A Compact Microstrip Hexagonal Patch Antenna with a Slotted Ground Plane for RF Energy Harvesting Applications

In this research work, a hexagonal shape microstrip patch antenna has been introduced to work for two 5G frequency bands, n78 (3300–3800 MHz) and n77 (3300–4200 MHz) for radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting applications. The resonant frequency for the 5G n78 and 5G n77 bands is 3.55 GHz and 3.75 GHz, respectively. To improve the characteristics of the antenna at the anticipated resonant frequency, a hexagonal shape slot is embedded in the ground plane. A working bandwidth of 2.0 GHz (2.80–4.88 GHz) cantered at 3.7 GHz (5G n77), is achieved. The proposed antenna exhibits a bidirectional radiation pattern with a peak gain of 3.74 dBi at 3.7 GHz. The height of the FR4 substrate is set constant at 1.6 mm. A comparative study has been performed on different substrate materials to know the effect of dielectric properties on the proposed hexagonal-shaped microstrip patch antenna (HSMPA).