Kota An Investigation

AN II{VESTIGATION OF THE VIVALDI AI{TENI{A
By
Venkata Krishna Tulasi Kota
A Thesis
submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of
Master of Science
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

The University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Copyright O August 2009 By Venkata Krishna Tulasi Kota

TIIE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA
FACULTY OF G*RADIJATE STIIDTES
COPYRIGHT PERMISSION
An Investigation of the Vivaldi Antenna
By
Venkata Krishna Tulasi Kota
A Thesis/Practicum submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University

of
Manitoba in partial fulfrllment of the requirement of the degree
of
Master of Science
Venkata Krishna Tulasi Kota@2009
Permission has been granted to the University of Manitoba Libraries to lend a copy of this
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ACKNO\ryLEDGEMENTS
I would like to acknowledge and extend my heartfelt gratitude to my research
advisor, Professor L. Shafai for his supervision, guidance and constant encouragement
throughout my research. His priceless knowledge and advice are most appreciated.
I would like to thank the members of my examining committee, Dr. B. Kordi and
Dr. T. ElMekkawy. Special thanks to Mr. C. Smit and Mr. B. Tabachnik for their
extensive help provided during required fabrication work and experimental
measurements. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Ms. S. Girardin for
her patient and kind assistance whenever it was needed during my studies at The
University of Manitoba.
Finally, I wish to thank my loving family, and am extremely grateful for their
endless encouragement and moral support through all my endeavors.

Abstract
An exponentially tapered slot line antenna named the Vivaldi is studied in this
thesis. This antenna has ultra-wideband ([IWB) characteristics and is used in applications
ranging from feeds for reflectors to microwave imaging. In all these applications,
knowledge of the far-field radiation characteristics and location of phase centre of the
antenna are greatly required. This thesis deals with the study of two different kinds of
Vivaldi antennas. A thorough parametric study of a single sided Vivaldi antenna is
carried out with the help of simulation software. Through this study, a compact design is
developed which exhibits a performance superior to that of the existing one with regard
to radiation patterns and phase centre location.
From this compact design, a balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna which also
exhibits a commendable performance is developed and studied for a better understanding
of the different types of these antennas. In order to understand the achievable bandwidth
of the Vivaldi, a balanced antipodal model with a larger aperture is simulated and a study
of its gain enhancement through substrate elongation and shape is made. Experimental
investigations are also carried out and it is seen that the measured far-field radiation
pattems and phase centre location are in close agreement with the simulated results.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS uI
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF TABLES xllt
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION I
1.1 Preface 1
L2Literaitre Review 2
1.3 Structure of the Thesis 4
CHAPTER 2: BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TAPERED SLOT ANTENNAS 6

2.1 Introduction 6
2.2Tapered Slot Antennas (TSAs) 1
2.2.1 Characteristics of TSAs 7
2.2.2 Taper Profiles 7
2.2.3 F eeding Techniques 8
2.3 The Vivaldi Antenna 9
2.3.1 Introduction 9
2.3 .2 l;|ilicr ostrip/S tripline to S lotline Transition s l1
2.3.3 Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna 13
2.3.4 Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna I4
2.4Phase Centre t6
2.5 Summary I7
CHAPTER 3: PARAMETRIC STUDY OF VIVALDI ANTENNA.I 18

3.1 Introduction 18
3.2 Onginal Model (Model 1) 18
3.2.1 Antenna Model 18
3 .2.2 Antenrta Performance 20
3.2.3 Study of Phase Centre 29
3.3 Extended Flare Model (Model2) 32
3.3.2 Antenna Performance 33
3.3.3 Study of Phase Centre for Model 2 4l
3.4 Truncated Flare Model (Model 3) 42
3 .4.2 Antenna Performance 43
3.4.3 Study of Phase Centre for Model 3 52
iii
3.5 Summary 53
CHAPTER 4: PARAMETRIC STIJDY OF VIVALDI ANTENNA-II 54

4.1 lntroduction 54
4.2Fast Opening Flare Model (Model4) 54
4.3 Slow Opening Flare Model (Model 5) 65
4.4Width Truncated Model (Model 6) 75
4.5 Summary 87
CHAPTER 5: STTJDY OF BALANCED ANTIPODAL VIVALDI ANTENNA 88

5.1 lntroduction 88
5.2 Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna 88
5.2.1 Antenna Model 1 88
5.2.3 Study of Phase Centre for the balanced antipodal 99
Vivaldi antenna I
5.2.4 Antenna Model2 100
5.3 Increase in Length of Substrate I 10
5.3.1 Elongated Antenna Models and Performance 111
5.3.2 Study of Phase Centre for the 12.80 mm elongated 117
substrate model
5.4 Shaping of Substrate 119
5.4.1 Antenna Substrate Shapes and Performance 120
5.5 Summary I29
CHAPTER 6: EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION 130

6.1 Introduction 130
6.2Fabncated Antenna 130
6.3 Simulated vs. Measured Results l3Z
6.4 Study of Phase Centre 153
6.5 Summary 155
CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 7: 156
7.1 Summary 156
7.ZFlttye Work I59
REFERENCES 160
lv
LIST OF FIGTJRES
Fig.2.I Three basic taper profiles (a) Linear taper (b) Constant width taper 8
(c) Non-linear taper
Fig.2.2 Basic model of the Vivaldi antenna 9
Fig.2.3 Microstrip to slotline transition 11
Fig.2.4 Microstrip to slotline transition with radial stub 12
Fig.2.5 Antipodal Vivaldi antenna 14
Fíg.2.6 Cross sectional view of the top of the antipodal Vivaldi depicting the E- 14
field skew across the slot of the antenna
Fig.2.7 Balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna 15
Fig. 2.8 Cross sectional view of the top of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi depicting 16
the resultant E-field across the slot of the antenna
Fig. 3. I The geometry of the Vivaldi antenna (Model 1) including the microstrip 19
feed along with the co-ordinate system: Ls:22.86mm,'Ws:38.10mm, Lc:

I 6. 5 I mm, Wm:O. 8I mm, Wa:6.3 5 mm, Ds=3.3 Omm with er2.2,
h:0.508mm and tanô:0.00 I
Fig.3.2 Simulated (a) Sr r and (b) input impedance plot measured with respect to 2I
75 O for antenna Model I shown in Fig. 3.1 and described by (3. 1)
Fig. 3.3 Simulated E-plane (ô=90'plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model I 24
shown in Fig. 3.1 and described by (3.1)
Fig.3.4 Simulated H-plane (ö:0' plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model I 27
Fig. 3.5 (a) plot of E and H-planes' phase centre location (for a maximum tolerable 30
phase difference A0:30o and 0 ranging from 0 to 60") of Model I given
in Fig. 3.1; (b) geometry of Model I indicating the portion of the antenna
axis where phase centre lies for both E and H planes
Fig. 3.6 (a) plot of Average E and H-planes'phase centre location (for a maximum 31
tolerable phase difference Aô:30'and 0 ranging from 0 to 60") of Model
I given in Fig. 3.1; (b) geometry of Model I indicating the portion of

antenna axis where these Average phase centres lie for both E and H
planes
Fig.3.7 The geometry of the Vivaldi antenna (Model 2) including the microstrip 32
feed along with the co-ordinate system: Ls:22.86mm, Ws:38.10mm, Lc=

'Wa:14.73mm,
19.05mm, Wm:0.81mm, Ds:3.30mm, with e=2.2,
Fig. 3.8 Simulated (a) Sr r and (b) input impedance plot measured with respect to 34
75 C¿ for antenna Model 2 shown in Fig. 3.7 and described by (3.2)
Fig. 3.9 Simulated E-plane (0:90'plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 2 36
Fig.3.10 Simulated H-plane (0:0'plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 2 40
shown in Fig. 3.7 anddescribed by (3.2)
Fig. 3.1 I (a) plot of Average E and H-planes' phase centre location (for a 42
maximum tolerable phase difference A0=25' and 0 ranging from 0 to
60') of Model 2 given in Fig. 3.7; (b) geometry of Model 2 indicating
the portion of antenna axis where these Average phase centres lie for
bothEandHplanes
Fig.3.l2 The geometry of the Vivaldi antenna (Model 3) including the microstrip 43
feed along with the co-ordinate system: Ls:22.86mm, Ws:38.10mm,
Lc:l 5 .24mm, Wm:0. 8 1 mm,'Wa:4.06mm, Ds:3. 3 Omm, with er2.2,

h:0.508mm and tanô=0.00 I
vl
Fig. 3.13 Simulated (a) Slr and (b) input impedance plot measured with respect to
75 O for antenna Model 3 shown in Fig. 3.12 and described by (3.3)
Fig. 3.14 Simulated E-plane (0=90" plane) co-pol and cross-pol panerns of Model 41
3 shown in Fig. 3.12 and described by (3.3)
Fig. 3. l5 Simulated H-plane (0:0' plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 3
Fig. 3.16 (a) plot of Average E and H-planes'phase centre location (for a 52
maximum tolerable phase difference Aö:35o and 0 ranging from 0 to

60') of Model3 given in Fig. 3.12; (b) geometry of Model 3 indicating
bothEandHplanes
Fig. 4.1 The geometry of the Vivaldi antenna (Model 4) including the microstrip 55
feed along with the co-ordinate system: Ls:22.86mm,'Ws:38.10mm,
Lc: I 6. 5 mm, Wm:0. 8 mm, Wa:

1 1 I 3. 7 2mm, Ds:3.3 Omm, with e=2.2,
h:0.508mm and tanô:0.00 1
Fig.4.2 Simulated (a) Srr and (b) input impedance plot measured with respect to 56
75 C) for antenna Model 4 shown in Fig. 4.1 and described by (a.1)
Fig.4.3 Simulated E-plane (0:90'plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 4 59
shown in Fig. 4.1 and described by (a.1)
Fig. 4.4 Simulated H-plane (ö:0' plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 4
shown in Fig. 4.1 and described by (a.1)
Fig. 4.5 (a) plot of Average E and H-planes' phase centre location (for a maximum
tolerable phase difference A0:30" and 0 ranging from 0 to 60') of Model

4 given in Fig. a.1; (b) geometry of Model 4 indicating the portion of
antenna axis where these Average phase centres lie for both E and H
vll
planes
Fig.4.6 The geometry of the Vivaldi antenna (Model 5) including the microstrip
feed along with the co-ordinate system: Ls:22.86mm,'Ws:38.10mm,
Lc: I 6. 5 I mm, Wm:0. 8 I mm, Wa=3.05mm, Ds:3.3 0mm, with er2.2,

75 O for antenna Model 5 shown in Fig. 4.6 and described by @.2)
Fig. 4.8 Simulated E-plane (0:90'plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 5
shown in Fig. 4.6 and described by @.2)
Fig.4.9 Simulated H-plane (0:0" plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 5
shown in Fig. 4.6 and described by @.2)
maximum tolerable phase difference A0:30o and 0 ranging from 0 to

60') of Model 5 given in Fig. a.6; (b) geometry of Model 5 indicating
bothEandHplanes
Fig. 4.1I The geometry of the Vivaldi antenna (Model 6) including the microstrip 75
feed along with the co-ordinate system: Ls=22.86mm, Ws:17.94mm,
Lc: 1 6. 5 I mm, Wm:0. 8 mm, Wa:6.3 5mm, Ds:3. 3 0mm, with e=2.2,
1
h:0.508mm and tanõ:0.00 1
Fig. 4.12 Simulated (a) Srr and (b) input impedance plot measured with respect to 77
75 Cl for antenna Model 6 shown in Fig. 4.1 I and described by (3.1)
Fig. 4.13 Simulated E-plane (ö:90' plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 79
6 shown in Fig. 4.11
vill
Fig.4.l4 Simulated surface current at 15 GHz on the copper cladding of Model I 8l
given in Fig. 3.1 and described by (3.1)
Fig. 4. 15 Simulated surface current at 15 GHz on the copper cladding of Model 6 82

given in Fig. 4.1 1 and described by (3.1)
Fig. 4.16 Simulated H-plane (0:0" plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model6
shown in Fig. 4.11
Fig.4.L7 (a) plot of Average E and H-planes'phase centre location (for a
maximum tolerable phase difference Â0:l0o and 0 ranging from 0 to

60') of Model 6 given in Fig. a.l l; (b) geometry of Model 6 indicating
bothEandHplanes
Fig. 5.1 (a) Three dimensional view of balanced antipodal Vivaldi depicting the
various layers (b) Front view of the antenna along with co-ordinate
system : Ls:22.86mm,'Ws: 1 7. 9 4mm, Lc: I 6. 5 I mm, Wa:6. 3 5mm and
described by (3.1) with er:2.2, height of each dielectric h=0.508mm and

tanô:O.001
50 O for the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna shown in Fig. 5.1 and
described by (3.1)
Fig. 5.3 Simulated E-plane (0=90" plane) co-pol and cross-pol pattems of the
balanced antipodal Vivaldi shown in Fig. 5.1 and described by (3.1)
Fig. 5.4 Simulated H-plane (0:0'plane) co-pol and cross-pol pattems of the
balanced antipodal Vivaldi shown in Fig. 5.1 and described by (3.1)
Fig. 5.5 (a) plot of Average E and H-planes' phase centre location (for a maximum
tolerable phase difference Â0:15" and 0 ranging from -30 to 30o) of the
balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.1; (b) geometry of the antenna
ix
indicating the portion of antenna axis where Average E and H-plane phase
centres lie
Fig. 5.6 Front view of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 alongwith co- 101
ordinate system: Ls:75.90mm, Ws:55.90mm, Wa=43mm and described
by (5.1), with er-2.5, height of each dielectric h:l.50 mm and tanô:0.001
Fig. 5.7 Simulated (a) Sr I and (b) input impedance plot measured with respect to 102
50 fJ for the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 shown in Fig. 5.6 and
described by (5.1)
Fig. 5.8 Simulated E-plane (0:90" plane) co-pol and cross-pol pattems of the 105
balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 shown in Fig. 5.6 and described by

(5.1)
Fig. 5.9 Simulated H-plane (ö:0" plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of the r08
balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 shown in Fig. 5.6 and described by

(5. 1)
Fig. 5.10 Front view of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of lll
l2.80mm along with co-ordinate system: Ls:88.70mm, Lc:7 5.90mm,
Le:12.80mm,'Ws:55.90mm, Wa:43mm and described by (5.1), with
er:2.5, height of each dielectric h:1.50 mm and tanð:0.001
Fig. 5.11 Front view of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of rt4
1 2. 80mm along with co-ordinate system: Ls: 1 05.90 mm, Lc:'I 5.90mm,
Le:30mm, Ws:55.90mm, Wa=43mm and described by (5.1), with
e=2.5, height of each dielectric h:1.50 mm and tanô:0.001
maximum tolerable phase difference Aö:35o and 0 ranging from -30 to

30') of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.10; (b) geometry
of the antenna indicating the portion of antenna axis where Average E
and H-plane phase centres lie
Fig. 5.13 Comparison of the relative sizes of (a) the balanced antipodal Vivaldi 119
given in Fig. 5.10 and (b) the balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.1
Fig. 5.14 Front view of the sharp tip substrate model along with co-ordinate r20
system: Ls:105.90mm, Lc:7 5.90mm,'Ws:55.90mm, Wa:43mm and
LF 41mm and described by (5.1), with e=2.5, height of each dielectric
h:l.50 mm and tanð=0.001
Fig. 5.15 Front view of the curved substrate model along with co-ordinate system: 123
Ls:l05.90mm, Lc=7 5.90mm, Ws:55.90mm,'Wa=43mm and described
by (5.1), with er-2.5, height of each dielectric h:I.50 mm and
tanô:0.001
Fig. 5.16 Front view of the curved sharp tip substrate model along with co-ordinate 126
system: Ls= I 05.90 mm, Lc:7 5. 90mm,'Ws:5 5.90mm,'Wa:43mm and
described by (5.1), with æ:2.5, height of each dielectric h:l.50 mm
and tanô:0.001
Fig. 6.1 (a) Photograph of the fwo dielectric substrates of the fabricated antenna t32
showing the etched stripline to flare transition on one slab and the ground
plane to flare transition on the other (b) Fabricated balanced antipodal
Vivaldi antenna described by (5.1) with substrate elongation of 12.80mm,

Ls=8 8.70mm, Lc:1 5.90mm, V/s:5 5.90mm
Fig. 6.2 Simulated and measured Sl r patterns with respect to 50 C) for the 133
balanced antipodal Vivaldi shown in Fig. 5.10 and Fig. 6.1 respectively
and described by (5.1) with E,:2.5, h:l.5mm, tanô:0.001. Other

parameters are given in Fig. 6.1
Fig. 6.3 Measured input impedance plot of the antenna in Fig. 6.1 with respect to 135
50 C) on a substrate with er:2.5, h:l.5mm, tanô:0.001. Other parameters
xi
are given in Fig. 6.1
Fig.6.4 Picture of the fabricated balanced antipodal Vivaldi showing the mounting 136
Position in the anechoic chamber for measuring E-plane radiation pattems
Fig. 6.5 Picture of the fabricated balanced antipodal Vivaldi showing the mounting 136
Position in the anechoic chamber for measuring H-plane radiation patterns
Fig. 6.6 Simulated and measured E-plane (0=90" plane) radiation pattems of the 143
balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.10 and Fig. 6.1 respectively
with er:2.5, h:l.5mm, tanô:0.001. Other parameters are given in Fig. 6.1
Fig.6.7 Simulated and measured H-plane (0:0'plane) radiation patterns of the 151
balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.10 and Fig. 6.1 respectively
with er=2.5, h:l.5mm, tanô:0.001. Otherparameters are given in Fig. 6.1
Fig. 6.8 Geometry of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of I54
12.80mm indicating the portion of antenna axis where the simulated
(40: 1 5')and measured (Â0=3 5 ")H-plane phase centre lie;dlm:7 4.22mm

d2m:80.75mm, dls:57mm, d2s:90mm. Dimensions of the antenna are
given in Fig. 5.10
xll
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model I given in 24

Fig. 3. I and described by (3 . I )
Table 3.2 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of Model 1 given 25

in Fig. 3.1 and described by (3.1)
Table 3.3 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattem characteristics of Model I given in 28
Fig. 3. 1 and described by (3 . I )
Table 3.4 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of Model I given 28
Table 3.5 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 2 given in 37
Fig.3.7 and described by (3.2)
Table 3.7 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattem characteristics of Model 2 given in 40
Fig.3.7 and described by (3.2)
Table 3.8 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattem characteristics of Model2 given 4l

Table 3.9 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattem characteristics of Model 3 given in 47
Fig. 3.12 and described by (3.3)
Table 3. 1 1 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 3 given 5 I

xlll
Table 3.12 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of Model 3 given 51
Table 4.1 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model4 given in 59
Fig. 4.1 and described by (4.1)

in Fig. 4.1 and described by (a.1)
Table 4.3 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 4 given in 63
Fig. 4.1 and described by (a.1)
Table 4.5 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattem characteristics of Model 5 given in 69

Fig. 4.6 and describedby (4.2)

in Fig. 4.6 and described by (a.2)
Table 4.7 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 5 given in 13
Fig. 4.6 and describedby (4.2)
Table 4.8 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattem characteristics of Model 5 given 73
in Fig. 4.6 and described by @.2)
Table 4.9 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 6 given in 80
Fig. 4.11
in Fig. 4.11
Table 4. 1 1 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 6 given in 85
xrv
Fig. 4.11

in Fig. 4.11
Table 5.1 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced 94

antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5. 1 and described by (3 . 1)
Table 5.2 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattem characteristics of the balanced 95
antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5. I and described by (3 . 1)
Table 5.3 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced 98
antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.1 and described by (3.1)
Table 5.4 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced 98
antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 given in Fig. 5.1 and described by (5.1)
Table 5.6 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced 106
Table 5.7 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattem characteristics of the balanced 109
Table 5.8 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced 109
Table 5.9 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced lI2
antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of 12.80mm given in
Fig.5.10
Table 5.10 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced Il2
XV
antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of l2.80mm given in
Fig.5.10
Table 5. 1 I Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced II3

antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of l2.80mm given in
Fig.5.l0
Table 5. 12 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced 1 I3
antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of 12.80mm given in

Fig.5.10
antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of 30mm given in Fig. 5.1 I
Table 5.14 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced 115
antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of 30mm given in Fig. 5.11
Table 5. l5 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced 116
Table 5.16 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced I l6

Table 5.17 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattem characteristics of the sharp tip I2I
substrate model given in Fig. 5.14
Table 5.18 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the sharp tip l2T
Table 5.19 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the sharp tip I22
Table 5.20 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the sharp tip I22
xvt
Table 5.21 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the curved tip 124
Table 5.22 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattem characteristics of the curved tip 124
Table 5.23 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the curved tip I25
Table 5.24 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the sharp tip 125
Table 5.25 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the curved sharp I27
tip substrate model given in Fig. 5.16
Table 5.26 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the curved 127
sharp tip substrate model given in Fig. 5.16
Table 5.27 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the curved sharp I28
tip substrate model given in Fig. 5.16
Table 5.28 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the curved 128
Table 6.1 Summary of the simulated and measured E-plane co-pol pattern 1,44
characteristics of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5. I 0 and

Fig. 6.1 respectively
Table 6.2 Summary of the simulated and measured E-plane cross-pol pattern 144
characteristics of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.10 and

Table 6.3 Summary of the simulated and measured H-plane co-pol pattern I52
xvll
Table 6.4 Summary of the simulated and measured H-plane cross-pol pattem I52
xvl1l
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Preface
The Vivaldi antenna is a member of the class of aperiodic, continuously scaled,
end-fire traveling wave antenna structures and was first introduced by Gibson in 1979
[]. It consists of an exponentially tapered flare, and at different frequencies, different
parts of the antenna radiate, while the size of the radiating part is constant in wavelength.
As such, it has a theoretically unlimited operating frequency range. However, this infinite
operating bandwidth is limited due to certain practical factors such as feed to slotline
transition, finite dimensions of the antenna etc. [2].In practice, the Vivaldi antenna can
provide multioctave operation and is therefore designated under the class of ultra-wide
band (UWB) antennas. These antennas are used for several applications such as satellite
communication systems, radio astronomy, microwave imaging, feeds for reflectors and
wide-band phased array systems [3]. In all these applications, it is important to know the
radiation characteristics of this antenna as well as its phase centre location. This thesis
investigates the radiation characteristics and location of phase centre for two different
types of Vivaldi antennas.

