Microstrip fix arrays design
Hi, Oggi: I would suggest you to try to optimize your element and 4-patch array using infinite ground plane first. Input impedance is normally not affected by the size and shape of the antenna much. You can optimize it to get good match first. IE3D has built-in optimizers to help you optimize antenna perforamnces (S11, Z, or even pattern parameters). To defining pattern parameteres as optimization goals, you should try to enable pattern calculation in Optimization Setup first. Then, you can choose many of antenna's properties as goals. After you get the matchiing etc. optimized, you can build the finite ground plane model to improve the pattern. It normally takes much more time to simulate and optimize the finite ground plane model than the infinite ground plane model.