Antennas

521388S
2024 Lecture 1
Antenna types, Introduction to CST

© Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC), University of Oulu

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Contents
1. Introduction
2. Types of antennas
3. Antenna simulation software CST Studio Suite

Figures: Copyright © by Constantine A. Balanis, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and University of Oulu
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1. Introduction

Webster’s Dictionary:
Definition for antenna: a
usually metallic device
(as a rod or wire) for
radiating or receiving
radio waves

Transmit or
receive
modes
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Antenna impedance
reactance
Load (loss) resistance

radiation resistance
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Antenna impedance can be written as

𝑍𝐴 = 𝑅𝐿 + 𝑅𝑟 + 𝑗𝑋𝐴

𝑅𝐿 =load resistance, represents conduction and dielectric losses

𝑅𝑟 =radiation resistance, represent radiation by the antenna
𝑋𝐴 =reactance, represents the imaginary part of the impedance associated with antenna radiation

In ideal conditions, energy generated by the source should be totally transferred to the radiation
resistance!

In practice there are conduction and dielectric losses, and reflection loss (antenna mismatch) at
the interface between transmission line and antenna.

Mismatch create a standing wave which is formed by constructive and destructive interference
patterns.
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High performance antenna system design:

• Low-loss transmission lines
• Correct impedance values for transmission line and antenna to avoid mismatch (conjugate
matching)
• Reducing 𝑅𝐿 of antenna

Antenna in advanced wireless system is usually required to optimize or direct the radiation energy
in some directions and suppress it in others.

The antenna serves to a communication system the same purpose the eyes and eyeglasses
serve to a human.
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2. Types of antennas
1. Wire antennas
2. Aperture antennas
3. Microstrip antennas
4. Array antennas
5. Reflector antennas
6. Lens antennas
7. Some integrated mobile device antennas
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Wire antennas

• Theoretically simple structures

• Different forms and locations in practical
applications
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= physical aperture
Aperture antennas

• Physical aperture which contributes to the electromagnetic wave

radiation
• External antennas, convenient flush-mounting
• Can be covered by dielectric material (e.g. radome)
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Microstrip antennas

• A conductive patch (metal), dielectric substrate and a conductive ground (metal)

• Low-profile, simple & inexpensive using printed-circuit technology
• Attractive radiation properties, e.g. circular polarization
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Array antennas

• By aggregating antenna elements we obtain an array

• Radiation from single elements adds up either constructively or
destructively -> incresed antenna gain to a particular direction
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Reflector antennas

• Large reflector dimensions (in wavelengths) -> high gain

• Wireless network backhaul microwave link
• Communication with spacecrafts and satellites
• Radioastronomy
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Lens antennas

• Dielectric lens is based on geometrical optics

• Collimate incident energy to prevent it
spreading in undesired directions
• High frequency applications
• Dimensions large in wavelengths
• Integrated lens antennas (ILA)
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Some integrated mobile device antennas

Practical antennas in mobile devices are always modifications or combinations of basic antenna
types and includes a matching circuit.

Inductive coupling structure Antenna matching

Nokia 5 Apple Watch
to wake up resonance modes
in the device chassis
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3. Antenna simulation software CST Studio Suite

Dassault systems Simulia SW product
• CST Studio Suite is for high frequency electromagnetic problems, including antennas
• Solvers available:
• T: Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method -> large simulations are relatively fast
• F: Finite Element Method (FEM)
• I: Integral equation solver, method of moments (MoM)

• Widely used by antenna engineers, manufacturers, telecommunications companies and

academic institutes

CST Quick Introduction (8 mins.)

Getting started (38 mins.) – Please go through independently
These videos can be found from CST help.