l.2Literature Review
Increasing operating frequency and bandwidth required for commercial and
military communication systems have been considered as the main drives for advances in
ultra-wideband (UWB) technology [4].UWB systems transmit extremely narrow pulses
on the order of I nano second or less, resulting in bandwidths in excess of I GHz [5]. The
applications of such antennas include satellite communication, remote sensing,
microwave imaging, wide band scanning affays and radio astronomy. ln all these
applications, there is a growing need for integrated technology, as fabrication of a large
number of metal waveguide feeds is expensive and leads to feed clusters for antennas
which have very appreciable weight [6].
To overcome these problems, planar antennas with end-fire radiation were

introduced. The first of its kind was introduced by Lewis et al. in [7] where a stripline fed
tapered notch antenna capable of multioctave bandwidths was presented. In [] an
exponentially tapered slot antenna, namely the Vivaldi was introduced by Gibson, which
demonstrated a bandwidth of I to 40 GHz.
Many numerical methods of analysis have been used to study the performance of
these tapered slot antennas. In [8] a moment method model was presented for the
radiation characteristics of the tapered slot antenna. In [9] a FD-TD analysis of the
Vivaldi antenna was carried out.
Extensive study on Vivaldi antennas has been carried out by Schaubert.
Characteristics of tapered slot antennas in general were discussed in [3] and [6]. In [10] a
thorough parametric study of stripline fed Vivaldi antenna arrays was presented in which
the effects of substrate thickness, stripline/slotline transition, slot parameters and array
grid spacing was investigated. In [1], wideband Vivaldi arrays for large aperture
antennas were studied and the method of interleaving two orthogonal single polarized
arrays to form dual polarized arrays was introduced.
The bandlimiting effect of feed line to slotline transition was overcome by the
introduction of the antipodal Vivaldi in l2l where a tapered transition from microstrip to
symmetric double sided slot line exhibiting a very wide operating frequency range was
presented. The very high cross-polarization exhibited by this antenna was overcome with
the development of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi which was presented in [2].
Only a few papers dealing with the study of location of phase centre of the
Vivaldi antenna have been published in the past. In [3] an approach to finding a 3-D
phase center was presented. ln |al a method in which a dielectric rod was inserted into a
Vivaldi antenna in order to minimize phase center variations was introduced. Results in
[15] showed that the H-plane phase center was located near the feed of the antenna where
as the E plane phase center was located toward the wider end of the slot and tended to
move towards the feed with increase in frequency.
This thesis investigates the radiation characteristics and phase centre location of
two different types of Vivaldi antennas. A parametric study of a single sided Vivaldi
antenna of existing design is carried out from which a compact design is developed which
exhibits a performance superior to that of the former. Using this compact design, a
balanced antipodal Vivaldi is developed and it is seen to exhibit a commendable

performance as well. ln order to achieve a wider bandwidth of operation, a balanced
antipodal Vivaldi with a larger aperlure is studied. Elongation of substrate and shaping of
substrate are found to be suitable methods for enhancement of the gain of this antenna
and several models implementing these techniques are presented. Lastly, experimental
investigations are also carried out and it is seen that the measured far-field radiation
patterns and phase centre location are in close agreement with the simulated results.
1.3 Structure of the Thesis
The thesis is divided into seven chapters. Chapter one gives an introduction and
literature review on the topic and describes its overall goals. Chapter two gives a brief
overview of tapered slot antennas which includes the various types and their feeding
techniques. The Vivaldi antenna and its properties are discussed in detail and the
definition of the term phase centre is also included in this chapter. A parametric study on
the length of the flare of a single sided Vivaldi antenna is presented in chapter three. The
simulated radiation patterns along with the location of phase centre for each model is
discussed. In chapter four, another parametric study on the same antenna is presented in
which the rate of taper of the flare is varied and corresponding simulated radiation
patterns and phase centre locations are studied. The effect of truncation of width on the
antenna performance is also studied and a compact design which has a better
performance than those of the former designs is developed. From this compact design, a
balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna is developed and its radiation patterns and phase
centre location are studied in chapter five. Also, a balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna
which exhibits a larger bandwidth than the previous is also modeled and the effect of
elongation and substrate shaping on its gain is investigated. In chapter six, an
experimental verification is presented in which a comparison is made between measured
and simulated results of a fabricated balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna whose
dimensions are chosen from one of the models presented in chapter five. The location of
the phase centre of this fabricated antenna is studied and compared to the simulated
results. Finally, the conclusion and future work are given in chapter seven.
CHAPTER 2
BRIEF OVERVIE\ry OF TAPERED SLOT ANTENNAS
2.1 Introduction
Tapered slot antennas (TSA) exhibit attractive features such as light weight, ease
of fabrication by photo-etching, conformal installation and compatibility with microwave
integrated circuits (MIC). A TSA consists of a tapered slot cut in a thin film of metal with
or without an electrically thin substrate on one side of the film. The slot is narrow toward
one end for efficient coupling to devices such as mixer diodes. Away from this region,
the slot is tapered and a traveling v/ave propagating along the slot radiates in the end-fire
direction [6].
The stripline fed tapered slot antenna was the first TSA to be introduced by Lewis
et al. l7l in 1974. The linearly tapered slot antenna was introduced by Prasad and
Mahapatra [17], in 1919, and shortly there after, Gibson [] introduced the Vivaldi
antenna. Many variations of these simple structures were later on fabricated by using
standard printed circuit techniques, and the dimensional tolerances were easily
maintained for operation at frequencies of up to 100 GHz and higher [3].
In this chapter a brief introduction to the various types of tapered slot antennas,
their feeding methods and an overview of the Vivaldi is presented. The term 'phase
centre' is defined and its significance in this thesis is also mentioned.

2.2 Tapered SIot Antennas (TSAs)
2.2.1 Characteristics of TSAs
Tapered slot antennas belong to the class of traveling-wave antennas of the
'surface wave'type [8] and radiate predominantly in the end-fire direction. Such
antennas utilize a traveling-wave propagating along the antenna structure with a phase
velocity vprtl c where c is the velocity of light in free space. The energy in the traveling
wave is tightly bound to the conductors when the separation is very small compared to a
free space wavelength and becomes progressively weaker and more coupled to the
radiation field as the separation increases [1]. Surface wave antennas are slow wave
antennas and generallyproduce end-fire radiation [19].
The major advantage of tapered slot antennas is that they are known to exhibit a
good perforrnance over a very wide bandwidth [20]. They have moderately high gain for
a given cross section by virnre of their traveling-wave nature. They also offer qualities
such as efficiency, light weight and geometric simplicity [6].
2.2.2 Taper Profiles
The three basic taper profiles of TSAs are linear taper (LTSA), constant width
taper (CWSA) and non-linear taper (exponential, tangential and parabolic). Though they
differ in taper profile of the slot (which is the main radiating region of these antennas),
the basic radiation mechanism of all these antennas is similar. Fig.2.1 depicts some of
these taper profiles.

(a) (b) (c)
Fig. 2.1 Three basic taper profiles (a) Linear taper þ) Constant Width taper (c) Non-
linear taper
These various taper profiles can be used in the fabrication of either single or
double sided TSAs. Single sided TSAs are those in which a tapered slotline is etched on
only one side of a dielectric slab. Double sided TSAs refer to antennas in which a tapered
slotline is etched on both sides of the slab.
2.2.3 B eeding Techniques
Tapered slotline antennas can be fed by various techniques. The slotline section
(radiating section) of the antenna is a balanced line, whereas the feed (such as a
microstrip line or coaxial cable) is an unbalanced line. Hence, a proper transition section
is required to act as a balun which translates the unbalanced feed to the balanced
radiating section [21]. These transitions must be compact, easy to fabricate and have low
loss. In practice, it has been observed that a very wideband transition is difficult to design
and that it mainly affects the higher frequency limit of the antennal22l.
There are two types of transitions namely electromagnetically coupled transitions
and directly coupled transitions. ln electromagnetically coupled transitions, the coupling
takes place through electromagnetic fields rather than through direct electrical contact.
Examples of feeds which use such transitions are microstrip line, stripline, coplanar
waveguide, etc. The microstrip/stripline to slotline transition will be discussed in detail
fuither on in this chapter. In directly coupled transitions, the coupling takes place through
a direct current path. Examples of such feeds are coaxial cables, bond wires or ribbons
[23].
2.3 The Vivaldi Antenna
2.3.1lntroduction
As previously mentioned, Gibson [1] proposed the Vivaldi antenna as a new
member of the class of frequency independent antennas in 1979.It is an exponentially

tapered slot antenna. At different frequencies, different sections of the exponentially
tapered slot radiate efficiently and hence the Vivaldi antenna has theoretically infinite
bandwidth [2]. In Fig.2.2 a basic model of a Vivaldi antenna is shown.
Dielectric
substrate
Copper
cladding
Fig. 2.2 Basic model of the Vivaldi antenna
9
Supposing the antenna shown in Fig. 2.2 is positioned in the y-z plane of a three
dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, the general equation for the taper is given by
the equation
! = lAeP' (2.r)
The constant p dictates the gradualness of the exponential taper and is known as taper
rate. The maximum separation between the slot line conductors, namely the aperture of
the antenna, is equivalent to a free space half wavelength of the lowest frequency of
operation. While the aperfure size determines the lowest frequency of operation, the feed
generally determines the highest frequency of operation of the antenna [21].
There are several variations in the design of this antenna namely; dielectric free,
double sided and single sided. A dielectric free Vivaldi antenna, as the name itself
implies, does not have any backing substrate and consists only of a tapered slot cut in a
thin metal film. Double sided Vivaldi antennas consist of two copper-clad substrates
bonded together with a stripline conductor in the middle and ground planes having flared
slots on the outer surfaces [24]. Single sided Vivaldi antennas consist of one substrate
with a ground plane on one side and a microstrip line conductor on the other. The
microstrip to slotline transition of a single sided Vivaldi antenna will be discussed in
detail in the next section.
Two other types of Vivaldi antennas which cannot be classified under any of the
three previously mentioned categories are the antipodal Vivaldi antenna and the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi antenna. They will be discussed in detail further on in this chapter.
l0
2.3.2 Microstrip/Stripline to Slotlin e Transitions
Microstrip and stripline feeds are the most commonly used for single sided and
double sided Vivaldi antennas respectively. The simplest broadband transition used is one
in which the microstrip (or stripline) and the slotline cross each other at right angles. The
slotline, which is etched on one side of the substrate, is crosse d at a right angle by a
microstrip conductor on the opposite side. If À,n and 1., are the lengths of the microstrip
and slotline respectively in terms of wavelengths at a certain frequency of operation, then
the microstrip line extends about À*/4 beyond the slot and similarly the slot extends
about Àr/4 beyond the microstrip. The transition can be fabricated using the usual photo-
etching process and is thus easily reproducible 1231. Such a transition can be seen in Fig.
2.3.
Microstrip line below

substrate
Slotline above substrate
Fig. 2.3 Miuostrip to slotline transition
Here À, and l"* are the lengths of the slotline and microstrip respectively, in terms of
wavelengths.
The microstrip line may be terminated by soldering it short or by using virtual

shorts such as circular or radial stubs. Also, the slotline may be terminated by a circular
11
cavity which acts as an open circuit and facilitates radiation in the forward direction. It
has been noticed that the bandwidth of a transition with a microstrip virtual short is
always lower than the bandwidth of a transition with a soldered microstrip short.
However, the bandwidth reduction is rather low and as virtual shorts may be easily
fabricated completely by photolithographic techniques, they are generally preferred over
soldered shorts [25]. Figure 2.4 shows a broadband transition in which a microstrip line
terminated by a radial stub and a slotline with a circular cavity cross each other at right
angles.
<-Radial Str¡b
y/
\/ Slotliue above sttlstlate -J
l\hclostlip liue
belos, sr¡bstr¡te-
Fig. 2.4 Microstrip to slotline transition with radial stub
Stripline fed structures have three conductor layers. They comprise of two copper
clad substrates with etched flares that are bonded together with a stripline in the middle.
Stripline to slotline transitions are generally identical to those of microstrip to slotline
transitions in which the stripline and slotline cross each other at right angles and extend
t2
about quarter wavelengths beyond one another. Similar to microstrip lines, circular or
radial stubs may be used to terminate stripline feeds as well.
2.3.3 Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna
Though microstrip (or stripline) feeds are commonly used, the slotline to feed line
transition limits the broadband performance of the antenna. Another disadvantage is that
a one sided slotline etched on a low dielectric constant substrate has a relatively high
characteristic impedance which makes impedance matching to a microstrip feed line
quite difficult. Also, the open feed line of a one sided Vivaldi may radiate and perturb the
radiation pattem of the antenna [20]. To overcome all these problems, a new type of
Vivaldi antenna, namely, the antipodal Vivaldi was proposed by Gazitl2].
If the feed transition is made as a collinear extension of the slot, then the band
limiting effect is removed giving a very wide bandwidth of operation. In an antipodal
Vivaldi antenna, one side of a dielectric substrate slab is etched to give a microstrip line
which is then flared to produce one half of a conventional Vivaldi. On the other side, the
ground plane is reduced to give a twin line. This is then flared in the opposite direction to
the top, thus generating a Vivaldi antenna, but with wings on opposite sides of the
substrate. The smooth microstrip to twin line to Vivaldi transition has very wide
bandwidth capability and therefore the ultra-wide bandwidth potential of the antenna can
be realizedflZl.
This antenna however, exhibits very high cross-polarization levels at high
frequencies. The reason for such behavior and the method to overcome it is discussed in
the next section. Figure 2.5 shows the basic geometry of an antipodal Vivaldi antenna.
13
Flared slot
Twin line
Ground plane
Fig. 2.5 Antipodal Vivaldi antenna
2.3.4 Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna
As mentioned in the previous section, the major drawback of the antipodal
Vivaldi antenna is that it gives rise to very high levels of cross-polarization at high
frequencies due to the skew in the slot fields close to the throat of the flare. Figure2.6 is
a cross sectional view of the top of the antipodal Vivaldi and it shows the skew in the E-
field across the slot of the antenna.
ìvíerarilzatron
| ', , +L _: *:_ ,..*f- Dielectric
p_n"l¿ -*-*fl_ Metallization
Fig. 2.6 Cross sectional view of the top of the antipodal Vivaldi depicting the E-field
skew across the slot ofthe qntenna
To overcome this problem, it is necessary to balance the currents on each
radiating element and thereby negate the E-field skew. By applying another dielectric
I4
layer and a further layer of metallization, a triplate or balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna
is formed as shown inFig.2.7 .
Flared slot
Stripline
Balanced
ground planes
Fig. 2.7 Balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna
In contrast to the antipodal Vivaldi, this antenna has a stripline feed to balanced
twin line to balanced Vivaldi transition. But in coÍLmon with the antipodal Vivaldi
anterula, this feed arrangement is not band limited. With the addition of this balancing
layer, the E-fields are no longer skewed as the resultant field is now parallel to the
substrate at all frequencies as seen in Fig. 2.8. Hence, this antenna exhibits much better
cro s s-po I ar ization characteristi cs than the antip odal Vival di I I 2] .
15
Metallization
Dielectrics
ResultantE-freld Metallization
Fig. 2.8 Cross sectional view of the top of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi depicting the
resultant E-field ouoss the slot of the antenna
2.4 Phase Centre
The term 'phase centre' has been defined by IEEE standard 145-1993 as 'the
location of a point associated with an antenna such that, if it is taken as the centre of a
sphere whose radius extends into the far-field, the phase of a given field component over
the surface ofthe radiation sphere is essentially constant, at least over that portion ofthe
surface where the radiation is significant' 126].
A few studies on the location of the phase centre for various Vivaldi antenna
geometries have been published in the past. These publications were discussed in brief in
section I.2 of chapter one. Most of the previous studies confirm that a fixed phase centre
for both E and H-planes does not exist and also that its location varies with frequency.
In this thesis, we have studied the location of the phase centre along the axis of
the Vivaldi which is aligned with the z-axis of the coordinate system. The study was
mainly carried out for the models presented in chapters three and four as well as for one
of the models presented in chapter five. In chapter six, the H-plane phase centre location
for a fabricated antenna \ryas determined.
l6
2.5 Summary
In this chapter, an introduction to tapered slot antennas, their characteristics, taper
types, and feeding techniques were presented. Specifically, the Vivaldi antenna and its
concepts were introduced and the microstrip/stripline to slotline transition was described
in detail. The term 'antenna phase centre' based on IEEE standards was defined and its
significance in this thesis was mentioned.
t7
CHAPTER 3
PARAMETRIC STUDY OF VIVALDI ANTENNA _I
3.1 Introduction
In this chapter a paramefric study of a Vivaldi antenna based on the model
presented by Thiele and Taflove in [9] is carried out. The model presented in [9]
however, is a double sided stripline fed Vivaldi, whereas the models studied in this
chapter and the next are all single sided microstrip line fed Vivaldis. All three models
under investigation in this chapter share the same equation to describe their exponential
tapers. Simulations were carried out by using a finite element method design and analysis
package, Ansoft HFSS v 10.1. The simulated return loss and far-field radiation pattems
of each model are plotted for a frequency range of 6 to 20 GHz. The location of the phase
centre, represented as the distance d (in mm) from the starting of the slotline is also
studied for all three models.
3.2 Original Model (Model 1)
3.2.1 Antenna Model
The first model (Model l) under investigation is given in Fig. 3.1. In order to
reduce computation time, the length of the antenna was truncated by 27.94 mm. It was
verified that this truncation did not cause any change in the radiation patterns of the
antenna. The dielectric substrate used in the simulations of all six models of this chapter
and the next was Duroid 5880 with Ê,:2.2, height ft : 0.508 mm and tan6:0.001.
l8
Dielectric
Substrate
^l_ Wave port

excitation
Fig. 3.1 The geometry of the Vivaldi antenna (Model I) including the microstripfeed
along with the co-ordinate system: Ls : :
22.86mm, Ws 38.11mm, Lc : l6.5lmm, Wm:
0.8lmm, Iïtø: 6.35mm, Ds : 3.30mm, with e,: 2.2, h: 0.508mm and tan6: 0.001
It can be observed from Fig. 3.1 that the antenna axis is aligned with the z-axis of the
coordinate system. The antenna flare is identical to that in [9] and its equation is
y= X0.254re33(z-B.e)), g.90mm < z < I6.57mm (3.1)
A microstrip to slotline transition as described in the previous chapter was used as
the feeding technique for this antenna. The feed line is actually on the bottom side of the
substrate, but is made visible in Fig. 3.1 for a better understanding of its geometry. Its
characteristic impedance was found to be 75 C) based on the relative permittivity and
height of the dielectric substrate.
t9
The microstrip feed line was excited by using a wave port as shown in Fig. 3.1.
Ansoft HFSS assumes that the defined wave port is connected to a semi-infinitely long
waveguide that has the same cross section and material properties as the port.
3.2.2 Antenna Performance
As previously mentioned, the simulations were performed over a frequency range
of 6 to 20 GHz (a bandwidth slightly greater than 3:1) using Ansoft HFSS v 10.1. The
simulated Srr and input impedance plots of Model I are given in Fig. 3.2 (a) and (b).
-10
d¡
9¡s
(r,
-20
Frequency(GHz)
Fig. 3.2 (a)
20
Fig. 3.2 contd.
Fig. s.2 þ)
Fig. 3.2 Simulated (a) Stt and þ) input impedance plot measured with respect to 75
Q for antenna Model I shown ín Fig. 3.I and described by (3.1)
From Fig. 3.2 (a) it can be seen that the antenna has a reasonably good
performance over the entire frequency band under consideration. The discrepancy in S1¡
at the lower end of the frequency band in the return loss plot of Fig. 3.2 (a) is due to the
band limiting effect of the microstrip to slotline transition of the antenna as mentioned in
the previous chapter. In the Smith chart of Fig.3.2 (b) it can be observed that the input
impedance locus traces a loop, which represents the wide band property of this antenna.
Also, the loop is located near the centre of the Smith chart which indicates proper
matching between the feed line and excitation.
21
The co-pol and cross-pol radiation patterns in both principle planes were
simulated for the 6 io 20 GHz range with a frequency step of I GHz. The plane in which
the antenna is situated Qtz plane, i.e. þ=99" plane) is the E-plane and its perpendicular
plane (xz plane, i.e. þ:0o plane) is the H-plane of the antenna. The E-plane radiation
pattems are given in Fig. 3.3. It is interesting to note that as frequency increases, the
appearance of a null at boresight is observed for the E-plane co-pol patterns of this
antenna. This null at boresight conforms to the patterns given in [9].
ã
d)
â
dì
õ Þ
.ç .s
o
(, (,o
6 o
c
E
c
É
o o
c
0 (degrees)
(a) 6 GHz
â
d¡
p
.c .s
o o
(r_ o
o 6
c
-30 c
E o
c
< -40
-50
grri -100 0
0 (degrees)
(c) 8 GHz
â
d)
â
d)
! Þ
.E .E
õ o
(, (9
o 6
c c
c c
o o
c
Fig.3.3 (a)-(l)
22
Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
\
.È:
Antenna Gain (dBi) es
þ
(¿J
cl
o nì¡
o
õ
HO
ooSo
^E
i+
N
: : : :J I T,
r' 1 i¿*i: [:
' ii. )'

O.a
þ
uJ
l.J
(JJ
qs Antenna Ga¡n (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Ga¡n (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
I
s-
o
o
è
v@
Hâ
u¡3o
ñE
Ës
N
o
o
Fig. 3.3 contd.
ã
d)
E
'õ
o
E
É
o
Fig. 3.3 Simulated E-plane (þ:90" plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model I
In Tables 3.1 and 3.2 a summary of the important E-plane co-pol and cross-pol
pattem characteristics (respectively) of Model I such as boresight and peak gains, 3 dB
and 10 dB beamwidths (BW), boresight and peak cross-polarization, etc are given.
Frequency Boresight gain Peak gain Position of 3dBBW t0 dB Bw

(GHz) (dBi ) ldBi) Peak sa m
6 2.222 2.225 -10 980 2280
7 2.380 2.380 00 77" 247"
8 3.130 3. 130 00 650 27r"
9 3.851 3.852 -10 66" 289"
t0 3.413 3.418 -10 r82" 300'
1t 1.197 3.091 -49" 226" 306"
12 1.310 3.766 -44" 230" 304"
13 0.549 4.474 -41" 24lo 3060
t4 0.3s6 5.083 -3 80 246" 312"
15 0.591 5.737 -350 ll7" 3220
I6 r.026 5.843 -32" 270" 276"
I7 1.525 5.456 310 227" 270"
18 1.890 4.937 29" I 350 276
r9 2.696 4.825 530 221" 282"
20 3.603 5.478 49" 176 283"
Table 3.1 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model I given in
Fig. 3.1 and described by (3 I)
24
Frequency Boresight Peak Cross- Position of
(GHz) Cross-pol pol (dBi) Peak Cross-
(dBi) po
6 -26.2r8 -26.r32 7"
7 -24.550 -24.447 -250
8 -24.423 -24.355 _6o
9 -25.405 -25.284 -7"

l0 -22.164 -21.65r -130
1t -20.772 -20.209 -1 30
12 -2t.r24 -20.867 -1 lo
tâ
IJ -19.257 r8.728 -l 30
t4 -17.241 -16.735 -lJ"
15 -16.r47 -15.736 -1 30
16 -14.072 -r2.9rs -170
t7 -13.093 -12.083 -1go
18 -13.811 -13.031 - 160
19 -13.239 -1r.067 -r02"
20 -r3.357 -r2.05s -99"
Toble 3.2 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern choracteristics of Model I given
in Fig. 3.1 and desuibed by Q I)
From Table 3.1 it can be seen that the antenna has a very moderate peak gain
ranging from 2.2 to 5.8 dBi. Also, peak gain does not occur at boresight for most of the
cases due to the occurrence of null at boresight with increase in frequency. It can be
observed that the antenna has very wide 3 dB and 10 dB beamwidths. The cross-pol
levels seem to increase with increase in frequency of operation as seen from Table3.2.
The H-plane (xz plane,i.e. þ=9" plane) radiation patterns are given in Fig. 3.4.
ã ã
p
co d¡
!
.s .E
6 6
(, o
o o
c c
c c
o o
É c
Fig. 3.4 (a), (b)
25
Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
il
us
þ
\
a
i!.
\
ñ'
tgJ
IJ
O\È
Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Ga¡n (dB D Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Gain (dBi)
ç Àlo
ô-
S ol
o
o o
o
è 1.
@ v@
UJ8 sâ \oâ
@o È3o @
ôõ q-'{di
{.-lg ^€o(Þ
rT4
+rv ¡!
N N-
N
o o o
o o o
N
o
o
Fig. 3.4 contd.
Co-pol
-H-plane Cross-
---H-plane
â
o ut- â
ff)
.-\
Ei E
Ë-10i -'-" '--1
.g
ol ñ
o -2ol- (9 l
d 6
c I
E -30]-' c
o I
cl I
c L
o _+ol__
I
---.- t--. j
l I I
-rof -l I
l i
-gtoo- 1
I
-100 0 100 200 -100 0 100 200
0 (degrees) 0 (degrees)
(k) 16 GHz Q 17 GHz
â
o â
ff)
E E
.ç .g
ñ
o (,o
o õ
c c
c
o
c
o
c c
0 (degrees)
(n) 19 GHz
â
d)
E
;-1
o
O-)
o
E
E-3
c
<-4
0
e (degrees)
(o) 20 GHz
Fig. 3.4 Simulated H-plane (þ:0'plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model I shown
in Fig. 3.1 and descríbed by (3.1)
27
A summary of the H-plane co-pol and cross-pol pattems characteristics are given
in Tables 3.3 and 3.4 respectively.
Frequency Boresight gain Peak gain Position of 3dBBW l0 dB Bw

lGHz) (dBi ) (dBi) Peak sal n
6 2.222 2.295 32" 268"
7 2.380 2.522 350 25lo
8 3.1 30 3.282 300 r2l"
9 3.851 3.891 120 I 990
10 3.413 3.429 50 1 330
11 1.197 1.204 30 910
I2 1.310 1.345 60 830 1420
13 0.549 0.604 7" 900 1 33'
T4 0.356 0.436 8" 900
15 0.591 0.718 110 960
r6 1.026 1.210 14" 1 000
I7 1.525 r.703 130 90" 235"

