In satellite applications, a circularly polarized satellite antenna is desirable with a pattern that results in constant received power while the distance between the transmitter and the receiver is changing. The Circular Disk - Annular Ring (CDAR) antenna satisfies these requirements along with other requirements for the satellite antenna. The CDAR antenna is a combination of a Circular Disk and an Annular Ring patch antennas. In this thesis, a circularly polarized CDAR antenna that is fed from a single point is designed at the center frequency of 8.2 GHz. This antenna is investigated and optimized to ease the fabrication process. The design parameters are defined on this report and optimized by using an Electromagnetic Simulation software program. In order to verify the theoretical results, Circular Disk - Annular Ring Antenna is produced as a prototype. Measurements of antenna parameters, electromagnetic field and circuit properties are interpreted to show compliance with theoretical and simulation results. The values of deviation between theoretical and experimental results are also discussed.

The thesis describes retrievals of broadband antennas for VHF and UHF. It focuses on a compact antenna, potentially suitable for detecting electromagnetic impulses generated by electrical discharges in the dielectric oil in power transformers. This pulse signals are very steep with hundreds pico seconds rising edge. The thesis presents basic characteristics of antennas and selects those which have a major influence on the possibility of using the antenna in selected application. The appropriate antena is selected and proposal its geometrical parameters is discussed. The geometry of the selected antenna is designed for working bandwidth from about 200 MHz to about 1000 MHz. The newly designed double discon antenna is simulated and dimensions are optimized. Antenna is made and key characteristics of the antenna important for evaluate the ability of detecting the above-identified pulsed signals is measured. Antenna is compared with gain and characteristic of monocone antenna. Acquired knowledge and measured data are evaluated.

No description available.

UHF bands because more penetration can be achieved at low frequencies. Consequently, large antennas are required, which limits their use for small airborne applications. This thesis explores various GPR antenna designs for a bi-static system that are at least operational from 225 MHz to 255 MHz and suitable for small airborne applications. The 3D electromagnetic simulation software Ansys high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) was used to simulate various sizes of strip dipole, triangular bowtie, half elliptical bowtie, and elliptical bowtie antennas. Several physical models were constructed to validate the return loss simulation results. Additionally, simulation data is included for a wire dipole and a helical antenna. The helical antenna proved to be too large for small airborne application, so focus was placed on the dipole and bowtie designs. The performance of the dipole and bowtie antenna models are compared by size, weight, return loss (𝑆11), peak gain, and the transmit-to-receive isolation. Out of the fourteen simulated models, twelve meet the bandwidth requirement with an average weight of 0.23 lbs. It is found that the strip dipole exhibited wider bandwidth characteristics than the triangular, elliptical, and half elliptical bowtie models, while maintaining similar weight and size. The smallest strip dipole model is 50 mm x 528 mm x 1 mm, weighs 0.17 lbs, and is operational from 225 MHz to 283 MHz. Two strip dipole test antennas were fabricated and tested. Test results confirm the simulation predictions.

No / A compact-size asymmetrical linearly tapered slot antenna required for portable ultra-wideband (UWB) imaging systems is presented. The total antenna size is reduced compared with the conventional linearly tapered slot antenna by using a triangular slot on the left-hand side of the tapered-shaped radiator, whereas introducing a corrugated pattern of cuts on the right side. The antenna operates over a wide bandwidth extending from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz with a maximum gain of 8.5 dBi. Stable radiation patterns are observed across the operational bandwidth, with cross-polarization levels below 20 dB. The realized antenna structure occupies a volume of 35 x 36 x 0.8 mm3, and possesses the essential time domain fidelity needed for UWB imaging applications. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2013.

