Contents

Lec 1: microstrip antenna ................................................................................................................................................. 3

Disadvantages of Microstrip Patch Antennas ................................................................................................................ 3
Different Shapes of Microstrip Patch Antennas ............................................................................................................. 4
Copper Wire Interference ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Solutions for Copper Wire Interference .................................................................................................................... 4
Fringing ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Lec 2: reflector antenna ................................................................................................................................................... 7
Types of feed antennas used in reflector antenna systems:........................................................................................... 8
Horn Antennas ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
: ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Pros:......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Cons: ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Uses: ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Array Antennas: ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Pros:......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Cons: ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Uses: ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Dipole Antennas:.........................................................................................................................................................10
Pros:........................................................................................................................................................................10
Cons: .......................................................................................................................................................................10
Uses: .......................................................................................................................................................................10
Lec 3: Helical antenna .....................................................................................................................................................11
Advantages of Helical Antennas:..................................................................................................................................11
 Circular Polarization .........................................................................................................................................11
 Wide Bandwidth ..............................................................................................................................................11
 Compact Size ...................................................................................................................................................11
 High Gain .........................................................................................................................................................11
Disadvantages of Helical Antennas: .............................................................................................................................11
 Narrow Beamwidth..........................................................................................................................................11
 Complex Design ...............................................................................................................................................11
 Sensitivity to Frequency ...................................................................................................................................12
 Radiation Efficiency..........................................................................................................................................12
Lec5: Array antenna ........................................................................................................................................................14
Basic Structure: ...........................................................................................................................................................14
  Linear Array .....................................................................................................................................................14
 Planar Array .....................................................................................................................................................14
 Circular Array ...................................................................................................................................................14
 Phased Array ...................................................................................................................................................14
 Planar Phased Array .........................................................................................................................................14
 Thinned Array ..................................................................................................................................................14
 Smart Antenna Array .......................................................................................................................................14
 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array): .....................................................................................................14
Advantages .................................................................................................................................................................15
1. Directionality and Beamforming ......................................................................................................................15
2. Increased Gain .................................................................................................................................................15
3. Versatility ........................................................................................................................................................15
4. Adaptability to Changing Conditions ................................................................................................................15
Disadvantages .............................................................................................................................................................15
1. Complexity ......................................................................................................................................................15
2. Cost .................................................................................................................................................................16
3. Size and Weight ...............................................................................................................................................16
4. Power Consumption ........................................................................................................................................16
Lec 1: microstrip antenna
Definition: A microstrip patch antenna is a type of antenna that consists of a conducting patch on a dielectric
substrate, usually mounted on a ground plane. It is widely used in various wireless communication systems due
to its compact size, low cost, and ease of fabrication.
Advantages of Microstrip Patch Antennas:

 Compact size: Microstrip patch antennas are generally small in size, making them suitable for
integration into compact electronic devices.

 Low cost: The manufacturing cost of microstrip patch antennas is relatively low compared to other
antenna types.

 Ease of fabrication: They can be fabricated using standard printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing
techniques.

 Versatility: Microstrip patch antennas can be designed to operate at various frequencies and can
provide different types of radiation patterns.

Disadvantages of Microstrip Patch Antennas:

 Narrow Bandwidth: Microstrip patch antennas generally exhibit narrow bandwidth, which means they
can operate effectively only within a relatively narrow frequency range. This limited bandwidth can
restrict their use in wideband communication systems.

 Low Efficiency: Microstrip patch antennas can have lower radiation efficiency compared to other types
of antennas, resulting in reduced power radiation efficiency and potential signal losses.

 Sensitivity to Substrate and Environmental Factors: The performance of microstrip patch antennas can
be influenced by the dielectric properties of the substrate material, as well as environmental factors
such as temperature and humidity. Changes in these factors can affect the antenna's resonance
frequency, impedance matching, and radiation characteristics.

 Cross-Polarization and Side Lobes: Microstrip patch antennas can exhibit cross-polarization and side
lobes in the radiation pattern, which can lead to unwanted signal interference and reduced efficiency in
certain applications.

 Limited Power Handling: Microstrip patch antennas have limitations in terms of power handling
capability. They are typically used for low to moderate power applications and may not be suitable for
high-power transmission requirements.
Different Shapes of Microstrip Patch Antennas:
 Rectangular: The rectangular patch is the most common shape for microstrip patch antennas and
provides a broad radiation pattern.

