Abstract
This paper presents a novel microwave sensor for material characterization. The sensor is based on a split-ring resonator excited by the microstrip line technology. The sensor is a U-shaped two-port transmission line surrounding the split-ring resonator. Two-aluminum bars are added vertically on the resonator's gap to enhance the resonator's total capacitance, hence, the sensitivity. Compared to the normal transmission line, the U-shaped helps to increase the coupling between the microstrip line and the resonator. The design presents high sensitivity for low and high dielectric materials.