Stub design and improvement of the VSWR at a
point in the operating spectrum of an antenna
1st Santiago Bravo
Electrical and Electronics Department
Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE
Sangolqu, Ecuador (+593) 983231353
Email: sabravo3@espe.edu.ec
3rd Karen Rosero
Electrical and Electronics Department Electrical and Electronics Department
Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE
Sangolqu, Ecuador (+593) 983363225 Sangolqu, Ecuador (+593) 990135676
Email: kgrosero@espe.edu.ec Email: nmramng@espe.edu.ec
Abstract—The present document shows the stub and antenna
design. When a antenna is designed and we test it, the results
change of ours expected. Therefore, a stub can change the gab
and make it working well in a specific point. We shows how
much the VSWR changed to improved, and what were our results
without stub and with stub.
Index Terms—stub design, antenna design, spectrum analyzer.
I. I NTRODUCTION
Antennas are very important for the overall performance
of a communications system, so it is crucial to understand
the effect of their characteristics to optimize the functioning
of the system. The transmission lines must be coupled with
the impedance of the antenna to have the minimum possible
attenuation.
A transmission line is the device used to guide the
radiofrequency energy from one point to another, for example
through coaxial cable; while the antenna is the structure
associated with the transition region between a wave guided
to a wave that moves in the free space, by the irradiation of
energy.
The input impedance is defined as the impedance presented
by the antenna at its terminals, that is, the quotient between
the voltage and the current at the connector. If the antenna is
perfectly coupled to the transmission line then all the energy
that reaches the antenna is radiated. The portion of energy
that is not accepted if the impedances are not adapted, is
reflected back to the transmitter and the interaction between
the transmitted wave and the reflected wave form the standing
wave, evidenced by the presence of maximums (voltage
peaks) and minimum (voltage valleys) at different points
along the transmission line, characterized by the voltage
standing wave ratio (VSWR).
2nd Evelyn Flores
Electrical and Electronics Department
Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE
Sangolqu, Ecuador (+593) 983231353
Email: emflores6@espe.edu.ec
4th Nixon Ramon
The bandwidth refers to the range of frequencies over which
the antenna operates satisfactorily, but in the case of finding
a point where the antenna does not have an adequate VSWR,
with a value between zero and one; it is possible to resort
to the use of a stub that allows to eliminate the reactive part
of the impedance of the antenna, so that it is coupled in that
point of frequency that has been selected.
II. O BJECTIVES
• Verify the correct well working of the antenna.
• Check the resonance frequency of the UHF Antenna.
• Choose one of the worst point of the VSWR (high) and
make it better (lower).
• Verify that the VSWR changed (lower).
III. M ATERIALS AND E QUIPMENT
• One meter of coaxial cable type RG-58U
• Male connector, type N.
• Soldering iron, soldering iron holder, solder, multimeter
• Spectrum analyzer
• UHF Antenna
IV. T HEORETICAL F RAMEWORK
A. Smith Chart
The Smith chart, invented by Phillip H. Smith (1905−
1987), is a graphical aid or nomogram designed for
electrical and electronics engineers specializing in radio
frequency (RF) engineering to assist in solving problems with
transmission lines and matching circuits. The Smith chart
can be used to simultaneously display multiple parameters
including impedances, admittances, reflection coefficients,
Snm scattering parameters, noise figure circles, constant gain
contours and regions for unconditional stability, including
mechanical vibrations analysis. The Smith chart is most
frequently used at or within the unity radius region. However,
the remainder is still mathematically relevant, being used, for
example, in oscillator design and stability analysis [1].
While the use of paper Smith charts for solving the complex
mathematics involved in matching problems has been largely
replaced by software based methods, the Smith chart display
is still the preferred method of displaying how RF parameters
behave at one or more frequencies, an alternative to using
tabular information. Thus most RF circuit analysis software
includes a Smith chart option for the display of results and all
but the simplest impedance measuring instruments can display
measured results on a Smith chart display [2].
Fig. 1. Parts and components of Smith Chart
Most basic use of an impedance Smith chart. A wave
travels down a transmission line of characteristic impedance
Z0 , terminated at a load with impedance ZL and normalised
impedance z = ZL /Z0 . There is a signal reflection with
coefficient Γ. Each point on the Smith chart simultaneously
represents both a value of z (bottom left), and the correspond-
ing value of Γ (bottom right), related by z = (1 + Γ)/(1Γ).
B. Antenna
A log-periodic antenna (LP), also known as a log-periodic
array or log-periodic aerial, is a multi-element, directional,
antenna designed to operate over a wide band of frequencies.
It was invented by Dwight Isbell and Raymond DuHamel at
the University of Illinois in 1958.
