Open Bradley Sherman Spring 2014.Pdf

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Open Bradley Sherman Spring 2014.Pdf THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY SCHREYER HONORS COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING HIGH FREQUENCY ANTENNA COUPLING STUDY BRADLEY SHERMAN SPRING 2014 A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in Electrical Engineering with honors in Electrical Engineering Reviewed and approved* by the following: James K. Breakall Professor of Electrical Engineering Thesis Supervisor John D. Mitchell Professor of Electrical Engineering Honors Adviser Keith A. Lysiak Senior Research Associate Thesis Reader * Signatures are on file in the Schreyer Honors College. i ABSTRACT The objective of this project was to develop a methodology to accurately predict antenna coupling through the use of numerical electromagnetic modeling. A high-frequency (HF) ionospheric sounder is being developed for HF propagation studies. This sounder requires high power transmissions on one antenna while receiving on another antenna. In order to minimize the coupling of high power energy back into the receiver, the transmit and receive antenna coupling must be minimized. The results of this research effort have shown that the current antenna setup can be improved by choosing a co-polarization setup and changing the frequency to 6.78 MHz. Rotating the receive antenna so that it runs parallel to the receive antenna decreases the antenna coupling by 8 dB. Typically the cross-polarization created by putting two antennas perpendicular to each other would decrease the antenna coupling dramatically, but that does not work if the feeds are along the perpendicular access. Attaining the ideal perpendicular setup is not possible in this case due to space restrictions. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Figures .......................................................................................................................... iii List of Tables ........................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. v Chapter 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 Chapter 2 FEKO and Friis Transmission Equation ................................................................. 3 2.1: FEKO Antenna Simulation Software ................................................................ 3 2.2: Friis Transmission Equation ............................................................................. 4 2.3: Cross Polarization ............................................................................................. 5 Chapter 3 Methods ................................................................................................................... 7 3.1: Antennas under Test .......................................................................................... 7 3.2 Checking for Resonance ..................................................................................... 9 3.3 Alternate Resonance Check ............................................................................... 10 3.4 Antenna Coupling .............................................................................................. 12 3.5 Alternate Setup ................................................................................................... 14 Chapter 4 Results and Conclusion ........................................................................................... 16 4.1 Results ................................................................................................................ 16 4.2 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 17 Appendix A FEKO Models ............................................................................................. 18 Appendix B Data ............................................................................................................. 22 B.1: Initial Antenna Data ......................................................................................... 22 B.2: Antenna Coupling Results ................................................................................ 26 BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................ 32 iii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2.1. 1: Image showing currents through objects that FEKO can calculate [1] ............. 3 Figure 2.2. 1: 2 Half Wave Dipoles in Free Space .................................................................. 4 Figure 2.2. 1: 2 Half Wave Dipoles in Free Space .................................................................. 4 Figure 2.3. 1: Dipole Cross-Polarized Antenna Model ............................................................ 6 Figure 3.1. 1: 7 MHz Resonant Dipole .................................................................................... 7 Figure 3.1. 2: Barker and Williamson Folded Antenna, Model #: BWDS-90N ...................... 8 Figure 3.2. 1: FEKO Model of the Transmit Antenna ............................................................. 9 Figure 3.3. 1: VSWR of Transmit Dipole Antenna ................................................................. 11 Figure 3.4. 1: Current Antenna Setup. ..................................................................................... 12 Figure 3.4. 2: FEKO 3D Model ............................................................................................... 13 Figure 3.5. 1: Cross-Polarization Antenna Alignment Model ................................................. 15 Figure 3.5. 