AIMS Electronics and Electrical Engineering, 8(4): 456‒477.

DOI: 10.3934/electreng.2024022
Received: 24 August 2024
Revised: 18 October 2024
Accepted: 29 October 2024
Published: 20 November 2024
[Link]

Research article
Compact modified rectangular split ring resonator for tri-band
satellite applications

Abderraouf Fadhel1,2,*, Souad Berhab4,5, Rahma Aloulou1,2, Hassene Mnif1,2,* and Abdennour
Belhedri5
1
Laboratory of Electronics and Information Technologies, ENIS, University of Sfax, Tunisia
2
National School of Electronics and Telecommunications (ENET’Com), University of Sfax,
Tunisia
3
Higher National School of Telecommunications and Information and Communication
Technologies-ENSTTIC, Oran, Algeria
4
LARATIC laboratory, ENSTTIC, Oran, Algeria
5
Dept. of Electronic and Telecommunications, University of Kasdi Merbah Ouargla, Algeria

* Correspondence: Email: fadhel.abderraouf97@[Link] (A.F), [Link]@[Link]

(H.M); Tel: +2136622177317 (A.F), +21674862500 (H.M).

Abstract: This paper contributes to the design of a modified rectangular-shaped metamaterial with a
tri-band coverage for reflection and transmission coefficients. Two symmetrical rectangular split ring
resonators (SRR) were carefully engineered and then connected by their edges along the axis (Ox)
with a substantial C-shaped structure, experiencing the peak surface current value near the magnetic
resonances, causing the proposed unit cell to resonate at 5.73 GHz, 8.67 GHz, and 13.78 GHz, where
it exhibited negative effective permittivity (ENG), permittivity and permeability (DNG), and
permeability (MNG), respectively. A total of 6 × 6 mm2 modified SRR was printed on Rogers
RO3006 to achieve a better effective medium ratio (EMR) in the C band (4.55-6.27 GHz), X band
(7.81-9.45 GHz), and Ku band (13.15-14.37 GHz), respectively. A comprehensive parametric
analysis was performed to illustrate the effect of crucial parameter h on the scattering parameters (S11,
S21) of the metamaterial resonant structure (MRSRR) in the specified frequency ranges. Structure
underwent additional testing with 1 × 2, 2 × 1, 2 × 2, and 4 × 4 arrays, yielding results that
demonstrated sufficient concordance for consideration in the C band [4-8 GHz], X band [8-12 GHz],
and Ku band [12-18 GHz] satellite applications. Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave
Studio was utilized to reach the scattering parameters and their effective medium characteristics,
specifically permittivity and permeability, via the Nicolson–Ross–Weir (NRW) approach, executed
through MATLAB code. The surface current was examined, and the corresponding circuit model was
 457

confirmed utilizing the Advanced Design System (ADS) software, with results compared against the
CST simulation outcomes.

Keywords: effective parameters; satellite communication; metamaterial; Nicolson-Rose-Weir (NRW)

1. Introduction

Metamaterials (MTMs) or artificial media have several special properties concerning

