Example of Final Project Thesis

BEng (Hons) in Electrical & Electronics Engineering 3+0
in collaboration with UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON.

LOOP PATCH ANTENNA DESIGN
BY ABUBAKAR MAHDI ALHAJI 1
900MHz CIRCULAR LOOP PATCH ANTENNA
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
FINAL YEAR PROJECT REPORT
XXX
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONS)
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC
ENGINEERING (COMMUNICATION)
UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON
JANUARY 2012
900MHz CIRCULAR LOOP PATCH ANTENNA DESIGN AND
IMPLEMENTATION
XXXXX
A project report submittedinpartial fulfillment of therequirementsfor theawardof
degreeof Bachelor of Engineering(Hons) inElectrical & ElectronicEngineering
(Communication)
UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON
JANUARY 2012
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this project entitled " 900MHz CIRCULAR LOOP PATCH
ANTENNA DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION" has been doneby myself under the
supervisionof Mr. ALI ZUHAIR, andnoportionof theworkcontainedinthisreport has
beensubmittedinsupport of anyapplicationfor anyother degreeof qualificationof this
or anyother universityor instituteof higher learning.
I declarethat this project is entirely my ownwork except whereduereferences are
made.
Signature: _______________
Name:
UEL ID:
Date:
Supervisor'sSignature: _____________________
Supervisor'sname
Date:
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Initially, I thankAlmightyAllahfor makingthisproject asuccess. Thisproject
mainlywasachievedwiththehelpof hard-workingpeoplethat guidemethroughout my
final year project andwill alsosaythankstothoseimportant peoplewhospendtimeand
beingpatient whiledoingthisproject.
Special appreciationtomyproject supervisor, Mr. ALI ZUHAIR for hisguidance
andadvice. Heinspiredme, usedhumanmanagement skillsinorder toencourageme,
andsharedhisideasduringthecourseof thisproject. I completedmyproject andalso
got theopportunitytolearnanddevelopskillsfor myself inthefuture.
Therest of engineeringstaffs inStamfordcollegewerevery helpful andmany of the
expert in antenna research. Next I would like to thank my parents who give financial
support throughout mycourse.
iii
ABSTRACT
This project is about the circular loop patch antenna design that operates in 900MHz
frequency. Theantennais asinglelooppatchwhichlies onthesurfaceof thedielectric
substances, FR4. A 50O SMA RF port is attachedat theendtipof theantennafor 50O
coaxial cableconnection.
The antenna is designed and simulated using ADS software. The concerned
parametersof theantennaare, S
11
, Gainandimpedance. Apart fromthese, other concern
parameters are radiation pattern and power also will be take into consideration when
simulateantenna.
At the end of the project, a working loop patch antenna will be demonstrated and
operateat 900MHz. If network analyzer isnot available, atelevisionwill beusedtotest
theworkingof theantenna. By connectingthelooppatchantennato thetelevision, one
channel or morecanbereceivedandseeclearly.
iv
.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Declaration.......................................................................................................................ii
Acknowledgements...........................................................................................................iii
Abstract.............................................................................................................................iv
Tableof Contents..............................................................................................................vi
List of Figures..................................................................................................................vii
List of Abbreviations.......................................................................................................viii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.................................................................................1
1.1Background.........................................................................................................1
1.2Statement of TheProblems.................................................................................2
1.3Objectives...........................................................................................................3
1.4Scopeof theProject............................................................................................3
1.5ExpectedOutcomeof theProject.......................................................................4
1.6Technical proposedblockdiagramtoimplement theproject.............................5
1.7Overviewof thereport........................................................................................6
CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE..............................................................8
2.1TheTheoryof LoopAntenna.............................................................................8
2.2RadiatedFields...................................................................................................10
2.3Power Densityof theLoopAntenna..................................................................13
2.4LoopPatchAntennaDesign...............................................................................13
CHAPTER 3: SYSTEM DESIGN................................................................................16
3.1Designrequirements.............................................................................................19
3.2LoopPatchAntennaDesign.................................................................................19
CHAPTER 4: HARDWARE & SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION.....................24
4.1HardwareRequirement for themakingof LoopPatchAntenna.........................24
4.1.1FR4PCB Copper Board................................................................................24
4.1.2SMA Port.......................................................................................................25
4.1.3SO239Port.....................................................................................................26
4.1.450O Coaxial Cable.........................................................................................27
4.1.575O Coaxial cable..........................................................................................28