2: Co-Polarization Antenna Alignment Model ...................................................... 15 iv LIST OF TABLES Table 2.2. 1: Friis Transmission Formula Data, Calulated and Simulated .............................. 5 Table 3.2. 1: Linear Interpolation Points ................................................................................. 10 Table 4.1. 1: Antenna Coupling Results .................................................................................. 16 v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thank you to Dr. John Mitchell for guiding me through my academic career and setting me off in the right direction. Thanks to Dr. James Breakall and Dr. Keith Lysiak, for all of the advice and guidance both of you have given me through this thesis’s completion. Dr. Nichola Gutgold, I would simply like to say thank you. Finally I would like to thank my mom, dad, and my grandparents Jack and Barb, without you my entire college career and experience would not have been possible. Thank you for pushing me to be all that I can be. 1 Chapter 1 Introduction The Penn State University is conducting research that involves measuring the altitude of the ionosphere by way of a high-frequency (HF) sounder. An HF sounder radiates a signal into a medium through a transmit antenna. An echo is then recorded on a separate antenna. By measuring the time delay that elapses between the sent and received signal, while also knowing the propagation speed of the radiated signal in the medium, the effective altitude of the ionosphere can be calculated simply by this speed and to time delay. This sounds simple but there are complications that can occur while acquiring the measurements. One of the complications comes from overlap in the transmitted signal and the received signal. If the receive antenna picks up some of the initial signal sent out, depending on the time that elapses between then and the echo, the signals can overlap yielding useless data. When the receive antenna picks up some of the initial signal that is not the echo, this is referred to as antenna coupling. Currently there are two antennas in place for the experiment that are roughly thirty-five meters from each other. This distance is not close enough to be in the near field while not far enough to be considered in the far field. Simulations are needed to calculate how much coupling exists between the antennas. Ideally the coupling should be zero. Even though there is an existing setup, it is not permanent, and a better setup may exist. In order to receive best results, the transmit antenna should be resonant at seven megahertz (7 MHz). This occurs when the imaginary part of the impedance is zero and the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) is minimized. Simulations and hand calculations can verify if the dipole being used presently is resonant at the specified frequency. 2 Chapter 2 outlines the processes used in the simulation software FEKO as well as the Friis transmission formula to compute coupling. Chapter 3 explains the methods used to analyze the antenna coupling and different antenna scenarios to minimize the coupling. The diagrams, tables, and results found from the methods in Chapter 3 are presented in Chapter 4 along with observations and conclusions. 3 Chapter 2 FEKO and Friis Transmission Equation 2.1: FEKO Antenna Simulation Software According to FEKO’s webpage, “FEKO is a comprehensive electromagnetic simulation software tool, based on state-of-theart computational electromagnetics (CEM) techniques. It enables users to solve a wide range of electromagnetic problems,” [1]. FEKO is capable of using models of cars, ships, planes, buildings, and anything that can be modeled in any type of CAD program to compile data on how those structures affect the antennas that are attached to them or around them. In ideal cases antennas are modeled in free space. Once objects
Recommended publications
  • Improving Wireless LAN Antenna Gain and Coverage
    APPLICATION NOTE Improving Wireless LAN Antenna Gain and Coverage antenna, which can help mitigate interference between floors. The only drawback is that the longer antenna may be somewhat less aesthetic. Mounting a dipole antenna on a conductive ground plane has a similar effect as using a longer antenna. The elevation pattern is flattened, creating higher gain around the perimeter of the doughnut. Additionally, the ground plane mounted antennas pattern is maximized downward slightly (if the antenna is mounted beneath a ceiling ground plane). This is an ideal elevation pattern for a ceiling mounted antenna in a multi-story building. The ground plane has the effect of minimizing gain below and especially above Most of the antennas provided with Wi-Fi the antenna. access points, or purchased separately, are simple dipole antennas with an omni- Wi-Fi antennas may be classified as ground directional pattern. Omni-directional means plane dependent and ground plane that the gain is the same in a 360º circle independent. The ground plane dependent around the axis of the antenna. antenna must be mounted on a conductive, flat ground plane which is several However, the elevation gain pattern is wavelengths long and wide in order to different. In cross section, the elevation provide the rated gain and impedance pattern is that of a doughnut, with the match. The ground plane independent antenna axis running through the center of antenna does not need to be mounted on a the doughnut. In the absence of a ground ground plane to provide the rated gain and plane, the gain of the dipole is a maximum impedance match.
