Radiation characteristics of various microstrip MIC passive elements are investigated in detail on the basis of accurate numerical analysis. For this purpose, the FD-TD method combined with the radiation mode theory is used. Summarized results are presented mainly from the viewpoint of making clear how radiation characteristics differ depending upon typical features of element structures and operating frequencies. Particularly important features of this paper are that not only radiation into the space region but also that in the substrate region is studied in detail for the first time. Suggestive remarks are given on positioning of active devices in MIC for avoiding interference from nearby elements.

An analysis method based on the FD-TD and radiation mode expansion methods and its simulation tool are developed for calculating circuit characteristics and parameter values of passive MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits) elements having multilayer structure. For straight multilayer microstrip lines and coplanar waveguides, it is possible to calculate characteristic impedance, effective permittivity, transverse field distribution of guided modes, etc. For various multilayer microstrip and coplanar waveguide elements, it is possible to calculate scattering parameters, radiated power, radiation patterns, etc. As an example of application of the present technique, effects of inclusion of lower permittivity layer in the substrate on transmission and radiation characteristics are investigated for right-angled microstrip bends.