4.1.6SolderingGun................................................................................................29
4.1.7SolderingLead..............................................................................................30
4.2SoftwareRequirement todesigntheLoopPatchAntenna..................................31
4.3LoopPatchAntennaDesignusingADS..............................................................31
4.4TheMakingof LoopPatchAntenna....................................................................40
CHAPTER 5: RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS..............................................................50
5.1SimulationResults................................................................................................50
5.2Experimental Test of LoopPatchAntenna...........................................................64
5.3Applyandtest theLoopPatchAntennausingTelevision....................................71
5.3.1Theperformanceof commercial typeof loopantenna...................................71
5.3.2Theperformancelooppatchantennadevelopedinthisproject.....................72
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS..............................75
6.1Conclusion............................................................................................................75
6.2ProblemFacings...................................................................................................76
6.3Recommendation.................................................................................................76
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................77
APPENDIX A: RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUMS.............................................79
APPENDIX B: INPUT IMPEDANCE OF LOOP ANTENNA GRAPHS...............80
APPENDIX C: LAYOUT OF LOOP PATCH ANTENNA......................................81
APPENDIX D: PRICE LIST.......................................................................................82
APPENDIX E: GANTT CHART................................................................................83
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
Figure1.1: Applicationof loopantennainmetal detector................................................2
Figure1.2: Applicationof loopantennainVHF/UHF frequency....................................2
Figure1.3: Thescopeof theproject..................................................................................3
Figure1.4: Expectedoutcomeof theproject.....................................................................4
Figure1.5: Technical blockdiagramtoimplement theproject.........................................5
Figure2.1: Loopantennas.................................................................................................9
Figure2.2: Geometryof circular loop..............................................................................10
Figure2.3: ResistanceversusthedirectivityO................................................................14
Figure2.4: ReactanceversusthedirectivityO.................................................................15
Figure3.1: A processtobuilda900MHz looppatchantenna.........................................16
Figure3.2: Determinethe50O resistancefromthegraph..............................................21
Figure3.3: Thephysical appearanceof thelooppatchantenna......................................23
Figure4.1: FR4PCB copper board.................................................................................24
Figure4.2: SMA Port......................................................................................................25
Figure4.3: SO239Femaleport.......................................................................................26
Figure4.4: 50O Coaxial cable........................................................................................27
Figure4.5: 75O TV coaxial cable...................................................................................28
Figure4.6: Solderinggun................................................................................................29
Figure4.7: Solderinglead...............................................................................................30
Figure4.8: ADSstartingwindow...................................................................................31
BY ABUBAKAR MAHDI ALHAJI
10
Figure4.9: Creatingnewproject.....................................................................................32
Figure4.10: Newproject templatewindow....................................................................32
Figure4.11: Schematicwindow......................................................................................33
Figure4.12: Thewindowfor patchantennadesign.........................................................34
Figure4.13: Dimensionof themeasurement in2Dcoordinatessystem..........................35
Figure4.14: Important functionstosketchthepathloopantenna...................................35
Figure4.15: DrawacircleintheADSsoftware..............................................................36
Figure4.16: Drawasecondcircleandoverlapit.............................................................36
Figure4.17: Creatingasinglelooponthecircle..............................................................37
Figure4.18: A ringor asingleturnof looppatchantenna...............................................37
Figure4.19: Stripof conductor joint withthering...........................................................38
Figure4.20: J oiningthestripandlooptogether...............................................................39
Figure4.21: Thecompletelooppatchantennadesign.....................................................40
Figure4.22: Print out thelooppatchantennalayout fromADSsoftware.......................41
Figure4.23: Material preparedfor ironingprocess..........................................................42
Figure4.24: Usesticker toholdtheprint out andput onthePCB board........................42
Figure4.25: Ironinginprogress.......................................................................................43
Figure4.26: Theironingprocesstimephases..................................................................44
Figure4.27: Result after ironingprocessanddarkentheimage......................................45
Figure4.28: Preparefor etching.......................................................................................45
