Boost PCB Patch Antenna Gain

About the project

I have an existing PCB patch antenna array that under-performs: its gain is consistently low across the entire operating band. The goal of this project is a measurable performance upgrade—specifically a clear gain improvement—without increasing the overall board size or compromising manufacturability. You will start from my current Gerber files and 3D model, diagnose why the array is losing gain, and then adjust the element geometry, feed network, ground plane, or matching circuitry as needed. Full-wave EM simulation (CST, HFSS, or equivalent) is required to validate each design iteration; Smith-chart impedance plots, realised gain, efficiency, and 3-D radiation patterns must be included in the reports. I am open to adding parasitic patches, EBG structures, or other proven techniques as long as the final layout remains douple-layer FR-4 and can be fabricated by a standard PCB house. Deliverables • Annotated EM simulation project files showing the optimisation steps • Updated PCB layout (Gerber, drill, pick-and-place) ready for fabrication • Brief report comparing original vs. improved S11 and gain over the full band, with screenshots of radiation patterns Acceptance criteria: at least 3 dB gain increase across the specified frequency range while maintaining ≤ –10 dB return loss. If you have tackled similar low-gain issues in microstrip or patch arrays, your insight will be valuable. Let’s turn this board into the high-performance array it was meant to be.

Skills required