Antenna

Analyze antenna performance

The project opens and simulates a 4x4 path array antenna.

License requirements: Layout and AXIEM (MWO_105+, XEM_001, XEM_100 or TOK_100)

1. In the "Principal Plane Cut Total Power" graph; note the principal plane cut; the steering angle (theta) is 9 degrees at 2.6 GHz.
2. Rotate the 3D View of the antenna so the orientation matches that of the Principal Plate Cut Total Power by pressing the Back button on the EM 3D Layout toolbar.

Learn about new PEAK measurements

An additional graph opens which contains a measurement for the theta angle of peak power.

1. In the "Peak Theta Versus Frequency" graph legend, right-click the Peak Theta measurement and choose Modify Measurement.
2. Note the new class of PEAK measurements. These dimension-reducing measurements allow you to analyze antenna performance across a frequency range.

Change the theta angle with optimization

An optimization goal is added to the "Peak Theta Versus Frequency" graph.

1. The current peak theta angle is 9 degrees. The optimization goal is set up to steer the beam to 45 degrees.
2. The voltage magnitudes and phases presented to the antenna are set up to be optimizable.
3. Set the Optimization Method to Discrete Local Search and the Maximum Iterations to 50.
4. Click the Analyze button before proceeding to ensure the 3D patterns update during optimization.
5. Click Start on the Optimizer and watch the antenna pattern shift from 9 degrees to 45 degrees.
6. NOTE: The variables being optimized are in a schematic which is driving the EM structure. The resulting antenna patterNs are dependent on the voltage magnitudes and phases presented to the EM structure from the schematic.

Matching Network Wizard Overview

The Network Synthesis Wizard allows the user to specify goals and components to generate matching network topologies in a matter of minutes. In this example a multi-band antenna matching network is designed to meet return loss goals in two different frequency bands.

Synthesizing and sending results to Microwave Office

1. NOTE: This synthesis takes a few minutes to run so there are results already saved in the project. However, if interested, push the Synthesize button to start a new synthesis. Otherwise, skip to the next step to use the already synthesized results.
   • If you'd like to see an example that synthesizes more quickly check out the example on the design flow page.
2. When the synthesis is complete (or is you skipped the synthesis step) push the To MWO button to send the results to Microwave Office.
3. Push the OK button on the Overwrite Options dialog.

Exploring results

1. All of the generated networks have been sent to Microwave Office and placed in the <AntennaMatch_synth> User Folder in the Project Tree.
2. Click on the synthesized networks under the User Folder to see the results from the networks.
3. Note that the Graph results update to show response with the selected network and the displayed schematic updates to show the selected networks.

Wrapping a Sheet Around a Cylinder

The project will open with a structure set up and ready to make the antenna conformal.

License requirements: Analyst (ANA-001)

1. Right-click on the Conformal Antenna Example 3D EM structure and choose Open in 3D Editor.
2. Select Modify Solids -> Wrap Sheet.
   • Select the antenna and press ENTER

1. • Select the Cylinder and press ENTER

1. • Select OK to accept the default properties for the resulting wrapped shape

Thickening a Sheet

1. Choose Modify Solids -> Thicken Sheet.
   • Select the antenna and press ENTER
   • Select OK to accept the default thickness and properties.