We consider resonant patch antennas, implemented using loaded transmission-line networks and other exotic structures having engineered dispersion. An analytical expression is derived for the ratio of radiation quality factors of such antennas and conventional patch antennas loaded with (reference) dielectrics. In the ideal case this ratio depends only on the propagation constant and wave impedance of the structure under test, and it can be conveniently used to study what kind of dispersion leads to improved impedance bandwidth. We illustrate the effect of dispersion by implementing a resonant patch antenna using a periodic network of LC elements. The analytical results predicting enhanced impedance bandwidth compared to the reference results are validated using a commercial circuit simulator. Discussion is conducted on the practical limitations for the use of the proposed expression.
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