An Improved RHCP Archimedean Spiral Antenna for Glacial Environmental Sensor Networks

An improved version of a printed RHCP Archimedean spiral antenna for glacial environmental sensor networks is presented. Two changes have been made to the previous design. Firstly, the microstrip connections between the balun and the antenna arms have been tapered. Secondly, the antenna arms have been rounded at the edges towards the antenna boundary. These measures have improved the antenna performance in the following ways. Firstly, the signal quality has been improved by minimizing reflections and signal distortion. Secondly, the microstrip tapering between the balun and the antenna arms has increased the radiating surface area in the region. Resultantly, significant improvements in the antenna’s reflection coefficient, gain, total efficiency, and axial ratio have been observed.