Antenna Modeling Based on a Multiple Spherical Wave Expansion Method: Application to an Antenna Array

A method to derive an equivalent radiation source for planar antennas is presented. This method is based on spherical near-field (NF) data (measured or computed) to ascertain an equivalent set of infinitesimal dipoles placed over the main antenna aperture. These produce the same antenna radiation field, both inside and outside the minimum sphere enclosing the antenna. A spherical wave expansion (SWE) of the NF data is written in terms of infinitesimal dipoles using a transition matrix. This matrix expresses the linear relations between the transmission coefficients of the antenna and the transmission coefficients of each dipole. The antenna a priori information are used to set the spatial distribution of the equivalent dipoles. The translational and rotational addition theorems are exploited to derive the transmission coefficients of the dipoles. Once the excitation of each dipole is known, the field at any aspect angle and distance from the antenna is rapidly calculated. Computations with EM simulation data of an antenna array illustrate the reliability of the method.      

Varactor-Loaded H-Shaped Antenna With Radiation Pattern Control

A varactor-loaded H-shaped antenna with radiation pattern control is described. The antenna has a varactor in each of the four arms. A cylindrical wire model with four varactors is analyzed by the method of moments. The analysis, using the “FEKO” simulator, shows the figure-of-eight radiation pattern is rotated by 360$^{circ}$ in the plane of the antenna with variation of capacitances of the four varactors. An optimum set of capacitances is derived, considering the beamwidth, null level of the radiation pattern, and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). A prototype antenna implemented on FR4 substrate has dimensions of 60 mm by 200 mm with a line width of 2 mm. The dc voltages were supplied to the four varactors via the antenna arms where slits were inserted. A 110 $Omega$ feed line and 110 $Omega$-to-50 $Omega$ balun were designed for the minimum VSWR, whilst maintaining good radiation properties. The antenna exhibits rotation of a figure-of-eight radiation pattern with a VSWR less than 2.7, and the maximum gain from ${-}2.9$ dBi to 1.4 dBi at 750 MHz.      

Circular polarization microstrip antenna on a conical surface

A theoretical model to analyze the performance of a circular polarization microstrip antenna printed on a conical surface is presented. The radiation pattern of the antenna is simulated by the radiation from its four radiating edges (two axial and two circumferential). The electromagnetic field is expanded in terms of spherical wave modes and it is shown that the circular polarization is obtained by exciting in the antenna two spherical TE_r orthogonal modes with 90° phase difference. The impedance analysis is based on the cavity model. Experimental data fits well the theoretical predictions of the model     

Circuit Theory Analysis of Aperture Coupled Patch Antenna for Wireless Communication

An analysis of dual band aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna is performed using modal expansion cavity model. The theoretical investigation of antenna characteristics such as return loss, VSWR and radiation pattern is represented. The influence of geometric parameters of the aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna, such as aperture length and width, height of the substrate, dielectric constant are also investigated. It is found that antenna resonates at two distinct modes i.e. 4.39 and 5.55 GHz for lower and upper resonance frequencies respectively. The bandwidth of the aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna at lower resonance frequency is 10.23% (theoretical) and 13.33% (simulated) whereas at upper resonance frequency, it is 5.69% (theoretical) and 3.59% (simulated). The frequency ratio obtained for upper to lower resonance frequencies for theoretical and simulated results are 1.5 and 1.37 respectively. The theoretical results are compared with IE3D simulation results along with reported experimental results and they are in close agreement.     

Directional Estimation of Block-Fading MIMO Channels Using Spherical Harmonics Expansion and Tensor Analysis

The well-known benefits of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless communication systems suppose an efficient use of spatial diversity at both the transmitter and receiver. An important and not well-explored path toward improving MIMO system performance using spatial diversity takes into account the interactions among the antennas and the (physical) propagation medium. In this work, spherical harmonics and tensor analysis are originally combined into the problem of MIMO channel modeling and estimation. The use of spherical harmonics allows to represent the antenna radiation patterns in terms of coefficients of an expansion of spatially orthogonal functions, thus decoupling the transmit and receive antenna array responses from the physical propagation medium. Assuming a single-scattering propagation scenario driven by a finite number of specular multipaths, the parallel factor model is used to decompose the spherical modes of the MIMO channel into a sum of rank-one spherical mode tensors, whose dimensions are transmit modes, receive modes, and time. Then, we extend the tensor modeling framework to double scattering channels by resorting to the PARATUCK model that captures the interactions between multiple-scattering clusters. Capitalizing on the structure of these tensor models, we derive tensor-based alternating least squares algorithms for estimating directional MIMO channels in the spherical harmonics domain, from which the directions of arrival and directions of departure are extracted by means of a MUSIC-based method. Simulation results are provided to assess the performance of the proposed algorithms in selected system configurations. Our results also show the impact of the spherical expansion order on the accuracy of DoD/DoA estimates using the proposed algorithms.     