electromagnetic waves. They demonstrate remarkable functional performance in various fields,
including the absorption, emission, sensing, transmission, and guiding of light, sound, energy, heat,
friction, strength, and electric energy [1]. Their unique properties have captivated scientists looking
to address issues in antennas and microwave circuits. MTMs are composite structures called cells
that are artificially arranged and embedded in a base medium, generally of the dielectric substrate.
Cells' special geometries let metamaterials show contradictory electromagnetic characteristics, which
makes them quite attractive for use in technology. It is feasible to control the permittivity and
permeability by changing parameters like cell size, shape, and arrangement to attain planned
properties [2]. These characteristics mainly consist of homogeneity since the cells are much smaller
than the operational wavelength, guaranteeing constant performance over several frequencies.
Near the end of the 19th century, researchers first pursued the idea of synthetic materials. In
1898, Bose JC conducted the inaugural microwave experiment, employing twisted synthetic fibers to
manipulate the polarization of electromagnetic waves generated by a liquid, such as a sugar solution.
Victor Veselago first proposed metamaterials, also known as Left-handed Materials (LHM), in 1967.
These materials comprise an indirect trio of vectors: Phase propagation, electric field, and magnetic
field [3]. Pendry et al. introduced the innovative idea of creating materials with negative permittivity
using metallic wires in 1996. Pendry J proposed a method to reduce the electrical plasma frequency.
They used a regular pattern of thin metal wires and air spaces between them. This technique out the
metal and lowers the electron density by creating an effective medium, which the Drude model says.
Furthermore, a current traversing the metal rods generates a magnetic field that influences the
charges by increasing their effective mass. The simultaneous impact of medium dilution and the rise
in effective mass facilitates a decrease in the electrical plasma frequency. Therefore, developing a
material with negative permittivity is suitable for use in the microwave domain [4]. The prospect of
developing non-magnetic materials that exhibit a magnetic reaction is truly inspiring. In 1999,
Pendry and his colleagues realized the Swiss roll structure. The same team suggested adding the Split
Ring Resonator (SRR) to improve the Swiss-Roll structure's absorption problems caused by the
filling factor [5].
Two interlocked metal loops formed like the letter "C" with SRR-based designs have become
essential in obtaining negative permeability in non-magnetic materials. A pillar in the evolution of
several metamaterials, including antennas, absorbers, sensors, filters, and energy harvesting
devices [6–11], use the SRR's capacity to control electrostatic energy has made all the difference.
Very rare or nonexistent in nature, Single Negative (SNG) and Double Negative (DNG)
qualities can be possessed by metamaterials [12]. Conversely, natural materials generally have
double positive permittivity and permeability (Double Positive Media, DPS). Research such as that
performed by Al-Gburi et al. [13] and Sharma et al. [14] show the useful applications of DNG
metamaterials in wideband and shielding technologies. Sabaruddin et al. [15] engineered a highly
sensitive five-band absorber employing metasurfaces in the terahertz spectrum. The absorber

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functions effectively in terahertz imaging, sensing, and detecting systems. Chou Chau examined
methods to enhance the efficiency of second harmonic generation (SHG) by incorporating split-ring
resonators and bowtie nanoantennas into metasurfaces. This significantly enhanced the nonlinear
optical responses. These accomplishments show how metamaterials are necessary for new
developments in photonic technology, electromagnetic protection, and telecommunications [16].
Diverse alphabetic metamaterial configurations for various applications have been reported in
the literature. In [1], Alam and Latif developed a Double-Split Rectangular Dual-Ring, with a
negative refractive index (DNG) for 5G millimeter-wave applications. This metamaterial was printed
on Rogers RT/Duroid 5880 and has an effective medium ratio (EMR) of 3.76 at dimensions of 3.05 ×
2.85 mm2. Alam JB et al., a double negative modified H-shape was presented with an EMR of 15.33
at 12 × 12 mm2 for satellite communication in reference [17]. Md Ikbal Hossain et al. [18] presented
a Novel Wide-Band Double-Negative Metamaterial for C and S-band applications. The proposed cell
exhibits double negativity in the C and S-Band and comprises two G-shaped split-square resonators
connected and printed on FR-4 glass epoxy. Mohammad Shahidul Islam et al. [19] proposed a gap-
coupled hexagonal split ring resonator-based metamaterial for S-Band and X-Band microwave
applications with an EMR of 4.76. The proposed cell has dimensions of 10 × 10 mm2 and is printed
on inexpensive FR4 material. Almutairi AF et al. designed and investigated a metamaterial based on
a CSRR (complementary split-ring resonator) [20]. The unit cell was printed on FR4 material and
measured 5.5 × 5.5 mm2. It featured a double negative region in C and X-Band, with an EMR of 8. A
parallel double-E-shaped structure based on double negative (DNG) metamaterial for multiband
applications is described [21]. The proposed unit cell has dimensions of 8 × 8 mm2, and its substrate
material is Rogers RT 5880. DNG metamaterial covers the S and C-band multiband frequencies with
an EMR of 15.67.
As satellite communications change quickly, it is becoming increasingly important to have
small, high-performance designs that can work with multiple bands. This paper proposes a novel
compact resonator geometry suitable for satellite transmission systems. It possesses unique
electromagnetic properties, operating in various frequency bands. To that end, the proposed unit cell
operates as Epsilon Negative (ENG) in the C band, Double Negative (DNG) in the X band, and MU
Negative (MNG) in the Ku band.
The unit cell uses a Rogers RO3006 substrate with a relative permittivity of 6.15 and a width of
1.28 mm. It has small dimensions of 6 × 6 mm²and a high effective medium ratio (EMR) of 8.71. To
enhance the design, we simulate array designs in sizes of 1 × 2, 2 × 1, 2 × 2, and 4 × 4 using CST
Microwave Studio. The Nicolson-Ross–Weir (NRW) method calculates the electromagnetic
properties and is used in MATLAB. Simulation with ADS software is employed to verify the
analogous circuit. This multi-characteristic configuration may operate in DNG, ENG, and MNG
modes, and it is reported to perform effectively across many satellite communication frequency
bands.
The content of this study is organized into five sections. In Section 2, we outline the design
technique for the modified rectangular SRR unit cell. In Section 3, we look forward to the simulation
presentation and its corresponding results, including the validation of the MRSRR's electrical circuit
model by comparing results acquired from CST and Agilent's ADS software. Additionally, in this
section, we incorporate a study of the proposed unit cell in 1 × 2, 2 × 1, 2 × 2, and 4 × 4 arrays,
followed by a comparison. In Section 4, we provide a comparison between the proposed unit cells
and existing ones. Finally, in Section 5, we conclude the paper.

