Abstract
We present a deep neural network-based framework for designing
multi-band microstrip antennas given a desired impedance matching
spectrum. The approach enables a design methodology that generates the
desired antenna structures rapidly (under a second) through an effective
deep learning- enabled search of a large design space and eliminates the
need for extensive domain knowledge of antenna design. The framework is
built on our innovations in tandem neural networks consisting of two
cascaded neural networks. Our structures are parameterized in an
exponentially large design space of discrete variables (pixels), leading
to the realization of nonintuitive structures. This end-to-end synthesis
in terms of discrete variables is enabled by introducing a new type of
“smooth thresholding” activation function, which, along with crucial
regularization terms in the network loss function, aids in designing our
structures. We perform extensive neural network optimizations and study
various trade-offs in the design process. We demonstrate the efficacy of
our methods by generating single and dual-band resonant structures,
which can be up to 50% more compact in terms of area, and up to 18 %
thinner in terms of substrate height than conventional structures, while
retaining competitive performance parameters in terms of gain,
polarization properties, radiation efficiency, and fractional
bandwidth.