Minkowski Loop Antenna for 5G Mobile Communication
Design of a Minkowski loop fractal antenna for 5G applications, leveraging fractal geometry for compact size and wide bandwidth.
RF • Microwave • Antenna Systems
Mrunal Marihal
RF & Microwave engineer specialising in antenna design, waveguides and high‑frequency systems with strong hands‑on experience. Skilled in the complete RF design cycle — simulation, fabrication and testing — and experienced with antennas, mode converters and RF measurements using advanced instruments. Published in journals, conferences and a Springer chapter, and proficient in CST, HFSS, ADS & MATLAB for advanced RF systems and next‑generation communications.
4+Years RF Design
6IEEE Publications
5Major Projects
Publications
Research Papers, Conference Papers & Chapters
Peer‑reviewed journal articles, conference papers and book chapters authored by Mrunal Marihal.
pHEMT‑Based Low Noise Amplifier for L & S Bands
Two‑stage pHEMT low‑noise amplifier achieving ≈24.5 dB gain and 0.68 dB noise figure for L & S band communication systems.
30 GHz Wide‑Band CMOS LNA for Next Generation Cellular Communication
CMOS LNA covering 28–30 GHz with a peak gain of ≈39 dB and noise figure <1.1 dB, suitable for millimeter‑wave cellular networks.
2.4 GHz Rectangular Microstrip Patch Antenna Array for ISM Applications
Design and analysis of a 2×1 microstrip patch array achieving ≈10.4 dB gain, 87.7% efficiency and return loss of −51.95 dB for ISM band use.
Compact Rectangular Microstrip Patch Yagi‑Uda Antenna for 5.75 GHz Amateur Radio Applications
Microstrip Yagi‑Uda antenna delivering ≈8.4 dBi gain, return loss of −62 dB and high radiation efficiency for 5.75 GHz amateur radio.
Design & Simulation of X‑Band Conical Corrugated Horn Antenna
Conical corrugated horn acting as a TE11 to HE11 mode transformer for RBWO sources, achieving ≈21.1 dBi gain and 88.7% X‑band bandwidth with low sidelobes.
An Optimum Design of C‑Band Conical Corrugated Horn Antennas
Designs two conical horn antennas for C‑band and X‑band sources; simulations show return loss <−20 dB, gain >10 dBi and cross‑polarization <−20 dB with VSWR 1–1.2.
Design & Simulation of a TM01 Mode Launcher for X‑Band
Coaxial‑to‑circular waveguide launcher enabling efficient TM01 excitation with return loss better than −20 dB, VSWR ≈1 and >95% power transmission.
Compact Axial & Radial Corrugated Horn Antenna for Ku‑Band
Presents a Ku‑band corrugated horn using axial and radial corrugations to excite the HE11 mode, achieving gain >20 dBi and low sidelobe levels for defence and aerospace applications.
Comparative Study of Conical vs Corrugated Horns for X‑Band
Analyses conical and corrugated horn antennas designed in CST; corrugated design exhibits ≈21 dBi gain, side‑lobe level −35.6 dB and cross‑polarization <−30 dBi.
High‑Performance Rectangular‑to‑Circular Waveguide Transition
Describes a C‑band waveguide transition converting TE10 to TE11 mode; measurements show return loss −23 dB, insertion loss −0.39 dB and VSWR 1.15.
High‑Performance Conical Corrugated Horn Antenna
Designs a conical corrugated horn antenna for X‑band; simulations show ≈21.2 dBi gain & VSWR 1.18, while measurements achieve ≈20.25 dBi gain and VSWR 1.08.
Circular Waveguide Adapter for TEM‑TE11 Transition
Models a C‑band circular waveguide adapter converting TEM to TE11; simulations yield insertion loss −0.019 dB, return loss −27.6 dB and 1.85 GHz bandwidth.
Conical Corrugated Horn Antenna for C‑Band Applications
Simulates a C‑band conical corrugated horn for pulsed microwave applications; results show ≈20.9 dBi gain, VSWR 1.001, return loss −65.7 dB, cross‑polarization <−25 dB and side‑lobe level <−30 dB.