Today, owners of small communicating device are interested in transmitting or receiving various multimedia data. By increasing the number of antennas at the transmitter and/or the receiver side of the wireless link, the diversity/Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) techniques can increase wireless channel capacity without the need for additional power or spectrum in rich scattering environments. However, due to the limited space of small mobile devices, the correlation coefficients between MIMO antenna elements are very high and the total efficiencies of MIMO elements degrade severely. Furthermore, the human body causes high losses on electromagnetic wave. During the applications, the presence of users may result in the significant reduction of the antenna total efficiencies and highly affects the correlations of MIMO antenna systems. The aims of this thesis are to investigate and enhance the MIMO/diversity performance of multiple antenna systems in the free space and the presence of users. The background and theory of multiple antenna systems are introduced briefly first. Several figures of merits are provided and discussed to evaluate the multiple antenna systems. The decoupling techniques are investigated in the multiple antenna systems operating at the higher frequencies (above 1.7 GHz) and with high radiation efficiency. The single, dual and wide band isolation enhancements are realized through the half-wavelength decoupling slot, quarter-wavelength decoupling slot with T-shaped impedance transformer, tree-like parasitic element with multiple resonances, as well as the different polarizations and radiation patterns of multiple antennas. In the lower bands (lower than 960 MHz), due to the low radiation efficiency and strong chassis mode, the work mainly focused on how to directly reduce the correlations and enlarge the total efficiency. A new mode of mutual scattering mode is introduced. By increasing the Q factors, the radiation patterns of multiple antennas are separated automatically to reduce the correlations. With the inter-element distance larger than a certain distance, a higher Q factor also improved the total efficiency apart from the low correlation. A wideband LTE MIMO antenna with multiple resonances is proposed in mobile terminals. The high Q factors required for the low correlation and high efficiencies in mutual scattering mode is reduced with another mode of diagonal antenna-chassis mode. Hence, the bandwidth of wideband LTE MIMO antenna with multiple resonances mentioned above can be further enlarged while maintaining the good MIMO/diversity performance. The user effects are studied in different MIMO antenna types, chassis lengths, frequencies, port phases and operating modes. Utilizing these usefully information, an adaptive quad-element MAS has been proposed to reduce the user effects and the some geranial rules not limited to the designed MAS have also been given. / <p>QC 20130121</p> / EU Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window TANDEM

The concept for a novel new antenna design is presented and investigated for application to ground penetrating radar (GPR). The proposed new antenna design is called the shielded magnetic bowtie antenna (MBA). As the name suggests, it is predominately constructed from a bowtie-shaped volume of magnetic material that is fed from the centre of the structure by a small magnetic loop antenna. This thesis develops the magnetic antenna concept and investigates its potential for GPR predominately through numerical modelling. However, a significant part of the investigation concentrates on validating the numerical modelling technique developed to study the shielded MBA by comparing the results with measurements obtained from a scale model constructed to operate in the watertank antenna test facility, a controlled environment for GPR antenna research. The broadband properties required for GPR antennas are achieved uniquely with the shielded MBA design by a combination of the antenna shape being defined in terms of angles and an inherent magnetic loss mechanism within the antenna material structure. The design also affords an intrinsically placed antenna shield that has the potential for mitigating problems typically experienced with shielding electric dipole antennas. Antenna shielding is an important consideration for GPR antenna designers, especially given the recent US government (FCC) changes that restrict radiated energy emissions within the regulated spectrum used by GPR systems. In addition to providing the intended directional radiation properties, the magnetic antenna shield also provides an elegant solution for a low-loss wideband balun, allowing the antenna to be effectively fed from an unbalanced coaxial transmission line. Other important aspects of the proposed design are discussed in relation to the requirements for GPR antennas. Numerical models of the magnetic antenna concept show encouraging bandwidth results. For example, from a simple comparison with an equivalent sized electric bowtie antenna model, the effective gain bandwidth of the magnetic antenna is found to be at least 3-octaves compared to approximately 2-octaves for the electric bowtie. The shielded magnetic antenna achieves a gain of approximately 2 dB, compared to 5 dB for the unshielded electric bowtie antenna. However, it is noted that the magnetic antenna models contain significantly more loss compared to the electric bowtie model. The shielded MBA design emerged from a theoretical investigation of electrically small GPR antennas, given that the initial thesis objective was to investigate ways of improving low frequency GPR antennas. In general, GPR systems are operated with electric dipole antennas, such as the electric bowtie. Interestingly, the electrically small antenna investigation revealed that only the small magnetic loop (i.e., magnetic dipole) antenna can be constructed to approach, arbitrarily closely, the fundamental bandwidth limit for small antennas. This surprising and counter intuitive result is shown to be theoretically achievable with the use of magnetic materials. For the small loop antenna, energy stored within the antenna structure can be avoided by filling the antenna sphere with a perfect magnetic material. This theoretical argument is discussed and supported by numerically modelled results. The electrically small antenna investigation presented in this thesis extends to include the influence that proximity to a lossy dielectric half-space has, on improving the antenna impedance bandwidth. This investigation is of general interest for GPR; it is performed numerically and supported by measurements conducted on an experimental loop antenna situated at various heights above the ground. These results provide support for the hypothesis that a magnetic antenna may experience less influence from near-field changes in the dielectric properties of the ground compared to the equivalent sized electric field antenna.

