PGT 311 Antenna and Propagation

LAB 4 : Helical Antenna Simulation using CST Microwave Studio

OBJECTIVES

• Learn how to use and familiarize with CST Microwave Studio Software.
• Understanding the basic helical Antenna simulation using CST Microwave Studio
Software.
• Observing and analyzing helical Antenna parameters using CST Microwave Studio
Software.

THEORY OF HELICAL ANTENNA

Helical antenna or helix antenna is the antenna in which the conducting wire is wound in helical
shape and connected to the ground plate with a feeder line. It is the simplest antenna, which
provides circularly polarized waves. It is used in extra-terrestrial communications in which
satellite relays etc., are involved.

The above image shows a helical antenna system, which is used for satellite communications.
These antennas require wider outdoor space.

It consists of a helix of thick copper wire or tubing wound in the shape of a screw thread used as
an antenna in conjunction with a flat metal plate called a ground plate. One end of the helix is
connected to the center conductor of the cable and the outer conductor is connected to the ground
plate.

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 Modes of Operation

The predominant modes of operation of a helical antenna are −

• Normal or perpendicular mode of radiation.

• Axial or end-fire or beam mode of radiation.

Let us discuss them in detail.

Normal mode

In normal mode of radiation, the radiation field is normal to the helix axis. The radiated waves are
circularly polarized. This mode of radiation is obtained if the dimensions of helix are small
compared to the wavelength. The radiation pattern of this helical antenna is a combination of
short dipole and loop antenna.

The above figure shows the radiation pattern for normal mode of radiation in helical antenna.

It depends upon the values of diameter of helix, D and its turn spacing, S. Drawbacks of this
mode of operation are low radiation efficiency and narrow bandwidth. Hence, it is hardly used.

Axial mode

In axial mode of radiation, the radiation is in the end-fire direction along the helical axis and the
waves are circularly or nearly circularly polarized. This mode of operation is obtained by raising
the circumference to the order of one wavelength (λ) and spacing of approximately λ/4. The
radiation pattern is broad and directional along the axial beam producing minor lobes at oblique
angles.

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The figure shows the radiation pattern for axial mode of radiation in helical antenna.

If this antenna is designed for right-handed circularly polarized waves, then it will not receive
left-handed circularly polarized waves and vice versa. This mode of operation is generated with
great ease and is more practically used.

Advantages

The following are the advantages of Helical antenna −

• Simple design
• Highest directivity
• Wider bandwidth
• Can achieve circular polarization
• Can be used at HF & VHF bands also

Disadvantages

The following are the disadvantages of Helical antenna −

• Antenna is larger and requires more space

• Efficiency decreases with number of turns

Applications

The following are the applications of Helical antenna −

• A single helical antenna or its array is used to transmit and receive VHF signals
• Frequently used for satellite and space probe communications
• Used for telemetry links with ballastic missiles and satellites at Earth stations
• Used to establish communications between the moon and the Earth
• Applications in radio astronomy

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Calculation

CST MICROWAVE STUDIO STANDARD WORKFLOW;

1. Refer to the helical antenna example in CST

2. The uploaded video guideline shown step by step to redesign the helical antenna from the history
list.

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Helical Antenna

General Description

This example shows the S-parameter and farfield calculation of a helix antenna. The antenna is fed by an off centered
coaxial line.

Structure Generation

The helix is created by extruding a circular profile (defined by a wire) around a rotational axis. The connection
between the inner conductor of the coaxial line (a cylinder) and the helix is made by a sphere. The outer conductor
of the coaxial line is a cylindrical hole inside of a ground plane.

Solver Setup

For the excitation a wave guide port at the beginning of the coaxial line is defined. Its reference plane is located at
the beginning of the helix. Open boundary conditions are used to simulate the open space around the structure. A
farfield monitor at one of the resonance frequencies allows the visualization of the farfield after the simulation.

Post-Processing
The scattering parameters and the time signals can be accessed through the 1D Results folder in the navigation
tree. In addition, the voltage standing wave ratio is calculated giving information about the impedance mismatch of
the antenna over the chosen frequency range. It may be accessed through the navigation tree entry 1D Results >
VSWR.
The farfield can be found in Farfields > farfield (f=0.6) [1].

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 Exercise

1. Simulate Two different helical Antenna

i. 2.4 GHz
ii. 5.8 GHz

2. Report includes results below:

i. S-Parameter
ii. VSWR
iii. Radiation Pattern 3D and Polar

*Hint- online helical calculator