An artificial neural network approach for the harmonic design of annular ring dielectric resonator antennas

The design and optimization of an annular ring dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) operating in the C frequency band is addressed. The DRA is intended to be used as the radiating element of a transmitting array of active integrated antennas, its input impedance must exhibit a proper resistive load at the fundamental resonance frequency, as well as a dominant reactive behavior, either inductive or capacitive, at higher harmonics. The configuration here proposed is a slot-coupled annular DRA where harmonic tuning is performed by resorting to a proper shape factor. The design procedure is performed by exploiting artificial neural networks, to find the resonator geometry starting form the desired resonance frequency, and a finite elements based numerical tool for the electromagnetic characterization of the antenna. Samples of simulation results are shown to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed slot-based harmonic tuning technique for ring DRAs.