    [Show full text]
  • Application Note AN-00502
    Proper PCB Design for Embedded Antennas Application Note AN-00502 Introduction Embedded antennas are ideal for products that cannot use an external antenna. The reasons for this can range from ergonomic or aesthetic reasons or perhaps the product needs to be sealed because it is to be used in a rough environment. It could also simply be based on cost. Whatever the reason, embedded antennas are a popular solution. Embedded antennas are generally quarter wave monopole antennas. These are only half of the antenna structure with the other half being a ground plane on the product’s circuit board. The details of antenna operation are beyond the scope of this application note, but suffice it to say that the layout of the PCB becomes critical to the RF performance of the product. Common PCB Layout Guidelines While each antenna style has specific requirements, there are some requirements that are common to all of them. • Use a manufactured board for testing the antenna performance. RF is very picky and perf boards or other “hacked” boards will at best give Figure 1: Linx Embedded Antennas a poor indication of the antenna’s true performance and at worst will simply not work. Each antenna has a recommended layout that should be followed as closely as possible to get the performance indicated in the antenna’s data sheet. Most Linx antennas have an evaluation kit that includes a test board, so please contact us for details. • The antenna should, as much as reasonably possible, be isolated from other components on your PCB, especially high-frequency circuitry such as crystal oscillators, switching power supplies, and high-speed bus lines.
    [Show full text]
  • Design Considerations for Mixed-Signal PCB Layout
    Design Considerations for Mixed-Signal PCB Layout Application Note 1. Introduction This application note aims at providing you with some recommendations to achieve better performance from the ADC. The initial assumptions are the following: • Proper grounding and routing of all signals is essential to ensure accurate signal conversion • Eliminate the loop area return by using both separate ground plane and power plane • Circuitry placement on mixed-signal PCBs is a crucial design point In many cases, engineers have preconceived notions about mixed-signal designs and how analog and digital placement, partitioning and associated design should be performed. When laying out components for a mixed-signal PCB, certain considerations are critical to achieve opti- mum performance. Mixed-signal PCB’s are particularly tricky to design since analog devices possess different characteristics compared to digital components: different power rating, current, voltage and heat dissipation requirements, to name a few. This study shows how to prevent digital logic ground currents from contaminating analog circuitry on a mixed-signal PCB and particularly ADC component. In our attempt to answer this question, let’s keep in mind two basic principles of electromagnetic compat- ibility. One is that currents should be returned to their source as locally and compactly as possible, through the smallest possible loop area. The second is that a system should have only one reference plane, if not we would create a dipole antenna. Visit our website: www.e2v.com for the latest version of the datasheet e2v semiconductors SAS 2010 0999B–BDC–08/10 Design Considerations for Mixed-Signal PCB Layout 2.
    [Show full text]
  • ANTENNA THEORY Analysis and Design CONSTANTINE A
    ANTENNA THEORY Analysis and Design CONSTANTINE A. BALANIS Arizona State University JOHN WILEY & SONS New York • Chichester • Brisbane • Toronto • Singapore Contents Preface xv Chapter 1 Antennas 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Types of Antennas 1 Wire Antennas; Aperture Antennas; Array Antennas; Reflector Antennas; Lens Antennas 1.3 Radiation Mechanism 7 1.4 Current Distribution on a Thin Wire Antenna 11 1.5 Historical Advancement 15 References 15 Chapter 2 Fundamental Parameters of Antennas 17 2.1 Introduction 17 2.2 Radiation Pattern 17 Isotropic, Directional, and Omnidirectional Patterns; Principal Patterns; Radiation Pattern Lobes; Field Regions; Radian and Steradian vii viii CONTENTS 2.3 Radiation Power Density 25 2.4 Radiation Intensity 27 2.5 Directivity 29 2.6 Numerical Techniques 37 