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2. Proposed MTM unit cell

Figure 1(a) depicts the design of the modified rectangular split-ring resonator (SRR) simulated
in CST Microwave Studio. C-shaped design, with a width D1, connects two symmetrically arranged
two symmetrically positioned rectangular resonators, which are separated by D3, each with a width
D2. Both sides of the unit cell have symmetric splits, each with a width of G2, positioned along the
x-axis. Patch-MRSRR is affixed to a dielectric substrate measuring 𝐿𝑝 × 𝑊𝑝, as depicted in Figure
1(b). Resonators are fabricated from Rogers RO3006, which has a thickness of 1.28 mm, a relative
permittivity of 6.15, and a loss tangent of 0.002. Copper strips with a thickness of 0.035 mm serve as
the conducting medium. Split G2 introduces capacitance, while the metal strips produce inductance,
establishing the structure's resonant frequency. The whole unit cell size is 6 × 6 mm². Table 1
presents the optimized dimensions of the metamaterial's unit cell (MTM).

Table 1. Geometrical parameters of the MRSRR unit cell.

Parameters Values (mm)

Wp 6
Lp 6
G1 0.6
G2 0.1
D1 0.5
D2 0.4
D3 0.3

Patch-MRSSR
(Copper)

𝜺𝒓
Substrate
(RO3006)
(a) (b)

Figure 1. A MRSRR unit cell. (a) top view and (b) transverse view.

3. Simulation and results

3.1. Design and analysis

A simple model based on a simulation of the scattering parameters was investigated for finite
structure analysis. The frequency domain solver (tetrahedral mesh), which has the time-harmonic
dependence of the fields in Maxwell’s equations [1], was explored. The normalized impedance was
50 Ω, and the simulation ranged from 1 to 20 GHz. Boundary conditions were used to imitate the
periodic nature of the used cell [22]. In doing so, the MTM cell was positioned in front of the two

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waveguide ports (1/2) along the opposite directions (±Oz), used to excite the unit cell. In directions
of (±Ox) and (±Oy), PEC and PMC walls were used, respectively, as shown in Figure 2(a). It should
be outlined that the cell had a symmetric shape, so permutation in PEC and PMC directions could be
considered.
Incident TEM wave approached the patch in the (±Oz) direction from all directions. This
resonance in the transmitted and reflected waves resulted from electromagnetic interaction inside the
unit cell. These were excited by incident electromagnetic waves as they came in contact with the
patch. The S-parameters of the MRSRR unit cell could be measured using coaxial cables to connect
the unit cells to a Vector Network Analyzer, as shown in Figure 2(b).

PMC

PEC
Incident wave

Unit cell

PEC

Transmission wave

Incident wave
PMC

(a)

(b)

Figure 2. (a) the boundary condition for the proposed metamaterial unit cell. (b) a
schematic diagram of the measurement method.

Based on the Finite Integration Technique (FIT), the CST was used to numerically simulate the
modified RSRR unit cell. Figure 3 shows the scattering characteristics (S11 and S21) graph of the
suggested unit cell in the frequency range [1–20 GHz].

