Grounded Patch Antenna

[JoshWright8503]

Looking for someone familiar with aperture/micro-strip patch antennas. I am trying to determine what the effects of taking the exact center of a rectangular patch antenna, and shorting it to ground. I am a current grad student and our professor gave us this problem to think about, and not quite sure how to approach it.

 

[Scott_PHX_APP]

I can't say much for the patch part, but in my world, (PCB Design) microstrip is a trace on the surface of the board that is controlled impedance. In the normal case of this, you match the trace impedance with the devices connected to it to avoid impedance mismatches. When you get a mismatch or have a large loop area by seperating the return path, you get a slot antenna. Not always what we (in the field) want.... Can you say EMI? Anyway, I haven't heard of the patch part, but that's my take on the microstrip part. Don't know if it helps or creates more questions... Good Luck.
Later...