Gain Enhancement of Butler Matrix Fed
Antenna Array System by Using Planar
Circular EBG Units
Wriddhi Bhowmik Vibha Rani Gupta
Dept. of ECE Dept. of ECE
BIT, Mesra BIT, Mesra
Ranchi, India Ranchi, India
e-mail: e-mail:
bhowmikwriddhi@gmail.com vrgupta@bitmesra.ac.in
Abstract In this paper planar circular Electromagnetic
Band Gap (EBG) structures have been implemented in the
Butler matrix fed antenna array system to improve the
radiation performance of the system. Initially a conventional 4
4 Butler matrix fed antenna array system has been designed
at 14.5 GHz. Asymmetricity in the gain values of major beams
of the antenna array system has been observed both in
simulation and measurement. Generally due to the design
simplicity, light weight and compactness, the rectangular patch
microstrip antenna has been used as the radiating element in
the Butler matrix fed antenna array system. At higher
frequencies microstrip antenna suffers from losses due to
surface wave excitation. It degrades the radiation efficiency of
the antenna array system and also increases the level of mutual
coupling between the radiating elements in the antenna array.
EBG (Electromagnetic Band Gap) units are used to improve
the radiation performance of the system by the generation of
stop band. The propagation of surface wave will be suppressed
in this stop band region and may improve the performance of
the system. To fulfill this requirement, 3 1 planar circular
EBG unit has been designed. A stop band of 2.15 GHz with the
centre frequency of 14.5 GHz has been obtained by the
proposed EBG unit. The 3 1 planar circular EBG unit has
been integrated between the radiating elements of the antenna
array system. As a result the gain enhancement has been
achieved for the 1R, 2L, 2R and 1L beams both in simulation
and measurement at 14.5 GHz.
KeywordsButler matrix network; microstrip antenna;
surface waves; electromagnetic band gap structure
I. INTRODUCTION
In the last few decades research has focused on
improving the performance and capacity of high speed
wireless communication. To enhance the capacity, it is
necessary to increase frequency reuse, which can be
achieved by using multiple directive beams. The beam
forming network designed using the Butler matrix array can
be used as either transmitting or receiving system. Due to its
design simplicity, wider bandwidth and low cost the Butler
978-1-4799-6761-2/15/$31.00 2015 IEEE
Shweta Srivastava Laxman Prasad
Dept. of ECE Director (R&D) RKG Group
JIIT Ghaziabad, India
Noida, India e-mail:
e-mail: laxman1948@rediffmail.com
shwetasri.76@gmail.com
matrix feed network is very frequently used. The N N
Butler matrix network comprises of microwave hybrid
couplers, crossovers and phase shifters [1]. The output ports
of Butler matrix network feed the antenna elements to
produce overlapping fixed beams. The rectangular patch
microstrip antennas are used as radiating elements due to
their compactness, low weight and low cost. However, at
higher frequencies, microstrip patch antenna shows
presence of surface waves which degrades its radiation
efficiency. Also, excitation of surface wave increases the
mutual coupling between the array elements. To circumvent
the above mentioned problems, periodic metallic structures
known as electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures are
used.
Researchers have reported minimized mutual coupling
and improved radiation efficiency of antenna array using
EBG structures [2-3]. All the previously reported structures
are complex and are difficult to fabricate. In this paper, a
simple structure of Butler matrix network cascaded with
antenna elements operating in Ku band is proposed. To
improve the radiation performance of the system, planar
structures of circular EBG cells have been introduced
between the radiating patches.
The structure is implemented on a single layer of
material FR-4 epoxy with relative permittivity of r = 4.4,
loss tangent ( tan ) = 0.025 and height, h = 1.6mm.
Though at high frequencies the dielectric loss associated
with this substrate is high and also this substrate is
responsible for the surface wave excitations, which will
degrade the radiation performance of the antenna array
system, hence this material is not a very good choice for Ku
band applications. But it is easy available and less
expensive. In the present endeavor, FR-4 substrate is used to
reduce the cost of the system. FR-4 has also been used by
some previous researchers for antenna design in Ku band
[4-6].
183
 The conventional and modified antenna array systems
are realized practically and the radiation performance of the
systems are authenticated by measurements. It would be
shown in section IV that the performance of the modified
antenna array system is better than the conventional system.
All the simulated and measured results are in good
agreement. The use of microstrip technique, planar circular
EBG units and FR-4 substrate make the whole system light
weight, less expensive and easy to realize. The gain
improvement of the proposed antenna array system is better
than the previously published work and it is discussed in the
last section of this paper.
II. A DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF A 4 4
BUTLER MATRIX FED ANTENNA ARRAY
SYSTEM
The Butler matrix network is a MIMO system having a
N N matrix consisting of N input ports and N output ports,
where, N = 2n . A N N Butler matrix network consists of
2n1 log2 2n number of 3dB branchline couplers and
(2 2 ){[log 2 ]1} number of fixed phase shifters [1] [7]. The
n
2
n forms of EBG structure. In this paper simple configuration
crossovers are used in the crossing of the two transmission
lines for the single layer implementation of the Butler
matrix array. The output ports of Butler matrix network feed
the radiating elements A1, A2, A3 and A4. A basic block
diagram of 4 4 Butler matrix fed antenna array system is
shown in Fig. 1 [8].
Where n = 1,2... etc, 0 is free space wavelength and d is the
physical distance between the centers of antenna elements
(in this case d = 0.450 ).
III. ELECTROMAGNETIC BAND GAP
STRUCTURE (EBG)
EBG is an efficient technology to suppress surface wave
excitation. The implementation of EBG structure is low cost
and can be easily integrated with microstrip structures.
Different forms of EBG cells can be implemented with
microstrip patch antennas [9]. Periodic structure of air holes
through substrate, periodic metal patches with grounding
vias, uniplanar compact EBG (UC-EBG) structure, spiral
EBG structure (it consists of ground plane, a dielectric
substrate, connecting vias and square metal patches with
inserted spiral branches), periodic planar rectangular metal
patches or circular slots etched in ground plane are different
of EBG has been used for gain enhancement.
A. Design of 3 1 Planar Circular EBG Structure
The 3 1 planar circular EBG unit has been designed
and shown in Fig. 2. The spacing between the centers of
circular patches is determined as follows [10]
c
f0 = (2)
2s eff