MTRDC DRDON K EnterprisesDevikTech EducationRV College of EngineeringJain College of EngineeringIEEESpringerVEDA SeminarUtkarsh SeminarAnritsu WorkshopDoordarshanAll India Radio
MTRDC DRDON K EnterprisesDevikTech EducationRV College of EngineeringJain College of EngineeringIEEESpringerVEDA SeminarUtkarsh SeminarAnritsu WorkshopDoordarshanAll India Radio
About Me
Engineering microwave systems from simulation to validation.
I am a RF & Microwave engineer specialising in antenna design, waveguides and high‑frequency systems with strong research and hands‑on experience. Skilled in the complete RF design cycle — including electromagnetic simulation, fabrication and testing — I have engineered antennas, conical and corrugated horns, mode converters and waveguide transitions while performing precision measurements on vector network analysers and in anechoic chambers. My work has been disseminated through peer‑reviewed journals, IEEE conferences and a Springer book chapter. I am proficient in CST Studio Suite, ANSYS HFSS, Keysight ADS and MATLAB, focusing on high‑power RF systems and next‑generation communication technologies.
Beyond core research, I have supplemented my expertise with professional training and internships. Hands‑on exposure at Doordarshan Kendra and All India Radio introduced me to broadcast antennas, studio equipment, satellite communications and radio transmitters. Continuous learning through defence and technology workshops has broadened my understanding of radome design, high‑power microwave sources, AI/ML integration and DevOps practices. These experiences complement my role as a research fellow at MTRDC/DRDO and underpin my commitment to innovation in RF and microwave engineering.
Antenna Systems
Waveguide & Mode Converters
Microwave R&D
Sep 2024 – Present
Senior Research Fellow — MTRDC, DRDO
Leading end‑to‑end design cycles for conical and corrugated horn antennas, waveguide transitions and mode converters for defence‑grade microwave systems.
Sep 2022 – Sep 2024
Junior Research Fellow — MTRDC, DRDO
Designed X‑band and C‑band horn antennas and circular waveguide adapters; developed TEM‑TE11 and TM01 mode converters and performed VNA & anechoic chamber validation.
Nov 2021 – Jul 2022
RF Engineer — N K Enterprises
Designed RF cable assemblies, prepared technical specifications and validated insertion loss and VSWR using network analysers.
Jun 2020 – Oct 2021
Executive Engineer — DevikTech Education LLP
Delivered training on RF fundamentals and antenna theory, designed educational RF demonstration models and simplified electromagnetic concepts for students and working professionals.
Aug 2019
Intern — Doordarshan Kendra, Bangalore
Explored TV tower operation, satellite uplink/downlink equipment and broadcast antennas during a one‑month internship.
Nov 2019 – Dec 2019
Intern — All India Radio, Bangalore
Trained in radio studios, FM transmitters and earth‑station equipment, gaining insight into broadcast and communication systems.
Skills Matrix
Interactive RF engineering toolkit.
Hover each card to reveal tooltips. Skill bars animate only when this section scrolls into view.
Programming Languages
C, C++ & Python programming for RF algorithms, simulation scripting and AI/ML workflows.
Structured and object‑oriented coding used for numerical modelling, simulation automation and machine learning tasks.
Simulation & CAD Tools
CST, HFSS, ADS & MATLAB for full‑wave EM, circuit design and numerical analysis.
Expertise in CST Studio Suite, ANSYS HFSS, Keysight ADS and MATLAB for antenna and microwave component design, optimisation and data processing.
Antenna Design
Microstrip, Yagi‑Uda, fractal, Minkowski, conical & corrugated horns and array designs.
Experience in designing and optimising antenna structures across 2.4 GHz ISM, 5.75 GHz amateur, X‑band, C‑band and 5G applications with focus on gain, bandwidth, sidelobe and efficiency.
Waveguide & Mode Converters
Design of TEM–TE11, TM01, TE10 adapters and rectangular‑to‑circular transitions.
Developing coaxial and circular waveguide adapters, mode launchers and transitions for high‑efficiency energy transfer and pure mode excitation.
Low‑Noise Amplifiers
pHEMT & CMOS LNA design for L, S and 30 GHz bands with BSIM4 transistor models.
Designed two‑stage pHEMT LNAs and wide‑band CMOS LNAs using ADS and HFSS; analysed gain, noise figure and S‑parameters.
RF Testing & Instrumentation
Network analyzers, signal generators, power meters & spectrum analysers.