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PB2
PB3

PB1 SB3

SB2
SB1 1

Figure 3. Scattering parameters of the MRSRR in the frequency range [1-20 GHz].

The transmission coefficient (S21), illustrated graphically in Figure 3, picked the resonance
frequencies of the MRSRR. The results indicated that triple resonances of the MRSRR were 5.73,
8.67, and 13.78 GHz, respectively. The transmission coefficient (S21) was less than -10 dB,
indicating three stopband characteristics (SB1, SB2, SB3). However, reflection coefficients (S 11)
within the frequency bands (SB1, SB2, SB3) were practically 0 dB, meaning wave propagation was
impossible [23].
Stopband responses (S21) were around 5.73 GHz, 8.67 GHz, and 13.78 GHz, accompanied by
excellent impedance matching, with readings of less than -35 dB and magnitudes of -46.01, -42.49,
and -35.93 dB, respectively. MRSRR introduced bandwidths of transmission coefficient from 4.55 to
6.27 GHz, 7.81 to 9.45 GHz, and 13.15 to 14.37 GHz, with fractional bandwidths (FBW) of 30%,
18.91 %, and 8.85 %, respectively. Moreover, SB1 produced the wider stopband region. Additionally,
the smallest was by SB3, as FBW indicated. Similarly, MRSRR indicated three passband
characteristics (PB1, PB2, PB3) around 6.85 GHz, 11.02 GHz, and 15.65 GHz, respectively,
accompanied by S11 magnitudes of -22.43 dB, -10.67 dB, and -15.32 dB, respectively.
The FBWs at 5.73 GHz, 8.67 GHz, and 13.78 GHz, respectively, were quantitative assessments
of the bandwidths of the unit cell relative to their central frequencies. The consequence was the
assessment of the MRSRR unit cell efficiency in terms of the rejection of signals at resonances. FBW
was one of the most frequently used parameters of microwave design for representing the relative
bandwidth of a signal or system. It was mathematically computed as:
∆𝑓
𝐹𝐵𝑊 = (1)
𝑓𝑐

Where:
∆f: Bandwidth of the MRSRR unit cell at -10 dB (-10 dB BW). It is commonly described as the
difference between the upper and lower frequencies, based on the S21 magnitude being less than -
10 dB.
Fc: Center frequency, defined as the mean of the higher and lower cutoff frequencies.

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3.2. Examining the effect of thickness h

The specific design parameters studied substantially affected the effectiveness of the MRSRR's
scattering properties (S11, S21). Rogers RO3006 was offered in many commercial thicknesses:
ℎ = 0.13 mm, ℎ = 0.25 mm, ℎ = 0.64 mm, and ℎ = 1.28 mm, influencing the MRSRR's performance
differently. Figures 4(a-b) demonstrate the effect of increasing thickness ℎ on S11 and S21 responses,
respectively.

(a)

(b)

Figure 4. The magnitude of the MRSRR S-parameters (a) reflection coefficient S11 (dB)
and (b) transmission coefficient S21 (dB).

Figure 4 illustrates that the resonance frequencies of the MRSRR unit cell were influenced by

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the alteration of parameter h. Resonance frequencies increased significantly as substrate height

decreased. A reduced h value diminished the total effective dielectric constant, thereby elevating the
structure's resonance frequencies, aligning with theoretical predictions.
Smaller h decreased the overall effective dielectric constant, increasing the structure's resonance
frequency, as expected from the theory. A total of 1.28 mm corresponded to an optimum between
small thickness and good electromagnetic performance for frequencies of interest.
Nicolson-Ross-Wier (NRW) is a highly efficient and non-repetitive method, typically employed
to retrieve the effective dielectric parameters (ɛ, μ) due to its suitability as a direct refractive index
retrieval (DRI) method.
The Rose-Weir method is a widely used approach in materials characterization. It was created
by Nicolson and Ross and showcased in their book "Measurement of the Intrinsic Properties of
Materials by Time-Domain Techniques" in 1970. Metamaterials were analyzed using this efficient
technique, as Smith et al. demonstrated in [24]. The NRW approach involves deriving the refractive
index 𝜂, wave impedance 𝑍, and effective parameters of composite medium from either measured or
simulated parameters. The method choice is motivated by the ability to guarantee fast and accurate
results. The following equations are used [25].
(𝑍 −1)
𝛤 = (𝑍0 +1) (2)
0