Transparent UWB antennas have been the focus of this PhD research. The use of transparent UWB antennas for stealth and energy harvesting has been the underlying applications that have given impetus to this research. Such transparent antennas being built on materials that are discreet, flexible, conformal, conductive and having the ability to provide good antenna performance on glass to serve as the ‘last mile’ link in subsequent generation communications after 4G have been the basis for this contention. UWB in this regard is able to provide the transmission and reception of high data rates and fast video transmission that is an elementary demand of even a 4G wireless communications system. The integration of UWB antennas with photovoltaic to provide integral energy harvesting solutions that will further enhance the value of the UWB system in terms of cost effectiveness and performance are thus the basis of this work. This work hence starts with the study of a transparent conductive oxide polymer, AgHT and its properties, and culminates in the development of a transparent UWB antenna, which can be integrated with photovoltaic for window glass applications on homes and buildings. Other applications such transparent antennas can find use for like on-body wireless communications in healthcare monitoring was also analysed and presented. The radar absorbing material (RAM) property of the AgHT was investigated and highlighted using CST simulation software, as no measurement facilities were available. The transparent UWB antenna in lieu of the inherent absorbent property of the AgHT material is thus able to exhibit stealth characteristics, a feature that would be much desired in military communications. Introduction of a novel method of connecting the co-axial connector to the feed of the antenna to improve gain and efficiency of transparent polymer based antennas and the development of a UWB antenna that maintains its Omni-directional characteristic instead of becoming directional on an amorphous silicon solar cell are presented as some of the contributions for this research work. Some preliminary analysis on the impact of glass on UWB antennas for video transmission and how to improve transmission is presented. The ability of the conductive part of the antenna radiator to be used as a RF and microwave harvester and how it can further add value to a transparent UWB antenna is presented by way of experimental data. Finally yet importantly, this thesis presents some insight into how transparent antennas may be used in Green Technology Buildings to provide an integrated solution for both wireless communications and energy harvesting as part of the future work. Improvement to the aesthetics of the external appearance of residential buildings through the integration of transparent satellite dish onto solar panels on rooftops is also discussed and illustrated as part of this future work.