自由空间导线天线辐射模式分析

采用分段正弦基矩量法计算线天线电流,借助分段正弦电流辐射场表达式,将各分段电流产生的辐射场进行线性叠加,进而获得天线总的辐射场。该辐射场利用球面波展开法进行展开,同时采用数值积分方法求取辐射场球面波展开式中各模式的系数值。以3种基本单元天线:偶极子天线、圆环天线以及螺旋天线为例,定量分析了3种基本单元天线的辐射模式,验证了这一方法的正确性。     

Eigenmode Analysis of Small Multielement Spherical Antennas

A numerical eigenmode solver is used to analyze the behavior of two-, four-, and six-arm small multielement spherical antennas. The resonant frequency and radiation $Q$-factor of the natural modes of the shorted antenna structure are determined from eigenmode simulations using perfectly matched layer outer boundaries. The radiation resistance of each eigenmode at resonance is determined using a multiarm feed geometry that excites the modes individually. The impedance response of the antenna when driven on a single arm can then be described as a multipole RLC network, where the component values of the network are directly related to the parameters and relative excitation amplitudes of the various eigenmodes of the antenna. A good match between the modal analysis and the full harmonic simulation is observed, and the analysis also predicts the far-field cross-polarization levels arising from energy radiated by the higher-order modes. The analysis provides physical insight into the multiresonant impedance behavior of these antennas, clearly illustrating their ultimate performance limits and yielding ideas for improved designs. The analysis can be applied towards understanding the behavior of other multielement antenna structures.      

Analysis of L-probe Proximity Fed Annular Ring Patch Antenna for Wireless Applications

In the present paper, annular ring patch antenna with L-probe feeding has been analyzed using modal expansion cavity model. The proposed antenna shows wide band and ultra wide band operation which depends on the position of L-probe feeding and position of the shorting pin. For the fundamental \(\hbox {TM}_{11}\) mode, the bandwidth and gain is found to be 38.85 % and 7.8 dBi while for higher order \(\hbox {TM}_{12}\) mode bandwidth is obtained 58.71 % with corresponding gain of 6.1 dBi. The effect of shorting pin on the proposed antenna is also studied and it is found that the radiating structure is more compact in nature and improves the bandwidth upto 47.37 % with 8.0 dBi gain. Further, the proposed antenna has broadside radiation pattern over the entire bandwidth. The theoretical results are compared with IE3D simulated results which are in good agreement.     

A Planar UWB Diversity Antenna

A planar dual-port diversity antenna, operating with broadside and/or conical radiation patterns in H-planes, is presented for ultrawideband (UWB) applications. The proposed antenna consists of a suspended square patch with a thick stem underneath. A broadband differential feeding strip is used to feed the square patch. The measured gain for the broadside mode is 8.4–10.3 dBi from 3.1 GHz to 5.2 GHz (50.6%), and the conical mode 3.2–5.1 dBi from 3.1 GHz to 4.9 GHz (45%). The measured reflection coefficients $(vert S _{11} vert, vert S _{22} vert)$ are less than -10 dB over the frequency ranges and the isolation $vert S _{21} vert $ between the two ports is greater than 13.5 dB. The operation of the differential feeding strip on the antenna is discussed. Both pattern diversity and partial polarization diversity are achieved for this antenna.      

Coupling Reduction Between Dipole Antenna Elements by Using a Planar Meta-Surface

The mutual coupling between dipole antenna array elements using a planar meta-surface as superstrate is experimentally investigated. The meta-surface is based on grids of short metal strips and continuous wires. A comparison between the mutual coupling when the dipoles are radiating in free space and in presence of the superstrate is presented. On average, between 3 to 14 dB reduction of the mutual coupling is achieved when the superstrate is used. The effect of the mutual coupling on the radiation performance of the array is studied by spherical near-field measurements of the radiation pattern when one driven dipole is fed and the others are matched with 50 $Omega$ loads. The back-projected field on the aperture and on the E-plane is shown.      

