The radiation characteristics of the microstrip antenna (MSA) on the frequency selective surface (FSS) based absorbing layer is presented in this paper. It is observed that an absorbing layer placed between the MSA configuration and the ground plane helps in controlling the radiation characteristics of the antenna. It not only reduces the back lobe but also reduces the beamwidth and gain of the antenna simultaneously. This is because the absorbing layer absorbs some amount of power radiated by the antenna in both forward and backward directions. The proposed design is simulated using Ansys HFSS electromagnetic simulation software and the results are validated by comparing it with the results obtained from the equivalent circuit approach as well as experimental results. The effect of absorber on radiation characteristics of the radiator demonstrates its potential use in suppressing the radiation from the printed circuit board traces.