Hands‑on measurement of S‑parameters, insertion loss, VSWR, gain and radiation patterns using VNAs, signal generators, power meters and anechoic chambers.
Amateur Radio & Response
Morse code, HAM operations, disaster response and emergency communication.
Licensed amateur radio operator and member of the HAM Action Force; experienced in morse code, field operations and emergency communications.
Research & Documentation
Paper writing, technical documentation, seminars and training.
Author of journal articles, conference papers and a book chapter; prepared technical reports and delivered seminars on antennas and RF systems.
Projects & Research
Technical Projects & Research Portfolio.
A curated selection of advanced antenna and microwave engineering projects inspired by publications and practical validation.
Minkowski Loop Fractal Antenna for 5G
Designed a Minkowski loop fractal antenna using RT/Duroid substrate for 5G mobile communications. Achieved compact size and wide bandwidth by leveraging fractal geometry.
5GFractalHFSS
pHEMT LNA for L & S Bands
Developed a two‑stage low‑noise amplifier using pHEMT devices with high gain and low noise figure for L and S band wireless systems.
pHEMTLNAADS
30 GHz Wide‑Band CMOS LNA
Designed a CMOS low‑noise amplifier operating from 28–30 GHz, employing a two‑stage cascoded topology and BSIM4 transistors for millimeter‑wave communications.
30 GHzCMOSBSIM4
2.4 GHz Patch Antenna Array
Engineered a 2×1 rectangular microstrip patch array on RT/Duroid 5880 for ISM applications, achieving high gain, excellent return loss and near‑unity VSWR.
2.4 GHzArrayMicrostrip
5.75 GHz Yagi‑Uda Antenna
Designed a compact rectangular microstrip Yagi‑Uda antenna for 5.75 GHz amateur radio applications, focusing on efficiency and beam shaping.
Yagi‑Uda5.75 GHzAmateur
6G & AI‑Enabled Systems (Ongoing)
Exploratory research into joint communication and sensing using D‑band and sub‑THz RF front ends and AI‑assisted design automation. Builds on expertise with conical and corrugated horn antennas and mode converters to inform next‑generation systems.
6GAI/MLSub‑THz
Experience
Professional Experience
- Lead end‑to‑end design of high‑performance antennas, mode converters and waveguide components using CST Studio Suite, HFSS and MATLAB.
- Design X‑band and C‑band conical corrugated horn antennas for high‑frequency microwave applications, validated under rigorous testing.
- Develop circular waveguide adapters and TEM/TE10/TM01 to TE11 transition structures for high‑efficiency microwave transmission.
- Execute fabrication coordination, VNA validation, signal analysis, power measurement and anechoic chamber radiation‑pattern testing.
- Designed and assembled RF cable assemblies as per customer specifications.
- Prepared technical compliance documentation for defense and industrial clients.
- Conducted insertion loss and VSWR measurements using VNA to validate high-frequency performance.
- Delivered training on RF fundamentals, antenna theory and electromagnetic principles.
- Designed educational RF and electronics demonstration models for academic projects.
- Simplified complex electromagnetic concepts for students and working professionals.
Education
Academic Background & Qualifications
- Graduated with 79.8% (8.73 CGPA) in RF & Microwave Engineering.
- Dissertation: Design of pHEMT‑based low‑noise amplifier for L & S bands.
- Completed with 73% aggregate (First Class).
- Foundation in microwave circuits, antenna theory and high‑frequency systems.
- Completed pre‑university education in science with 85% aggregate (Distinction).
- Developed strong fundamentals in physics, mathematics and electronics.
- Completed secondary school (SSLC) with 91.52% (Distinction), laying the groundwork for further studies in engineering.
Training & Workshops
Continued Professional Development
Jan 2024
Challenges in Antenna & Radome Development
Participated in a defence‑oriented workshop on antenna and radome technologies, exploring materials, fabrication techniques and performance challenges in radar applications.
Oct 2024
Directed Energy Weapon Systems
Completed training on high‑power microwave sources, antennas and waveguides used in directed energy systems for defence applications.
Jan 2025
AI & MLOps Workshop
Hands‑on training in Python programming, machine learning and DevOps concepts, enhancing the integration of AI/ML techniques into RF system design workflows.
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