The most common form of log-periodic antenna is the
log-periodic dipole array or LPDA, The LPDA consists of
a number of half-wave dipole driven elements of gradually
increasing length, each consisting of a pair of metal rods.
The dipoles are mounted close together in a line, connected
in parallel to the feedline with alternating phase. Electrically,
it simulates a series of two or three element Yagi antennas
connected together, each set tuned to a different frequency.
LPDA antennas look somewhat similar to Yagi antennas,
in that they both consist of dipole rod elements mounted in
a line along a support boom, but they work in very different
ways. Adding elements to a Yagi increases its directionality,
or gain, while adding elements to a LPDA increases its
frequency response, or bandwidth [3].
Fig. 2. Log periodic Antenna
C. Coaxial Cable
RG−58 is a type of coaxial cable often used for low-power
signal and RF connections. The cable has a characteristic
impedance of either 50 or 52Ω. The outside diameter of
RG − 58 is around 0.2inches(5mm). RG − 58 weighs
around 0.025lb/f t(37g/m).
This cable is often used as a generic carrier of signals in
laboratories, combined with BNC connectors that are common
on test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes.
RG − 58 cable can be used for moderately high frequencies.
Its signal attenuation depends on the frequency for example
from 10.8 dB per 100 m. A typical image of this coaxial cable
is shown in figure 3.
Fig. 3. RG-58 Coaxial Cable
D. Stub
In microwave and radio-frequency engineering, a stub or
resonant stub is a length of transmission line or waveguide
that is connected at one end only (Figure 4). The free end of
the stub is either left open-circuit or (always in the case of
waveguides) short-circuited. Stubs work by means of standing
waves of radio waves along their length. Their reactive prop-
erties are determined by their physical length in relation to the
wavelength of the radio waves [4].
 BAR = 1.02
Maximum wavelength
c 3.8 × 108
λmax = = = 0.3846m
f min 780 × 106
Fig. 4. Stubs Bandwidth
BS = B × BAR
V. P ROCEDURE BS = 2.3076 × 1.02 = 2.35
A. Design of the periodic logarithmic antenna
Wavelength
A periodic logarithmic antenna is an antenna whose
impedance or radiation parameters are a periodic function of λmax 1
L= (1 − ) = 0.55m = 55cm
the logarithm of the operating frequency. With a construction 4 Bs
similar to that of the Yagui antenna, only the differences in For antenna directors, the scale factor is taken into account
length between the elements and their separations follow a for the maximum length divided by two. In the antenna you
logarithmic variation instead of a linear one. will see two kinds of directors in the top ”A” and in the
The advantage of the logarithmic antenna over the Yagui is bottom part ”B”.
that it does not have an excited element, but receives energy in
all its elements. This achieves a greater bandwidth and an even Top part (A)
impedance within all the working frequencies of this antenna. L = 0.19m = 19cm
Operation: The receiver of the signal or its active region
changes continuously depending on the frequency, where in L = 0.19m × 0.782 = 0.145m = 14.5cm
the lowest frequency of operation, the longest element is the L = 0.145m × 0.782 = 0.115m = 11.5cm
resonant and the rest of the elements act as directors. At
the highest frequency, the shortest element resonates and the L = 0.115m × 0.782 = 0.089m = 8.9cm
other (longer) elements act as reflectors at the center of the
frequency band. L = 0.089m × 0.782 = 0.07m = 7cm
Top part (B)
Broadband antenna: with dipoles resonating in different L = 0.165m = 16.5cm
narrow frequencies, in the same antenna, we managed to open
the bandwidth of the antenna. Multiband antenna: with dipoles L = 0.165m × 0.782 = 0.13m = 13cm
resonating in different bands, we can get an antenna capable
L = 0.13m × 0.782 = 0.095m = 9.5cm
of being multiband.
The minimum frequency is 780MHz and the maximum L = 0.095m × 0.782 = 0.089m = 8.9cm
frequency is 1.8GHz, and the calculations are performed as
follows: L = 0.089m × 0.782 = 0.07m = 7cm
f min = 780M Hz
The simulation of the antenna is done in the Mmanganal
f max = 1.8GHz program that allows me to corroborate the data, obtain the
radiation pattern, electric and magnetic field graphic.
Ganancia = 7dB In the following graph you can see the directors located at
Scale factor the distance indicated above
τ = 0.782
B. Stub Design
Spreading factor The stub design was made through the Smith Chart, starting
σ = 0.138 from a circuit with charge of ZL = 106.49 + j234.43(Ω), in
1 − τ 1 − 0.782 this case the load is the antenna logi-periodic, to couple this
α = tan−1 ( ) = tan−1 ( ) = 21.55
4σ 4 ∗ 0.138 antenna a stub connection is made in such a way that this
Desired bandwidth load is equal or close to the impedance of the transmission
line, that is to say Z0 = 50(Ω), then, we start from the circuit
f max 1.8 × 109
B= = = 2.3076 of figure 9
f min 780 × 106 By means the Smith Chart, the distances of the stubs are
Active reception bandwidth obtained so that the load is the same as that of the transmission
line.
BAR = 1.1 × 7.7(1 − τ 2 )cot(α)
In the figure 10 shows the Smith Chart with all necesary dots,
BAR = 1.1 × 7.7(1 − 0.7822 )cot(21.55) to get the distances of the stubs
 Fig. 8. Position of the directors of the periodic logarithmic antenna