18 1.900 2.217 lgo 1090 I 87'
t9 2.696 2.985 lgo 1110 I 780
20 3.603 3.835 170 I 140 1 650
Table 3.3 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model I given in
Fig. 3.1 and desuibedby (3 1)

( dBi ) pol
6 -26.2t8 -19.908 -93"
7 -24.550 -16.758 -92"
8 -24.423 -r6.596 -800
9 -25.40s -15.879 -76"
10 -22.r64 -r2.343 -76"
11 -20.772 -1 1.348 -75"
I2 -21.124 -1L502 -79"
t3 -19.257 -rt.076 -66"
I4 -17.24r -10.239 -560
15 -t6.t47 -9.226 -530
t6 -t4.072 -9.225 -57"
t7 -13.093 -9.233 -53"
18 -13.811 -7.893 -580
19 -t3.239 -6.294 -520
20 -r3.357 -6.329 -480
Table 3.4 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of Model I given
in Fig. 3.1 and desuibed by (3 1)
28
The blanks left at certain frequencies for 10 dB beamwidth of co-pol pattern is an
indication that the gain did not fall 10 dB off boresight and hence the l0 dB beamwidth
for such pattems could not be calculated.
3.2.3 Study of Phase Centre
The far field E and H-plane co-pol phase patterns of the antenna are not constant
and change over the angles off the main beam axis. This means that the origin of the
coordinate system is not located at the phase centre of the antenna. In order to find the
phase centre location on the antenna axis, the antenna may be displaced along the z-axis
of the coordinate system with respect to the origin, such that at this new location, the far
field phase pattem is essentially constant.
As previously explained, the radiation from the Vivaldi antenna originates from
various locations of its tapered slotline. Hence the starting of the slotline was chosen as
the reference point for the study of the location of the phase centre for all the antenna
models presented in this thesis. Here, the two principle plânes' (E and H-planes) far f,reld
co-pol phase pattems were studied in the 6 to 20 GHz frequency range (with one GHz
steps) for an angle off main beam axis 0 ranging from 0 to 60o. At every considered
frequency, the phase centre for each principle plane was located at a distance d from the
starting of the slotline. It is important to mention that a completely constant far field
phase pattem could not be achieved, and hence, the phase centre was identified as that
location on the antenna axis at which the phase difference between any two points (in the
mentioned angle off main beam axis range) of the far field copol phase pattern
constrained to a specified maximum tolerable phase difference A$. For every model, it
was found that the phase centre location at each frequency (in either of the two principle
29
planes) did not confine itself to a fixed point on the antenna axis, but rather it was found
to lie over a portion of the antenna axis.
Figure 3.5 (a) is aplot which depicts the lower and upper ends of the portion of
the antenna axis of Model I where the phase centre was found to be situated for both
principle planes for a maximum tolerable phase difference Â{ of 30". The starting of the
slotline is at a distance of 8.89 mm from the bottom of the antenna. This is taken as the
reference point (i.e.,0 mm), and the phase centre locations are denoted as a distance din
mm from this reference. The lower end of the portion in each principle plane (at every
frequency) is denoted as Emin (i.e., E-plane minimum) and Hmin (i.e. H-plane
minimum) while the upper end of the portion is denoted as Emax (i.e., E-plane
maximum) and Hmax (i.e., H-plane maximum). Figure 3.5 (b) shows the location of the
phase centre in both principle planes on the antenna geometry.
E
E
.E Emax:
o
c 13.2lmm
.aô
KI
õo
r
;P Start of
õ-E slotline,Emin,
ob
Oc Hmin:
3ö
Èp 0mm
o
o \'
õ
.q.
o
Frequency (GHz)
(a) (b)
Fig. 3.5 (a) plot of E and H planes' phase centre location (or a maximum tolerable
phase difference Aø:30" and 0rangingfrom 0 to 60) of Model I given in Fig. 3.1,. (b)
geometry of Model I indicating the portion of antenna axis where phase centre lies for
bothEandHplanes
30
As the phase centre was situated over a portion of the antenna axis as opposed to a
particular point, the average of the E-plane maximum and minimum at each respective
frequency was calculated in order to get a sense of the phase centre location point on an
average on the antenna axis. This was carried out for the H-plane maximum and
minimum at each respective frequency as well. These averages (at each frequency) are
denoted as Average E-plane phase centre and Average H-plane phase centre respectively.
A trace of these locations for both planes is shown in Fig. 3.5 (a). Figure 3.6 (a) shows a
plot of the Average E and H-plane phase centre locations at each frequency and Fig. 3.6
(b) depicts these locations on the antenna geometry. AEmin and AEmax denote the
Average E-plane the minimum and maximum phase centre locations respectively.
Similarly AHmin and AHmax denote the Average H-plane minimum and maximum
phase centres respectively.
È1
-C
.9o
O-
oo
it-t . AHmax:
Ëo 5.86mm AEmax:6.6lmm
oo
o.E
ot AHmin:
ø6 AEmin:0.41mm
Ei,
o-E l.4lmm Start of slotline
oo
oÈ
Eu
9sr
<Ë6
þ
E
(b)
Fig. 3.6 (a) plot of Average E and H planes' phase centre location (for a maximum
tolerable phase dffirence Aþ:30" qnd 0 ranging from 0 to 60) of Model I given in Fig.
3.I ; (b) geometry of Model I indícating the portion of antenna axis where these Average
phase centres lie for both E and H planes
From Fig. 3.6 (a) it can be seen that the Average E-plane phase centre location on the
antenna axis of Model I are quite stable in the 14 to 20 GHz range while the Average H-
31
plane phase centre is stable in the 6 to 10 GHz range as well as the 14 to 20 GHz range.
Also, it can be observed that the maximum distance between the Average E-plane phase
centre and Average H-plane phase centre is 5.45 mm.
3.3 Extended Flare Model (Model 2)
3.3.1 Antenna Model
The second model under study (Model 2) can be seen in Fig. 3.7. The dimensions
of this model are identical to that of Model l, as is the equation describing its exponential
taper except that the length of the flare was increased by 2.54 mm.
L"
Fig. 3.7 The geometry of the Vivaldi antenno (Model 2) including the miuostrip feed
along with the co-ordinate system: Ls : 22.86mm, V[/s : 38.])mm, Lc : 19.05mm, Wm --
0.8lmm, Wa : 14.73mm, Ds : 3.30mm, with t,: 2.2, h: 0.508mm and tan6: 0.001
The equation of the exponential taper is
! =t0.254rQ33(z-8.e)), g.90mm< z <l9.05mm (3.2)
32
Apart from the increase in taper length, all other parameters in this model were
kept identical to that of Model 1 given in Fig. 3.1 including microstrip line width, method
of feed excitation, etc.
The simulated Srr and input impedance plots of Model 2 are given in Fig. 3.8 (a)
and (b).
o
E
Ø
Frequency(GHz)
Fig. j.8 (ø)
5J
Fig. 3.8 contd.
rro roo,.--?,..10
30
20
l0
-10
.20
30
"-
-ll0.-:,'mTfl'l--
-100 .0o S0
-70
t.0 0.0 t.
Fig 3.8 (b)
Fig. 3.8 Símulated (a) Stt and (b) input impedance plot measured with respect to 75
Q for antenna Model 2 shown in Fig. 3.7 ønd described by (3 2)
From Fig. 3.8 (a), it can be observed that the increase in the length of the flare
slightly improves the wide band performance of the antenna when compared to Model 1.
From Fig. 3.8 (b) it can be seen that the there is proper matching between the feed line
and excitation.
The E-plane radiation patterns for Model 2 are given in Fig. 3.9. As in Model 1, a
null at boresight for the co-pol patterns are observed with increase in frequency for this
model also.
ã
d)
â
dl
E Þ
.s-
o
.g
G
o_ o
o ß
E É
c_
o o '¡iJ ";;i:-,.:'
"""1"
-100 0 100 -100 0
e (degrees) 0 (degrees)
(a) 6 GHz Fig. 3.9 (a), (b) þ) 7 GHz

34
<l
Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
h
þ
\o
{í.-<'i a
o
:i)r \i ì
È¿{
o 1 iíi,' : I
:\,
W'
. \. i \
tsâ I I l, , i)
N3o i i ri . rJ
ui ó
^õ i
H
N
t ;..i: r t\ll
ì"..i
IT TI
o
ô
I' ,1,
lþÞñ
..)i '' {')--tdlil lf 5
lô o
:
'.-"''
:I loo
lã9
lØE
lr ; løõ
ei i=i <:
O.a
\o
u) þ
,.e I
Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain
S
Fig. 3.9 contd.
â
ID
â
co
! E
.E .g
€ 6 /,,'----:rt__,.--\\
o ..,-./,1.:::.--!........ ' .
-.
o \
o 6 '1
c Ê
Ê
o
co
c
â
fD
E
-õ
(,
6
c
c
o
c
â
dl
E
.=
ñ
o
6
c
c
o
c
Fig. 3.9 Simulated E-plane (ø:90" plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 2
shown in Fig. 3.7 and desuibed by (3.2)
Tables 3.5 and 3.6 summarize the important E-plane co-pol and cross-pol pattems
characteristics respectively.
36
Frequency Boresight gain Peak gain Position of 3dBBW 10 dB BW
(GHz) (dBi) (dBi) Peak sain
6 2.849 2.850 -1" 91" 232"
7 3.2t4 3.216 -10 720 2520
8 4.141 4.141 -10 69" 273"
9 5.048 5.054 -lo 610 287"
l0 4.823 4.826 -lo 760 295"
o
11 3.476 3.481 -10 I 560 301
.l0
T2 3.723 3.734 I 500 292"
13 3.386 4.803 -390 148' 302"
I4 3.1 0t 5.626 -36" 143" 289"
15 3.079 6.044 -330 I 36" 259"
t6 3.r78 6.281 -28" 1290 262"
l7 3.225 6.444 -27" 1 300 2480
l8 3.558 6.527 -250 145" 234"
19 3.976 6.326 23" 1 600 284"
20 4.440 5.981 220 151" 2850
Table 3.5 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 2 given in
Fig. 3.7 and desuibed by (3 2)

( dBi ) DO I
6 -25.925 -25.893 5"
7 -24.786 -24.2r4 -2ro
8 -24.930 -24.376 -1 go
9 -24.069 -23.965 -8"
10 -22.271 -22.253
11 -22.239 -2r.759 -110
l2 -20.788 -20.102 -18"
13 -18.678 -18.419 -1 10
L4 -17.023 -16.736 -1 10
15 -16.r44 -r5.440 -27"
16 -r4.479 -13.698 -r40
17 -14.045 -11902 -260
18 -t2.729 -r2.252 -1 00
r9 -13.179 -t|j02 -99"
20 -12.644 -1 1.304 -270
Table 3.6 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of Model2 given
in Fig. 3.7 and desuibed by (3.2)
37
From Table 3.5, it is observed that the E-plane peak gain of Model 2 at various
frequencies is slightly higher than that of Model 1. This is an indication that an increase
in flare length increases the gain of the antenna.
The H-plane co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 2 are givenin Fig. 3.10.
Co-pol
-100 0 100
0 (degrees)
þ) 7 GHz
ã
o ã
co
! E
.E 'õ
6
(, (9
ñ 6
c
c
o
c
o
c c
-100 0 100
0 (degrees)
(d) 9 GHz
â
m
â
d)
Þ Þ
.E .E
(,o
6
o
o o
E É
c É
o o
Ê c
Fig. 3.10 (a)-(f)
38
Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
\
ñ'
þ
s
o
o :\
Vo
'o
æEo
rrr
^õô
N
o
o
\r
ñt
þ
urs
\oo
I Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
Fig. j.l0 contd.
â
d)
E
Y-1
-õ
(,
o
c
c_?
c
<-4
-c
-100 0 100
0 (degrees)
(o) 20 GHz
Fíg. 3.10 Simulated H-plane (ø:0" plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 2
shown in Fig. 3.7 and desuibed by (3.2)
Tables 3.7 and 3.8 give a swnmary of the important H-plane co-pol and cross-pol
characteristics respectively. Again, blanks are left at certain frequencies for 10 dB
beamwidth as they could not be calculated.
Frequency Boresight gain Peak garn Position of 3dBBW 10 dB BW

lGHz) ( dBi ) ( dBi ) Peak ga m
6 2.849 2.908 310 254"
7 3.2t4 3.268 240 219"
8 4.141 4.15r 90 1910
9 5.048 5.070 80 157"
10 4.823 4.842 6 127"
11 3.476 3.489 4" 99"
I2 3.723 3.154 6" 97" 147"
13 3.386 3.430 60 900 1370
t4 3.1 01 3.148 6" 87" 136
15 3.079 3.13 I 6" 850 1370
t6 3.r78 3.236 '7" 850 139'
t7 3.225 3.307
80 87" l4r"
18 3.558 3.7r2 110 880 1 35'
19 3.976 4.125 12" 910 145"

20 4.440 4.528 9" 900 137"
Table 3.7 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 2 given in
Fig. 3.7 and desuibed by (3.2)
40
( dBi ) DO I
6 -25.92s - 19.398 -87"
7 -24.786 -16.463 -920
8 -24.930 -16.069 -860
9 -24.069 -14.492 -78"
10 -22.271 -11.810 -750
t1 -22.239 11902 -75"
t2 -20.788 -12.s02 -67"
13 -18.678 -1r.263 -570
I4 -17.023 -9.942 -560
15 -r6.r44 -9.925 -530
t6 -14.479 -9.839 -500
ll -r4.04s -8.r76 -52"
l8 -t2.729 -7.230 -49"
t9 -13.t79 -6.989 -510
20 -12.644 -7.275 -510
Table 3.8 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of Model 2 given
in Fig. 3.7 and desuibed by (3 2)
3.3.3 Study of Phase Centre for Model2
A study of the phase centre location of Model 2 was carried out, and similar to
Model 1, the phase centre in both the E and H-planes could not be located at a single
point but rather it was found to situate on a certain portion of the antenna axis for a
maximum tolerable phase difference ÂQ of 25o. Figure 3.11 (a) shows a plot of the
Average E and H-plane phase centre locations at each frequency and Fig. 3.11 (b) depicts
these locations on the antenna geometry.
41
E
CL
O-
39
o=
o-9 AHmax: AEmax:
Eø
Cts
oo
oo 6.1lmm 8.26mm
otr
Èd AHmi
Lø
OF
o:
1.5lmm
OY
9E
<8
c
õ
.2
E
(b)
Fig. 3.ll (a) plot of Average E and H planes'phase centre location (for a maximum
tolerable phase dffirence Aþ:25" and 0 ranging from 0 to 60) of Model 2 given in Fig.
3.7; (b) geometry of Model 2 indicating the portion of antenna axis where these Average
From Fig. 3.11 (a) it is observed that the Average E and H-plane phase centre locations
on the axis of Model 2 are quite stable in the 14 to 20 GHz range. It is can also be seen
that the maximum distance between the Average E and H-plane phase centres is 6.75
mm.
3.4 Truncated Flare Model (Model 3)
3.4.1 Antenna Model
In the last model under investigation in this chapter (Model 3), the effect of
truncation of flare length was studied. The equation describing the flare was maintained
the same as that of Model 1, but its length was truncated by 1.27 mm. All other
dimensions were unaltered. Figure 3. l2 shows the geometry of Model 3.
42
L"
Fig. 3.12 The geometry of the Vivaldi antenna (Model 3) including the microstripfeed
alongwiththe co-ordinate system: Ls:22.86mm, lV's:38.10mm, Lc: 15.24mm, l'tlm:
0.81 mm, Wa : 4.06mm, Ds : 3.30mm, with er: 2.2, h: 0.508mm, and tan6: 0.001
The equation describing the flare is
! = t0.254u(0.33(z_8.e)), g.90mm < z < l5.24mm (3.3)
3,4.2 Antenna Performance
The simulated S¡ and input impedance plots of this model are given in Fig. 3.13.
It can be observed that the truncation of the flare leads to a deterioration in the wide band
performance of the antenna over the considered frequency range.
43
'I
:l I
o
E
U'
-20
-25
-301
6 12 14
Frequency(GHz)
(a)
,o
lle loo 80
160
170
-110 '/E'10
-t60 F"o
-150 -¡o
-l¡10
(b)
Fig. 3.13 Simulated (a) 511 and þ) input impedance plot measured with respect to 75
Q for antenna Model 3 shown in Fig. 3.12 and described by (3.3)
44
The E-plane co-pol and cross-pol patterns are shown in Fig. 3.14. As in the previous two
models, the appearance of a null at boresight occurs in the co-pol patterns with an
increase in frequency.
â
co
E
.g
o
(9
6
c
c
o
c
â
dl
â
d¡
o p
.s .=
o
(, (,6
õ
c
o
c
c c
o o
c c
0 0
(c) 8 GHz (d) 9 GHz
â
dl
â
d¡
E o
.g .E
6 6
(, (9
õ
q 6
g
ç
o o
c
-100 0 100
0 (degrees)
(fl tI GHz
Fig. 3.1a @)-(fl
45
<J
Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
ñ'
þ
\
a
È(
t!
el
qq
5\
þ
O\ *.
Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
oI 'å, o À å $ :
Noooooc
ã o
o
o
è
o
-o
uJea
o
q)g
-r ;J-i
I
m
N
l::i p.
a o
tíi f o
It,t'i o
c)
d
----<
: | | t'
Þ
o
Fig. 3.14 contd.
â
o
E
.E
(,o
6
c
c
o
c
shown in Fig. 3.I2 and described by (3 3)
Tables 3.9 and 3.10 summarizethe important characteristics of the E-plane co-pol and
cross-pol patterns.
Frequency Boresight gain Peak gain Position of 3 dB BV/ t0 dB Bw

(GHz\ tdBi) (dBi) Peak garn
6 1.857 1.859 -1" 1 040 2260
7 t.721 1.723 -10 82" 2450
8 2.249 2.249 00 67" 268"
9 3.046 3.048 -1" 63" 286"
0
10 2.774 2.776 -10 194" 301
11 0.478 3.51I -500 290" 3 100
12 0.561 3.903 -46 242" 3080
13 -0.458 4.390 -41" 2520 31 10
l4 -0.836 5.015 -37" 252" 315'
15 0.048 5.070 -350 246" 272"
I6 0.415 s.058 34" 247" 2680
17 0.697 4.929 -32" 249" 269"
l8 Lt67 4.294 310 2490 272"
t9 t.852 5.095 530 24r" 277"
20 2.985 5.495 510 221" 281"
Fig. 3. I 2 qnd desuibed by (3. 3)
47
(dBÐ pol
6 -25.t57 -25.754 2"
7 -25.1s3 -24.146 -24"
8 -24.s69 -24.23s -14"
9 -26.6s6 -25.220 -23"
10 -21.626 -21.290 -9"
11 -t9.964 -19.878 -20"
t2 -19.322 -18.874 -12"
13 -19.2s0 -18.866 -14"
t4 -17.456 -16.8ss -r25"
15 -r5.992 -15.139 -180
t6 -14.825 -13.644 -2lo
T7 -r2.849 -t2.537 110
18 -13.289 -t2.007 610
t9 -12.875 -11.675 -105"
20 -12.981 -10.960 -101'
Table 3.10 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of Model 3 given
in Fig. 3.12 and described by (3 3)
From Table 3.9 it can be observed that the boresight and peak gains of Model 3 are
slightly lower than that of Model I at some frequencies. This implies that a truncation in
length of the flare leads to a reduction in gain of the antenna.
The H-plane co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 3 are given in Fig. 3.15.
â
dl
o
.E
õ
o
o
c
É
o
c
Fig. 3.15 (a), (b)
48
<l
Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
ñ'
þ
(¿t
o
s.
o
aâ
-o
uJ
^qo o
Ó
r+r
ÞJi 19
N
\
ñ
Þþ
\o\ (¿t
Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Gain Antenna Gain (dBi)
g
I
\oâo
qJqo
Hô
ùd0
N{9
o
o
N
o
o
Fig. 3.15 contd.
â
d)
â
d)
o E
.= .E
o 6
o o
õ õ
c
c
o o
c Ê
(m) 18 GHz (n) 19 GHz
Fig. 3.15 Simulated H-plane (ë:0" plane) co-pol and uoss-pol patterns of Model 3
shown in Fig. 3.12 and desuibed by (3 3)
Tables 3.11 and 3.12 summarize the important characteristics of the H-plane co-pol and
cross-pol patterns. It can be observed that the truncation of flare length has reduced both
50
H-plane boresight and peak gains of Model 3 to some extent when compared to those of
Model 1.