Z0: Relative impedance for effective permittivity and permeability, determined as follows
𝜇𝑟
𝑧0 = (3)
𝜀𝑟

S parameters are calculated as follows

1−Γ 2 Z
S11 = (4)
1−Γ 2 Z 2
1−Z 2 Γ 2
S21 = (5)
1−Γ 2 Z 2

From S parameters, we create two vectors, V1 and V2:

V1 = S21 + S11 (6)

V2 = S21 − S11 (7)

Effective parameters are calculated using the following equations:

c (1−V )
εr = jπfd × (1+V 1 ) (8)
1

c (1−V )
μr = jπfd × (1+V 2 ) (9)
2

d: dielectric slab thicknesses, f: frequency band [GHz]

The flowchart in Figure 5 represents the MRSRR analysis process based on Nicholson-Ross-
Weir (NRW) to determine the electromagnetic parameters of a dielectric material from the 𝑆𝑖𝑗
coefficients.
The effective medium parameters (ε, μ) of MRSRR are ascertained by deriving the real and
imaginary components of S11 and S21 via the NRW approach, as indicated by Equations (2)–(5).
MATLAB code employing the NRW approach is used to obtain the real and imaginary values of the
effective medium attributes.

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Figure 5. MRSRR analysis process based-NRW.

Figures 6(a) and (b) represent the results of effective permittivity and permeability, respectively,
for the frequency range [1-20 GHz]. The plot shows that the real part of the effective permittivity had
a negative value over the frequency range, starting from 4.25 to 6.24 GHz, 7.5 to 9.44 GHz, and 13
to 13.6 GHz. Negative permittivity values for frequency ranged from 7.1 to 9.9 GHz, and 11.9 to
13.8 GHz were also observed. It is clear from these figures that the imaginary part of either effective
permittivity or permeability is positive within the cited frequency ranges, and hence, the criteria for
metamaterial behavior are met. MRSRR stop bands (SB1, SB2, SB3) are responsible for the
appearance of negative effective parameters.
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(a)

(b)

Figure 6. Effective parameters of the proposed unit cell (a) Permittivity and (b) Permeability.

Table 2 highlights MRSRR specifications in the frequency band [1-20 GHz].

Table 2. MRSRR specifications.

Resonance freq. [GHz]

ENG MNG DNG Satellite covered bands
S21 [dB] < -10 dB

fr1 = 5.73 GHz

Yes No No C
S21 = -46.01 dB
fr2 = 8.67 GHz
Yes Yes Yes X
S21 = -42.49 dB
fr3 = 13.78 GHz
No Yes No Ku
S21 = -35.93 dB

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The surface current of the MRSRR-MTM unit cell for different transmission resonance
frequencies is elaborated. Figure 7 shows the surface current distribution for three resonances at 5.73
GHz, 8.67 GHz, and 13.78 GHz, respectively.

5.73 GHz 8.67 GHz 13.78 GHz Scale

Figure 7. Surface current distribution of MRSRR at three resonance frequencies.

On the rings/metal segments, the surface current (electrical current) was the most prevalent. The
conducting surface of the structure conducted a more significant amount of current than any other
fundamental component. This current appeared symmetrical to the inner rectangular connected parts,
indicated by the red color, and reached a maximum of 50 A/m, as shown in Figure 7. The splits of the
rings regulated the current to rotate in opposite directions through symmetrical rings, resulting in
stopband behavior at the resonance frequencies.

3.3. Electrical circuit model

MRSRR-MTMT is regarded as a passive LC circuit composed of passive components

(inductance and capacitance). Resonance frequency can be calculated by:
1
𝑓= (10)
2𝜋 𝐿𝑇 𝐶𝑇

Where:
CT: Total capacitance of the structure; LT: Total inductance of the structure.

