The Range Limited Antenna (RLA) has the ability to track and pin-point RF devices operating within a certain accepted range. Using two antenna arrays, each made up of several elements, direction-finding algorithms such as MUSIC and Modified Root Pisarenko (MRP) are used to estimate the angles of arrival of incoming signals. Using the estimated angles of arrival, a range estimation algorithm is used to estimate the distance of the emitter from the antenna array. The aim of this thesis is to check the sensitivity of the range estimation and to form a statistical analysis for such conditions. Conditions of error are introduced into the system and several extensive Monte Carlo simulations are run for both MUSIC and MRP. Upon simulating physical errors in the antenna set-up, it is realized that the range estimation algorithm is sensitive to the slightest of phase shift differences, cable loss differences, mixer mismatches, and antenna mismatches. / Master of Science

The Range Limited Antenna (RLA) is a device, which accurately estimates the range of incoming signals and rejects those that arrive from outside a certain, pre-determined range. This task is accomplished by using two multi-element arrays and applying direction finding (DF) algorithms on each of them. Rectangular, single-layer, coax-fed patch antennas are used as array elements for the specific purpose of tracking cell phones operating in the PCS band inside a given building. It is vital to ensure that the patch antenna is designed in such a manner that it resonates at the desired frequency. This thesis introduces the Agilent High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) as an effective tool for modeling electromagnetic structures. It presents a comprehensive and meticulous description of the process of modeling a rectangular coax-fed patch antenna in HFSS. Plots of S-parameter values are calculated and are compared with WIPL-D, which is another simulation software program, and with measurements performed at the George Washington University. Various important parameters of the HFSS simulation are varied and their effects are investigated to provide a deeper understanding of the program. / Master of Science