(GHz) ( dBi ) tdBi) Peak s.a m
6 1.857 1.883 23" 218
l 1.721 1.961 380 2680
8 2.249 2.436 370 246"
9 3.046 3.131 20" 229"
10 2.774 2.812 80 2480
11 0.478 0.495 4" 970
I2 0.561 0.594 50 92" 1510
13 -0.458 -0.397 7" 870 132"
t4 -0.836 -0.755 80 860 1400
t5 0.048 0.120 80 900
r6 0.415 0.522 10", I 1o 94"
t7 0.697 0.986 160 I 100
18 t.167 t.546 200 1 180 2120
19 r.852 2.361 25" T2T"
20 2.985 3.412 21" I 100 179"
Table 3.1I Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 3 given
in Fig. 3. I2 and desuibed by (3 3)

(dBi) DO I
6 -25.757 -t9.224 -880
7 -2s.t53 -16.2r3 -870
I -24.569 -15.674 -860
9 -26.656 -t6.663 -79"
10 -21.626 -12.955 -750
11 -19.964 -l 1.590 -810
t2 -t9.322 -tt.392 -78"
l3 -r9.250 -rr.274 -71"
I4 -17.456 -10.087 -59o
15 -t5.992 -9.055 -600
t6 -t4.825 -10.057 -49"
I7 -t2.849 -10.489 -5 1"
18 -13.289 -9.32t -560
T9 -12.875 -7.026 -560
20 -12.981 -6.390 -530
Table 3.12 Summary of H-plane øoss-pol pattern characteristícs of Model 3 given
in Fig. 3.I2 and described by (3 3)
51
3.4.3 Study of Phase centre for Model3
Figure 3.16 (a) shows a plot of the Average E and H-plane phase centre locations
at each frequency and Fig. 3.16 (b) depicts these locations on the antenna geometry. The
maximum tolerable phase difference Â{ at the phase centre location was found to be 35o.
This implies that there is a larger variation in phase of the co-pol radiation at the phase
centre location in both the planes when compared to that of Model 1.
E1
.9",
O=
oo
AHmax:
Ëo
oo 5.7lmm AEmax:
e.g
oË 6.36mm
e6 AHmin:
ÀE l.l6mm Start of slotline,
oo
óÈ
Sv AEmin:0mm
9eì
<Ë6
.9
E
(b)
Fig. 3.16 (a) plot of Average E and H planes'phase centre location (for a maximum
tolerable phase dffirence Áø:35" and 0rangingfrom 0 to 60") of Model 3 given in Fig.
3.12; (b) geometry of Model 3 indicqting the portion of antenna axís where these Average
phase centres liefor both E and H planes
From Fig. 3.16 (a) it is observed the Average E-plane phase centre is stable in the 14 to
20 GHz range while the Average H-plane phase centre is stable in the 6 to 11 GHz range
as well as the 14 to 20 GHz range. The maximum separation between the Average E and
H-plane phase centres is 5.20 mm.
52
3.5 Summary
In this chapter a parametric study of a single sided Vivaldi antenna was carried
out by maintaining the same equation to describe the flare of the taper while varfng its
length. The simulated retum loss plots and radiation pattems for all three models were
presented. An appearance of a null at boresight in the E-plane co-pol patterns was

observed for all three models. From Model 2, it was seen that an increase in flare length
increased the gain of the antenna, whereas from Model 3, it was observed that a decrease
in flare length lead to a slight decrease in gain. A study of the phase centre location for all
three models was carried out. It was observed for all three models that the phase centre
did not lie at a single point on the axis of the antenna, but rather, it situated itself on a
portion of the antenna axis. The phase centre location of Model 2 was seen to exhibit the
smallest maximum tolerable phase difference AQ while Model 3 exhibited the largest.
From the radiation patterns and phase centre study, it may be concluded that Model 2 has
the best performance amongst the three models presented in this chapter.
53
CHAPTER 4
PARAMETRIC STUDY OF VIVALDI ANTENNA _II
4.1 Introduction
In this chapter, a study on the rate of taper of the flare and also on the width of the
same Vivaldi presented in [9] is presented. As in the previous chapter, all three models
presented in this chapter are also single sided microstrip line fed Vivaldi antennas. Two
cases deal with the variation in the rate of taper of the flare of the antenna. In the third
case, the width of the Vivaldi was truncated and the results were studied. The simulations
were once again carried out by using Ansoft HFSS v.10 and the frequency range under
consideration was also maintained as that of the previous chapter. A study of the phase
centre location is also carried out in this chapter for all three models.
4.2 Fast Opening Flare Model (Modet 4)
4.2.1 Ãntenna Model
As previously mentioned, for all three models of chapter three, the equation of the
flare was unaltered. In order to observe the effect of change in rate of taper on the
antenna's performance, two models with flare equations different from that given in [9]
were studied and are presented here. The first model under study in this chapter (and the
fourth model of its kind under parametric study) is given in Fig. 4.1
54
L"
Fig. 4.1 The geometry of the Vivaldi antenna (Model 4) including the microstrip feed
along with the co-ordinate system: Ls : 22.86mm, Ws : 38.1)mm, Lc : I6.5lmm, l4/m :
0.8lmm, Wa: 13.72mm, Ds : 3.30mm, with t,: 2.2, h: 0.508mm and tan6: 0.001
In this model (Model 4), the rate of taper of the flare was increased when compared to
that given in [9] and the equation describing the flare is
y = t0.254t9'a3Q-8'e)), 8.90mm < z < l6.51mm (4.1)
This increase in rate of taper increases the width of the aperture of the antenna. All other
parameters such as microstrip feed width; antenna length, etc. were maintained as those
in the previous chapter.
4.2.2 Ãntenna Performance
The simulated S¡ and input impedance plots of Model 4 are given in Fig. 4.2.It
can be observed that mid-band performance of this model slightly better than that of
Model I of chapterth¡ee.
55
-5
-10
6'
9¡s
U'
-20
-25
-30 L
6 12 14
Frequency(GHz)
(a)
'lF'10
c -20
¡o
.120 ?È-1.001 rrfr'-60

-tlo -70
-100 -90 -10
r.0 0.0 1.0
(b)
Fig. 4.2 Simulated (a) Sy and þ) input impedance plot measured with respect to 75
{2 for antenna Model 4 shown in Fig. 4.I and described by (.1)
56
The E-plane co-pol and cross-pol patterns are shown in Fig. 4.3. From the plots it is
evident that a change in the rate of taper of the flare of the antenna does not prevent the
appearance of a null at boresight with an increase in frequency in the co-pol pattems.
Co-pol
-E-plane
---E-plane Cross-pol
â
dì
Þ
'õ
o
o
c
c
o
c
0 (degrees)
(a) 6 GHz
â
d)
â
d¡
E o
.= .=
6 o
o
õ
;;i o
6
c c
c -sol-- c
o o
c
.*l c
-501-
9r[ -100 0 100

e (degrees)
(c) 8 GHz
â
d)
E
.g
(,o
õ
c
c
o
c
Fig.4.3 (a)-(f)
57
Fig.4.3 contd.
â
d)
E
.E
o
(9
^-___--:--'*'-'iir ..,-'-ì.1.. || 6
- : l'-,r1 . l l\,--. o
c
0 (degrees)
(h) 13 GHz
â
dl
â
dl
E E
.E 'o-
o
(, (,
6 o
c c
c c
o o
c c
20
10
â
dl
a0
m
E g.^
'õ
(,
o
c
c
o
c
oof
-uoL
el. -100 0 100

0 (degrees)
Ø 17 GHz
â
o
E
'õ
(,
6
\Iit':j,,.
c t,
c
o
a
Fig.4.3 (Ð-(n)
58
Fig.4.3 contd.
Fig. 4.3 Simulated E-plane (þ:90' plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model
shown in Fig. 4.1 and desuibed by ( I)
The note worthy characteristics of the E-plane co-pol and cross-pol pattems of Model 4
are summarized in Tables 4.I and 4.2.

(GHz) (dBÐ (dBi) Peak ga tn
6 2.400 2.400 00 980 278"
/)0
7 2.453 2.460 76" 247"
8 3.012 3.018 -10 640 2640
9 3.897 3.897 00 6r" 285"
10 4.089 4.09r -10 744" 2980
l1 2.578 2.938 -47" 193" 307"
t2 2.507 3.635 -44" 192" 3050
13 1.742 4.520 -40" I 88' 308'
14 1.480 5.472 -380 r62" 313"
15 r.721 5.898 -340 1 53" 3180
16 1.964 6.084 -3 10 1 550 2750
T7 2.247 6.096 -290 169" 265"
18 2.599 6.060 -27" 208" 273"
l9 2.943 5.401 25" 2120 2800
20 3.479 4.991 -52" 181' 2840
Table 4.I Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 4 given in
Fìg. 4.I and desuibed by Ø.1)
59
(dBi) po
6 -27.t06 -26.874 -1 80
7 -25.367 -25.106 I54"
8 -23.573 -23.537 -3"
9 -25.807 -25.683 -80
10 -23.502 -23.1 80 -1go
l1 -2r.168 -20.048 -74"
l2 -20.290 - 19.81 5 - 130
13 -18.336 -r7.595 -1 60
t4 -16.799 -16.757 -140
t5 -t5.521 -14.978 -12"
16 -r5.230 -14.343 -1 go
17 -13.846 -12.630 -23"
18 - 13.498 -12.476 -24"
T9 -13.895 -11.s38 -106.
20 -r3.266 -10.66s -1 060

in Fig. 4.1 and desuibed by (a I)
From a brief inspection of Table 4.l,it can be observed that the boresight and
peak gains of Model 4 are slightly higher than those of Model 1 of chapter three. This
indicates that an increase in rate of taper of the flare of the antenna plays a role in the
increase of its gain. However, from Table 4.2 if can be seen that the cross-pol levels of
Model4 are quite similar to those of Model 1.
Similar to all the previous models, the co-pol patterns are quite flat with very wide 3 dB
and 10 dB beamwidths.
60
i i : \t I I
I':ll\l
, l
,t
I
. ,t
ñ' 3\ .N ' t' I
Vo v- !o
Èâ ooâ O\â iì'i..ll
N)E | , li I ll I
nEo , ,. 1.t. -,-.-
L/ ô
ôq
Èo
:t:o #d I i ll I '
: 'I
il I
^ã
ts¡19
È ñl¿
N it i i .\ , ,lrr
++
9-E-
DO
JJ
oo
c)c)
ð9
øE
<J 9q
O.C
o\\ È
g Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Ga¡n (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
I
è
: - :1
, 't
\)
\-@
Ëa
Q3
ôE
Ér
N
--
p.p.
DÞ
i3
oo
oc)
õ9
øÞ
øo
ô
Fig. 4.4 contd.
â
o â
p æ
E
.E .E
a
o (,o
o õ
c c
c
o c
o
Ê
0 100 200
0 (degrees)
(i) t4 GHz
â
d)
ã
d¡
E o
c-l .g
'õ ñ
CD -t (9
õ G
c c
c-1 c
o
c c
<-4
â
d)
ã
dì
E Þ
.g .E
o o
(, o
õ
ç õ
c
c c
o o
c c
â
Ío
Þ
.g
(,o
o
c
c
o
E
0
0 (degrees)
(o) 20 GHz
Fig. 4.4 Simulated H-plane (ø:0'plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 4
shown in Fig. 4.1 and described by Ø.1)
62
Tables 4.3 and 4.4 summarize the important H-plane co-pol and cross-pol pattems

(GHz) ( dBi ) tdBi) Peak sain
6 2.400 2.46r 3lo 2690
7 2.453 2.530 2go 242"
8 3.012 3.078 25" 279"
9 3.897 3.942 130 192"
10 4.089 4.096 4" 147"
1l 2.578 2.590 4" 1 050
t2 2.507 2.551 7" l12" 1 600
13 r.742 r.799 7" 930 1420
t4 1.480 t.545 7" 900 1440
15 1.721 1.825 90 890
l6 r.964 2.046 80 910 233'
t7 2.247 2.345 90 94" 2080
l8 2.s99 2.758 12" 99" I 800
t9 2.943 3.164 150 1060 179"
20 3.479 3.700 160 I 100 179"
Table 4.3 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 4 given in
Fig. 4.I and described by (a.1)

tdBi) DO
6 -25.925 -r9.760 -91"
7 -24.786 -16.t40 -88"
8 -24.930 -t4.584 -890
9 -24.069 -r4.534 -76"
10 -22.27t -r2.700 -78"
11 -22.239 -12.314 -75"
t2 -20.788 -12.974 -720
13 -18.678 -t2.293 -620
T4 -t7.023 -It.t23 -57"
15 -t6.r44 -9.415 -58"
16 -14.479 -9.712 -580
T7 -r4.045 -9.650 -530
18 -12.729 -7.078 -500
I9 -13.179 -6.81 I -550
20 -12.644 -6.645 -52"
Table 4.4 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of Model 4 gíven
in Fig. 4.1 and desuibed by (a.I)
63
4.2.3 Study of Phase centre for Model 4
The procedure used to f,rnd the location of the phase centre of all three models in
this chapter was exactly the same as that of chapter three. The phase centre location for
Model 4 (and for the remaining two models presented here) was again found to lie on a
portion of its axis as opposed to lying at a single point. The maximum tolerable phase
difference A$ was found to be identical to that of Model 1 (i.e. 30"), indicating that the
increase in rate of taper did not help in minimizing the phase variation of the co-pol
radiation at the phase centre location. Figure a.5 (a) shows a plot of the Average E and H-
plane phase centre locations at each frequency and Fig. 4.5 (b) depicts these locations on
the antenna geometry.
E
E
€o
i! .E
O=
oo
aø
Ëo AHmax: AEmax:
oo
o,s
oË 5.21mm 6.76mm
AHmin:
E-. Start of slotline,
o-E
oo l.l6mm
oÈ AEmin:Omm
Eu
9s
<Ë
õ
.9
!
(b)
Fig.4.5 (a) plot of Average E and H planes'phase centre location (for a maximum
tolerable phase dffirence Aþ:30" and 0 rangìng from 0 to 60) of Model 4 given in Fig.
a.I; (b) geometry of Model 4 indicating the portion of antenna axis where these Average
phase centres líefor both E and H planes
From Fig. 4.5 (a) it can be seen that the stability of the Average E and H-plane phase
centres of Model 4 with respect to frequency are more are less similar to those of the
64
previous three models of chapter three. It is also observed that the maximum distance
between the Average E and H-plane phase centres is 5.60 mm.
4.3 Slow Opening Flare Modet (Model 5)
4.3.1 Antenna Model
In this model (Model 5), the rate of taper of the flare was decreased from that of
the original model (Model 1) and its geometry is given in Fig. 4.6.
Fig. 4.6 The geometry of the Vivaldi antenna (Model 5) includÌng the microstrip feed
alongwith the co-ordinate system: Ls :22.86mm, Ws : 38.11mm, Lc: l6.5lmm, Wm:
0.8lmm, Ila : 3.05mm, Ds : 3.30mm, with e,: 2.2, h: 0.508mm and tan6: 0.001
As can be seen from Fig. 4.6,the width of the aperture, Wu, is smaller than that of Model
1. All other dimensions were maintained the same as Model 1. The equation of the flare
is given below
! = t0.254re.23(z-B.e)), g.90mm < z < I6.5lmm (4.2)
65
The simulated Srr and input impedance plots of this model are given inFig.4.7.
From the figure it is observed that the wide band perforrnance of the antenna is
significantly deteriorated due to the decrease in taper rate of the flare.
(b)
Fig. 4.7 Simulated (a) 511 and þ) input impedance plot measured with respect to 75
Q for antenna Model 5 shown in Fig. 4.6 and desuibed by Ø 2)
66
The E-plane co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 5 are given in Fig.4.8. As in
all the previous models, an appearance of a null at boresight occurs in the co-pol pattems
with increase in frequency of operation.
ã
dt
â
co
! E
.E .E
o 6
(, o
o õ
g
c
c c
o o
c c
â
d¡
o
.ç
6
(9
6
ç
c
o
É
â
d)
â
d¡
E E
.E .E
6 o
o o
o o
E É
c o
o
c c
Fig.4.8 (a)-(Í)
67
Fig. 4.8 contd.
â
to
o
.g
(,ñ
õ
o
c
â
dl
!
.E
(,o
õ
c
É
o
c
,^___,_
.":--t--- ---_l=e+rån"Co-ø
,of
I
=
ól 0l'
El
:-10l .
o
(r-
6
c
o
â
o â
d¡
p Þ
.E .E
õ o
(, o
6
c
6
c
o o
É c
0 (degrees)
(n) 19 GHz
FÌg.4.8 (Ð-(n)
68
Fig. 4.8 contd.
â
d)
E
.E
(,6
s
o
ç
0 (degrees)
(o)20 GHz
shown in Fig. 4.6 and described by & 2)
Tables 4.5 and 4.6 summarize the important E-plane co-pol and cross-pol pattems
characteristics.
Frequency Boresight gain Peak galn Position of 3dBBW 10 dB BW

(GHz) ( dBi ) ( dBi ) Peak eain
6 1.862 1.862 -10 98" 2330
7 2.127 2.129 -10 76" 253"
8 2.903 2.907 -10 66 273"
9 3.732 3.732 00 670 2880
10 2.830 2.830 00 r93" 300'
l1 0.503 2.838 -480 278" 3060
t2 0.497 3.367 -44" 2380 300"
t3 -0.302 3.980 -400 2450 302"
I4 -0.609 4.553 -3 8" 249" 29r"
15 -0.249 4.8t7 -350 2460 264"
l6 0.655 4.796 34" 2430 2650
17 0.681 4.646 330 244" 268"
18 t.120 4.046 32" 241" 274"
t9 2.186 4.732 530 2270 217"
20 3.1 38 5.357 500 208" 28ro
Fig. 4.6 and described by (a.2)
69
( dBi ) pol
6 -25.770 -25.761 J-
7 -25.684 -24.964 152"
8 -26.081 -2s.r38 1510
9 -25.409 -25.203 - 10"
10 -26.06s -19.753 -lg"
1l -t9.786 -19.726 -4"
t2 -20.877 -20.458 -1 30
l3 -20.188 -19.424 - 160
l4 -17.686 - 16.s86 - 16"
l5 -t5.623 -r4.887 -260
T6 - l3.88 r -12.623 -lg"
t7 -t3.479 -12.155 -33"
l8 -r3.4t9 -12.435 61"
t9 -t3.204 -r2.T69 -98"
-r2.202 -12.t77 10
20 - -¿-

in Fig. 4.6 and desuibed by ft.2)
From Table 4.5 it can be observed that the boresight and peak gains of Model 5 are
slightly lower than that of Model 1 indicating that the decrease in rate of taper reduces the
gain of the antenna.
â
ú â
c0
Þ o
.E .E
õ
(, (to
6 6
c c
c c
o o
c É
Fig.4.9 (a), (b)
70
{l
Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) qe
s\o
cl
U
ts"
\È:
0.a
\ìS
\o
Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dB¡)
NJJN
ç ooooo
S
S
-â
- 3o
lr]
^õ fq
+r
N
o
a
Fig. 4.9 contd.
H-plane Co-pol
Cross-pol
â
dì
!
'õ .g
6
tt -zo
(9
6 õ
c E
6 -30 o
c
< -40
-50
-9t'ï -100 0 100 200

0 (degrees)
(k) 16 GHz
â
dl
â
(f¡
! !
.= .E
o
(,õ (9
o õ
c c
c c
o
o
c
-100 0 100
0 (degrees)
(n) 19 GHz
â
dì
Þ
.E
(,õ
o
c
o
c
0 (degrees)
(o) 20 GHz
Fig. 4.9 Simulated H-plane (þ:0" plane) co-pol and uoss-pol patterns of Model 5 shown
in Fíg. 4.6 and desuibed by Ø 2)
A summary of the important characteristics of the H-plane co-pol and cross-pol patterns
are given in Tables 4.1 and 4.8.
72
(GHz) tdBi) (dBi) Peak ga tn
6 r.862 2.024 37" 2630
7 2.127 2.274 36" 2470
8 2.903 2.989 240 230"
9 3.732 3.759 80 I 980
ao
10 2.830 2.840 J 124"
11 0.503 0.518 30 830
12 0.497 0.513 40 96" 1320
13 -0.302 -0.272 50 840 12lo
T4 -0.609 -0.531 80 980
15 -0.249 -0.r76 80 920
t6 0.655 0.777 110 930
17 0.681 1.016 180 900
t8 r.t20 1.618 23" 860 r770
19 2.186 2.529 190 I 05'
163'
20 3.138 3.447 17" 960 1440
Table 4.7 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 5 given
in Fig. 4.6 and desuibed by (a 2)

( dBi ) pol
6 -25.770 -18.076 -84"
7 -25.684 -16.977 -950
8 -26.081 -r7.854 -840
9 -25.409 -15.837 -81o
10 -26.065 -Ir.6t2 -760
11 -t9.786 -t0.922 -810
T2 -20.877 -t0.756 -760
13 -20.188 -t 1.019 -700
t4 -17.686 -10.469 -580
15 -t5.623 -10.045 -56"
t6 -13.881 -10.955 -54"
t7 -t3.479 -9.497 -550
18 -r3.419 -7.409 -570
t9 -r3.204 -6.300 -52"
20 -r2.202 -5.975 -500
Table 4.8 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of Model 5 given

in Fig. 4.6 and desuibed by Ø.2)
73
4.3.3 Study of Phase centre for Model5
Figure a.10 (a) shows a plot of the Average E and H-plane phase centre locations
at each frequency and Fig. 4.10 (b) depicts these locations on the antenna geometry. It
was found that the maximum tolerable phase difference ÂQ for this model was 30o,
indicating that the decrease in the rate of taper of the antenna flare had no effect on the
variation of phase of the principle planes' far-field co-pol radiation patterns at the phase
centre location.
E
E
-C
€o
ñ.ç
O=
oo
õø AHmax: AEmax:
Ëo
oo 6.96mm 6.86mm
o.ç
oÈ
øo
gã AHmin: AEmin:0.66mm
o-E l.01mm Start of
op
ÞÈ slotline
9p
9B
{c
õ
.2
p
(b)
tolerable phase dffirence Aþ:30" and 0 ranging from 0 to 60") of Model 5 given in Fig.
a.6; (b) geometry of Model 5 indicating the portion of antenna axis where these Average
From Fig. 4.10 (a) it can be seen that similar to the previous models, the Average E and
H-plane phase centres are more stable in the higher frequencies of operation for this
model as well. The maximum distance between the Average E and H-plane phase centres
is 6.30 mm.
74
4.4 Width Truncated Model (Model 6)
4.4.1 Antenna Model
Up until this point, the study carried out was focused on different types of tapers
for the antenna flare. Another study of interest was to observe the effect of variation of
antenna width on the original model (Model l) from [9]. In order to do this, a parametric
study was carried out in which the antenna was truncated to different widths and the
effect of each truncation on the far-field radiation pattern was observed. From this study,
the antenna model with optimum gain performance in both principle planes was chosen
and is presented in this section, while all the other truncated models are excluded for the
sake of brevity.
The truncated model (Model 6) is given in Fig. 4.11. In this model, the width of
the antenna has been reduced by I 0.1 6 nìm on either side.
Fig. 4.I 1 The geometry of the Vivaldi antenns (Model 6) including the miuostrip feed along
with the co-ordinate system: Ls : : 17.94mm, Lc : l6'5lmm,
22.86mm, þl/s Wm :
0.8|mm, l4/a: 6.35mm, Ds : 3.30mm, with er: 2.2, h: 0.508mm and tan6: 0.001
75
The equation describing the flare and all other parameters except antenna width are
identical to that of Model l.
The simulated Srr and input impedance plots of Model 6 are given inFig.4.12.
From the figure it is observed that its performance is quite similar to that of original
model (Model 1) through out the frequency range under consideration, indicating that the
truncation did not significantly alter the return loss of the antenna.
o
9¡s
Ø
-20
Frequency(GHz)
Fig. 4.t2 (a)
76
Fig.4.l2 contd.
1.0 e.0 1.0
Fig. a.I2 þ)
Fig. 4.12 Simulated (a) Sy and þ) input impedance plot measured with respect to 75
A for antenna Model 6 shown in Fig. 4.1I ønd desuibed by (3,1)
The E-plane co-pol and cross-pol patterns of this model are given in Fig. 4.l3.It
is interesting to note that the null at boresight in the co-pol patterns which appeared with
increase in frequency operation for all the previous models does not appear in this model.
Co-pol
-E-plane Cross-pol
---E-plane
â
d)
â
fD
E E
.E .g
õ €
(, o
o 6
c
c c
o o
c
Fig.4.13 (a), þ)
77
Þi
s..
qe
ro o À o N
lloooo0c
ol sts\
lJo
c)
o
o
o l!.
a @
NO
a€o
LJ O
+E
HV
N
o
o
\
ñ
\ì\ s
OO trJ
â. Anlenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Ga¡n (dBi)
\:-
I
o
o
ìJ @
u¡B
@o
^ã
N
o
o ;'1 "
Fig. 4.l3 contd.
â
d)
â
dì
E E
.E .g
(,o (,o
o o
c c
c c
o o
c c
â
dl
â
d)
E E
z-1 .ç
6
g-2 (,õ
o 6
c c
rt -3 c
o
c c
<-4
-100 0 100
0 (degrees)
(m) 18 GHz
â
m
Þ
.E
(,o
ñ
c
c
o
c
0 (degrees)
(o) 20 GHz
Fig.4.13 Simulated E-plane (þ:90" plane) co-pol and uoss-pol patterns of Model 6
shown in Fí9. 4.1I
Tables 4.9 and 4.10 summaúze the important E-plane co-pol and cross-pol pattern
characteristics of Model 6.
79
lGHz) (dBi) (dBÐ Peak ga ln
6 -1.528 -1 .318 -24" 1 840
7 t.l3 I t.t62 -6" 173"
8 2.253 2.263 -30 r46"
9 2.551 2.551 10 I 160
10 2.717 2.7t7 00 970 280"
t1 3.137 3.r37 00 98" 273"
I2 3.t12 3.751 -60 1 030 28r"
l3 4.382 4.440 -60 i00' 276
t4 5.099 5.152 -50 1110 175"
1ô
15 5.69r 5.7tl -J 78" 160'
t6 6.069 6.069 00 680 1 59'
aô
t7 6.352 6.381 J 610 I 55'
r8 6.49t 6.538 40 64" 1820
t9 6.645 6.704 4o 59" 1 860
20 6.728 6.776 4" 5go 2080
Table 4.9 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 6 given
in Fig. 4.1I