1Rectangl\er microship

 Circular: Circular patches are used to achieve circular polarization and are suitable for satellite
communication applications.

2circular microship

 Triangular: Triangular patches offer a narrower radiation pattern and can be used for directional
antennas.

3tritangler microship

Copper Wire Interference:

 Copper wires or nearby metallic objects can cause interference with the radiation pattern and
performance of microstrip patch antennas.

 Interference occurs due to the mutual coupling between the patch antenna and the nearby conductive
objects.

Solutions for Copper Wire Interference:

  Aperture coupling feed method: In this technique, instead of directly feeding the patch antenna using a
coaxial cable, a slot or aperture is introduced in the ground plane beneath the patch. This allows
coupling of the electromagnetic energy from the slot to the patch, reducing interference caused by
nearby metallic objects.

4coupling feed

 Coaxial feed: The coaxial feed method involves using a coaxial cable to directly connect the patch
antenna to the feed point. This approach minimizes the interference caused by nearby metallic objects
by isolating the antenna from external influences.

5coaxial feed

Fringing:
 Fringing refers to the electric and magnetic fields that extend beyond the edges of the patch in a
microstrip patch antenna.

 Proper design techniques, such as optimizing the dimensions of the patch, substrate, and feeding
mechanism, can help control fringing effects.

 Simulation software tools, like electromagnetic field solvers, can aid in the accurate design and analysis
of microstrip patch antennas.

Designing example:
Substrate constant = 2.2, h=0.1588 cm, F=10 GHz
 30 2
𝑤= ∗√ = 1.186 𝑐𝑚
2(10) 2.2 + 1
2 2 1.588
εref= 2.2+1 + 2.2+1 (1 + 12 1.186 )−1/2 = 1.972 𝑐𝑚
1.186
(1.972 + 0.3) ( + 0.264)
1.588
∆𝑙 = 0.1588(0.412) 1.186
= 0.081 𝑐𝑚
(1.972 − 0.258) ( + 0.8)
1.588

𝜆 30
𝑙= − ∆𝑙 = − 2(0.081)
2 2(10)√1.972
𝜆
Lc=𝑙 + 2∆𝑙 = 2 = 1.068 𝑐𝑚
Lec 2: reflector antenna
Reflector antennas are a type of antenna that uses a curved reflective surface, typically in the shape of a
paraboloid, to focus electromagnetic waves. The key components of a reflector antenna are:
1. Reflector: The main component is the curved reflector surface, which is usually made of metal or a
conductive material. The reflector is shaped like a paraboloid, with a concave surface that reflects
incoming electromagnetic waves towards a specific focal point.
2. Feed: The feed is the element responsible for transmitting or receiving the electromagnetic waves. It is
positioned at the focal point of the reflector. The feed can be a dipole, horn, or other types of radiating
elements.
6reflector antenna

When used for transmission, the reflector antenna takes electrical signals from the feed and focuses them
into a narrow beam that propagates outward. Conversely, when used for reception, the reflector antenna
captures incoming electromagnetic waves and directs them towards the feed for detection or processing.
The curved shape of the reflector allows the antenna to achieve high gain and directivity. The incoming
waves are reflected off the surface and brought to a focal point, resulting in a concentrated beam with
increased power and range. By adjusting the size and shape of the reflector, as well as the position and
characteristics of the feed, the antenna can be optimized for specific frequency ranges and applications.
Types of feed antennas used in reflector antenna systems:
Horn Antennas

:
7horn antenna

Pros:
 High gain and directivityfor long-range communications
 Wide bandwidth
 Low sidelobes

Cons:
 Large size

 Limited frequency agility

Uses:
 Radar systems
 Microwave communication
 Satellite communication
Array Antennas:
Pros:
8array antenna

 Increased gain and directivity

 Beam steering

 Versatility:

Cons:
 Complex design and implementation
 High cost

Uses:
 Wireless communication systems
 Radio astronomy

 Directional communication
Dipole Antennas:
9dipole antenna

Pros:
 Simplicity and compactness
 Omnidirectional radiation pattern

Cons:
 Limited gain and directivity compared to horn antennas or array antennas.
 Limited frequency bandwidthcompared to horn antennas or array antennas.