where, s is the spacing between the centers, f0 is the center

frequency of stop band for forbidding the surface wave
propagation in substrate. The radius of circular patch can be
calculated as r = 0.25s.

Top layer

Fig. 1. Basic block diagram of a 4 4 Butler Matrix fed antenna array

system.
Metallic circular
patches
The input ports are named as 1R, 2L, 2R and 1L based
on the direction of the main beam (R: right, L: left). If the
power is fed to port 1R then the major beam direction of
antenna array system should be in the range of 00 to 300. h

Similarly when power is fed to other ports namely 2L, 2R Ground plane
and 1L then the beam directions of antenna array system
should be in the range of -300 to -600, 300 to 600 and -300 to
00 respectively. The antenna elements will produce four (a)
overlapping fixed beams which cover 1200 cellular area.
The major beams are pointing in direction governed by
the following equation [3]:
(2n 1)0
= cos 1
8d (1)

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 Where z1 = z2 = z3 and

Z1 =
(
4 R 2 2 RL p C p + j 4L p 3 L p C p
2
) (7)
g s = 5.5mm
4 2 L p C p + j 4 RC p
2

So,
3 2 2
3Z1 Z1 C gap 2 + j 4 Z1 C gap
Z load = 2 2 (8)
1 Z1 C gap 2 + j3Z1C gap

d = 2 .8 m
From the above analysis one can find easily the
theoretical values of insertion loss. The structure and circuit
simulated S-parameter characteristics are shown in Fig. 4.
(b)

Fig. 2. (a) Layout of 3 1 planar circular EBG unit; (b) Top view of 3
1 planar circular EBG unit with dimensions.

The layout and top view of the 3 1 EBG unit are shown
in Fig. 2 (a) and (b) respectively. The diameter (d) and
center to center distance (s) between the circular metallic
patches of EBG unit are 2.8 mm and 5.5 mm respectively.
The equivalent circuit model of the EBG unit is shown in
Fig. 3.

Fig. 4. Comparative S-parameter characteristics of 3 1 planar circular

EBG unit.