Figure4.29: Etchinginprogress......................................................................................47
Figure4.30: Processof makingthelooppatchantennaafter etching.............................48
Figure4.31: Thefinal outlookof thecircular looppatchantenna...................................49
Figure4.31: Thefinal outlookof thecircular looppatchantenna...................................49
Figure5.1: Windowthat allowuser keyintheantennaparameters.................................50
Figure5.2: Simulationcontrol window............................................................................51
Figure5.3: S
11
andS
22
simulationresultsof looppatchantennashowninFigure4.21..52
Figure5.4: Themeaningof S
11
andS
22
onthelooppatchantenna..................................53
Figure5.5: TheSmithchartsplot for S
11
andS
22
.............................................................55
11
Figure5.6: Impedanceplot of thelooppatchantenna.....................................................56
Figure5.7: VSWR plot of looppatchantenna.................................................................58
Figure5.8: Readytoplot theradiationpattern.................................................................59
Figure5.9: Circular polarizationradiationpattern...........................................................60
Figure5.10: Thegainanddirectivityradiationpattern....................................................61
Figure5.11: Efficiencyof thelooppatchantenna............................................................61
Figure5.12: 3Dviewof looppatchantenna....................................................................62
Figure5.13: Three3Dradiationpatternof thelooppatchantenna.................................63
Figure5.14: Networkanalyzer.........................................................................................64
Figure5.15: Networkanalyzetest onlooppatchantenna................................................65
Figure5.16: TheS
11
plot of thelooppatchantenna.........................................................66
Figure5.17: TheSmithChart plot of looppatchantenna................................................68
Figure5.18: Impedanceplot of looppatchantenna.........................................................69
Figure5.19: TheVSWR plot............................................................................................70
Figure5.20: Usingcommercial typeof loopantennatoreceivetheTV channels...........71
Figure5.21: UsinglooppatchantennatoreceivetheTV channels.................................72
Figure5.22: AnalysisonhowlooppatchantennaworkstoreceivetheTV channel......73
12
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
RF - RadioFrequency
PCB - PrintedCircuit Board
SMA - SubminiatureVersionA
UHF - UltraHighFrequency
VHF - VeryHighFrequency
HF - HighFrequency
VSWR - VoltageStandingWaveRatio
TV - Television
S
11
- Input reflectioncoefficient
S
22
- Output reflectioncoefficient
13
LIST OF TABLES
Table3.1- Thetechnical parametersanddesignrequirement of theantenna.................19
Table5.1- Technical featuresof thenetworkanalyzer...................................................65
Table5.2- Theperformanceof commercial typeof loopantenna..................................72
Table5.3- Theperformanceof looppatchantennaontheTV channelsreception.........73
Table6.1- Summarizedthecomparisonresultsbetweensimulationandpractical.........75
14
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Antenna plays an important role to receive and transmit the RF signal in wireless
communication. The size of antenna varies fromone to another and depends on the
operatingfrequency. Thesizeof antennausuallydeterminebywavelength.
Today avariety of antennas can beseen everywhere. Generally theantennas can be
classified under three types: elemental antennas, dish antennas and patch antennas.
Elemental types of antennas arethesimpletypeof wires antenna. Thedesign can bea
simple conductor to a complex structure. Dish antennas areusing a reflector to reflect
the RF signal and focus the signal at one point. Patch however is a flat antenna or
conductor which can be many shapes and lie on a piece of dielectric material. Many
small wireless electronic communication devices such as cell phones are using patch
antennas.
In this project, a circular loop patch antenna operates at 900MHz frequency is
designedandimplemented. Thelooppatchantennainthisproject consistsof singleloop
of copper conductor lies on FR4 material which having arelativepermeability of 4. A
50O SMA port is attachedat theendpoint of theantennafor coaxial cableconnection.
At theendof constructionof theantenna, theantennawill besendfor testingintheRF
labusingnetworkanalyzer.
To implement or apply the antenna into real time, the antenna may be tested using
televisiontoobservethechannelsreceived.
1.2 Statement of the problems
15
Loop patch antenna is not concerned by many RF researchers. This is because its
dimensionusually biginsizeanddifficult toimplement. Inthepast tenyears [1], many
metal detectors areusingloopantennas, but not inpatchformat, todetect thelandmine
or anymetal objectsburryunder theground. Thiskindof loopantennamadefrommany
turns of wires and heavy in weight. Besides that, the operating frequency of the loop
antennausedbythemetal detectorsarelowinfrequency. Thiscanbeeasilydistortedby
noise. Figure1.1showstypical metal detector [2]:
Figure1.1- Applicationof loopantennainmetal detector [2].
Figure1.2- Applicationof loopantennainVHF/UHF frequency[3].
Figure1.2 shows the loop antenna also used for indoor TV channels reception. As
seeninthediagram, theloopisverybiginsizeandinconvenient toinstall.
16
1.3 Objectives
Theobjectiveof thisproject isto:
Designandimplement alooppatchantennathat operatesat 900MHz.
Thegainof theantennamust begreater than2dBi.
Theantennahastoresonanceat 900MHz.
Theinput impedanceof theantennamust be50O.
Theantennamust at least receiveonetelevisionchannel.
1.4 Scope of the project
Thescopeof theproject isshowninFigure1.1:
Figure1.3- Thescopeof theproject.
As seeninFigure1.3, thescopeof theproject covers thedesignandconstructionof
the loop path antenna. After design, the parameters will be keyed into antenna
Scopeof theproject
Designa
looppath
antenna
Fabricatethe
antenna
Simulatethe
antennausing
ADS
Test andanalyzethe
results
17
simulation software (ADS) to compute and optimize the gain as well as theresonance
frequency.