Fig. 5. Position of the directors of the periodic logarithmic antenna

Fig. 9. Circuit with stubs

Fig. 6. Position of the directors of the periodic logarithmic antenna

Fig. 7. Position of the directors of the periodic logarithmic antenna

Firts the load is normalized to 50 ohms.

The ZL is expressed by Fig. 10. The Smith Chart

ZL
ZL =
Z0
so If the solution is P4.
106.49 + j234.43(Ω) Go around the circle ds toward generator (clockwise), since
ZL = = 2.1298 + j4.6886 P2 until P4.
50(Ω)
So
In the figure 10 shows that the dot P1 is the impedance
ds = ds2 = 0.321λ
normalized. So P2 is the admittance of this load.
1 In the short-circuited stub, when traversing LS toward genera-
P 2 : yL = = 0.0803 − j0.177 tor, we have between AB points two loads that in normalized
ZL
admittances are YSAB and YLAB as shown in the figure 12,
P3 is the dot where intersects the constant VSWR circle with
which are the result of displace the loads to the distances ls
the superior part (first quadrant) of the unitary circle, and P4
and ds respectively.
is where intersects in the lower part (fourth quadrant). So
 
P 3 : (1 + j3.2)
P 4 : (1 − j3.2)

If the solution is P3.

Go around the circle ds toward generator (clockwise), since
P2 until P3.
So
ds = ds1 = 0.233λ
In the short-circuited stub, when traversing LS toward genera-
tor, we have between AB points two loads that in normalized
admittances are YSAB and YLAB as shown in the figure 11,
which are the result of displace the loads to the distances ls
and ds respectively. Fig. 12. Equivalent circuit displace ls and ds

in points AB a parallel is made between the two admittances

having:
YT = YSAB + YLAB
Since what is wanted is that the total admittance is 1 then the
previous expression is shown:
1 = YSAB + YLAB
replacing the value of YLAB we have:
1 = YSAB + 1 − j3.2
YSAB = j3.2

Fig. 11. Equivalent circuit displace ls and ds then shows in the figure 10 that the dot P6 belogs to the admit-
tance YSAB moves ls from P6 to the load (counterclockwise),
in points AB a parallel is made between the two admittances up to the admittance in short circuit. so
having:
YT = YSAB + YLAB ls2 = 0.452λ