Fig. 3. Equivalent circuit model of 3 1 EBG Unit.
Lp and Cp are metal patch inductance and capacitance and
Cgap is gap capacitance between metal patches.
These parameters can be calculated as follows [11-12]
L p = 0 h
Both the results are in good agreement as shown in Fig.
4. In the structure simulation the insertion loss of -23.6 dB
has been achieved at the centre frequency (14.5 GHz). Also
an insertion loss of approximately -30 dB has been obtained
in the circuit simulation at the same centre frequency.
Approximately a stop band of 2.15 GHz has been obtained.
(3)

0 r d 2 IV. DESIGN OF CONVENTIONAL AND

Cp = (4) PROPOSED 4 4 BUTLER MATRIX FED
h
ANTENNA ARRAY SYSTEM
(d + g )
sinh
d d + g 0 r d 4h
C gap = 0 cosh 1 + (5)
g g
sinh
4h
Initially a 4 4 Butler matrix fed antenna array system
has been designed and simulated. The radiation
where, g is the distance between adjacent metallic patches. performances of the system are authenticated by the
The calculated values of lumped elements of equivalent measurement. To further improve the performance planar
circuit model are Lp/2=0.8 nH, Cp=0.19 pF and Cgap=0.084 circular EBG units as described in section III has been
pF. Total load impedance is derived from the above circuit implemented between the radiating elements. Again the
as follows radiation performances of the modified system have been
measured and a comparison is done with the performance of
Zload = {[(Z1||Cgap)+Z2]||Cgap}+Z3 (6) the conventional system.

185
 A. Design of 4 4 Butler Matrix Fed Antenna Array B. Design of Proposed 4 4 Butler Matrix Fed
System Antenna Array System

The layout and fabricated structure of the antenna array To improve the overall radiation performance of the
system are shown in Fig. 5 [6]. conventional antenna array system discussed earlier, the 3
1 planar circular EBG units (presented in section III) are
introduced between the antenna elements of the system. The
layout of the modified antenna array system is shown in Fig.
8(a). The structure is realized by the photolithography
technique similar as the conventional system. The
fabricated modified antenna array system is shown in Fig.
8(b).

EBG unit inserted between

the radiating elements.

1R 2L 2R 1L

(a) (b)

Fig. 5. (a) Layout and (b) Fabricated 4 4 antenna array system at 14.5
GHz.
(a) (b)
The length and width of the whole system are 70.54 mm
and 35.86 mm respectively as shown in Fig. 5(a). The centre Fig. 8. (a) Layout and (b) Fabricated 4 4 antenna array system
incorporating 3 1 planar circular EBG units between the radiating
to centre distance between the array elements is 10.34 mm. elements.
The layout is practically realized by the chemical
photolithography and reported in Fig. 5(b). The S-parameter The S parameter characteristics are shown in Fig. 9.
characteristics of the antenna array system are shown in Fig.
6 and Fig. 7.

(a)

Fig. 6. Simulated and measured reflection loss: 1R, 2L, 2R and 1L

port excitation.

(b)

Fig. 9. (a) Simulated and measured reflection loss of the modified

Fig. 7. Simulated isolation between different input ports of the antenna antenna array system for 1R port excitation and (b) Simulated isolation
array system. between different input ports of the modified antenna array system.

186
 C. Comparative Study of Radiation Performances of Both the Systems

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Simulated E-plane pattern of conventional antenna array system.
Simulated E-plane pattern of modified antenna array system.
Measured E-plane pattern of conventional antenna array system.
Measured E-plane pattern of modified antenna array system.

Fig. 10. Comparison of normalized E-plane patterns of the conventional and modified 4 4 antenna array system at 14.5 GHz for different port excitations: (a)
For 1R port excitations; (b) For 2L port excitations; (c) For 2R port excitations and (d) For 1L port excitations.

TABLE I. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MEASURED TABLE II. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MAJOR BEAMS
BEAMS DIRECTIONS OF THE GAINS OF BOTH THE ANTENNA ARRAY
CONVENTIONAL AND MODIFIED ANTENNA SYSTEMS AT 14.5 GHz
ARRAY SYSTEMS
Beams Conventional design Modified design
Beams Conventional design Modified design

Simulated Measured Simulated Measured

Measured beam Measured beam gain (dB) gain (dB) gain (dB) gain (dB)
directions directions
1R +220 +260 1R 4.50 3.77 4.53 4.06
0 0
2L -50 -50 2L 1.45 1.23 2.33 1.92
2R +580 +580 2R 2.62 2.22 2.93 2.67
1L -180 -200
1L 4.32 4.23 4.56 4.48

