System for improved matching and broadband performance of microwave antennas

An antenna, comprising:

• a dielectric substrate having a plurality of regions, each having a characteristic relative permeability and permittivity;
• at least one radiating element defining a conductive path;
• at least one reactive coupling element interposed between portions of said conductive path separated by a gap;
• at least one of said permittivity and said permeability of a first substrate region coupled to said reactive coupling element different respectively from at least one of a second relative permittivity and a second relative permeability of a second characteristic region of said substrate, at least one of said first permittivity and said first permeability providing a desired reactance value for said reactive coupling element.

A reactive element of selected value integrated within a circuit board substrate comprising:

• at least one conductive path defining a circuit element and selectively formed on first characteristic regions of a circuit board substrate having a first permeability and first permittivity;
• at least one reactive element interposed between portions of said conductive path, said reactive element formed on a second characteristic region of said substrate having a second permittivity and second permeability;
• at least one of said first permittivity and said first permeability of said first regions different respectively from said second permittivity and said second permeability of said second characteristic region of said substrate;
• and
• a desired reactance value for said reactive element determined at least partially by at least one of said second relative permittivity and said second relative permeability.