LAUSR

This paper shows a technique to enhance the radiation gain and efficiency of metamaterial (MTM) inspired planar antenna using substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology for sub‐6 GHz wireless communication systems. The antenna consists of MTM unit‐cells comprising series interdigital‐capacitor and short‐circuited spiral stub. The proposed antenna behaves like a leaky wave antenna. In the transmission mode the input signal propagating along the antenna structure and leaks energy. The performance of the antenna is shown to enhance by embedding a column of metallic vias between the MTM unit‐cells. This technique has no impact on the size of the antenna. The antenna was constructed on a standard FR4 dielectric substate. It had dimensions of 23.2×6.4×0.8 mm3 and had a wide operational frequency range 1.8 GHz from 3.0–4.8 GHz. After applying SIW the average gain and efficiency of the antenna were 5.8 dBi and 78%, respectively, which is an improvement of 2 dBi and 21% across 3–4.8 GHz.