Uses:
 Broadcast radio and television

 Wireless communication
 Amateur radio operating
Reflector antennas offer high gain, precise beam targeting, and efficiency, but they come with the trade-
offs of size, weight, and limited coverage. Their uses span across various communication and sensing
applications, where long-range and focused signal transmission or reception is essential.
 Lec 3: Helical antenna
A helical antenna is a type of radio antenna that consists of a helix-shaped wire wound in the form of a
coil. It is widely used in radio communication
and broadcasting due to its unique design
10helical antenna design1

11helical antenna design2

and properties.
Helical antenna design:

Advantages of Helical Antennas:

 Circular Polarization: Helical antennas can easily be designed to produce circular polarization, which
means the electromagnetic waves propagate in both vertical and horizontal planes. This is
advantageous in applications where signal polarization may vary.
 Wide Bandwidth: Helical antennas can be designed to have a wide bandwidth, allowing them to
operate over a broad range of frequencies. This versatility makes them suitable for various
communication systems.
 Compact Size: Helical antennas are relatively compact, especially considering their wide bandwidth.
This makes them suitable for applications where space is limited, such as mobile communication
devices and satellites.
 High Gain: Helical antennas can achieve high gain, which means they can focus the radio waves in a
specific direction. This property is beneficial for long-range communication where signal strength
is crucial.

Disadvantages of Helical Antennas:

 Narrow Beamwidth: In certain configurations, helical antennas can have a relatively narrow
beamwidth. This means the antenna's coverage area is limited to a specific direction. Proper
design adjustments are necessary to balance between gain and coverage.
 Complex Design: Designing an efficient helical antenna can be complex and requires precise
calculations. Achieving desired performance characteristics often involves intricate design
parameters, making it challenging for beginners.
  Sensitivity to Frequency: Helical antennas are sensitive to the operating frequency, and small changes
in frequency can affect their performance. Tuning and adjustments are required if the operating
frequency needs to be changed significantly.
 Radiation Efficiency: Achieving high radiation efficiency, which indicates how effectively the antenna
converts input power into radiated energy, can be challenging in helical antennas. Factors like coil
spacing and diameter need careful consideration.
In summary, helical antennas offer advantages such as circular polarization, wide bandwidth, compact
size, and high gain. However, they have limitations such as narrow beamwidth, complex design
requirements, sensitivity to frequency, and challenges in achieving high radiation efficiency. The choice of
antenna depends on specific application requirements and the trade-offs between these advantages and
disadvantages.
 Lec4: Yagi-Uda antenna

The Yagi-Uda antenna, commonly known as a Yagi antenna, is a directional antenna used for
communication in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. It is widely used in applications such as television
reception, ham radio, and Wi-Fi.
Basic Structure: A Yagi-Uda antenna typically consists of several parallel elements, including one driven
element (active element connected to the transmitter or receiver), one or more reflectors (elements
behind the driven element that reflect signals towards it), and one or more directors (elements in front of
the driven element that focus and enhance the signal in a specific direction). The arrangement of these
elements creates a directional radiation pattern.
Advantages:
1. Directionality: Yagi antennas are highly directional, meaning they focus their signal strength in a
specific direction. This is advantageous for point-to-point communication or when you want to
receive or transmit signals in a particular direction.
2. Gain: Yagi antennas can provide relatively high gain, which is the measure of how much the
antenna can amplify the signal in the desired direction compared to an isotropic radiator (an
idealized omnidirectional antenna).
3. Simple Design: Yagi antennas have a relatively simple design, making them cost-effective and easy
to construct. They are also popular for DIY (do-it-yourself) projects.
4. Suitable for Long-Distance Communication: Due to their directional nature and high gain, Yagi
antennas are suitable for long-distance communication.
Disadvantages:
1. Fixed Direction: One of the main disadvantages is that Yagi antennas have a fixed directionality.
They need to be physically adjusted or aimed to change the direction of focus. This can be
impractical for mobile or rapidly changing communication scenarios.
2. Size: The physical size of the antenna can be a limitation, especially for higher frequency bands
where the elements need to be proportionally smaller. This can make Yagi antennas bulky and
challenging to deploy in certain situations.
3. Complexity with Multiple Frequencies: Designing a Yagi antenna for optimal performance over a
broad frequency range can be more complex than for a specific frequency.
In summary, Yagi-Uda antennas are effective for directional communication over long distances, but their
fixed directionality and size limitations may be drawbacks in certain applications.
Lec5: Array antenna
An array antenna is a type of antenna that consists of multiple individual radiating elements arranged in a
specific geometric configuration. The purpose of using an array is to enhance the overall performance of
the antenna system. There are various types of array antennas, such as linear arrays, planar arrays, and
conformal arrays.

