Gain Enhancement of Star-Shaped Antenna using FSS as Reflector for C-Band Vehicular Communication Systems

This paper proposes a Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) reflector for C-band vehicle communications integrated with a star-shaped microstrip antenna. The proposed FSS with a star-shaped radiating element enhances gain and directivity that is crucial for vehicle communications. FSS unit cell consists of periodic arrangement of square patches and nested slots. 6 x 6 array FSS reflector is placed beneath a star-shaped single element antenna and its performance is analyzed especially at 5.9GHz and 7.3GHz. It achieved an operating band from 3.35-8.34GHz for S11<-10dB with FSS. Gain improved from 3.3dB to 9.6dB at 5.9GHz and from 3.8dB to 10.0dB at 7.3GHz. Other radiation properties and radiation efficiency are investigated at frequencies 5.9GHz and 7.3GHz. For validation of proposed FSS and star-shaped antenna for vehicle communications, results are analyzed by placing the proposed models on vehicle body.