D. Discussions Measured results are also in good agreement with the

All the simulations are carried out using full wave EM
simulator, Ansoft HFSS. The measurement of reflection
losses, normalized radiation patterns and the gain of
different beams were carried out using Agilent N5230A
PNA-L network analyzer, signal generator (SMR 20, 1GHz
20 GHz) and spectrum analyzer (FSP, 9 KHz 30 GHz).
Fig. 6 (a) and (b) represent the simulated and measured
reflection losses for 1R, 2L, 2R and 1L ports excitation. The
simulated results show that the reflection losses are less than
-15 dB at the operating frequency of 14.5 GHz.
simulated results. But in measurements a slight shift in
resonant frequency has been observed, it is due to some
fabricational error.
Fig. 10 presents the comparative analysis of simulated
and measured normalized E-plane radiation patterns of the
conventional and modified 4 4 antenna array system. Fig.
10 (a) and (d) show that the similar radiation performances
have been achieved for 1R and 1L port excitation at 14.5
GHz for both the systems. Fig. 10 (b) shows that the first
null points of 2L beam of the modified antenna array system
is slightly more improved than the 2L beam of the
conventional design. The first null point level of the 2L

187
beam of the conventional system is at -3.82 dB below the
maxima, whereas for the modified system the same is lying
at -5.01 dB below the maxima as shown in Fig. 10(b).
Similarly the first null point level of the 2R beam is at -5 dB
below the maxima in the conventional design, whereas for
the modified system the first null point level of the 2R beam
is at -6.81 dB below the maxima as shown in Fig. 10 (c).
Hence both the beams (2L and 2R) of the modified system
are clearly distinguishable from the side lobes.
The half power beam width (HPBW) of 1R and 2L
beams (53o and 32o) is same in both the systems. The
radiation performances of the modified system reveal that 2o
improvement has been achieved in HPBW of 2R and 1L
beams (29o and 28o) by the modified antenna array system.
Hence some improvements in first null points and HPBW
reveal that the directivity of the major beams has been
upgraded by the modified antenna array system.
The major beams (1R, 2L, 2R and 1L) directions of the
antenna array system are +16.1o, -56.4o, +56.4o and -16.1o
respectively as calculated from Eq. (1). The measured
beams directions of the conventional design are listed in
Table I and it is observed that the measured beam results
show some variation in comparison to the calculated values.
This may be attributed to some practical testing errors. A
comparison has also been carried out between the measured
beams directions of the conventional and modified antenna
array systems; they both are in good agreement as shown in
Table I.
A comparative study of simulated and measured gains of
different major beams of the conventional and modified
antenna array systems at 14.5 GHz is reported in Table II.
Considerable gain improvement has been achieved for the
2L beam of the modified antenna array system. A gain
enhancement of 0.88 dB (60.7%) has been obtained for the
2L beam in simulation. Also 0.69 dB (56.1%) gain
enhancement has been achieved in measurement. A slight
gain improvement for the 1R, 2R and 1L beams of the
modified system has also been observed in simulation. Also
in measurements 0.29 dB (7.7%), 0.45 dB (20.3%) and 0.25
dB (6%) gain enhancements have been obtained for the 1R,
2R and 1L beams respectively of the modified antenna array
system as reported in Table II.
The S-parameter characteristics of the modified design
are similar to the conventional system, no such drastic
changes have been observed. The directions of radiated
major beams of the modified antenna array system are
comparable with the directions of major beams of the
conventional antenna array system; hence the
implementation of EBG units does not change the basic
characteristics of the beam forming antenna system. The
experiments convey that the implementation of EBG units
only affect the radiation performance mainly the gain of
different major beams of the antenna array system.
In this paper a simple planar circular EBG unit has been
used to improve the radiation performance of the antenna
array system. In [13] the spiral EBG units are used in the
Butler matrix fed antenna array system to lower the mutual
coupling and enhance the gain. But a small increment of
0.25 dB has been obtained. In the presented work, the
circular EBG units have been used and these are very simple
to realize than the spiral EBGs. By using circular EBGs
better gain enhancement has been achieved as reported in
Table II.
188
V. CONCLUSION
The conventional 4 4 Butler matrix fed antenna array
has been designed. At high frequency the system suffers
from surface wave excitations, which degrades the radiation
efficiency of the system. The planar circular EBG units have
been implemented to improve the radiation performance.
Better radiation performances have been achieved and also
the gain of different major beams is improved. The system
is less expensive and easy to realize. The further
improvement in the radiation performances can be done by
increasing the circular metallic patches in the EBG unit.
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