Since what is wanted is that the total admittance is 1 then the

previous expression is shown: For the physical implementation was performed with ls1 and
ds1 , so the distances at a frequency of f = 1.197[GHz] are:
1 = YSAB + YLAB The expression of the wavelength is:
replacing the value of YLAB we have: c
λ=
f
1 = YSAB + 1 + j3.2
3 · 108 (m/s)
YSAB = −j3.2 λ= (0.66)
1.197 · 109 (1/s)
then shows in the figure 10 that the dot P5 belogs to the admit- λ = 0.1654[m]
tance YSAB moves ls from P5 to the load (counterclockwise),
up to the admittance in short circuit. so so ds with n=1 is
ls1 = 0.048λ ds = ds + n(λ/2)
 ds = 12.12[cm]
and ls with n=1 is
ls = ls + n(λ/2)
ls = 9.06[cm]
C. Elaboration of the antenna
The antenna is made of aluminum, using a rectangular tube
of 2 x 2 cm for the body of the antenna that has a length of
52 cm, we proceed to cut two tubes of said length one for
each phase of the antenna as shown in the figure ref karen1,
these tubes should be separated a small distance of 0.5 cm
from each other and should not have contact since the one
will be connected to the phase of the coaxial cable and the
other to the earth represented by the shielding mesh of the
coaxial cable.
Fig. 13. Tubes for the body of the antenna
The next step is to drill holes in the sides of the square
aluminum tube to insert the round tubes that act as directing
dipoles; for this, a drill with aluminum-resistant drills has been
used. It is worth mentioning that the distance at which was
placed each dipole, was calculated and is shown in the figure
14.
Fig. 15. A fase of the antennna finished with its dipoles
The process for the second phase of the antenna is the same,
following the distances and lengths calculated previously, once
we have the two phases we proceed to join them leaving the
separation of 0.5 cm between them, for this purpose we have
used a material Insulating as is the acrylic and using rivets the
effect of a stable separation between both phases was achieved.
Finally, the calculation of the cable length that will allow us
to connect the antenna to the generator was made, for this we
selected a central working frequency of 700MHz and it was
replaced in the formula:
λ c
λ=n∗ ∗ 0.66 = n ∗ ∗ 0.66
2 2f
3 ∗ 108
λ=n∗ ∗ 0.66
2 ∗ 700 ∗ 106
Selecting the value of n suitable for the cable to be of sufficient
length to be connected to the generator, the following result
was obtained:
3 ∗ 108
λ=7∗ ∗ 0.66 = 0.99m
2 ∗ 700 ∗ 106
Analyzing this result, a segment of 101 cm coaxial cable
is cut, increasing 2 cm for ease of riveting, it is necessary to
cut a bit of the insulation covering the cable to be able to
separate the coaxial internal line from the mesh that covers it,
since each one is going to be connected to one of the main
square tubes as shown in the figure 16.
Finally the antenna is presented in the figure 17.

Fig. 14. Distance of the holes in the principal tube

It is also important to mention that the length of the dipoles

was previously calculated, but to that value 2 cm has been
added because it is the necessary length to insert the dipole in
the hole and to be able to fit it with a rivet to the other end of
the square tube. After having secured all the dipoles on each
side of the antenna body, the first phase is as shown in the
figure 15.
 Fig. 16. Soldering the coaxial cable to the antenna
Fig. 18. STUB in short circuit

Fig. 17. Antenna finished

Fig. 19. Solding the stub to the line

D. Elaboration of the stub
As previously calculated, the distance and length values for
the stub are:
E. Program in Matlab for interpolation
ds = 12.12[cm] ls = 9.06cm
The value denominated ls indicates the length of the stub, Code The quadratic interpolation method was used. MAT-
then we proceed to cut a segment of coaxial cable of said LAB has the interp1 function for this purpose. With quadratic
measure, since the design was made with a stub finished in spline.
short circuit, it is necessary to open the plastic cover, cut a
teflon piece that isolates the wire mesh and solder them so that x=[680 750 770 820 860 900 940 1015 1030 1094
they form the short circuit at the end of the stub as shown in 1140 1197 1240 1310 1340 1410 1450 1510 1590 1640
the figure 18, consequently it is covered with tape to avoid 1710 1730 1790];
unwanted contacts. % Dots of Frequency
To connect the stub to the coaxial cable line measuring 0.99 y=[1.6 6.8 0.9 8.54 6.1 8.5 2.46 8.78 4.89 9.48
m, we must first take into account that now our connection 6.03 12.69 3.85 5.96 3.94 5.96 3.92 4.89 9.81
cable must measure 99 cm plus 12.12 cm of the calculation 6.57 13.13 6.34 17.01];
of ds, that is, it is necessary to cut a new cable of length % Dots of VSWR
111.12 cm to be able to include the stub measuring 12.12 cm plot(x,y,’bo’,’markersize’,
from the end of the cable; at this height we make a dissection 4,’markerfacecolor’,’b’)
in the cover and also cut the mesh and the Teflon since it is z=@(xx) interp1(x,y,xx,’spline’);
necessary to weld with the internal cable of the stub as shown fplot(z,[x(1),x(end)])
in the figure ref karen7; after having welded it is advisable hold off
to cover with a silicone layer since the Teflon insulation is xlabel(’Frequecy [MHz]’)
reduced by heat effects; consequently, the stub mesh is welded ylabel(’VSWR’)
with that of the main line cable and covered with tape. grid on
 VI. A NALYSIS OF R ESULTS
At the Antenna design it was specified the parameters of
design such as frequency, wavelength, bandwidth and other
parameter. Now the antenna is conected to the vector analyzer,
which is calibrated at an initial frequency of 400[MHz] and a
terminal frequency of 1800[MHz].
A. Antenna without stub
First the antenna is connected without stub to the vector
analyzer, the graph of frequency versus VSWR of the figure
20 was obtained. The real image of the figure 20 view figure
23 in the annexes
Fig. 21. VSWR of the antenna with stub

