) and Associate Dean Academic at Indo Global
College of Engineering, Abhipur, (Mohali), and Punjab
(India) since June-2007. His area of expertise includes
optical communication. He is author of 6 books in the field
of Electronics &Communication Engineering. He has
presented 34 papers in international/national conferences
and published 33 papers in international journals. He is a
fellow and senior member of various prestigious societies
like IETE (India), IEEE and he is also editorial member of
various international journals.
Email: hardeep_saini17@yahoo.co.in
4
Rajesh Kumar Associate Professor at Indo Global
College of Engineering, Abhipur, Mohali, Punjab. He is
pursuing research on very large scale integrated circuits on
nanotechnology based systems. He has
done his M.Tech and B.Tech. in
electronics and communication
engineering from kurukshetra
university. He has 13 years of academic
experience. He has authored many books
like refresher on digital signal processing,
VLSI Design, and linear control systems.
He has contributed many research papers in reputed
international journals, International and National
conferences. His areas of interest are VLSI,
Microelectronics, control systems, digital speech and image
processing.
Email: errajeshkumar2002@gmail.com