2.7 Gain 42 2.8 Antenna Efficiency 44 2.9 Half-Power Beamwidth 46 2.10 Beam Efficiency 46 2.11 Bandwidth 47 2.12 Polarization 48 Linear, Circular, and Elliptical Polarizations; Polarization Loss Factor 2.13 Input Impedance 53 2.14 Antenna Radiation Efficiency 57 2.15 Antenna as an Aperture: Effective Aperture 59 2.16 Directivity and Maximum Effective Aperture 61 2.17 Friis Transmission Equation and Radar Range Equation 63 Friis Transmission Equation; Radar Range Equation 2.18 Antenna Temperature 67 References 70 Problems 71 Computer Program—Polar Plot 75 Computer Program—Linear Plot 78 Computer Program—Directivity 80 Chapter 3 Radiation Integrals and Auxiliary Potential Functions 82 3.1 Introduction 82 3.2 The Vector Potential A for an Electric Current Source
    [Show full text]
  • Novel Implementations of Wideband Tightly Coupled Dipole Arrays for Wide-Angle Scanning
    Novel Implementations of Wideband Tightly Coupled Dipole Arrays for Wide-Angle Scanning Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Ersin Yetisir, B.S., M.S. Graduate Program in Electrical and Computer Engineering The Ohio State University 2015 Dissertation Committee: John L. Volakis, Advisor Nima Ghalichechian, Co-advisor Chi-Chih Chen Fernando L. Teixeira © Copyright by Ersin Yetisir 2015 Abstract Ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas and arrays are essential for high data rate communications and for addressing spectrum congestion. Tightly coupled dipole arrays (TCDAs) are of particular interest due to their low-profile, bandwidth and scanning range. But existing UWB (>3:1 bandwidth) arrays still suffer from limited scanning, particularly at angles beyond 45° from broadside. Almost all previous wideband TCDAs have employed dielectric layers above the antenna aperture to improve scanning while maintaining impedance bandwidth. But even so, these UWB arrays have been limited to no more than 60° away from broadside. In this work, we propose to replace the dielectric superstrate with frequency selective surfaces (FSS). In effect, the FSS is used to create an effective dielectric layer placed over the antenna array. FSS also enables anisotropic responses and more design freedom than conventional isotropic dielectric substrates. Another important aspect of the FSS is its ease of fabrication and low weight, both critical for mobile platforms (e.g. unmanned air vehicles), especially at lower microwave frequencies. Specifically, it can be fabricated using standard printed circuit technology and integrated on a single board with active radiating elements and feed lines.
    [Show full text]
  • Realization of a Planar Low-Profile Broadband Phased Array Antenna
    REALIZATION OF A PLANAR LOW-PROFILE BROADBAND PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Ful¯llment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Justin A. Kasemodel, M.S., B.S. Graduate Program in Electrical and Computer Engineering The Ohio State University 2010 Dissertation Committee: John L.Volakis, Co-Adviser Chi-Chih Chen, Co-Adviser Joel T. Johnson ABSTRACT With space at a premium, there is strong interest to develop a single ultra wide- band (UWB) conformal phased array aperture capable of supporting communications, electronic warfare and radar functions. However, typical wideband designs transform into narrowband or multiband apertures when placed over a ground plane. There- fore, it is not surprising that considerable attention has been devoted to electromag- netic bandgap (EBG) surfaces to mitigate the ground plane's destructive interference. However, EBGs and other periodic ground planes are narrowband and not suited for wideband applications. As a result, developing low-cost planar phased array aper- tures, which are concurrently broadband and low-pro¯le over a ground plane, remains a challenge. The array design presented herein is based on the in¯nite current sheet array (CSA) concept and uses tightly coupled dipole elements for wideband conformal op- eration. An important aspect of tightly coupled dipole arrays (TCDAs) is the capac- itive coupling that enables the following: (1) allows ¯eld propagation to neighboring elements, (2) reduces dipole resonant frequency, (3) cancels ground plane inductance, yielding a low-pro¯le, ultra wideband phased array aperture without using lossy ma- terials or EBGs on the ground plane.