Radiation pattern synthesis for circular aperture horn antennas

A set of radiation pattern functions, suitable for synthesis of radiation patterns from circular aperture horn antennas, is obtained by assuming an aperture distribution consisting of the fields of cylindrical waveguide modes. A technique is presented for using a linear combination of the radiation pattern functions to approximate a desired radiation pattern. Linear combinations of the radiation pattern functions resulting in maximum secondary gain, when used to illuminate a paraboloidal antenna, are obtained empirically. Using spherical wave theory, maximum performance theoretically obtainable from an antenna is derived as a function of the aperture size of the feed system; the feed efficiency resulting from these theoretical limits on performance is compared to the feed efficiency of patterns obtainable from circular aperture horn antennas, and to experimental results of attempts to realize optimum circular aperture horn patterns.     

Analysis of spherical annular microstrip antennas

The spherical annular microstrip antenna is analyzed. The antenna is excited by a coaxial line. The general transmission line model (GTLM) is used to compute the input impedance. The radiating TM₁₂ mode is considered because of its wide band. The effect of the other radiating modes and the nonradiating modes on the TM₁₂ mode is investigated. The effect of different parameters on the input impedance is considered. The radiation patterns are computed using the method of moments     

球面螺旋天线的研究

研究了一种新型的球面螺旋天线,与传统螺旋天线相比,具有结构紧凑、尺寸小、增益高的特点,分析了两种不同模式下球面螺旋天线的辐射特性和输入阻抗;并首次提出了一种工作在圆锥模式下的半球面螺旋天线,具有更小的尺寸和良好的赋形波束,可应用于近地卫星通信。     

Heat Potential Distribution in an Inhomogeneous Spherical Model of a Cranial Structure Exposed to Microwaves Due to Loop or Dipole Antennas

An inhomogeneous spherical model of a 3.3-cm radius cranial structure is assumed to be placed symmetically in the near field of a small loop antenna or an electrical dipole antenna at 3 GHz. The transitions between the layers are taken to be sharp but sinusoidal. Calculations of the heat potential are performed using a spherical wave expansion technique in which linear differential equations are solved for the unknown multipole coefficients. The results are also compared with the plane-wave excitations. It is seen that a more uniform distribution of the heat potential occurs for the dipole antenna excitation which is also similar to the E-plane distribution in the case of plane-wave excitation. For the loop excitation, a significant hot spot occurs near the center of the structure.     

Low-Profile, Multi-Element, Miniaturized Monopole Antenna

A low-profile, electrically small antenna with omnidirectional vertically polarized radiation similar to a short monopole antenna is presented. The antenna features less than $lambda/40$ dimension in height and $lambda/10$ or smaller in lateral dimension. The antenna is matched to a 50 $Omega$ coaxial line without the need for external matching. The geometry of the antenna is derived from a quarter-wave transmission line resonator fed at an appropriate location to maximize current through the short-circuited end. To improve radiation from the vertical short-circuited pin, the geometry is further modified through superposition of additional resonators placed in a parallel arrangement. The lateral dimension of the antenna is miniaturized by meandering and turning the microstrip lines into form of a multi-arm spiral. The meandering between the short-circuited end and the feed point also facilitates the impedance matching. Through this technique, spurious horizontally polarized radiation is also minimized and a radiation pattern similar to a short dipole is achieved. The antenna is designed, fabricated and measured. Parametric studies are performed to explore further size reduction and performance improvements. Based on the studies, a dual-band antenna with enhanced gain is realized. The measurements verify that the proposed fabricated antennas feature excellent impedance match, omnidirectional radiation in the horizontal plane and low levels of cross-polarization.      

