article · Franklin Open
A compact hybrid fractal antenna design combines a Cantor Set fractal circular patch with a Minkowski fractal defected ground structure to enhance ultra-wideband communication. Built on a low-cost FR4 substrate measuring 20 by 15 by 1.6 millimetres with copper elements, the antenna achieves effective impedance matching across an operating bandwidth from 3.71 to 13.51 gigahertz. Numerical simulations were confirmed through physical prototype testing, showing strong agreement between measured and simulated performance. The wide operating range covers critical frequencies, including the C-band. By providing high bandwidth, high data rates, and low latency, the configuration offers a practical hardware solution for next-generation wireless systems. It is particularly designed to serve fifth-generation mobile communications alongside Internet of Things devices that rely on precise positioning and short-range data exchange.
Modern wireless networks require compact, affordable antennas that can transmit heavy data loads rapidly without delay. By fabricating an efficient, ultra-wideband antenna on standard, low-cost circuit board material, this work demonstrates an accessible way to deliver high-speed connectivity. The design helps satisfy the performance requirements of expanding fifth-generation mobile services and connected Internet of Things devices.
The design is positioned for fifth-generation mobile communication networks and Internet of Things hardware developers requiring short-range communications and precise positioning. Because a physical prototype was fabricated on standard FR4 substrate and experimentally validated, the technology represents applied and tested research. Transition to commercial use would require integration into commercial device form factors and validation under real-world operating conditions.
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This paper presents a new design for a hybrid fractal antenna with integrated Defected Ground Structure (DGS) to achieve enhanced performance in ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems. The simulation of the fractal antenna is carried out using High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) on an FR4 substrate material with dimensions of 20 × 15 × 1.6 mm 3 . In this particular design, the circular patch is enhanced by the application of the Cantor Set fractal, whereas the upper edge of the initial partial ground features the incorporation of the Minkowski fractal. The incorporation of both fractal structures and a defected ground structure results in exceptional impedance matching and a wide bandwidth ranging from 3.71 to 13.51 GHz. To validate the accuracy of the simulation results and evaluate the operational bandwidth of the proposed fractal antenna, a prototype was fabricated. The antenna was made using a low-cost FR4 substrate, with copper used for the radiating element and ground plane. The measurement results matched the simulated data, demonstrating the reliability and accuracy of the proposed design. This strong correlation confirms the antenna's efficiency and its suitability for ultra-wideband communication systems. This makes the proposed fractal UWB antenna represents a promising solution for modern mobile communication networks, particularly 5G, thanks to its ability to support high bandwidth, high data rates, and low latency. The antenna is also well-suited for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as precise positioning and short-range communications, while covering critical frequency bands, including the C-band. These characteristics make the proposed design advantageous for current and future wireless communication technologies.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.fraope.2026.100739
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