Total capacitance (CT) and inductance (LT) are found by connecting the series and shunt
branches of the capacitances (C1 to C6) and inductances (L1 to L5) in series and/or parallel.
In MRSRR, metal strips are assumed to be inductors, while splits act as capacitors. When MTM
cells are excited using electromagnetic waves, two kinds of coupling are observed: Coupling
between the splits (gaps) and the electric field generates electric resonances, and the magnetic field
couples with rings (strips), which produces magnetic resonances.
Researchers operate an equivalent circuit representing a structure's qualitative response to
understand or estimate how an electrical circuit will resonate across various resonant
frequencies [26]. Figure 8 shows the optimized equivalent circuit for the MRSRR unit cell. It
consists of the passive elements L and C that introduce the triple resonance frequencies.
G1 and G2 are the critical parameters determining resonance mode in the proposed MRSRR. In
equivalent circuit analysis, a gap G1 could be modeled by two series-connected capacitors, C1 and
C2, with an inductor L1 at its middle, thus forming an LC resonant circuit. Variations of G1 adjust
the capacitance value and, therefore, may change resonance frequency and field distribution. C3 and

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C4 correspond to G2 in the upper and lower halves. Besides, they alter the coupling between
resonators; hence, their variation affects resonance characteristics.

Figure 8. The equivalent circuit model of the MRSRR-MTM cell.

Similarly, G2 can be pictured as C3 and C4 at upper and lower, respectively. More precisely,
they toggle between resonators, couplings, and resonance characteristics. Changing the gap
parameters will change the distribution of the electromagnetic field. Hence, the coupling strength in
adjacent resonators will change; thus, the resonance properties, including the excitation mode, will
vary.
Chao and Chau [27] clarified that properly tuned geometric parameters, such as the gap sizes in
split-ring resonators, can improve both the field confinement and nonlinear interactions. Further, they
found that the effective nonlinear susceptibilities in metasurfaces for split-ring resonators in
resonance tuning can be enhanced by carefully adjusting the gap size, significantly strengthening the
SHG process.
To achieve results closer to the ones using CST simulations, the values of the analogous circuit
components varied within Agilent's ADS software. Magnitude S21 derived from two electromagnetic
tools, CST and ADS, is compared in Figure 9. The corresponding circuit delivered three resonance
frequencies with maxima of -49.94 dB, -44.12 dB, and -43.98 dB at 5.63 GHz, 8.55 GHz, and
13.88 GHz, respectively. It is important to note that three stopbands below -30 dB were presented
from the ADS simulation. The identified regions demonstrated significant concordance, reinforcing
the analogous circuit's validity.
Table 3 compares the transmission coefficient and resonance frequency obtained from CST and
ADS, clearly presenting the results. We also calculated the frequency shift for each of the three
frequencies, which yielded a difference of less than 2%, supporting the accuracy of the ADS result.

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Figure 9. Transmission coefficient S21, as by CST and ADS.

Table 3. S21 Comparison between CST and ADS for MRSRR-MTM cell.
Peaks [dB] at res. Freq. [GHz] Shifts [%]

-46.01 dB at 5.73 GHz

CST -42.49 dB at 8.67 GHz
-35.93 dB at 13.78 GHz 1.76
1.39
-49.94 dB at 5.63 GHz 0.72
ADS -44.12 dB at 8.55 GHz
-43.98 dB at 13.88 GHz

3.4. Array analysis

Unit cells alone cannot exhibit the correct exotic electromagnetic properties of metamaterials.
Usually, for a multiunit cell MTM to have desirable exotic electromagnetic properties, several unit
cells rather than a single unit cell must be used. MTM with electrically conducted components is
usually an array possessing adequate capacitive and inductive characteristics.
Various types of array designs were simulated and analyzed; some array types that attracted
interest include 1 × 2, 2 × 1, 2 × 2, and 4 × 4 arrays, as shown in Figure 10(a-d). Selected arrays were
numerically simulated in the frequency range [1-20 GHz] using CST 3D-EM, following the same
method as the primary unit cell. Note that the unit cells are positioned both horizontally and
vertically with a distance of 0.5 mm between each other.
Figure 11 shows the transmission coefficient results for the selected array types. From Figure
11(a), we can observe that resonance frequencies of the basic unit cell are roughly the same as the S21
results of the 1 × 2 array, with just 2.11%, 0.69%, and 0.58% shifts, respectively.
Figures 11(b-c) show that S21 results for 2 × 1 and 2 × 2 arrays presented five resonant
frequencies around 4, 6, 7, 9, and 13 GHz with magnitude below -20 dB. Compared to the basic unit
cells, two resonant frequencies appeared due to the capacitive effect on the nearby unit cells. New
resonances have emerged from new stop bands in the 1 to 20 GHz frequency band. For the 4 × 4