Modified $theta $-Scanning Technique for First/Third-Order Probes for Spherical Near-Field Antenna Measurements

This paper presents a modified $theta $-scanning technique for first/third-order probes for spherical near-field antenna measurements. Unlike the traditional $theta $-scanning technique, this new scanning technique gives a possibility, due to the cutoff property of the azimuthal spherical modes, to filter out the influence of the undesired third-order azimuthal modes of the probe near the poles of the measurement sphere. Without increasing the measurement time, the technique allows reducing the errors caused by the application of the computationally efficient first-order probe correction technique (incorrectly) to first/third-order probes. The technique is optimal for spherical near-field systems, that employ, for example, an open-ended rectangular (or square) waveguide probe, that closely approximates a first/third-order probe, and apply the well-known first-order probe correction technique. In such systems, compared to the traditional $theta $-scanning technique, the modified $theta $-scanning technique can be used to significantly reduce the errors caused by the incomplete probe correction.      

一种Ku波段帽型组合馈源设计分析

针对船载小口径天线的馈源设计需求,对一种新型组合馈源的馈电结构进行了模式分析,给出了一个环形口面辐射场的计算方法。通过优化提出了一个Ku频段线极化工作的组合馈源设计实例。经过CST优化仿真,组合馈源的反射板不到3个波长,且在馈源辐射波束半张角为90°时,主面边缘照射电平约为-10 dB。同时由于该组合馈源具有自支撑结构优点,因此非常适合应用于小口径、小焦径比的反射面天线。     

Electromagnetic radiation of antennas in the presence of anarbitrarily shaped dielectric object: Green dyadics and theirapplications

Although numerical solutions to the electromagnetic scattering by an arbitrarily shaped object have been obtained using Waterman's (1971) T-matrix method (TMM), the general electromagnetic radiation due to an antenna of a three-dimensional (3-D) current distribution in the presence of an arbitrarily shaped object has not been well considered. In this paper, the technique of surface integral equations has been employed; and as a result, a terse and analytical representation of the dyadic Green's functions (DGFs) in the presence of an arbitrarily shaped dielectric object is obtained for the antenna radiation. In a form similar to that associated with the electromagnetic radiation in the presence of a dielectric sphere, the DGFs inside and outside of the object of arbitrary shape are expanded in terms of spherical vector wave functions. However, their coefficients are no longer decoupled due to the arbitrary surface of a 3-D object. The coupled coefficients are then determined using the surface integral equation approach, in a fashion similar to that in the T-matrix method. To confirm the applicability and correctness of the approach in this paper a dielectric sphere, as a special case, is utilized as an illustration. It is found that exactly the same expressions as in the rigorous analysis for the inner and outer spherical regions of the object are obtained using the different approaches. As applications of the approach in this paper, radiation problems of an electric dipole in the presence of superspheroids and rotational parabolic bodies are solved     

Broadband Microstrip Antenna With Left-Handed Metamaterials

A novel type of microstrip antenna is proposed for compact wideband wireless applications. The antenna is composed of six unit cells of left-handed metamaterial (LHM) and a dipole element. The dipole is directly connected to three of six LHM unit cells, which are arranged in a 2 $times$ 3 antenna array form. In this aspect, the proposed antenna is regarded as LHM loaded dipole antenna. The antenna is matched with a stepped impedance transformer and rectangular slot in the truncated ground plane. The coupled LH resonances and simultaneous excitation of different sections of unit cells and dipole result into broad bandwidth. The proposed antenna has a maximum gain of $-$1 dBi at 2.5 GHz. The measured return loss indicates 63% bandwidth for $vert{rm S}11vert≪-10 {rm dB}$ over the band of 1.3–2.5 GHz. The overall size of LHM loaded antenna is $lambda_{0}/2.87timeslambda_{0}/11.27timeslambda_{0}/315.80$ at the center frequency. The radiation of the electrically small LHM unit cells is also demonstrated by the simulated radiation pattern, which is an important concept for the antenna miniaturization.      

Radiation characteristics of a spherical array of circularly polarized elements

The radiation properties of a spherical phased-array antenna with circularly polarized elements are studied. Each antenna element is assumed to have a cosine type of field pattern. It is found that such an array is capable of providing complete hemispherical coverage without appreciable loss of gain. The radiation produced by the array stays circularly polarized in all directions, and the state of polarization is independent of beam steering. A special distribution of elements on a spherical surface is developed. This considerably suppresses the grating lobes in the pattern and thereby makes the antenna array broadband. Numerical calculations are made to determine the directivity and half-power beamwidth for the radiation patterns produced under various situations.