Space-fed microstrip array with proximity-fed microstrip antenna feed element

A space-fed array fed by a proximity fed microstrip antenna for a broader bandwidth is proposed. The 1 × 3, 3 × 1, plus-shaped and 3 × 3 configurations are studied. A parametric study for varying distances between the fed-patch and the array is done and the optimum results for each configuration have been presented. A bandwidth of 1.1 GHz and a gain of 14.6 dBi is obtained in 3 × 3 space fed configuration.