Basic Structure:
 Linear Array: Elements are arranged in a straight line.

 Planar Array: Elements are arranged in a two-dimensional 12array antenna

plane.
 Conformal Array: Elements are arranged on a curved
surface, conforming to the shape of the object on which
they are mounted.
 Circular Array:Elements are arranged in a circular pattern.
Circular arrays are often used in radar systems and
satellite communication.
 Phased Array:Phased arrays use phase shifters to control
the phase of the signals fed to each element, enabling
electronic steering of the beam without physically
moving the antenna. This allows for rapid and dynamic
beamforming.
 Planar Phased Array:A planar phased array is a planar
array with additional phase shifters for beamforming
control. It is commonly used in radar systems for its
ability to electronically scan the beam in both azimuth
and elevation. Phased Array
 Thinned Array:In a thinned array, not all elements are
active. Some elements are omitted to reduce complexity and cost while maintaining reasonable
performance. Thinned arrays are often used in large-scale radar systems.
 Smart Antenna Array:Smart antennas incorporate adaptive techniques and signal processing
algorithms to optimize the radiation pattern based on the changing environment, interference, and
user requirements. They are commonly used in wireless communication systems.
 Sparse Array:A sparse array has widely spaced elements, providing a compromise between
complexity and performance. It can achieve some beamforming capabilities with fewer elements
than a fully populated array.
 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array):AESA is a type of phased array where each element has its
own transmitter and receiver. This allows for independent control of each element, providing
rapid beam scanning and greater flexibility in beamforming.
  Subarray:A subarray is a smaller group of elements within a larger array. It allows for more flexible
13array of two isotropiv point sources

control of the radiation pattern by adjusting the phase and amplitude of subarrays independently.

Advantages:
1. Directionality and Beamforming: Array antennas can be designed to be highly directional, allowing for
precise control of the radiation pattern. Additionally, by adjusting the phase and amplitude of
individual elements, array antennas can implement beamforming, directing the beam in a specific
direction.
2. Increased Gain: The use of multiple elements allows for increased gain compared to a single-element
antenna. This enhanced gain is particularly useful for long-distance communication.
3. Versatility: Array antennas are versatile and can be designed for various applications, including
radar systems, communication systems, and wireless networks.
4. Adaptability to Changing Conditions: Some array antennas can dynamically adjust their beamforming
characteristics, making them adaptable to changing environmental conditions or communication
requirements.

Disadvantages:
1. Complexity: Designing and implementing array antennas can be more complex than single-element
antennas. The need for precise control of element spacing, phase, and amplitude requires
sophisticated engineering and signal processing.
 2. Cost: The complexity of array antennas can result in higher manufacturing and implementation
costs compared to simpler antenna designs.
3. Size and Weight: Depending on the frequency and application, array antennas can be physically
larger and heavier than other types of antennas, which may be a limitation in certain situations.
4. Power Consumption: Some types of array antennas, especially those with active beamforming
capabilities, may consume more power than simpler antennas.
In summary, array antennas offer advanced capabilities such as beamforming and increased gain, making
them suitable for various applications. However, their complexity, cost, and potential size and weight
considerations should be taken into account when choosing the right antenna for a specific use case.
References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microstrip_antenna
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221911599_Methods_to_Design_Microstrip_Antennas_for_Mo
dern_Applications
http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1312395/FULLTEXT01.pdf
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/3/1062

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflective_array_antenna
https://www.cdeep.iitb.ac.in/slides/A16/EE609/EE609-L21.pdf
https://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/faculty/nikolova/antenna_dload/current_lectures/L19_Reflector.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabolic_antenna
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horn_antenna
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipole_antenna

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helical_antenna
https://www.cdeep.iitb.ac.in/slides/A16/EE609/EE609-L17.pdf

https://electronicsdesk.com/yagi-uda-antenna.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yagi–Uda_antenna
https://www.cdeep.iitb.ac.in/slides/A16/EE609/EE609-L20.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antenna_array
https://www.cdeep.iitb.ac.in/slides/A16/EE609/EE609-L6.pdf