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array, S21 curves indicate five peaks below -20 dB. Note that the two first resonances have emerged
to give one at 6.24 GHz with a broader bandwidth from 4.3 to 6.56 GHz, as illustrated in Figure
11(d). S21 results exhibited the same resonance at 7.19, 9.23, and 13.39 GHz regarding the third,
fourth, and fifth frequencies, respectively. Moreover, 13.78 GHz for the basic unit cell was the only
frequency maintained around 13 GHz, with a slightly lower shift. The mutual coupling effect was
responsible for the appearance of a new resonance frequency and the change between resonances.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 10. Different array configurations based on MRSRR unit cell (a) 1 × 2, (b) 2 × 1,
(c) 2 × 2, and (d) 4 × 4.

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(a)

(b)

Figure 11. Transmission coefficients plot using different types of arrays (a) 1 × 2, (b) 2 ×
1, (c) 2 × 2, and (d) 4 × 4.

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(c)

(d)

Figure 11. Continued.

Figures 12(a-b) and (c-d) show the real permittivity and permeability values as a function of the
frequency of the selected array structures. We observed that the plotted curves of the effective
parameters for the 1 × 2 and 2 × 1 array structures were nearly identical. However, there was a
discrepancy between the negative values. The same observation was valid for the 2 × 2 and 4 × 4
array structures.
The modification in S-parameters (S11, S21) was the primary reason for the observed disparity in
the negative values, as shown in Figure 11. Equations (8) and (9) are practically based on the
computation of electromagnetic properties (permittivity and permeability), with S 11 and S21 serving
as crucial parameters (for more information, see equations (6) and (7)). The negative value shift

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illustrated in Figures 12(a-b) and 12(c-d) results from any alteration in these S-parameters, which can
directly affect the electromagnetic characteristics produced as an influence.
Table 4 presents an analysis of the features of various array structures, including the type of
MTM (ENG, MNG, DNG), the frequency band, and the satellite band under consideration. 2 × 2 and
4 × 4 array structures have shown three features (ENG, MNG, and DNG) in the [1-20 GHz]
frequency band. MNG feature has been disregarded by 1 × 2 and 2 × 1. It is observed that the
structure of the 4 × 4 array antenna covers both the C and X bands, while the 1 × 2, 2 × 1, and 2 × 2
array antenna structures cover the Ku band.

(a)

(b)

Figure 12. (a, b) Real values of effective permittivity (ɛ) versus frequency, and (c, d)
effective permeability (μ) versus frequency.

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(c)

(d)

Figure 12. Continued.

Table 4. Array structure characteristics.

Array Type of Frequency band Satellite band
structures metamaterial [GHz] covered
ENG [5.76 – 6.14], [8.01 – 8.80]
1×2 MNG / C and X
DNG [4.33 – 5.75], [7.76 – 8.00],
ENG [4.17 – 4.63], [6.07 – 6.69], [7.16 – 7.25], [7.47 – 8.55], [9.18 – 9.42]
2×1 MNG [5.99 – 6.10] C and X
DNG [5.10 – 5.98], [7.26 – 7.46]
ENG [4.17 – 4.55], [5.76 – 6.00], [7.96 – 8.20], [9.07 – 9.19]
2×2 MNG / C and X
DNG [5.10 – 5.75], [6.01 – 6.63], [6.99 – 7.95]
ENG [4.73 – 5.75]
4×4 MNG [5.85 – 6.09], [7.72 – 8.25], [9.18 – 9.32], [12.49 – 12.64]
C, X and Ku
DNG [4.41 – 4.72], [5.76 – 5.84], [12.65 – 14.11]

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4. Comparative analysis

Table 5 contrasts several recent studies with the suggested unit cell on dimension, band covered,
type of metamaterial, effective medium ratio (EMR), and the extraction method. The comparison
shows that the proposed MRSRR has a more compact size than the previous studies, except [1].
However, the cell presented in [1] covered only the Ku band, with unique character (DNG) and a
lower EMR. Comparatively, the proposed cell covered C, X, and Ku bands, demonstrating ENG,
MNG, and DNG characters. Further, EMR that represents the compactness of unit cells is higher
than [1], [10], and [26]. Thus, all studies use the NRW method to extract effective parameters
except [28], which used the Smith method.