(dBÐ pol
6 -28.600 -27.686 -250
40
1 -29.09s -28.942
8 -24.444 -24.304 1260
9 -20.944 -20.646 120
l0 -22.449 -21.883 160
11 -22.261 -22.219 -4"
l2 -2r.075 -20.752 -90
T3 -19.603 -t9.171 -12"
t4 -17.64t -16.999 - 150
15 -r5.672 -1 5.191 -17"
l6 -r4.437 -13.797 -1 50
t7 -14.090 -13.688 -12"
l8 -13.543 -12.489 -14"
19 -13.900 -12.892 -1 80
20 -r3.461 -12.022 -20"
in Fig. 4.11
80
From Table 4.9 it can be observed that there is a significant increase (about 3 dB
at certain frequencies of operation) in boresight as well as peak gain of the E-plane
radiation patterns. Also, as previously mentioned, the null that appeared at boresight in
the co-pol patterns with increase in frequency of operation for all other models does not
occur for this model as can be seen in Fig. 4. 13.
For a better understanding of this increase in gain, the simulated surface current
density (both magnitude and direction) distribution on the copper cladding of the original
model (Model 1) as well as on Model 6 are given in Fig. 4.14 and Fig.4.15 respectively
for a frequency of 15 GHz.
ffi
Fig. 4.14 Simulated surface cutent at I5 GHz on the copper cladding of Model I given
in Fig. 3.1 and desuibed by (3.1)
8l
Fig. 4.15 Simulated surface current at l5 GHz on the copper cladding of Modet 6 given
in Fig. 4.I I and described by (3 I)
From Fig. 4.I4 it can be observed that there is a phase reversal in the current
distribution on the metallization of the Model I on either side of its axis (i.e., z-axis). This
results in a cancellation of currents and therefore reduces the gain of the antenna, and is
also the cause for the appearance of a null at boresight in the E-plane co-pol pattems.
Also, from Fig. 4.15 it can be seen that the current density magnitude variation along the
y-axis for Model 6 from the edge of the flare to the end of the antenna is lower than that
of Model I in Fig. 4.14.Due to this, Model6 exhibits higher gain than that of Model 1.
From the f,rgure, it is clear that the truncation of the width of the antenna does not affect
the shape of the co-pol radiation patterns.
82
Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Gain (dBi) An tenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
*a
O- oo
o1
_!,
o
o
ã\ o .N
!@
ooâ v\o
ôEo a3o
È8 ;jR
F!'s N-
\
6'
oo
s
u) o\
1\ Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Ga¡n (dBi)
I
1.
1\
@
\oâ
e-16
O4.
HO ^3
úo FJ< tD
¡J9 N{,
Fig. 4.l6 contd.
â
m
â
dl
! !
.E .s
õ
o (,o
o o
c Ê
E c
o o
c c
0 (degrees)
(i) 14 GHz
__t\
: \: I â
d)
;-1
6
i
-!--.-
\,/ E
'õ
(9 (,
6
c
-c
i 'i,t, ;l- o
c
c_? -:----- -- -tr -/- c
: o
lr
c c
<-4 i ìi i
'i': '-'."-'--t'.
f i
-100 0 100
0 (degrees)
Q 17 GHz
ã
d)
o
._c
(,õ
o
c
c
o
ç
â
d)
E
.c
(,6
o
E
É
o
c
Fig. 4.16 Simulated H-plane (þ:9" plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 6
shown in Fig. 4.1I
84
Tables 4.11 and 4.12 summarize the important characteristics of the H-plane co-pol and
cross-pol patterns of Model6.

(GHz) ( dBi ) tdBi) Peak s.at n
6 -1.528 -1.163 570
7 1.131 t.249 400
8 2.2s3 2.347 36" 3080
9 2.551 2.578 23" 230"
l0 2.717 2.800 24" 797"
l1 3.137 3.221 21" 174"
12 3.7r2 3.931 28" I57"
13 4.382 4.571 25" r45"
14 5.099 5.313 25" I 380
15 5.691 5.878 230 132" 2000
16 6.069 6.295 220 125" 177"
t7 6.352 6.556 20" I 190 r67"
18 6.491 6.622 17" ll4" 1600
t9 6.645 6.783 14" I 090 152"
20 6.728 6.839 120 1020 I44"
Table 4.I I Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of Model 6 given
in Fig. 4.1I

tdBi) po I
6 -28.600 -rs.729 -970
7 -29.095 -15.047 -880
8 -24.444 -t7.499 -71"
9 -20.944 -16.574 -770
10 -22.449 -r3.342 -840
11 -22.261 -1 1.340 -77"
t2 -2t.07s tt.575 -67"
r3 -19.603 -r0.724 -580
t4 -17.64r -10.625 -52"
15 -15.672 tt.46r -520
I6 -14.437 -r0.543 -560
t7 -14.090 -7.62r -5 1"
18 -13.543 -6.405 -49"
t9 -13.900 -5.870 -50"
20 -r3.461 -6.681 -500
Table 4.I2 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of Model 6 given
in Fig. 4.1I
85
4.4.3 Study of Phase centre for Model 6
Figure 4.17 (a) shows a plot of the Average E and H-plane phase centre locations
at each frequency and Fig. 4.17 (b) depicts these locations on the geometry of the
antenna. Interestingly, it was found that the maximum tolerable phase difference A$ for
this model was 10o. This indicates that the truncation in width of the antenna resulted in a
decrease in phase variation of the principle planes' far-field co-pol radiation patterns and
hence led to more 'flat' co-pol phase patterns at the phase centre location; a requirement
which is desirable.
tr
È1
-C
€o
oo AEmax:l0.5lmm
Ëo
oo
o.E AHmax:2.81m AEmin:2.5lmm
ot
ø6
Eã AHmin:l.9lmr
ÀE Start of
op
6È
Sp slotline
9o
<Pg
.9
p
(b)
tolerable phase dffirence Aþ:10" and 0rangingfrom 0 to 60") of Model 6 given in Fig.
a.1 I ; þ) geometry of Model 6 indicating the portion of antenna axis where these Averøge
From Fig. 4.17 (a) it is observed that the Average H-plane phase centre is very stable
through out the entire frequency range of operation. In the case of the Average E-plane
phase centre, its behavior is comparatively more stable than the other models and tends to
move closer to the Average H-plane phase centre with increase in frequency. The
maximum distance of separation between the Average E and H-plane phase centres is
86
8.60 mm. Though this distance is larger than any of the previous models, the fact that this
model exhibits the best stability in E and H-plane phase centres through out the entire
frequency range of operation, and also the smallest A$ of 10", it may be considered to
have the optimum phase centre behavior amongst all six models presented in this chapter
and the previous.
From an overall inspection of the parametric study performed on the single sided
Vivaldi antenna of [9], it may be concluded that a compact model (i.e. Model 6) with
optimum gain and phase centre behavior was developed and that it exhibits a
performance superior to that of the remaining five models.
4.5 Summary
In this chapter a parametric study of a single sided Vivaldi antenna was carried
out by varying the rate of taper of its flare and also by truncating its width. The simulated
return loss plots and radiation patterns for all three models were presented. It was
observed that a truncation in width of the antenna (Model 6) led to a significant increase
in its gain and also to a disappearance of the null at boresight in the E-plane co-pol
pattems which was observed in all the previous models. A study of the phase centre
location for all three models was carried out. It was seen that Model 6 had the smallest
maximum tolerable phase difference Â$ out of all six models. The phase centre (in both
principle planes) behavior for Model 6 through out the entire considered frequency range
was also observed to be the most stable. From the radiation patterns and phase centre
study, it may be concluded that Model 6 exhibits the best performance out of all six
models presented in chapters three and four and hence may be considered the optimum
design for the single sided Vivaldi antenna chosen for study.
87
CHAPTBR 5
STUDY OF BALANCED ANTIPODAL VIVALDI ANTENNA
5.1 Introduction
In the previous two chapters, a single sided Vivaldi antenna fed by a microstrip
line was investigated. In this chapter, a balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna developed
from the compact Model 6 of chapter four is first studied. A balanced antipodal Vivaldi
was chosen as opposed to an antipodal Vivaldi due to its better cross-polarization
performance as mentioned in chapter two. Next, a balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna
with a larger aperture was studied. Simulations were again carried out using Ansoft HFSS
v 10.1. While conducting this study, it was observed that elongation and shaping of the
supporting substrate led to an increase in the gain of the antenna. Models implementing
these two techniques are also presented in this chapter.
5.2 Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna
As previously described in chapter two, a balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna is a
triplate structure which consists of a stripline feed to balanced twin line to balanced
Vivaldi transition. This type of antenna overcomes the limitation of broadband
performance due to slotline to feed line transition as seen in single as well as double sided
Vivaldi antennas. Also, the balanced antipodal Vivaldi eliminates the E-field skew that is
observed in the antipodal Vivaldi and hence has lower cross-polarization levels than the
latter. From the parametric studies of chapters three and four, it was observed that Model
88
6 of chapter four exhibited the best performance with regard to both radiation
characteristics as well as phase centre behavior, and was concluded to be the optimum
design out of the six single sided Vivaldi models. Hence this model's dimensions were
the first choice for the design of a balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna.
Fig. 5.1 (a) gives a 3-dimensional view depicting the various layers of the
balanced Vivaldi antenna that was simulated using HFSS v.10.1. A front view of this
antenna is given in Fig. 5.1 (b). It must be noted that in reality, the middle flare cannot be
seen, and that it is made visible here for a better understanding of the exponential taper of
the antenna.
Top flare
Bottom
flare
Stripline Top
substrate
Middle
flare
Bottom
Balanced ground substrate
planes
Fig. 5.1 (a)
89
Ellipse
\/
(
Tapered
stripline
Fig. s.] þ)
Fig. 5.1 (a) Three dimensional view of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi depicting the
various layers þ) Front view of the antenna along with co-ordinate system: Ls :
22.86mm, Ws : 17.94mm, Lc : l6.5lmm, l[/a: 6.35mm and described by (3.1), with t,
: 2.2, height of each dielectric h: 0.508 mm and tan6: 0.001
The equation describing the flare as well as the dielectric substrate properties of this
antenna are identical to that of Model 6 of chapter four. The tapered stripline and shaped
ground plane were modeled by subtracting an ellipse having a major axis of 8.05 mm and
axial ratio of 0.38. These dimensions were chosen such that the width of the stripline feed
was 0.84 mm so that it had a characteristic impedance of 50 O. Similar to the antenna
models in the previous two chapters; a waveport was used to excite the feed line.
The simulated Srr and input impedance plots of this antenna are given in Fig. 5.2.
90
c¡
!
Frcquency (GHz)
(b)
Fig. 5.2 Simulated (a) Sy and þ) input impedance plot measured with respect to 50 Q
for the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna shown in Fig. 5.I and desuibed by (3 1)
9l
From Fig.5.2 (a) it can be seen that the S¡¡ performance of this antenna is more or
less like that of its single sided counte{part (Model 6). The Smith chart in Fig. 5.2 (b)
indicates proper matching between the feed line and excitation.
The E-plane $tz plane, i.e. fr90" plane) radiation patterns are shown in Fig. 5.3.
The geometrical asymmetry of the antenna (two metal flares etched in one direction, and
one metal flare etched in the other direction) is believed to be the cause of the
asymmetrical nature as well as squint in the co-pol patterns of this plane [20].
â
d¡
â
dl
o õ
,E .E
õ o
o o
6 o
c Ê
ço c
o
€ E
ã
dl
â
dì
u Þ
.E 'õ
õ
(t (9
o
c o
c
co c
o
c
â
dl
Þ
.s
o
(9
6
E
É
o
c
-'-"i,
.ì:,i:..1J1:'ì-r:'-,., i:'
\i
tl
Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dB¡) u.e
þ
(¿J
a
U
o
o o
o
o ã
vo
'o
Ø Eo Hâ
lrf
Þ3o
^ã @
tJi
uró
^ãJ¿
N '+i
Ér
N
o
o o
o
\
qC
!-'
qr
\o
UJ Antenna Gain (dBi)
Oo' Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
\- JN Antenna Gain (dBi)
t ooo
!
õ
g o
\OB@o
OE
N
Fíg. 5.3 contd.
â
o
E
'õ
(,
o
c
gc
c
Fig. 5.3 Simulated E-plane (þ:90' plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi shown in Fig. 5.1 and described by (3 1)
From the plots of Fig. 5.3 it can be clearly observed that the cross-pol levels of
this antipodal Vivaldi antenna are much lower than those of Model 6 of chapter four.
However, they increase with increase in frequency of operation. The important E-plane
co-pol and cross-pol pattems characteristics are summarized in Tables 5.1 and 5.2
respectively.
Frequency Boresight gain Peak gain Position of 3dB 10 dB

(GHz) ( dBi ) tdBi) Peak s.al n BW BW
6 0.780 0.891 -7" 810 I 580
7 t.704 r.908 -1 00 79" 144"
8 2.883 3.102 -1 0" 79" 1 390
9 3.921 4.132 110 82" 1440
10 3.960 4.275 -14" 91" 2330
l1 3.689 4.106 -IJ" 99" 243"
T2 3.463 3.999 -17" 1010 260"
13 3.594 4.t06 -l 5" 94" 2670
l4 3.736 4.286 -1 50 840 27r"
15 4.513 4.840 -1 00 72" 265"
T6 5.336 5.540 -7" 64" 2100
t7 6.290 6.439 -6" 68" 1900
18 7.069 7.220 -50 530 1790
t9 6.611 6.830 -6 54" 779"
20 5.565 5.987 _9o 600 177"
Table 5.1 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.1 and desuibed by (3 1)
94
(dBi) po
6 -46.346 -45.382 -1240
7 -50.377 -4s.355 747"
8 -s2.500 -48.059 -1 12"
9 -57.739 -4t.120 178"
10 -72.157 -46.697 7r"
l1 -49.16r -39.730 139"
t2 -45.564 -39.813 -1220
l3 -60.260 -38.578 29"
t4 -49.7t7 -3s.869 -1760
t5 -43.r94 -30.s94 -7250
16 -4t.869 -3 1.151 -7270
17 -30.662 -27.862 -129"
18 -33.127 -29.563 -470
T9 -35.851 -30.057 -310
20 -42.2s0 -28.888 -138'
Table 5.2 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig, 5.I and described by (3 I)
From Table 5.1, it can be observed that the gain (boresight and peak) of the
balanced antipodal Vivaldi throughout the considered frequency range is quite
appreciable for such a compact design. Overall, its co-pol radiation characteristics are
quite similar to those of Model 6 of chapter four. As previously mentioned, the cross-pol
performance of this antenna is however significantly better than that of Model 6.
The H-plane (xz plane, i.e. þ:9" plane) radiation patterns are given in Fig. 5.4.
â
dl
â
dì
Þ E
'õ 'õ
(, (,
o 6
c c
o o
q c
Fig. 5.4 (a), (b)
95
tr
Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) us
þ
À.
a
:\¡
F
\o\ þ
o\
g Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Gain (dBi)
o
o
S
Llr
@
o d : .)" r :l r
FJi @o
N I ìO
(ù -;;¡::d¡ . .ll
-a v , : i :\. : :l :
tJ{
N i
i
: ;: ,\,
| 't ,l./
,
o
o .iill
' i t' t.''t fi
Fig. 5.4 contd.
I l---ri-;¡;;
â ... ...,t â
dì
E
---- --- --:--------.----1---
_t d)
E
.E i Ê
õ
(,
6 \iil!
; ,,'-'-\1.--- .--. l
'õ
(,
o
c ': cc
gc
c
ì
""'--"--lf----""--''1---
ií: \jrl o
f .- . -....ì... 4
tl ...........1
____l
I 0 100 200
0 (degrees)
(k) 16 GHz
â
d) d)
E E
.E
o o
(, (9-
o õ
cÉ c
o -30
c .E
< -40
-50
-gtoi
-100 0 100
e (degrees)
(n) 19 GHz
â
d)
Þ I
._c
(,o
õ
c
c
o
c
-100 0 100
0 (degrees)
(o) 20 GHz
Fig. 5.4 Simulated H-plane (Ø:0" plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi shown in Fig. 5.I and described by (3.1)
Tables 5.3 and 5.4 summarize the simulated H-plane co-pol and cross-pol pattems
characteristics.
97
(GHz) ( dBi ) (dBi) Peak sal n
6 0.780 0.782 -30
7 1.704 1.704 lo
8 2.883 2.883 00 1820
9 3.92r 3.921 00 1770
10 3.960 3.961 9o 1 860
ll 3.689 3.702 12" r920
t2 3.463 3.467 4o 187"
13 3.594 3.s94 00 1670
14 3336 3.736 _1o 143" 281"
15 4.5r3 4.513 10 722 260"
I6 s.336 5.339 TT2" 1 82'
I7 6.290 6.3r2 4" 1060 1 580
18 7.069 7.069 00 92 1400

r9 6.611 6.617 2 880 136
20 5.565 5.594 6 880 1 35'
Table 5.3 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced

antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.I and described by (3 1)

(dBi) po
6 -46.346 -1 1.653 93"
7 -50.377 -8.238 920
I -52.500 -7.614 -92"
9 -57.739 -8.709 93"
t0 -72.157 -10.262 -940
11 -49.16r -tt.293 -960
t2 -45.564 -r2.330 93"
13 -60.260 -12.000 680
t4 -49.717 -10.344 -63"
15 -43.194 -10.779 -550
I6 -4r.869 -r2.248 5go
T1 -30.662 -r3.248 -46
18 -33.127 -13.902 I23"
19 -35.851 -10.989 1 150
20 -42.250 -9.183 104"
Table 5.4 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced
98
From the plots of Fig. 5.4 and Tables 5.3 and 5.4,it can be observed that the H-
plane 3 dB and 10 dB beamwidths of this antenna are more or less similar to those of
Model 6. The boresight cross-pol levels however are significantly better than those of
Model 6.
5.2.3 Study of Phase centre for the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna 1
A study of the phase centre location was carried out in the same manner as that of the
single sided Vivaldi antennas previously studied. However, the angle off main beam axis
0 ranged from -30" to 30o. It was found that for this antenna also, phase centre location
did not confine itself to a single point on the antenna axis and varied with frequency of
operation. The maximum tolerable phase difference AQ was 15", which is quite close to
that of Model 6. Fig. 5.5 (a) shows a plot of the Average E and H-plane phase centre
locations at each frequency and Fig. 5.5 (b) depicts these locations on the antenna axis
and their distances from the starting of the slotline (which is 8.89 mm from bottom of the
antenna). The maximum distance of separation between the Average E and H-plane
phase centres is 5.09 mm.
Ft
.9 ",
oo AEmax:10.29mm
oç I
Ëo
oo
o.E
oË
øõ AEmin:4.57mm
eË
o-E Start of slotline
op
6È
6-
9gr
<Ëo
.9
Þ
(a) (b)
tolerable phase dffirence aø:15" and 0 rangingfrom -30o to 30) of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.1; (b) geometry of the antenna indicating the portion of
antenna axis where Average E and H-plane phase centres lie
99
From an overall inspection of the performance of this balanced antipodal Vivaldi,
it can be concluded that it exhibits a remarkable performance for such a compact design.
Though the overall performance of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi studied in the
previous section was very good, it exhibits bandwidth limitations. It may be assessed that
the width of the aperture was not large enough for a reasonable performance at lower
frequencies for this antenna. Also, the radiating section of a balanced antipodal Vivaldi
antenna is the tapered slotline, and the transition between this section and the feed line is
the most critical part in the antenna's design. The antenna's performance at higher
frequencies is very sensitive to structure discontinuities, and therefore the gradual
transition from the feed line to the radiating section must be as smooth as possible to
avoid any such discontinuities [21]. For this reason, the flare and stripline feed are
preferably longer than a regular unilateral Vivaldi antenna. As these factors (i.e., width
of aperture and smoothness in transition) were not sufficient for a proper S1¡ performance
of this balanced antipodal Vivaldi in the 6 to 20 GHz frequency range, a balanced
antipodal Vivaldi antenna which had a significant performance in this desired range was
designed for simulations. An exponential taper given in l27l was chosen which provided
a considerably smooth transition from the flare to feed line as well as a sufficiently wide
aperture for the antenna. The equation for the flare is given below
.y = t0.8652"Q0s782), 20mm< z <75.90mm (s.l)
From (5.1) it can be seen that the length of the flare of this balanced antipodal
Vivaldi is 50 mm whereas that of (3.1) was only 7 .6I mm. A front view of this antenna is
100
given in Fig. 5.6. The substrate used was Ultralam 1250 with t,: 2.5, height of each slab
h : 1.5 mm and tanô : 0.001. The substrate specifications were chosen to match those of
the dielectric material available at the University of Manitoba so that if a model was to be
fabricated, the simulated and measured results could be easily compared.
Ls
Fig. 5.6 Frontview of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 alongwith co-ordinate
system: Ls:75.90mm, Ws:55.90mm, LTa:43mm and describedby (5.1), with e,:
2.5, height of each dielectric h : 1.5 mm and tanõ : 0.001
From Fig. 5.6 it can be seen this antenna is 75.90 mmx 55.90 mm which is much
larger than the Vivaldi of Fig. 5.1 which was only 22.86 mmx 17.94 mm. Also it can be
seen that the aperture width of this model is 43 mm, which is adequate to radiate
frequencies as low as 3 GHz 1271. The width of the stripline feed was 2.24 mm so that it
had a characteristic impedance of 50 O.
101
The simulated Sll and input impedance plots of this antenna are given in Fig. 5.7.
-5
-10
m
tt -1
U'
-20
-25
-30 L
6 12 14
Frequency (GHz)
(a)
tro l@.,-,-Y
f{ß
1$0
ró0
tt0
rü0.
.rlri -1ú
-lG0 -7ù
-1 5r¡ -31,
Fig. 5.7 Simulated (a) S¡ and þ) input impedance plot measured wíth respect to 50 Q
for the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 shown in Fig. 5.6 and described by (5 I)
t02
From Fig. 5.7 (a) it is observed that the limitation of bandwidth seen in the
balanced antipodal Vivaldi model of Fig. 5.1 as well as in the single sided models of the
previous chapters (due to the microstrip/slot transition) is overcome in this antenna. The
Smith chart of Fig. 5.7 (b) indicates proper matching between the feed line and
excitation.
The E-plane radiation pattems are shown in Fig. 5.8.
ã
d¡
â
co
Þ !
'õ .g
g 6
-20 o
6 6
g
c
5 -30 o
c c
< -án
â
dl
p
.s
(,6
õ
q
c
o
c
â
d)
â
d¡
o Þ
.E .ç
õ
(, (,6
ñ o
c
c
c
E
o o
c c
-100 0 100
0 (degrees)
(e) l0 GHz
Fig. 5.8 (a)-(f)
103
tr
Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi) oS
ro 6 À o N
!¡oooooooo þ
al
Oo
^
:\
õ
!@
{J
h
þ
O(.)O
Àa I
Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Ga¡n (dBi) Antenna Gain (dBi)
vo
Êâ
fts
N
Fig. 5.8 contd.
â
cl
p
.É
(,o
õ
c
c
o
a
Fig. 5.8 Simulated E-plane (þ:90" plane) co-pol and uoss-pol patterns of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 shown in Fig. 5.6 and described by (5 I)
Tables 5.5 and 5.6 summarizefhe important E-plane co-pol and cross-pol pattems
Frequency Bores ght gain Peak gain Position of 3dBBW l0 dB Bw

