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Odisha: The research, conducted by Mr. Prasannajeet Mohanty and Prof. Santanu Kumar Behera of the RF & Microwave Systems Group, combines two advanced geometric designs, known as Hexaflake and Modified Tree fractal structures, to achieve wide bandwidth, high radiation efficiency and stable signal transmission.
Unlike conventional antennas, the proposed design uses circular polarization, which helps reduce signal degradation caused by reflections, interference and changes in antenna orientation. This makes the antenna particularly promising for wireless communication systems operating in complex environments.
The antenna operates across a wide frequency range of 1.75 to 3.55 GHz, achieving an impedance bandwidth of 68%. It demonstrates a peak realized gain of 3.17 dBic and radiation efficiency exceeding 89% within its operational band. The researchers also achieved right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) through a specially designed fractal structure, with a measured axial-ratio bandwidth of 2.35–2.42 GHz.
Fabricated using a commonly available FR4 substrate, the antenna offers a compact design with promising performance characteristics. Experimental measurements closely matched the simulated results, validating the effectiveness of the proposed technology.
The development has potential applications in L-band, S-band and Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency-band wireless systems. Its ability to mitigate multipath fading and interference could contribute to more reliable wireless connectivity. The researchers aim to further enhance the antenna's gain to explore its suitability for longer-distance point-to-point communication links.
The research findings have been published in the peer-reviewed international Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Applications, highlighting NIT Rourkela's continued contributions to research and innovation in wireless communication and antenna engineering.
Research Publication: Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What have researchers at NIT Rourkela developed?
Researchers at NIT Rourkela have developed a circularly polarized hybrid fractal antenna. This antenna will significantly improve wireless communication systems.
Q2. Who created the new fractal antenna at NIT Rourkela?
The new fractal antenna was designed by Mr. Prasannajeet Mohanty and Prof. Santanu Kumar Behera, from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at NIT Rourkela.
Q3. What is the frequency range at which the fractal antenna designed at NIT Rourkela operates?
The antenna operates in the frequency range of 1.75 GHz to 3.55 GHz. The impedance bandwidth of the antenna is 68%.
Q4. What is the radiation efficiency of the new antenna?
The radiation efficiency of the new antenna is greater than 89% within the operational frequency of the antenna.
Q5. What are the fractal structures in the design of the antenna?
The hybrid antenna consists of two fractal structures: Hexaflake and Modified Tree fractals.
Q6. What is the importance of circular polarization in wireless communication
CP can help minimize the effects of signal degradation due to reflection and multipath propagation. It also helps improve the tolerances to changes in orientation of the antenna.
Q7. What is the material used in the fabrication of the antenna?
The antenna has been fabricated on a commonly available printed circuit board material, FR4.
Q8. What is the journal where the work of the researchers from NIT Rourkela, has been published?
The research work has been published in the Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Applications, on the 9th of September, 2026.
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