Table 5. MRSRR unit cell vs previous studies.

Dimension Satellite band Extraction

Ref./ Year Type of MTM EMR
(mm2) covered method

[1/2022] 3.05 × 2.85 Ku DNG 3.76 NRW

[9/2023] 10 × 10 C, X, Ku ENG 4.5 NRW
[12/ 2016] 12 × 12 C, X, Ku DNG 15.33 NRW
[13/2020] 9 ×9 S, X, Ku DNG 11.51 NRW
[26/2016] 8 ×8 C, Ku MNG 6.47 NRW
[29/2020] 8 ×8 S, C, X DNG 13.11 NRW
[30/2021] 10 × 10 S, C, X ENG 12.61 Smith
[31/2022] 10 × 10 S, C, Ku ENG 14.85 NRW
[32/2022] 11 × 11 S, C, X, Ku MNG 13.5 NRW
This work 6 ×6 C, X, Ku ENG, MNG, DNG 8.72 NRW

5. Conclusions

We focus on developing and investigating rectangular split-ring resonator (SRR) unit cells
designed to exhibit epsilon-negative (ENG), double-negative (DNG), and mu-negative (MNG)
characteristics across the satellite frequency ranges. The proposed unit, designed on Rogers RO3006
substrate with a compact footprint of 6 × 6 mm², was modeled using CST software, yielding
resonance frequencies at 5.73 GHz, 8.67 GHz, and 13.78 GHz. The metamaterial properties were
extracted using the Nicolson-Ross-Weir (NRW) method, demonstrating negative permeability in the
Ku-, double-negative behavior in the X-, and negative permittivity in the C-band. Stopband
characteristics were further analyzed by visualizing the surface current distribution at the resonance
frequencies.
The ADS simulator generates the corresponding circuit model, and S21's response nearly
corresponds to the CST output. Following, the comparison of 1 × 2 and 2 × 1 and 2 × 2 and 4 × 4
arrays conducted where appropriate commitment to the effective parameters is confirmed. Therefore,
the proposed MRSRR unit cell applies to satellite applications over the C-, X-, and Ku ranges. C-
band frequency range is used for full-time satellite TV networks, radar applications, and weather
monitoring. X-band satellite communication finds use in the military for defense tracking, air traffic
control, and radar applications. Also, the Ku-band is used as a direct broadcast satellite service.
While allowing a size decrease, the suggested MRSRR can improve the performance
parameters of microwave circuits, including gain and directivity. By reconfiguring, the suggested
metamaterial unit cell can be improved overall performance-wise, and its coverage of satellite band
frequencies can be expanded.

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The research presented in this study primarily relies on simulations. However, considering any
manufacturing problems for the suggested metamaterials is essential. One of the major difficulties is
manufacturing with the needed accuracy to assure homogeneity in unit cell forms. At high
frequencies such as millimeter waves, where exact tolerances are crucial, even small size changes
can significantly influence electromagnetic (EM) properties. This topic has become highly available
for modern methods of communication, including 5G millimeter-wave networks. Alam and Latif also
consider some problems manufacturing the 5G double-split rectangular dual-ring metamaterial [1].
Another fabrication issue is that, when adding conductive elements to the design, the structural
integrity of the metamaterial is sacrificed. Indeed, conductive elements must be fabricated and
shrunk precisely, or they will not retain integrity and functionality. This issue is most relevant with
metamaterials designed to operate at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies, as Islam et al.
noted in their efforts to develop three-band microwave CCSRR metamaterial [30].
One of the prime considerations in any building process involves the choice of substrate
material because the dielectric characteristics of the substrate are bound to affect the general
performance of the metamaterial. Accordingly, Hossain et al. demonstrate a modified split-ring
resonator design with a high effective medium ratio for satellite communication applications [12]. In
contrast, Hussain et al. describe issues concerning several bands in using DNG metamaterials [21].
The authors emphasize the urgent need for precise tuning of the characteristics of the materials for
the attainment of desired electromagnetic responses.

Author contributions

Abderraouf Fadhel, Souad Berhab and Abdennour Belhedri: Investigation, Writing – original
draft, Writing – review & editing; Hassene Mnif and Rahma Aloulou: Writing – review & editing,
Resources. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The author declares that there is no conflict of interest in this paper.

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