lGHz) (dB ) (dBi) Peak gal n
6 8.630 8.826 -6 480 r220
7 9.378 9.472 -4" 400 111'
1O
8 r0.076 r0.122 -L 40" 1 040
ôô
9 r0.259 10.319 -z 34" 102"
10 10.380 10.392 10 350 I 08"
l1 9.859 9.892 2o 37" l170
I2 9.882 10.034 30 52" 1310
13 9.099 9.4t6 50 67" 930
I4 8.525 9.r92 60 75" 1320
15 7.r54 8.645 330 790 l4r"
t6 s.436 8.377 32" 76" I 500
T7 4.805 8.1 13 12" 726" I 84'
18 5.831 8.525 310 1 08" 1570
I9 4.t87 9.027 310 950 164"
20 4.486 8.579 31" I 080 1400
Table 5.5 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristícs of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 given in Fig. 5.6 and described by (5 I)
r05
(dBi ) pol
6 -52.296 -33.918 -550
7 -44.807 -30.847 -910
I -37.559 -29.s63 -74"
9 -27.866 -23.283 300
10 -36.368 -25.600 -1610
11 -33.434 -27.986 I49"
t2 -36.8s9 -23.514 I 350
t3 -35.268 -24.068 550
14 -31.622 -25.t99 I 08"
t5 -49.748 -22.468 -1270
16 -26.685 -17.962 580
t7 -25.699 -r7.946 34"
18 -19.584 -t6.622 1 55'
19 -26.325 -r8.437 330

20 -2T.476 -17.716 20"
antipodal Vivaldi antennq 2 given in Fig. 5.6 and described by (5.1)
From Fig. 5.6 it can be seen that there is an asymmetry and squint in the E-plane
pattems of this antenna as well. Table 5.5 indicates that the peak gain of this model at
each frequency of operation is much greater than that of the antenna given in Fig. 5.1.
However, the cross-pol levels of this antenna are higher than that of the previous model
as can be seen from Table 5.6.
The H-plane radiation pattems are given in Fig. 5.9.
10
a0
m
â
ffì
E !
.g .E
6 o
o o
o õ
É
c
o o
ç
Fig. 5.9 (a), (b)
106
\
u.a
S¡
\o
ñ
o
o
o
Ã\\
V-
äÊ.
^õ
N
o
o
\
oS
(¿t
:
O\O
\ìS I
Antenna Gain (dB¡) Antenna Ga¡n (dB¡) Antenna Gain (dB¡)
S
Fig. 5.9 contd.
---H-plane
â
co
â
d)
E E
.ç ,c
6 o
(, (9
o 6
c
c
o o
c q
ì
dì
E
.g
6
o
ñ
c
c
o
c
â
É
Þ
.=
6
o
o
É
tr
o
c
Fig. 5.9 Simulated H-plane (ú:0" plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 shown in Fig. 5.6 and desuibed by (5.1)
Tables 5.7 and 5.8 summarizethe simulated H-plane co-pol and cross-pol patterns
characteristics.
108
(GHz) ( dBi ) tdBi) Peak sain
6 8.630 8.630 0" 76" 120
7 9.378 9.378 0" 690 I 05"
8 t0.076 r0.076 00 540 900
9 10.259 r0.2s9 00 500 860
10 10.380 10.380 00 46" 78"
1t 9.859 9.859 00 42" 800
t2 9.882 9.882 0" 4r" 760
13 9.099 9.099 00 3go 890
14 8.525 8.525 00 390 7r"
15 7.t54 7.1s4 00 49" 76"
t6 s.436 5.445 -1" 500 680
17 4.80s 4.805 00 550 74"
18 5.831 5.839 10 560 810
l9 4.787 4.808 2" 54" 7270
20 4.486 4.486 00 610 r37"
Table 5.7 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern charocte ,istics ol t
antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 given in Fig. 5.6 and desuibed by (5 I)

tdBi) nol
6 -52.296 -9.740 -I28"
7 -44.807 -10.965 -72"
8 -37.559 -10.397 -61"
9 -27.866 -5.547 -510
10 -36.368 -6.646 45"
11 -33.434 -5.406 -3 80
12 -36.859 -7.327 -1080
13 -35.268 -2.792 -1 53'
t4 -31.622 -5.583 -93"
15 -49.748 -5.522 -154"
t6 -26.685 -5.925 122"
T7 -2s.699 -3.2r0 580
18 -19.584 -6.435 -1400
19 -26.325 -1.457 I 150
20 -21.476 -18.429 -910
Table 5.8 Summary of H-plane uoss-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi antennq 2 given in Fig. 5.6 and described by (5.1)
109
From Table 5.8 it is seen that the H-plane boresight cross-pol levels of this
antenna are also quite low just as in the previous model.
From an overall inspection of the performance of this antenna and the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi presented in the previous section, it can be concluded that both models
have a very good performance in the considered frequency range. Though the antenna in
Fig. 5.6 has a better S¡¡ performance than the model in Fig. 5.1, it must be highlighted
that the latter has a remarkable performance for such a compact design.
5.3 Increase in Length of Substrate
As the Vivaldi is a traveling wave antenna, any change in its geometrical
parameters will change the phase velocity and guided wavelength of the antenna, which
in tum impacts its radiation characteristics. The gain of a TSA increases with increase in
its length, typically from a few dB to over l0 dB depending on the extent of elongation
[28].
The balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 shown in Fig. 5.6 was chosen for the
study on the effect of increase in substrate length. This model was chosen over the model
given in Fig. 5.1 because, as previously mentioned, the dielectric substrate specifications
of the former were suitable for practical purposes. In order to observe this effect, the
substrate length of the antenna was increased beyond its aperture. Two models were
studied. kr the first model, the length of the substrate was extended by 12.80 mm beyond
the aperture of the antenna. ln the second model, the length of the substrate was extended
by 30 mm beyond its aperture. All other parameters including flare equation were
ll0
unaltered for both models. It must also be mentioned that there was no significant reason
in choosing these specific elongation lenglhs and that it was merely by choice.
The antenna models are given in the next section along with their respective
tabulations of important co-pol and cross-pol pattern characteristics for both principle
planes. As the return loss and beam shapes of the radiation patterns (in both planes) were
not affected due to elongation in either model, they have been omitted in the following
section for the sake of brevity. The radiation patterns of the Vivaldi with an elongation of
12.80 mm however, are presented in the next chapter.
5.3.1 Elongated Antenna Models and Performance
A front view of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna 2 which was elongated by
12.80 mm beyond its aperture is given in Fig. 5.10.
Fig. 5.l0 Front view of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna with substrate elongation
of 12.80 mm along with co-ordinate system: Ls : 88.70mm, Lc : 75.90mm, Le :
12.80mm, lïls : 55.90mm, I|'a: 43mm and desuibed by (5.1), with t,: 2.5, height of
each dielectric h: 1.5 mm and tan6 : 0.001
lll
A summary of the simulated co-pol and cross-pol characteristics of this antenna in
both principle planes are given in Tables 5.9 to 5.12.
Frequency Boresight gain Peak gain Position of 3 dB BV/ l0 dB Bw

(GHz) ( dBi ) tdBi) Peak gal n
6 9.218 9.392 -60 40" I 180
7 9.608 9.728 -4" 400 109'
10
8 10.319 10.356 47" I 150
9 t0.757 10.821 -30 3J" 126"
l0 t0.707 10.707 00 380 1 r4"
11 9.967 9.973 10 62" 1370
12 9.988 10.080 30 57" 125"
t3 ao
9.165 9.231 J 680 1270
t4 8.409 9.280 32" 78" 1310
15 7.069 10.335 260 860 1 380
T6 6.686 8.930 29" 92" r620
T7 s.340 9307 31" 1 050 140'
18 3.414 10.420 27" 122" 154"
t9 6.386 9.229 28" 96 140"
20 5.111 t0.744 300 950 136
Tt'able 5.9 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics o.f the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of 12.80 mm given in Fig. 5.10

(GHz) Cross-pol pol (dBi) Peak Cross-pol
(dBi)
6 -43.733 -38.916 161"
7 -44.174 -34.004 52"
8 -49.t50 -36.993 34"
9 -35.500 -30.055 -29"
10 -52.190 -34.923 -744"
11 -42.672 -25.r99 66"
l2 -40.01s -21.892 62"
l3 -27.705 -26.29s 20"
t4 -30.s37 -23.371 -1 050
15 -29.008 -21.058 -590
I6 -29.227 -24.929 -60"
17 -32.137 -19.786 310
18 -28.933 -22.209 -810
t9 -27.4s8 -23.033 157"
20 -26.194 -r9.794 107"
antipodal Vivsldiwith substrate elongation of 12.80 mm given in Fig. 5.10
tt2
Frequency Bores ght gain Peak gain Position of 3dBBW l0 dB Bw
(GHz) ldB ) tdBi) Peak galn
6 9.218 9.218 0" 70" 106'
l 9.608 9.608 00 52" 98"
8 10.319 10.3 19 0" 500 800
9 r0.757 t0.757 00 46" 780
l0 10.701 r0.707 00 42" 74"
1l 9.967 9.967 00 380 1310
t2 9.988 9.988 0" 380 I 000
13 9.16s 9.165 00 350 1230
I4 8.409 8.410 10 37" I 180
15 7.069 7.069 00 35" l12"
16 6.686 6.686 00 43" 64"
I7 5.340 s.340 00 47" 1 060
l8 3.4r4 3.4t4 00 44" 600

t9 6.386 6.389 10 44" 920
20 5.1l1 5.T12 10 69" 920
Table 5.1I Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi wíth substrate elongation of I 2.80 mm given in Fig. 5 . I 0

tdBi) pol
6 -43.733 -t0.297 -124"
7 -44.t74 -10.056 -73"
8 -49.t50 -9.470 61"
9 -35.500 -6.481 500
10 -52.r90 -5.880 -470
1l -42.672 -4.662 400
t2 -40.015 -7.788 108"
13 -27.705 -2.343 -r49"
14 -30.537 -6.t72 -29"
15 -29.008 -5.628 152"
T6 -29.227 -3.93r -580
T7 -32.137 -3.079 550
18 -28.933 -4.656 15 80
t9 -27.458 -3.293 ll7"
20 -26.r94 -6.288 -1380
Table 5.12 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongatíon of I 2.80 mm given in Fig. 5 . I 0
113
From the above tables it can be seen that the elongation of substrate by 12.80 mm
only slightly increased the boresight gain (and E-plane peak gain) when compared to that
of the antenna without elongation given in Fig. 5.6. But an overall increase of gain was
observed in the entire frequency range ofoperation.
In order to observe the effect of further elongation, the balanced antipodal Vivaldi
of Fig. 5.6 was elongated such that the substrate length beyond its aperture was 30 mm.
Figure 5.1 I gives a front view of this model and Tables 5.13 to 5.16 summarize the E and
H-plane radiation pattem properties of interest.
Fig. 5.I I Front víew of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of 30 mm
along with co-ordinate system: Ls : 105.90mm, Lc : 75.90mm, Le : : 30mm, L'[/s
55.90mm, lil'a: 43mm and desuibed by (5.1), with tr= 2.5, height of each dielectrÌc h :
1.5 mm and tan6: 0.001
t14
Frequency Boresight gain Peak gain Position of 3 dB BV/ 10 dB BW
(GHz) ( dBi ) tdBil Peak sain
6 9.660 9.829 _6o 500 1 13"
7 10.315 10.443 -40 400 I 070
8 tt.t57 tt.t97 10
39" 100'
9 11.720 tt.777 -Lôo 35" 1 050
t0 r 1.810 11.819 -1" 330 I02'
11 rl.4I2 rt.4l2 0" 350 100'
t2 1t.229 rt.287 2" 500 920
t3 t0.404 r0.421 lo 62" 810
t4 9.794 r0.217 2J" 67" r020
l5 8.574 tt.673 23" 640 980
16 -5.383 4.t29 270 103' ll90
t7 -2.849 5.238 26" 1 10" 132"
l8 1.609 6.417 23" I 03' 1240
l9 -4.550 6.862 21" I 150 I 19'
20 -t.929 7.110 20" 97" I 590
Table 5.1 3 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of 30 mm given in Fig. 5.11

( dBi ) pol
6 -42.177 -41.629 79"
7 -47.337 -35.57r 79"
8 -39.337 -32.264 -800
9 -4r.2s6 -32.379 37"
10 -36.69s -29.173 39"
11 -4s.077 -28.502 650
T2 -45.386 -25332 l170
13 -39.980 -23.08s 133'
t4 -24.170 -20.311 lllo
15 -26.T52 -t8.769 -600
t6 -41.006 -32.404 930
I7 -34.17r -30.222 161'
18 -3r.63s -25.474 I46"
t9 -26.049 -22.592 I29"
20 -36.031 -22.370 33"
antipodal Itivaldi wíth substrate elongation of 30 mm given in Fig. 5.1 I
t15
(GHz) (dBi) (dBi) Peak garn
6 9.660 9.660 00 66" 99"
7 r 0.3 1s 10.315 00 56" 880
8 tl.I57 rt.r57 0" 46 74"
9 11J20 tt.720 00 42" 700
t0 11.810 1 I .810 00 380 980
1l tt.4t2 rt.4t2 0" 34" 980
l2 tt.229 lt.229 0" 36" 1020
13 10.404 r0.404 00 36" 1 100
1,4 9.794 9.794 00 400 1040

l5 8.574 8.574 0" 720 126"
l6 -5.383 t.392 37" 40" r2lo
t7 -2.849 -0.281 -350 34" 122
18 -1.609 0.261 320 31" I 180
19 -4.550 0.484 300 200 I 390
20 1.929 0.832 -31o 250 126'
Table 5.15 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of 30 mm given in Fig. 5.1I

(dBi) DO I
6 -42.777 -r0.733 124"
7 -47.337 -10.1s9 71"
I -39.337 -9.006 -580
9 -41.2s6 -6.t67 510
10 -36.695 -5.s35 -47"
1l -45.077 -3.624 400
12 -45.386 -7.213 -330
l3 -39.980 -3.700 310
t4 -24.170 -s.308 310
t5 -26.152 -5.565 r520
t6 -41.006 tt.r20 -60"
tl -34.171 -8.948 56
18 -31.635 -9.44r -310
L9 -26.049 -7.843 I 100
20 -36.031 -7.222 -44"
Table 5.I6 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi with substrate elongation of 30 mm gíven in Fig. 5.1 I
116
From the above tables it can be seen that this model has a higher boresight (and peak)
gain in the 6 to 15 GHz range than the balanced antipodal Vivaldi of Fig 5.6 and the
model with substrate elongation of 12.80 mm given in Fig. 5.10. However, there is a
drastic decrease in boresight (as well as peak) gain in this model for the 16 to 20 GHz
range when compared to the previous two models. It can therefore be concluded that the
increase in substrate length facilitated improvement only in the 6 to 15 GHz range.
5.3.2 Study of Phase centre for the 12.80 mm elongated substrate model
A study on the phase centre location was carried out for the balanced antipodal
Vivaldi with substrate elongation of 12.80 mm given in Fig. 5.10. This model was chosen
as it had a better overall performance in the considered frequency range when compared
to the antenna with substrate elongation of 30 mm given in Fig. 5.11. Also, this model
was chosen for fabrication, and hence it was appropriate to study its simulated phase
centre location in order to compare with measured results.
The maximum tolerable phase difference Â$ in the E-plane was found to be 35o,
whereas in the H-plane it was found to be l5o. As the goal was to find a phase centre
location on the antenna axis which conflrned to a common phase difference tolerability for
both principle planes, AQ was chosen to be 35o. Due to such unnecessarily large phase
tolerability in the H-plane, the phase centre location in this plane was found to lie over a
very large portion of the antenna axis. Fig. 5.I2 (a) shows a plot of the Average E and H-
plane phase centre locations at each frequency and Fig. 5.12 (b) depicts these locations on
the antenna axis and their distances from the starting of the slotline (which is 20 mm from
the bottom of the antenna).
tt7
E
E
9q
o.:
oo AHmax:
=6 73mm AEmax:6Omm
Ëo
oo
o.E
oË
øo
E6
o-E
op AHmin: AEmin:29mm
bÈ
9o 33mm Start of slotline
9s
6
.t4
E
ï
(b)
tolerable phase dffirence ad:35" and 0 ranging from -30" to 30) of the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. S. I 0; (b) geometry of the antenna indicating the portion of
antenna axis where Average E and H-plane phase centres lie
The maximum distance between the Average E and H-plane phase centres is 44 mm,
which is quite large. However this is due to the fact of imposing an unnecessarily large
A$ on H-plane phase pattems.
As previously shown, the maximum tolerable phase difference À$ of the compact
balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.1 was 15'which is much smaller than the Â$
of the model shown here. From an overall comparison of the Average E and H-plane
phase centre plots of these two models, it can be concluded that the balanced antipodal
Vivaldi antenna given in Fig. 5.1 has a better performance with regard to phase centre
location. In order to comprehend the size difference of these two antennas, a comparison
of the sizes of these two models is given in Fig. 5.13. It must be noted that Fig. 5.13
merely depicts a comparison of the relative size of one model to the other and should not
be mistaken for the actual sizes of the antenna models.
1r8
(a) (b)
Fig. 5.13 Comparison of the relative sizes of (a) the bqlanced antipodal Vivaldi given in
Fig. 5.10 and þ) the bslanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.1
From Fig. 5.13 it can be seen the balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.1 is much
quite tiny in size when compared to the Vivaldi given in Fig. 5. 10. It is very interesting to
note that although the former is much smaller, it has a superior phase centre performance.
5.4 Shaping of Substrate
After studying the effect of elongation of the antenna, a study on the effect of
shaping of the elongated substrate was considered. As the antenna model with substrate
elongation of 30 mm given in Fig. 5.11 exhibited a higher gain in the 6 to 15 GHz
frequency range than the prior elongation of 12.80 mm given in Fig. 5.i0, it was chosen
for this study.
The elongated substrate shapes were chosen to be simple in order to facilitate ease
in modeling of the antenna in Ansoft HFSS v. 10.1. Three different models are presented
119
in the following sections along with tabulations of their radiation characteristics in the
two principle planes. Once again, the simulated S¡¡ and radiation plots have been omitted
as their patterns were not significantly affected due to shaping of the substrate.
5.4.1 Antenna Substrate Shapes and Performance
As previously mentioned, the 30 mm elongated substrate was chosen for shaping.
In the first model of this section, the extended substrate portion was shaped into an
isosceles triangle of height 30 mm, and with the two equal sides having a length of 41
mm each. For ease of reference, this model will be called sharp tip substrate, and its front
view is given in Fig. 5.14.
.-w.
Fig. 5.I4 Front view of the sharp tip substrate model along with co-ordinate system: Ls :
105.90mm, Lc : 75.90mm, Vïs : 55.90mm, lV'a: 43mm, Lt : 4lmm and described by
(5.1), with E,: 2.5, height of each dielectric h : 1.5 mm and tan6: 0.001
The important E and H-plane characteristics of this model are given in Tables 5.17
5.20
120
Frequency Boresight gain Peak gain Position of 3dBBW IO dB BV/
(GHz) (dBi) (dBi) Peak ga m
6 9.302 9.456 -50 480 7ll"
7 9.883 9.974 -30 41" 107"
ôô
8 10.822 10.857 400 1000
9 11.r47 tt.20r ôo 34" 930
/)0
l0 11.123 TI.T19 370 900
l1 11.478 11.478 00 350 930
T2 11.621 I 1.638 10 28" 81"
t3 1r.043 I 1.063 1o 310 830
14 tt.t27 lt.442 4" 300 102"
15 10.592 10.764 30 390 I 18"
t6 t.2r2 3.97s 32" 650 13 80
l7 2.971 s.564 330 62" 1010
18 4.122 5.915 300 4go 950
t9 5.564 6.112 40 43" 900
20 6.736 7.409 4" 180 870
Table 5. I 7 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the sharp tip