    [Show full text]
  • Range Measurements in an Open Field Environment (Rev. B)
    Application Report SWRA169B–January 2008–Revised June 2018 Range Measurements in an Open Field Environment Design Note DN018 ABSTRACT Range is one of the most important parameters of any radio system. Data rate, output power, receiver sensitivity, antennas, and the intended operation environment all influence the practical range of the radio link. Contents 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 2 2 Abbreviations ................................................................................................................. 2 3 Path Loss and Propagation Theory ....................................................................................... 2 3.1 Friis Equation........................................................................................................ 2 3.2 Link Budget .......................................................................................................... 3 3.3 Ground Reflection (2-Ray) Model................................................................................. 3 3.4 Noise ................................................................................................................. 5 4 Validation Tests .............................................................................................................. 6 4.1 Friis Equation for Free Space ..................................................................................... 6 4.2 Friis Equation With Ground Reflection ..........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • A Tunable Microstrip Planar Antenna Using Truncated Ground Plane for Wifi/LTE2500/Wimax/5G/C, Ku, K-Band Wireless Applications
    A Tunable Microstrip Planar Antenna using Truncated Ground Plane for WiFi/LTE2500/WiMAX/5G/C, Ku, K-Band Wireless Applications M. F. Khan, S. Ullah*, W. U. Rahman, Lubna Department of Telecommunication Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan. *corresponding authors: [email protected] Abstract – Reconfigurable antennas are key candidates for modern wireless communicating CORE Metadata,devices tocitation perform and multiple similar wirelesspapers at operations core.ac.uk on various frequencies. This paper is introducing a compact yet efficient design of frequency reconfigurable TX-Shaped monopole antenna with Provided by UniversitiA Teknikal Tunable Malaysia Microstrip Melaka: Planar UTeM Antenna Open using Journal Truncated System Ground Plane for WiFi/LTE2500/WiMAX/5G/C, Ku, K-Band Wireless Applications truncated ground plane. The substrate used is FR-4 having a height of 1.6mm. Optical reconfiguration technique enables proposed structure to tune to multiple resonant frequencies depending upon ON/OFF state of the switch. In switch ON state, antenna exhibit quad band characteristics in nature by operating at resonant frequencies ranging from (2282-2816MHz), A Tunable Microstrip Planar Antenna (4525using-5053MHz), Truncated (11946-1420 Ground3MHz) and (16200-19180MHz). While in switch OFF state, A Tunable Microstrip Planar Antenna proposedusing structureTruncated operates atGround triple bands having frequencies ranging from (2685MHz-3632MHz), Plane for WiFi/LTE2500/WiMAX/5G/C,(1198 Ku,5MHz K-1423-Band4MHz) andWireless (16014-1910 7MHz). VSWR is calculated less than 1.4 with efficiency Applications ranging from 52.5% to 82.6%, while gain of antenna is calculated ranging (1.62dB-3.53dB). Proposed tunable TX-Shaped structure is able to serve wireless services that includes Wi-Fi (2400- Applications 2480MHz), LTE2500 (2500-2690MHz), WIMAX (3300-3800MHz), FCC allocated mid band for 5G M.
    [Show full text]
  • Dummies Guide to Aircraft Antennas
    Dummies guide to aircraft antennas Probably the single biggest issue that we encounter with the installation of our XCOM radios by customers in the field is poor antenna performance. Most customers are simply unaware that a poor antenna can affect their radio performance substantially and they mistakenly expect that any antenna pulled out of the box will work perfectly on their aircraft. The following information has been amalgamated from a number of reliable sources (credited on the last page) and assembled into this easy-to-use reference. We have attempted to decipher the technical jargon into plain English for the average XCOM owner. Some people believe, as I used to, that installing and tuning antennas on aircraft is akin to some sort of witchcraft but, with the help of some simple basic guidelines, it is possible to get the optimum performance from your aircraft antenna with very little effort. In this guide we try to demystify and explain items and concepts such as coax cables, types of antennas, the SWR or VSWR reading, best location, grounding of the antenna, ground planes and much more. After reading this document you certainly won't be an expert but you should have a much clearer understanding of the different requirements applicable to aircraft antennas. Many people also refer to antennas as aerials however we stick to the more correct term, antenna, throughout this manual. The terms Comm, Radio and VHF Transceiver all refer to the aircraft communications transceiver which operates across the VHF aircraft frequency band of 118.000 to 136.975 MHz.