L’Internet-of-Things désigne un développement en plein essor d’objets interconnectés et qui sont susceptibles de modifier nombre de services au sein de l’industrie comme pour la personne. Les développements actuels buttent sur plusieurs verrous dont celui de l’autonomie énergétique des objets ou encore des procédés de fabrication économiquement acceptables et respectueux de la planète. Dans ce contexte, la récupération d'énergie est une thématique largement répandue faisant appel à des sources très variées (mécanique, thermique, électromagnétique...). Cette thèse est notamment orientée vers la récupération d'énergie électromagnétique ambiante. Le second point caractéristique de cette thèse est de s'intéresser à des substrats souples et si possible recyclables. Le défi consiste à récupérer l’énergie provenant d’un champ électromagnétique ambiant extrêmement faible : ceci concerne l’antenne, qui doit par ailleurs répondre à une exigence de flexibilité pour son intégration future à un objet souple et déformable, et l’électronique de traitement de l’énergie.Le travail de thèse est articulé autour de trois phases principales :Dans la première phase, il s’agissait de l’étude des structures d’antennes compatibles en fréquence et en puissance reçue avec l’application de récupération d’énergie et une réalisation physique sur base souple (papier, tissu...). Cette phase a permis de présenter les différentes approches pour combiner les sources RF.Dans la deuxième phase, il s’agit de l’étude sur le rôle de circuits redresseurs dans le système de récupérer d’énergie. Les méthodes d'extraction des paramètres sont discutées en dissociant chaque élément et leurs rôles. De nombreuses mesures ont été réalisées afin de comparer différents modèles de la diode utilisée pour le redressement, en tenant compte également de l'impact réel du processus de fabrication et du processus de mesure.Une troisième phase permet l’optimisation de l’ensemble antenne et électronique (rectenna) pour divers scenarii et le suivi de la variabilité pour maintenir les pertes du système a minima. La réalisation de démonstrateurs pertinents, testés et caractérisés est présentée. / Internet-of-Things means a growing development of interconnected objects that are likely to change many services within the industry as well as for the individual. Several barriers, including the energy autonomy of objects or production processes that are economically acceptable and respectful of the planet, hamper current developments. In this context, energy recovery is a widespread theme using a wide range of sources (mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic, etc.). This thesis is oriented towards the recovery of ambient electromagnetic energy. The second characteristic point of this thesis is to focus on flexible and, if possible, recyclable substrates. The challenge is to recover energy from an extremely low ambient electromagnetic field: this concerns the antenna, which must also meet a requirement for flexibility for its future integration with a flexible and deformable object, and the electronics of energy processing.The work of this thesis conducted in three phases.In the first phase, it was the study of the antenna structures compatible with frequency and power received with the energy harvesting application and a physical realization on flexible base (paper, textile, etc.). This phase allowed presenting the different approaches to combining the RF sources.In the second phase, the study on the role of rectifying circuit in the system of recovering wireless energy was presented. Methods for extracting parameters were discussed by separating each element and its roles. Numerous measurements have been conducted to compare different models of the diode, taking into account also the actual impact of the manufacturing process and the measurement process.A third phase allows the optimization of the antenna and electronic assembly (rectenna) for various scenarios and the monitoring of variability to keep the losses of the system at minima. The production of relevant demonstrators, test and characterization were presented.

Direction finding plays a crucial role in various civilian and military applications, related to either radionavigation or radiolocation. Most of the direction finding antennas operate over a wide frequency band, but only a minority of them enable the direction of arrival estimation of an incoming electromagnetic field over a 3-D angular coverage (i.e., estimation of both azimuth and elevation angles). An original approach to obtain a 3-D angular coverage consists in measuring the six components of the incident electromagnetic field through a so-called vector antenna. The aim of this Ph.D. is to design a passive, compact and wideband vector antenna in order to cover a maximum of applications. Two vector antennas have been designed, manufactured and experimentally characterized. Unlike conventional topology, they enable the measurement of the components of an incoming electromagnetic field thanks to the radiation pattern reconfigurability of an original arrangement of Vivaldi antennas. The first prototype is mounted over a finite metallic support and enables the direction of arrival estimation of vertically-polarized electromagnetic fields over a 1.69:1 bandwidth while the second one can be used regardless of the polarization of the incoming electromagnetic fields over a 8:1 bandwidth. Moreover, the direction finding performances of these vector antennas have been improved in terms of estimation accuracy, sensitivity, robustness to angular ambiguity and polarization mismatch by synthesizing new radiation patterns in the estimation process. A method based on the Cramer-Rao lower bound has been proposed to select efficiently and rapidly the additional radiation patterns