(dBi) DO
6 -43.793 -37.8s3 -5go
7 -43.831 -37.221 -53"
I -42.868 -27326 -830
9 -40.736 -3t.660 1go
10 -s 1.s86 -27.425 40"
11 -42.729 -28.039 -63"
l2 -40.977 -21.617 723"
13 -42.066 -23.966 25"
t4 -32.96s -23.992 68'
15 -29.996 -22.842 742"
16 -33.804 -27.336 -350
l7 -4r.834 -29.615 157"
t8 -40.04s -26.837 1570
1,9 -30.8s7 -25.282 -149"
20 -41.672 -27.631 36"
Table 5.18 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the sharp
tip substrate model given in Fig. 5. l4
t2l
Frequency Boresight gain Peak gain Position of 3 dB B\Ãi l0 dB B\ry
(GHz) ( dBi ) tdBi) Peak gatn
6 9.302 9302 0" 680 1020
7 9.883 9.883 00 62" 94"
I 10.822 10.822 00 500 800
9 tt.t47 lt.t47 0" 46" 78"
10 tt.t23 tl.t23 00 42" I 16'
l1 11.478 rr.478 00 39" 108'
l2 tt.62t lt.62t 00 40" 107"
13 11.043 tt.043 00 380 r220
t4 tr.r27 tt.t28 -lo 42" I l6'
15 10.s92 r0.592 00 44" I 15'
t6 r.2t2 r.2t2 0" 45" 109'
l7 2.971 2.97t 00 46" 1010
18 4.r22 4.t22 00 440 130'
t9 5.564 5.566 -lo 380 r17"
20 6.736 6.737 -10 42" 1020
Table 5.19 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristícs of the sharp tip

tdBi) pol
6 -43.793 - 10.s84 I 300
7 -43.831 -lt.8t2 -J3"
8 -42.868 -9.923 590
9 -40.736 -7.727 500
t0 -s 1.s86 -6.175 46"
11 -42.729 -4.135 400
T2 -40.977 -7.4r0 108'
13 -42.066 -2.991 I 500
t4 -32.965 -5.507 94"
l5 -29.996 -6.r40 r49"
L6 -33.804 -10.9s0 -630
I7 -4t.834 -9.499 590
18 -40.045 -10.818 -7r"
t9 -30.857 -6.446 -1110
20 -4r.672 -6.776 910
Table 5.20 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the sharp
típ substrate model given in Fig. 5.14
r22
From the tables we can see that this shape of the substrate does not greatly impact
the gain of the antenna in the 6 to 15 GHz range. However, there is a drastic increase in
boresight (and peak) gain in the 16 to 20 GHz range of operation when compared to the
model with substrate elongation of 30 mm given in Fig. 5.11. Hence this substrate shape
improved the gain of the antenna in the higher frequencies of operation.
In the second model presented in this section, the elongated substrate portion was
shaped into a semicircle of radius 30 mm. This model will be referred to as curved
substrate and its geometry is given in Fig. 5.15.
L"
Fig. 5.I5 Front view of the curved substrate model along with co-ordinate system: Ls :
105.90mm, Lc -- 75.90mm, : 55.90mm, Wa: 43mm and described by (5.1), with e,=
V[/s
2.5, height of each dielectric h: 1.5 mm and tan6: 0.001
The E and H-plane radiation characteristics of this model are given in Tables 5.21 to
s.24.
t23
(GHz) ( dBi ) (dBÐ Peak ga m
6 9.597 9.735 -50 49" I 130
7 r0.324 10.413 -30 40" 107"
Õô
8 10.925 10.959 -L 41" 990
/)0
9 1 1.600 1 1.638 350 93"
10 11.786 t|.799 -lo 330 93"
11 8.692 8.715 1" 35" 960
t2 8.261 8.350 30 510 I 18"
13 7.368 7.45s 20 52" 1060
t4 6.698 7.090 310 56 r47"
t5 6.143 8.280 27" 690 1220
T6 -1.882 4.193 300 680 I430
I7 0.820 6.0r4 300 57" 137"
18 2.435 6.500 26" I 10" 734"
t9 2.559 5.488 250 430 1310
20 5.236 6.31s 260 39" 1 030
Table 5.21 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the curved
substrate model given in Fig. 5.1 5

( dBi ) DO
6 -46.394 -36.250 880
7 -34.377 -31.814 72"
8 -40.457 -29.902 79"
9 -42.09s -30.s 14 1 050
10 -34.3s6 -22.601 44"
11 -44.407 -31.518 117"
I2 -44.259 -30.507 I 160
13 -43.849 -30.613 129"
t4 -41.073 -3r.893 -170"
15 -26.595 -2t.757 -174"
t6 -34.693 -24.222 -76"
t7 -29.1t2 -23.997 I 530
t8 -28.518 -23.444 145"
t9 -38.816 -25.464 370
20 -31.697 -20.631 350
Table 5.22 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the curved
t24
Frequency Boresight gain Peak gain Position of 3dBBW t0 dB Bw
(GHz) ( dBi ) (dBi) Peak ga tn
6 9.597 9.597 00 660 I 00"
7 1,0.324 r0.324 00 590 900
8 r0.92s r0.925 00 480 76"
9 11.600 r 1.600 00 43" 74"
l0 11.786 Lt.786 0" 400 l0l"
11 8.692 8.692 00 34" 54"
t2 8.261 8.261 00 300 52"
13 7.368 7.368 00 300 1040
I4 6.698 6.698 00 32" I 100
15 6.t43 6.143 00 36" 134"
t6 - 1.882 -0.903 -39" 44" 1 360
tl 0.820 0.820 -lo 400 1280

18 2.435 2.437 lo 370 1240
t9 2.559 2.559 00 32" 134"
20 5.236 5.236 0o 350 1290
Table 5.23 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the curved

( dBi ) ool
6 -46.394 -11.626 -126"
7 -34.377 -10.805 730
8 -40.457 -8.355 -590
9 -42.09s -7.248 500
t0 -34.3s6 -5.641 470
l1 -44.407 -8.736 -43"
I2 -44.259 -8.862 39"
13 -43.849 -5.150 -r49"
t4 -4r.013 -8.190 -142"
15 -26.595 -7.349 -152"
t6 -34.693 -tt.473 6lo
l7 -29.t12 -8.167 -57"
18 -28.518 -9.429 530
I9 -38.816 -8.79s 49"
20 -3r.691 -6.083 46"
Table 5.24 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristícs of the curved
t25
From the tables it is seen that there is a decrease in boresight (and peak) gain of
this model at certain frequencies in the 6 to 15 GHz range when compared to the 30 mm
elongated antenna without any substrate shaping of Fig. 5.11. Also, the gain of this model
ishigherinthe 16to20 GHzrangethantheelongatedantennaof Fig.5.ll butlowerthan
that of the sharp tip substrate model given in Fig. 5.14.
As the sharp tip substrate model slightly improved the gain of the antenna and
both the sharp tip and curved models improved the gain of the antenna in the 16 to 20
GHz range, a model which integrated both shapes was chosen as the last case under this
study. The basis for this model is the sharp tip substrate model. However, the two equal
sides of the isosceles triangle portion of the elongated substrate were altered such that
they were curved in shape. The resultant model is shown in Fig. 5.16 and will be called
curved sharp tip substrate.
L"
Fig, 5.16 Frontview of the curved sharp tip substrate model alongwith co-ordinate
system: Ls : 105.90mm, Lc : 75.90mm, Vïs : 55.90mm, lï/a: 43mm and described
by (5. I ), with t,: 2. 5, height of each dielectric h : 1. 5 mm and tan6 : 0. 00 I
126
Tables 5.25 to 5.28 summarize the two principle planes' radiation characteristics of
interest.

(GHz) (dBi) tdBi) Peak sain
6 8.923 9.111 -6" 49" 1270
ao
7 9.766 9.854 -J 41" I 100
/l0
8 10.514 10.561 41" 101"
10.928 ôo
9 10.983 350 94"
10 I 1.055 I 1.05s 0" 37" 950
1t 10.786 10.792 10 36 93"
t2 |t.272 tr.334 2" 34" 82"
13 t0.552 10.630 2" 45" 82"
t4 r0.714 11.049 4" 29" 800
l5 10.s05 r0.697 4" 43" 1020
t6 2.312 3.372 310 67" I 030
T7 3.163 4.965 34" 65" 138"
18 4.304 5.433 7" 620 r320
19 5.254 6.s48 6 44" 12ro
20 6.829 8.1 07 60 44" 960
Table 5.25 Summary of E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the curved

(GHz) Cross-pol pol (dBi) Peak
( dBi ) Cross- DO I
6 -45.847 -36.695 -76"
7 -42S20 -30.744 890
8 -44.594 -28.t36 -810
9 -26.076 -20.684 330
10 -38.086 -26.067 -173"
l1 -36.918 -27.581 I 35"
l2 -34.161 -23.158 1260
13 -36.264 -22.406 1290
t4 -3s.400 -23.114 480
t5 -28.862 -22.090 -173"
16 -34.999 -24.480 -380
t7 -37.484 -23.804 42"
18 -28.508 -18.078 1540
t9 -29.997 -22.923 -r45"
20 -30.r72 -23.3ï5 55"
Table 5.26 Summary of E-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the curved
127
(GHz) tdBi) tdBi) Peak sain
6 8923 8.923 00 72" I 060
7 9.166 9.766 lo 64" 980
8 10.514 10.514 00 52" 840
9 10.928 10928 00 480 82"
t0 I 1.055 11.055 00 44" 1240
11 10.786 10.786 00 400 1280
t2 lt.272 11.272 00 42" I l6'
13 r0.ss2 1,0.552 00 39" 127"
T4 t0.714 r0.714 00 41" 1 150
l5 10.505 10.505 00 44" 1 150
T6 2.3t2 2.312 0" 500 920
T] 3.163 3.163 -1" 52" 107"
l8 4.304 4.378 100 510 101'
t9 5.254 5.265 -6 470 94"
20 6.829 6.832 2" 46" 90"
Table 5.27 Summary of H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics of the curved

(dBi) po
6 -45.847 -9.984 r280
1 -42.920 -12.r99 J2"
8 -44.s94 -10.339 61"
9 -26.076 -6.69r -520
10 -38.086 -7.309 45"
ll -36.918 -4.701 380
T2 -34.16r -1.307 -1080
l3 -36.264 -2.416 r52"
l4 -35.400 -4.196 1 19"
l5 -28.862 -5.155 -1 53"
I6 -34.999 -r2.453 l4l"
t7 -37.484 -9.899 -1,27"
18 -28.s08 -9.557 l3 50
I9 -29.997 -5.059 -1 130
20 -30.172 -6.803 -109o
Table 5.28 Summary of H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics of the curved
128
From the tables it is seen that the performance of this model is more or less like
that of the sharp tip substrate model.
Overall, from this study, may be seen that all three elongated substrate shapes did
not have a significant influence on the gain of the antenna in the 6 to 15 GHz range, but
they did improve the antenna gain in the 16 to 20 GHz range. The sharp tip substrate
model of Fig. 5.14 may be concluded to be the best design for the balanced antipodal
Vivaldi in order to achieve an optimum gain performance.
5.5 Summary
In this chapter, a balanced antipodal Vivaldi developed from the compact Model 6
of chapter four was studied. Its radiation characteristics and phase centre location were
presented and it was observed that this antenna exhibited a commendable performance
like its single sided counterpart of chapter four. Though this compact antenna had a
remarkable performance, it did not overcome bandwidth limitations. In order to

appreciate the broadband nature of the Vivaldi, a balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna with
a much wider aperrure than that of the former was designed and studied. The effect of
substrate elongation on this antenna's performance was investigated, and it was seen that
with the increase in length of substrate, its gain also increased. However, it was observed
that for a substrate elongation of 30 mm, the gain of the antenna drastically decreased in
the 16 to 20 GHz frequency range of operation. The effect of shaping of the elongated
substrate was also studied and it was found that it did not have a prominent impact on
antenna performance in the 6 to 15 GHz range, but significantly increased the gain in the
16 to 20 GHz range. From an overall inspection, it was concluded that the sharp tip
substrate model of Fig. 5.14 was the best design to achieve optimum gain performance.
r29
CHAPTBR 6
EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION
6.1 Introduction
In this chapter, an experimental verification of one of the antenna models

discussed in the previous chapter is presented. The chosen model was fabricated and its
return loss and radiation patterns were measured in order to confirm the simulated results.
A comparison of the measured and simulated results was carried out, and a study of the
measured phase center location of the antenna is discussed in brief.
6.2 Fabricated Antenna
The antenna model chosen to be fabricated was the balanced antipodal Vivaldi
presented in Fig. 5.10 of section 5.3.1 which had a substrate elongation of 12.80 mm, as it
exhibited a very good perfonnance over the entire considered frequency range and also
due to the fact that the dielectric substrate available for fabrication matched its
specifications. More importantly, it was of appropriate size for the vacuum table used to
fabricate the antenna.
In order to fabricate the desired model, a 50 Q stripline feed of width 2.24 mm
was etched on one side of a copper clad substrate and it was flared out to produce one
wing of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi. On the other side of the substrate, the ground
plane was reduced to give a twin line which was then flared in the opposite direction of
the first flare. On another dielectric slab, an identical ground plane to twin line to Vivaldi
flare transition as the previous was etched on one side while on the other side, the copper
130
cladding was completely stripped off. These two substrates were sandwiched together
and held in place with the help of nylon No. 6 screws to form the desired balanced
antipodal Vivaldi antenna. Each dielectric slab used had a relative permittivity of e,:2.5,
height h: 1.5 mm and a loss tangent tanô : 0.001. A photograph of the etched stripline
to flare transition on the first dielectric slab and the ground plane to twin line to flare
transition on the second slab can be seen in Fig. 6.1 (a). It must be noted that the substrate
with the etched stripline to flare transition also has an etched ground plane to flare
transition on the other side in the opposite direction. The copper cladding on the other
side of the second substrate is completely stripped off.
Outer
Flare
,!.
Ground
Plane
Ìì::îif.S
$jql$
Fig. 6.1 (a) Photograph of the two dielectríc substrates of the fabricated antenna
showing the etched stripline to flare transition on one slab and the ground plane to flare
transition on the other. Other dimensions are given in Fig. 6.1 (b)
r31
Figure 6.1 (b) shows a photograph of the resultant fabricated balanced antipodal Vivaldi
antenna after the two substrates are fastened together with the help of screws. The
dimensions of this antenna are also given.
Nylon
screws
Fig. 6.I þ) Fabricated balanced antÌpodal Vivaldi antenna desuibed by (5.1) with
substrate elongation of 12.80 mm: Ls : 88.70mm, Lc : 75.90mm, Ws : 55.90mm
6.3 Simulated vs. Measured Results
The fabricated Vivaldi was fed electromagnetically by the 50 Q stripline, which
was excited by a 50 O SMA probe. The antenna was tested in the Antenna Laboratory at
the University of Manitoba. The Sl¡ and input impedance were measured by ANRITSU
ME7808A Network Analyzer. Fig. 6.2 shows a comparison between the measured and
132
simulated Slr. It can be seen that the fabricated antenna also exhibits a very good
wideband performance in the 6 to 20 GHz frequency range.
¡i
6"
9 -ts
U'
\t
,:l
lrr
\\
-30 L
6 81012141618
Frequency (GHz)
Fig. 6.2 Simulated and measured Sy patterns with respect to 50 Qfor the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi shown in Fig. 5.10 and Fig. 6.1 respectively and desuibed by (5.1)
with s,: 2.5, h = 1.5 mm, tanõ:0.001. Other parameters are given in Fig. 6.1
As the fabricated Vivaldi comprises of two dielectric slabs, there is probability
that air gaps exist between the two substrate layers. This causes a deviation of the
measured return loss from that of the simulated, as this factor is not taken into account
during simulations. With this practical issue taken into consideration, it can be said that
the simulated and measured return loss results are in good agreement.
In the input impedance plots of this antenna are shown in Fig. 6.3 for three
separate frequency ranges. From the figure it can be seen that the locus of the input
133
impedance at each frequency range is near the centre of the Smith chart, indicating that
the antenna is well matched to the 50 Q SMA probe in each range.
SII FORI{ÊRO RTFLECTION

I IIPEOâNCE
Marker I:6 GHz

Marker 2:7 GHz
Marker 3: 8 GHz
6.ú0000000ø - 8.000000000 ûHz
Fig.6.3 (a)
SII FORI.IÊRD BEFLECTION

I IIPEDÊIICE
Marker 1: 8 GHz
Marker 2: I0 GHz
Marker 3: 12 GHz
8.0ø000ø000 - 12.000000000 0Hz

Fig.6.3 þ)
134
Fig. 6.3 contd.
SII F(]RIIÂ80 SEFLECTION

IÌ1PEDÊNCE
Marker 1:12 GHz

Marker 2: 18 GHz
12.0øøøøøøøø - 18.000000000 6Hz

Fig. 6.3 (c)
Fig. 6.3 Measured input impedance plot of the antenna in Fig. 6.1withrespect to 50 d2
on a substrate with tr:2.5, h:l.5mm and tan6:0.001. Other parameters are mentioned
in Fig. 6.1
The radiation characteristics of the fabricated antenna were measured in the
anechoic chamber in the Antenna Laboratory at the University of Manitoba. Figures 6.4
and 6.5 show the positions in which the antenna was mounted in order to measure the E
and H-plane radiation patterns respectively.
l3s
Fig. 6.4 Picture of the fabricated balanced antipodal Vivaldi showing the mounting
position in the anechoic chamber for measuring E-plane radiation patterns
Fig. 6.5 Picture of thefabricated balanced antipodal Vivaldi showing the mounting
position in the anechoic chamber for measuring H-plane radiation patterns
136
The far-f,reld radiation pattems for both principle planes were measured in the
frequency range of 6 to 18 GHz (with a one GHz frequency step). Figure 6.6 shows a
comparison between the E-plane simulated and measured radiation pattems in this
frequency range.
10
i=
m
E -10
L
'Ë
o(! -20
c
o
É, -30
-40
0
e (degrees)
(a) 6 GHz
Fig. 6.6 (a)
r37
Fig. 6.6 contd.
â
d¡
E
.g
õ
o
G'
20 Simulated E-plane Co-pol

_*- Simulated E-plane Cross-pol
- Measured E-plane Co-pol
10 ----- Measured E-plane Cross
-
â
€"0
'õ
0 -zo
G
É,
É,
9o^
40
-50
-60
0
e (degrees)
(c) I GHz
Fig. 6.6 (b), (c)
138
Fig. 6.6 contd.
â
€no
'õ
O -zo
(ú
L
Ë'ro
-40
0
e (degrees)
(d) 9 GHz
Simulated E-plane co-pol

-*'- Simulated E-plane Cross-pol
- Measured E-plane Co-pol
-
â
*"0
L
'õ
() -zo
fi¡
Ë.ro
40
e (degrees)
(e) I0 GHz
Fig. 6.6 (d), (e)
139
Fig. 6.6 contd.
3"0
'õ
(9 -zo
I
''-- í,,
¡t.í't;ít-" ':, l,-,"-".-¡-<.^.
------- \'' -- , \,.
'i t\i
i
\ i r',:i
t\,1
õ
É, '.
I
lìl
¡'
I
I I'r-¿
'.¡-
c ì,¡ lt
--'õ'i¡,.i iì '¡i
T¡
I
lr¡ l¡ \i
t ;.r- , -.¡et,t*__,__-_-_
Ëoo ,,q,, I
¡tt
i q ..,n,i: / \.,
40
iaÉ
i,"f,.i i, f
______..._i.....
ij
,, v
if
0
e (degrees)
(fl tt GHz
9uo
.g
fit
I(! -zo
É
Ë-ro
-40
0
e (degrees)
(g) 12 GHz
Fig. 6.6 (f), G)
t40
Fig. 6.6 contd.
20
Simulated E-plane Co-pol
Simulated E-plane Cross-pol
---- Measured E-plane Co-pol
----- Measured E-plane Cross-pol
10 -
â
d¡
! t0
.It
o
fit
'"hr,'\
c
Ê,
o -.^ L.."11''l'l
ç
40
-50
.60
0
e (degrees)
(h) 13 GHz
S¡mulated E-plane Co-pol

20
Simulated E-plane Cross-pol
-*
- Measured E-plane co-pol
l0 -
3"0
L
'õ
O -zo
(l
9o^
40
-50
-60
0
e (degrees)
(l Ia GHz
Fig.6.6 (h), (i)
t4t
Fíg. 6.6 contd.
â
fT¡
rt -10 \--\ ,,,i'. ,li"r
'I t¡ r_
.g \.,'l;\
G
o(ü -20 ......._ì__../. \rí v-l¡.n''
\ i :..,,.i.1:...
tr
;
u\i l¡rl ' tt.
rY ì j ¡''\ , ¡r jr'ï
co
c
,r"'*,
,l -ir'I Il q
J
:'':
tJ
,¡ Ti "o i'':
11 ",J
_t_
0
e (degrees)
(j) ls GHz

* Simu¡ated E-plane Cross-pol
-
Measured E-plane Co-pol
-
ã
m
E -10
L
(!
o -20
(!
L
L
o -30
0
e (degrees)
(k) t6 GHz
Fig.6.6 (j), (k)
142
Fig. 6.6 contd.

*-- Símulated E-plane Cross-pol i
Measured E-plane Co-pol i
----- Measured E-plane Cross-

-
â
€"0
'õ
o
(E
-zo
É
Ë-ro
0
e (degrees)
Q 17 GHz
--"--
tÆî
â
€"0
'õ :
O -20 - --tt-
(! ,¡, l'ì,r
i 'r lii
Ëoo
.ítr t¡ :
i
-100 60 0 50
e (degrees)
(m) 18 GHz
Fig 6.6 Simulated and measured E-plane (û:90" plane) radiation patterns of the
balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.10 and Fig. 6.1 respectively with e,: 2.5, h :
L5 mm, tanõ : 0.001. Other parameters are given in Fig. 6.1
143
A comparison of the important simulated and measured E-plane co-pol and cross-
pol characteristics are suÍrmarized in Tables 6.1 and 6.2.In the tables, Sim and Meas
stand for simulated and measured results respectively.
Frequency Boresight Gain Peak Gain Position of 3dBBW 1O dB BW

(GHz) tdBi) (dBi ) Peak Gain
Sim Meas Sim Meas Sim Meas Sim Meas Sim Meas
6 9.2t8 9.778 9.392 9.915 -6" _4o 400 440 1 180 I 15'
7 9.608 6.9r2 9.728 7.587 -4" -'7" 40" 39" 1 090 I 080
ao
8 10.319 9.2s7 10.356 9.538 -4" 47" 440 1 15" r4l"
9 r0.757 r1.336 10.821 l 1.430 -30 _4o 37" 340 1260 r02
l0 t0.707 10.472 10.707 10.480 00 10 380 330 114" I 130
11 9.967 9.285 9.973 9.369
1o -2 620 64" 137" I 30"
t2 9.988 10.184 10.080 10.331 30 _3o 57" 580 1250 124
T3 9.165 5.907 9.23r 5.974 30 ao 68" 74" 1270 13 10
14 8.409 6.640 9.280 8.627 32" 2go 78" J9" 13 10 13 90
l5 7.069 6.666 10.335 9.607 26 24 86" 680 l3 80 1 180
t6 6.686 5.874 8.930 8.092 29" 28 920 910 162" 752"

T7 5.340 6.047 9.707 9.636 310 270 1 050 91' 1400 I 35"
18 5.1 1 I 4.578 10.744 7.491 300 28" 950 910 I 360 1310
Table 6.I Summary of the simulated and measured E-plane co-pol pattern characteristics
of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.10 and Fig. 6.1 respectively
Frequency Boresight Cross- Peak Cross-pol Position of Peak

(GHz) pol (dBil ( dBi ) C ross-þo
Sim Meas Sim Meas Sim Meas
6 -43.733 -23.065 -3 8.916 -r7.335 1610 92
7 -44.t74 -17.579 -34.004 -15.869 52" 3"
I -49.t50 -19.726 -36.993 -13.656 340 -16
.,o
9 -3s.s00 -r2.810 -30.0ss -lt.979 -29"
0 -52.190 -r5.23r -34.923 -13.035 -144" -50
1 -42.672 -27.688 -2s.t99 -14.s93 66 220
2 -40.015 -15.983 -2t.892 -7.823 620 -300
J -27.705 -15.350 -r3.482 20"
-26.295 63"
4 -30.537 -1 3.1 85 -9.758
-23.371 -1 050 6"
5 -29.008 -7.615 -21.058
-6.906 -59" 30
6 -29.227 -t4.4s6 -24.929
-7.757 -600 44
t7 -32.t37 -t0.772 -7.658
-19.786 310 12"
r8 -26.r94 -11.002 -19.794
-9.106 r07" 4"
e 6.2 Summary of the simulat -plane cross-pol pattern characteristics
t44
Figure 6.7 shows a comparison between the H-plane simulated and measured
radiation patterns in the 6 to 18 GHz frequency range.
ã
o
E
(ú
(9 -20
G
c
o
-30
Ê
{0
-50
0
e (degrees)
(q) 6 GHz
20
10
â
o
! l0
Ê
'õ
o
(!
o
-30
-40
-50
s0
0
e (degrees)
þ) 7 GHz
Fig.6.7 (a), (b)
t45
Fig.6.7 contd.
Simulated H-plane Co-pol

* Simulated H-plane Cross-pol
- Measurod H-plane Co-pol
----- Measured H-plane Cross-pol
-
â
d¡
Þ -tu
L
õ
o -20
(!
L
o -30
L
{0
0
e (degrees)
(c) I GHz
€.'0
'õ
O -20
(ú
tr
.ro
Ë
0
e (degrees)
(d) 9 GHz
Fis.6.7 (c), (d)
146
Fig.6.7 contd.
--_.- S¡mulated H-plane Co-pol

* Simulated H-plane Cross-po¡
Measured H-plane Co-pol
----- Measured H-plane cross-pol
-
â
€ro
L
'õ
o -zo
fit
Ëoo
40
0
e (degrees)
(e) 10 GHz
E"o a'
tt
L
,t
,t
'õ
g -zo
o
L
É,
Ë*o
{0
0
e (degrees)
(fl tI GHz
Fig.6.7 (e), (f)
147
Fig. 6.7 contd.