Fig. 20. VSWR of the antenna without stub

In the figure 20 shows some peaks and valleys, to perform
the process of coupling the antenna one of the highest peaks
of the signal is chosen, that is to say at a certain frequency,
the highest VSWR is chosen. So the VSWR is 12.69 at the
frequency 1197[MHz], The load of antenna is ZL = 106.49 +
j234.43(Ω), with this value the design of the stub must be
carried out so that the antenna is coupled in such a way that
the VSWR is 1, so there will be maximum power transfer.
For this, view the Stub design.
B. Antenna with Stub
Already realized and implemented the design of the stub
the VSWR is analyzed in the frequency of 1197[MHz]. The
real image of the figure 21 view figure 24 in the annexes
The figure 21 shows the VSWR equal to 3.7 in the frequency
1197[MHz], which shows that in relation to the initial VSWR,
this is lower.
C. Comparison between the two results
In the figure 22 shown the two graphs, with the VSWR in
the frequency of 1197[MHz]
As you can see, it is not the required ratio for maximum
power transfer (VSWR = 1), but the VSWR is much smaller
with stub, this is due to the fact that the elements are not
ideal, besides that by the unions of the stubs can enter noise
and affect its measurement, another reason why the maximum
power transfer is not achieved is due to the connectors, which
can not be welded correctly.
But in itself, the VSWR was reduced to the required frequency,
Fig. 22. VSWR of the antenna with and without stub
that is to say that in that channel the highest possible signal
will be transmitted.
VII. C ONCLUSIONS
When we design an antenna all the parameters are ideal
(at least most of them). So, in the real life, our design brings
us another results. For example the resonance frequency.
Therefore we must correct that gap, to get the result that we
wanted.
The VSWR has been reduced in 70.84 %, when we use a
stub. We can note that in the point 1.197 GHz. Notice that
without stub the VSWR is 12.69 and with stub is 3.70.
The objective of the stub is evident. In the chosen point, the
imaginary part has been reduced. The ideal is to delete that,
but it is difficult to do it, that’s why in this case it reduced a lot.
When the stub is included in the line it is important to re-
member that coaxial cable must be added to the measurement
indicated by the calculation of ds, because if the stub is placed
on the cable that was previously placed, the measurement
of the original impedance changes and the Stub calculations
would no longer be correct.
The manufactured antenna complies with the necessary
specifications since the manufacture of its elements was accu-
rate as to the length of the dipoles and the distances to which
they were located.
VIII. R ECOMMENDATIONS
Calibrate the spectrum analyzer slowly and reading the
instruction. If you make a mistake it could damage the
equipment.

Take care with the antenna when it is connected to the

spectrum analyzer. It could be dangerous for our health (high
power).

Check the correct connection between the coaxial and the

antenna. If there is a mistake it will not work.

Isolate the connection of the stub, when welding the

internal cable it is necessary to cover it with a layer of
silicone or some other insulator that avoids that there is
contact with the mesh.

Ensure that there are no sources of interference that may

affect the result of the spectrum analyzer when the antenna is Fig. 23. VSWR of the antenna without stub
connected.
R EFERENCES
[1] Smith, P. (1995). Electronic applications of the Smith chart. The
Institution of Engineering and Technology.

[2] Shamim, A., Radwan, A. G., & Salama, K. N. (2011). Fractional smith
chart theory. IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, 21(3),
117-119.

[3] Engargiola, G., & Welch, W. J. (2004). U.S. Patent No. 6,677,913.
Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

[4] Zhang, X. Y., Chen, J. X., Xue, Q., & Li, S. M. (2007). Dual-band
bandpass filters using stub-loaded resonators. IEEE Microwave and
Wireless Components Letters, 17(8), 583-585.

A NNEXES
A. VSWR versus Frequency without Stub
B. VSWR versus Frequency with Stub

Fig. 24. VSWR of the antenna with stub