    [Show full text]
  • Perforated Ground Plane Structures for RF and Wireless Components
    International Journal of Antennas and Propagation Perforated Ground Plane Structures for RF and Wireless Components Guest Editors: Haiwen Liu, Lei Zhu, Dal Ahn, Amin Abbosh, and Sha Luo Perforated Ground Plane Structures for RF and Wireless Components International Journal of Antennas and Propagation Perforated Ground Plane Structures for RF and Wireless Components Guest Editors: Haiwen Liu, Lei Zhu, Dal Ahn, Amin Abbosh, and Sha Luo Copyright © 2013 Hindawi Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved. This is a special issue published in “International Journal of Antennas and Propagation.” All articles are open access articles distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, pro- vided the original work is properly cited. Editorial Board M. Ali, USA Mandeep Jit Singh, Malaysia Matteo Pastorino, Italy Charles Bunting, USA Nemai Karmakar, Australia Massimiliano Pieraccini, Italy Felipe Catedra,´ Spain Se-Yun Kim, Republic of Korea Sadasiva M. Rao, USA Dau-Chyrh Chang, Taiwan Ahmed A. Kishk, Canada Sembiam R. Rengarajan, USA Deb Chatterjee, USA Tribikram Kundu, USA Ahmad Safaai-Jazi, USA Z. N. Chen, Singapore Byungje Lee, Republic of Korea Safieddin Safavi Naeini, Canada Michael Yan Wah Chia, Singapore Ju-Hong Lee, Taiwan Magdalena Salazar-Palma, Spain Christos Christodoulou, USA L. Li, Singapore Stefano Selleri, Italy Shyh-Jong Chung, Taiwan Yilong Lu, Singapore Krishnasamy T. Selvan, India Lorenzo Crocco, Italy Atsushi Mase, Japan Zhongxiang Q. Shen, Singapore Tayeb A. Denidni, Canada Andrea Massa, Italy John J. Shynk, USA Antonije R. Djordjevic, Serbia Giuseppe Mazzarella, Italy Seong-Youp Suh, USA Karu P. Esselle, Australia Derek McNamara, Canada Parveen Wahid, USA Francisco Falcone, Spain C.
    [Show full text]
  • (MIMO) Antenna for Mobile Communication Christopher Charles Arnold University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
    University of Arkansas, Fayetteville ScholarWorks@UARK Theses and Dissertations 7-2015 Design, Fabrication, and Measurement of a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Antenna for Mobile Communication Christopher Charles Arnold University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd Part of the Electronic Devices and Semiconductor Manufacturing Commons Recommended Citation Arnold, Christopher Charles, "Design, Fabrication, and Measurement of a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Antenna for Mobile Communication" (2015). Theses and Dissertations. 1194. http://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/1194 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Design, Fabrication, and Measurement of a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Antenna for Mobile Communication Design, Fabrication, and Measurement of a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Antenna for Mobile Communication A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Electrical Engineering by Christopher C. Arnold University of Arkansas Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, 2013 July 2015 University of Arkansas This thesis is approved for recommendation to the Graduate Council. Dr. Magda El-Shenawee Thesis Director Dr. Jingxian Wu Dr. Roy McCann Committee Member Committee Member Abstract This thesis presents the design, fabrication and characterization of a multiband uniplanar MIMO antenna for hand-held mobile communication devices on LTE, WLAN, and WMAN networks. The antenna design methodology combined a variety of broadbanding techniques that resulted in a single-layer hybrid monopole antenna coupled to a meander line element and parasitic structures.
    [Show full text]
  • EE302 Lesson 13: Antenna Fundamentals
    EE302 Lesson 13: Antenna Fundamentals Antennas An antenna is a device that provides a transition between guided electromagnetic waves in wires and electromagnetic waves in free space. 1 Reciprocity Antennas can usually handle this transition in both directions (transmitting and receiving EM waves). This property is called reciprocity. Antenna physical characteristics The antenna’s size and shape largely determines the frequencies it can handle and how it radiates electromagnetic waves. 2 Antenna polarization The polarization of an antenna refers to the orientation of the electric field it produces. Polarization is important because the receiving antenna should have the same polarization as the transmitting antenna to maximize received power. Antenna polarization Horizontal Polarization Vertical Polarization Circular Polarization Electric and magnetic field rotate at the frequency of the transmitter Used when the orientation of the receiving antenna is unknown Will work for both vertical and horizontal antennas Right Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) Left Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) Both antennas must be the same orientation (RHCP or LHCP) 3 Wavelength () You may recall from physics that wavelength () and frequency (f ) of an electromagnetic wave in free space are related by the speed of light (c) c cf or f Therefore, if a radio station is broadcasting at a frequency of 100 MHz, the wavelength of its signal is given c 3.0 108 m/s 3 m f 100 106 cycle/s Wavelength and antennas The dimensions of an antenna are usually expressed in terms of wavelength (). Low frequencies imply long wavelengths, hence low frequency antennas are very large. High frequencies imply short wavelengths, hence high frequency antennas are usually small.
    [Show full text]