-* Simulated H-plane Cross-pol
- Measured H-plane Co-pol
----- Measursd H-plane Cross
-
€ro
c
r!
(9 -zo
G'
L
9r^
40
0
0 (degrees)
(g) 12 GHz
ã
€"0
L
'õ
o(s -zo
Ëoo
0
e (degrees)
(h) 13 GHz
Fig.6.7 (s), (h)
148
Fig. 6.7 contd.
S¡mulated H-plane Co-pol

- Measured H-plane Co-pol
----- Measured H-plane Cross-
-
â
9uo
L
'Ë
O -zo
(!
tr
L
Ëoo
{0
0
e (degrees)
(i) 14 GHz
S¡mulated H-plane Co-pol

Simulated H-plane Cross-pol
-*
- Measured H-plane co-pol
-
rã
g¡
ë
L
'õ
o(!
L
L
o
É
0
e (degrees)
(fl 15 GHz
Fig.6.7 (Ð, (Ì)
t49
Fig. 6.7 contd.
â
c0
E -10
'õ
\i
i¡
it
(9 -20 ,j
G
Ê
o
-30
{0
-50
-60
0
e (degrees)
(k) 16 GHz
â
m
E
L
'õ
o(! ìiri
¡¡
L
(l)
-30 ii
li
ii
¡
{0
I
I
-50
-60
0
e (degrees)
Q 17 GHz
Fig.6.7 (k), (l)
150
Fig. 6.7 contd.

-
Measured H-plane Co-pol
----- Measured H-plane Cross-pol
-
0
â ]
u
E"o
'õ tìj J
(Ð -zo ì.dí
fit
tr
Ëoo
-40
-100 -50 0 50 100

e (degrees)
(o) 18 GHz
Fig. 6.7 Simulated and measured H-plane (ø:0" plane) radiation patterns of the
balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.10 and Fig. 6.1 respectively with t, : 2.5, h :
1.5 mm, tan6: 0.001. Other parameters are given in Fig. 6.1
A comparison of the important simulated and measured H-plane co-pol and cross-pol
characteristics are summarized in Tables 6.3 and 6.4.
t5l
Frequency Boresight Gain Peak Gain Position of 3dBBW 10 dB BW
(GHz) ( dBi ) ( dBi ) Peak Gain
Sim Meas Sim Meas Sim Meas Sim Meas Sim Meas
6 9.218 9.852 9.2t8 9.871 00 3" 70" 62 I 060 99"
7 9.608 7.158 9.608 7.467 00 50 52" 52 980 95"
8 10.319 9.54s 10.3 l9 9.545 00 00 500 49" 800 750
9 r0.757 I 1.533 t0.757 11.562 00 10 46" 4r" 78" 71"
10 10.707 r0.626 r0.701 t0.649 00 1o 42 43" J4" 840
l1 9.967 9.324 9.967 9.347 00 _1o 380 310 1310 1280
t2 9.988 9.785 9.988 9.809 00 10 380 360 1000 92"
13 9.t6s 6.431 9.16s 6.524 00 -30 350 380 723" l17"
t4 8.409 6.226 8.410 6.349 10 -40 37" 41" 1 180 I l9'
15 7.069 6.513 7.069 6.731 00 50 350 38" 112" 1010
t6 6.686 5.580 6.686 5.997 00 9" 43" 49o 64" 102"
t7 5.340 5.439 5.340 5.474 00 10 47" 480 I 060 90'
18 5.111 3.855 3.414 4.352 00 16" 44" 500 600 890
Table 6.3 Summary of the simulated and measured H-plane co-pol pattern characteristics
of the balanced antipodal Vivaldi given in Fig. 5.I0 and Fig. 6. I respectively
Frequency Boresight Cross- Peak Cross-pol Position of Peak

(GHz) pol (dBi) ( dBi ) Cross- DO I
Sim Meas Sim Meas Sim Meas
6 -43.733 -26.428 -r0.297 -10. I 58 -124" -67"

7 -44.174 -23.484 - i 0.0s6 -13.907 -730 -70"
8 -49.150 -20.891 -9.470 -7.9t1 61" 57"
9 -35.500 -r3.038 -6.481 -3.464 50" -47"
10 -52.190 -14.366 -s.880 -7.047 -47" -400
11 -42.672 -35.015 -4.662 -6.078 400 -34
12 -40.015 -r6.304 -7.788 -3.222 I 08' 36
13 -27.705 -r5.307 -2.343 -8.r23 -149" -240
t4 -30.s31 -13.501 -6.t72 -5.094 -28" 600
15 -29.008 -7.585 -5.628 -5.427 152" 780
I6 -29.227 -r5.679 -3.931 -3.730 -580 56"
l7 -32.137 -r0.287 -3.079 -5.213 550 -52
18 -26.194 -1 1.889 -4.6s6 -5.442 1 58' -78"
Table 6.4 Summary of the simulated and measured H-plane cross-pol pattern characteristics
152
From Fig. 6.6 and 6.7 it can be seen that the measured co-pol patterns in both
principle planes are in close agreement to the simulated ones. The asymmetrical nature of
the E-plane co-pol pattems observed in the simulation results are observed in the
measured results as well. From Tables 6.1 and 6.3 it can be observed that the measured
boresight and peak gain levels are in close agreement to the simulated ones. However, the
measured cross-pol levels in both principle planes, as seen in Tables 6.2 and 6.4, are
higher than the simulated ones. This may be due to a misalignment of the etched flares on
either side of the substrate or a misalignment of the flares on either substrate when they
were fastened together with the help of screws. Another factor that may have caused
higher measured cross-pol levels is the fastening scrervs themselves, which may have
interfered with the performance of the fabricated antenna.
6.4 Study of Phase Centre
A study of the location of the phase centre could be carried out for the fabricated
Vivaldi in the H-plane (xz plane, i.e. þ:9" plane) only, for the frequency range of 9 to 12
GHz (with a one GHz step). The measured H-plane phase centre was determined by
taking phase pattems for an angle off main beam axis 0 ranging from -30 to 30o while
pivoting the antenna about different points along the length of the slot; the phase centre
being located at the pivot point that gave greatest degree of flatness over the mentioned
angle off main beam axis range [5]. The H-plane phase centre location for the fabricated
Vivaldi was found to lie over a portion of the antenna axis rather than existin g at a single
point, as was found in the case of the simulated phase centre results of chapter five. The
maximum tolerable phase difference AQ was found to be 35" at this location.
153
A study of the H-plane phase centre for the simulated results with its appropriate
maximum phase difference tolerability AQ of 15" was also carried out in the 9 to 12 GHz
range in order to compare with the measured results. The measured phase centre location
was found to lie within the antenna axis portion of the simulated results. A comparison of
the measured and simulated phase center locations is given in Fig. 6.8.
plane minimum
Fig. 6.8 Geometry of the balanced antipodal Vivaldiwith substrate elongation of 12.80
mm indicating the portion of antenna axis where the simulated (Aø:1f) and measured
(Aþ:3f) H-plane phase centres lie; dlm:74.22mm, d2m:80.75mm, dls:57mm,
d2s:90mm. Dimensions of the antenna are given in Fig. 5.10
154
6.5 Summary
In this chapter, an experimental verification of one of the balanced antipodal
Vivaldi models of chapter five was presented. The simulated and measured return loss
and radiation patterns were given and it was seen that the results were in close agreement
with each other. The H-plane phase centre location of the fabricated antenna for the
frequency range of 9 to L2 GHz was found and it was compared to the corresponding
simulated results.
155
CHAPTER 7
CONCLUSION
7.1 Summary
In this thesis, two different types of Vivaldi antennas were investigated. A síngle
sided Vivaldi fed by a microstrip feed line given in [9] (Model l) was simulated using a
finite element method design and analysis package Ansoft HFSS v 10.1 and its far-field
radiation patterns were studied in the 6 to 20 GHz range. A null at boresight in the
simulated E-plane co-pol pattems with increase in frequency of operation was observed.
The location of the E and H-plane phase centre on the antenna axis was investigated, and
it was found that it does not confine itself to a single point on the axis, but rather lies on
portion of the axis for a specified maximum tolerable phase difference Â$. Next, the
effect of taper length on the performance of the antenna was studied. The slotline length
was first increased (Model 2) and it was found that this elongation slightly improved the
simulated return loss and gain of the antenna. However, null at boresight in the E-plane
co-pol patterns still appeared. The phase centre of this model was again found to be
situated on a portion of the antenna axis. The slotline length of the original model (Model
1) was then truncated (Model 3) and it was found that this truncation deteriorated the
simulated return loss and gain of the antenna. The phase centre location on the antenna
axis was also studied for this model.
After studying the effect of length of taper on the antenna performance, the effect
of rate of taper and width of the antenna was studied. The rate of taper of Model 1 was
increased (Model 4) and it was found that this increase in rate slightly improved the gain
156
of the antenna. However, it did not help in minimizing the phase variation of the co-pol
radiation at the phase centre location. The rate of taper of Model 1 was then decreased
(Model 5) and it rvas found that this led to a significant deterioration of the simulated
retum loss performance of the antenna. The antenna gain was also slightly affected by
this decrease in rate of taper. The phase centre location was also studied. Finally, the last
study that was carried out on the single sided Vivaldi was the effect of width truncation
on the antenna performance. Interestingly, this truncation (Model 6) led to a significant
increase simulated antenna gain and also to a disappearance of null at boresight in the E-
plane co-pol patterns. Also, the phase variation of the co-pol radiation at the phase centre
location of this model was found to be the smallest out of all six single sided Vivaldi
models presented. The Average E and H-plane phase centres were also found to be the
most stable through out the entire considered frequency range compared to all the other
single sided models that were studied here. Not only did Model 6 exhibit a performance
superior to that of the remaining five models, but also, it possessed the attractive feature
of being extremely compact in size. Hence this model was concluded to be the optimum
design out of all single sided Vivaldi antenna models studied in this thesis.
The second type of Vivaldi antenna that was investigated was the balanced
antipodal Vivaldi. As Model 6 of chapter four was seen to have the best performance out
of the six single sided Vivaldi antennas studied, its dimensions were chosen to design a
balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna. The simulations were again canied out with Ansoft
HFSS v. 10.1. This balanced antipodal Vivaldi was also found to have a very good
performance regarding radiation patterns and phase centre location. However, it could not
overcome the broadband limitations that were observed in the single sided Vivaldi
1,57
models. In order to achieve a much larger bandwidth, a balanced antipodal Vivaldi with a
wider aperture than the former was designed. The effect of substrate elongation on the
gain of this antenna was studied, and it was observed that with increase in length of the
substrate, there was an increase in gain. The location of phase centre for the antenna
model with substrate elongation of 12.80 mm was studied and it was found that it did not
have as stable a phase centre behavior as that of Model 6 of chapter four. The effect of
substrate shaping was also investigated and it was found that it played a significant role
in increasing the gain of the antenna at higher frequencies of operation. From an overall
inspection, it was concluded that an elongated as well as shaped substrate was the best
design for the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna to achieve an optimum gain
performance.
In order to confirm the analysis, the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna of chapter
f,rve with a substrate elongation of 12.80 mm \ryas fabricated and tested in the Antenna
Laboratory at the University of Manitoba. It was chosen not only for its noteworthy
performance, but also due to practical issues. The measured return loss and far-field
radiation patterns were in close agreement with the simulated results. The H-plane phase
centre for the fabricated antenna was studied for the 9 to 12 GHz range and its location
was in close agreement to that of the simulated results for the same frequency range.
To summarize, athorough parametric study of a single sided Vivaldi antenna was
carried out through which, a compact model was developed, whose performance (with
regard to radiation patterns and phase centre location) was superior to the existing design.
A better understanding of the types of Vivaldi antennas was obtained by conducting a
study of two different balanced antipodal Vivaldi models. From this study, it was
158
concluded that a balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna with a wide aperlure and an
elongated as well as shaped substrate was the best design to achieve an optimum
bandwidth and gain performance.
7.2 Future Work
A few future research topics arising from this work are listed below:
o More detailed parametric study of the single sided and balanced antipodal Vivaldi
antennas.
. Use of these antennas as elements of a phased array system and studying the array
performance as well as each individual element's behavior.
o Investigating the location of the E and H-plane phase centre over the entire
antenna surface as opposed to only along its axis and hence making it a 2-D
problem.
o Finding suitable techniques to reduce the cross-pol levels of these antennas
r59
REFERENCES
tl] P.J. Gibson, "The Vivaldi aerial," in Proc. /t' Eur. Microwave Conf., pp. 101-105,
1979.
[2] E.Gazit, "Improved design of the Vivaldi antenna," IEE Proc. H,vol. 135, No. 2,pp.
89-92, April 1988.
[3] D. H. Schaubert, "Endfire tapered slot antenna characteristics," in Sixth International
Conf. on Antennas and Propagation 1989, vol. 1, pp.432-436, April 1989.
[4] S. G. Mao and S. L. Chen, "Time-domain characteristics of ultra-wideband tapered
loop antennas," Electronics Letters,vol.42, No. 22, pp.1262-1263, October 2006.
[5] A. H. Mohammadian, A. Rajkotia, and S. S. Soliman, "Charactenzation of UWB
transmit-receive antenna system," in IEEE Conference on Ultra lï/ideband Systems
and Technologies 2003, pp. 157-161, November 2003.
[6] K. S. Yngvesson et. al,"Endfte tapered slot antennas on dielectric substrates," IEEE
Trans. On Antennas and Propagation, vol. 33, No. 12, pp. 1392-1400, December
1985.
Ul L.R. Lewis, M. Fassett, and J. Hunt, "A broadband stripline array element," in IEEE
Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium 1974, vol. 12, pp. 335-
337, June 1974.
[8] R. Janaswamy, "Ar1 accurate Moment Method model for the tapered slot antenna,"
IEEE Trans. On Antennas and Propagation, vol. 37, No. 12, pp. 1523-1592,
December 1989.
160
[9] E. Thiele and A. Taflove, "FD-TD analysis of Vivaldi flared Horn antennas and
arrays," IEEE Trans. On Antennas and Propagation, vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 633-641,
lu4ay 1994.
[10] J. Shin and D. H. Schaubert, "A parameter study of stripline-fed Vivaldi notch-
antenna afiays," IEEE Trans. On Antennas and Propagatíon, vol.47, No. 5, pp. 879-
886, May 1999.
[11] D. H. Schaubert and T.H. Chio, "Wideband Vivaldi arrays for large aperrure
antennas," in Proc. of the Conf. on Perspectives on Radio Astronomy: Technologies
for Large Antenna Arays 1999,pp. 49-57, April 1999.
ll2lJ. D. S. Langley, P. S. Hall, and P. Newham, "Novel ultrawide-bandwidth Vivaldi
antenna with low crosspolarisation," Electronics Letters, vol.29, No. 23, pp.2004-
2005,November 1993.
tl3] Q Wu, B. Jin, L. Bin, Y.'Wu, and L.Li, "An approach to the determination of the
phase center of Vivaldi-based UWB antenna," in IEEE Antennas and Propagation
Society International Symposium 2006, pp. 563-566, July 2006.
[14] A. Elsherbini, C. Zhang, S. Lin, M. Kuhn, A. Kamel, A. E. Fathy, and H.

Elhennawy, "(fWB antipodal Vivaldi antennas with protruded dielectric rods for
higher gain, symmetric pattems and minimal phase center variations," in IEEE
Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium 2007, pp. 1973-1976,
June2007.
'W. Bowen, "Astigmatism in tapered slot antennas," International Journal of
[15] J.
Infrared and Millímeter Waves, vol. 16, No. 10, 1995.
161
U6] R. Janaswamy and D. H. Schaubert, 'oAnalysis of the tapered slot antenna," IEEE
Trans. On Antennas and Propagation,vol. AP-35, No. 9, pp. 1058-1064, September
1987.
[17] S. N. Prasad and S. Mahapatra, "A new MIC slot-line aerial," IEEE Trans. On
Antennas and Propagation,vol. AP-31, No. 3, pp. 525-527,}day 1983.
[8] K. S. Yngvesson et. al,"The tapered slot antenna- A new integrated element for
millimeter-wave applications," IEEE Trans. On Mícrowave Theory and Techniques,
vol. 37,No. 2, pp. 365-374, February 1989.
[19] R. E. Collin and F. J. Zucker, Antenna Theory Part 2, Inter-University Series, Vol 7.
McGraw-Hill Inc., 1 969.
[20] J. D. S. Langley, P. S. Hall, and P. Newham, "Balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna
for wide bandwidth phased arrays," IEE Proc. On Microwaves, Antennas and
Propagation,vol. 143, No. 2,pp.97-I02, April 1996.
l2IlL. Tianming, R. Yuping, and N. Zhongxia, "Analysis and design of UWB Vivaldi
antenna," IEEE 2007 International Symposium on Microwqve, Antenna, Propagation,
and EMC Technologies for Wreless Communications, pp. 579-581, August 2007 .
l22lJ. P.'Weem, Z. Popovic, and B. M. Notaros, "Vivaldi antenna affays for SKA,"
IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium 2000, vol. 1, pp.
t74-177.
[23] K. C. Gupta, R. Garg, and I. J. Bahl, Miuostrip Línes and Slotlines. Artech House
Inc.,1979.
162
l24lD. H. Schaubert, "Wide-Band phased arïays of Vivaldi notch antennas," in \dt'
International Conference on Antennas and Propagation,No.436,pp.l.6-1.12, April
1997.
[25] B. Schuppert, "Microstrip/slotline transitions: modeling and experimental
investigation," IEEE Trans. On Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol. 36, No. 8,
pp. 1272-1282, August I 988.
[26] IEEE Std. 145-1993,1888 Standard Definition of Terms of Antennas.
127] N. Fourkis, N. Lioutas, and N. V. Shuley, "Parametric study of the co- and
crosspolarisation characteristics of tapered planar and antipodal slotline antennas,"
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[28] R. Q. Lee, "Notch antennas," Tech. rep., Glenn Research Centre, July 2004.
163

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AN II{VESTIGATION OF THE VIVALDI AI{TENI{A

Venkata Krishna Tulasi Kota

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Copyright O August 2009 By Venkata Krishna Tulasi Kota

FACULTY OF G*RADIJATE STIIDTES

An Investigation of the Vivaldi Antenna

Venkata Krishna Tulasi Kota

A Thesis/Practicum submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University

Venkata Krishna Tulasi Kota@2009

I would like to acknowledge and extend my heartfelt gratitude to my research

extensive help provided during required fabrication work and experimental

endless encouragement and moral support through all my endeavors.

Vivaldi antennas. A thorough parametric study of a single sided Vivaldi antenna is

to radiation patterns and phase centre location.

exhibits a commendable performance is developed and studied for a better understanding

LIST OF TABLES xllt

CHAPTER 2: BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TAPERED SLOT ANTENNAS 6

CHAPTER 3: PARAMETRIC STUDY OF VIVALDI ANTENNA.I 18

CHAPTER 4: PARAMETRIC STIJDY OF VIVALDI ANTENNA-II 54

CHAPTER 5: STTJDY OF BALANCED ANTIPODAL VIVALDI ANTENNA 88

CHAPTER 6: EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION 130

Fig.2.2 Basic model of the Vivaldi antenna 9

Fig.2.3 Microstrip to slotline transition 11

Fig.2.4 Microstrip to slotline transition with radial stub 12

Fig.2.5 Antipodal Vivaldi antenna 14

field skew across the slot of the antenna

Fig.2.7 Balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna 15

feed along with the co-ordinate system: Ls:22.86mm,'Ws:38.10mm, Lc:

h:0.508mm and tanô:0.00 I

shown in Fig. 3.1 and described by (3.1)

shown in Fig. 3.1 and described by (3.1)

tolerable phase difference Aô:30'and 0 ranging from 0 to 60") of Model

I given in Fig. 3.1; (b) geometry of Model I indicating the portion of

feed along with the co-ordinate system: Ls:22.86mm, Ws:38.10mm, Lc=

75 C¿ for antenna Model 2 shown in Fig. 3.7 and described by (3.2)

shown in Fig. 3.7 and described by (3.2)

Fig.3.10 Simulated H-plane (0:0'plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 2 40

shown in Fig. 3.7 anddescribed by (3.2)

feed along with the co-ordinate system: Ls:22.86mm, Ws:38.10mm,

Lc:l 5 .24mm, Wm:0. 8 1 mm,'Wa:4.06mm, Ds:3. 3 Omm, with er2.2,

75 O for antenna Model 3 shown in Fig. 3.12 and described by (3.3)

3 shown in Fig. 3.12 and described by (3.3)

shown in Fig. 3.12 and described by (3.3)

maximum tolerable phase difference Aö:35o and 0 ranging from 0 to

feed along with the co-ordinate system: Ls:22.86mm,'Ws:38.10mm,

Lc: I 6. 5 mm, Wm:0. 8 mm, Wa:

75 C) for antenna Model 4 shown in Fig. 4.1 and described by (a.1)

Fig.4.3 Simulated E-plane (0:90'plane) co-pol and cross-pol patterns of Model 4 59

shown in Fig. 4.1 and described by (a.1)

shown in Fig. 4.1 and described by (a.1)

tolerable phase difference A0:30" and 0 ranging from 0 to 60') of Model

Lc: I 6. 5 I mm, Wm:0. 8 I mm, Wa=3.05mm, Ds:3.3 0mm, with er2.2,

75 O for antenna Model 5 shown in Fig. 4.6 and described by @.2)

shown in Fig. 4.6 and described by @.2)

shown in Fig. 4.6 and described by @.2)

maximum tolerable phase difference A0:30o and 0 ranging from 0 to

feed along with the co-ordinate system: Ls=22.86mm, Ws:17.94mm,

h:0.508mm and tanõ:0.00 1

75 Cl for antenna Model 6 shown in Fig. 4.1 I and described by (3.1)

6 shown in Fig. 4.11

Fig. 4. 15 Simulated surface current at 15 GHz on the copper cladding of Model 6 82

shown in Fig. 4.11

Fig.4.L7 (a) plot of Average E and H-planes'phase centre location (for a