If theresult of thesimulationissatisfied, next proceedtothefabricationstage. Inthis
stage, thePCB boardwhichalsocalledFR4boardwill beusedto makealoopantenna.
Finally, theantennais sends for testingusingnetwork analyzer and applies it to detect
thetelevisionchannels.
1.5 Expected Outcome of the Project
Figure1.4showstheexpectedoutcomeof theproject:
Figure1.4- Expectedoutcomeof theproject.
Theparts, nameandfunctionsof theantennaissummarizedintotable1.1.
Parts Name Functions
18
56 Loopantenna A copper conductor usedtoreceivethesignals
34 FR4dielectricmaterial Tosupport theloopantenna
12 50O SMA port Connect tocoaxial cable
Table1.1- Summarizedtheparts, nameandfunctionsof theloopantenna
1.6 Technical proposed block diagram to implement the project
Figure1.5- Technical blockdiagramtoimplement theproject.
Figure1.5shows general viewof project components. Asseenintheblock diagram, the
loop patch antenna developed consists of SMA connector or SO239 connector. The
SMA connector is only used when the antennatested under network analyzer whereas
theSO239isusedwhentheantennaistestedusingtelevision.
Looppatchantenna SMA or SO239port
TV/RF signal generator
(Optional)
Networkanalyzer
19
Inother words, theSMA or SO239aretheports tofetchtheRF signal. Sinceantenna
is areciprocal device, it canbework for bothtransmittingandreceiving. As amatter of
fact, to viewthetransmittingsignal andreceivingsignal, anetwork analyzer is used. In
this network analyzer, the RF signal is generated internally and transmit to the loop
patch antenna via 50O coaxial cables. The signal is then returned back to network
analyzer usingthesamecables. Fromtransmit andreceivesignal, thenetwork analyzer
candetermineS
11
(input impedance), VSWR andreturnlossof theantenna.
RF signal generator is anoptional sourceto connect to theantennafor testing. If the
network analyzer does not has RF sourcefunction, then RF signal generator is needed.
Televisionisconnectedtoseewhether thelooppatchantennacanbeusedtoreceivethe
VHF/UHF signal or not. Thiswill beshownlater inthisreport.
1.7 Overview of the report
Chapter 1 of this report is an introduction. This chapter introduces overview of the
project andits objectives. Thechapter also explains thetechnical content of theproject
in terms of block diagram. Apart fromthat, chapter 1 highlights the overview of the
report chapters.
Chapter 2 is a literature review. This chapter discusses theory of loop antenna and
design issues. Reviewing the current loop patch antenna research also fall into this
chapter.
Chapter 3 is about the methodology. This chapter will show systematic way to
implement theproject. A flow chart is used to summarizethe entirework and adetail
explanationonthemethodusedtodesigntheantenna.
20
Chapter 4 is hardware and software implementation. This chapter discusses the
components used in the project, how the components combined to made a loop patch
antennaandsoftwareusedtodesignandsimulatetheantenna.
Chapter 5 is a results display and analysis. This chapter mainly discusses the data
collectedfromtheexperimental works. Thechapter alsoexplainstechnical issuesonthe
designof hardwareaswell astheproblemfacing.
Chapter 6 is aconclusion chapter. This chapter concludes theproject outcomes and
its limitation. Advantages and disadvantages also will be stated in this chapter. Future
improvement ontheproject will bebrieflydescribedinthischapter too.
CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE
21
2.1 The Theory of Loop Antenna
Loopantennas takemany different forms suchas rectangle, square, triangle, ellipse,
circle and many other configurations. Because of the simplicity in analysis and
construction, thecircular loopis themost popular andhas receivedthewidest attention.
It will be shown that a small loop is equivalent to an infinitesimal magnetic dipole
whose axis is perpendicular to the plane of the loop. That is, the fields radiated by an
electrically small circular loop areof thesamemathematical formas thoseradiated by
aninfinitesimal magneticdipole[1].
Loop antennas are usually classified into two categories, electrically small and
electrically large. Electrically small antennas arethosewhoseoverall length(number of
turnstimescircumference) isusuallylessthanabout onetenthof theawavelength(NC
</10). However, electricallylargeloopsarethosewhosecircumferenceis about afree
space wavelength (C ~). Most of the applications of loop antennas are in HF (3 -
30MHz), VHF (30 - 300MHz) and UHF (300 - 3000MHz) bands. When used as field
probes, theyfindapplicationseveninthemicrowavefrequencyrange[2].
Loop antennas with electrically small circumference or perimeters have small
radiation resistances that are usually smaller than their loss resistances. Thus they are
very poor radiators, and they are seldom employed for transmission in radio
communication. When they are used in any such application, it is usually in the
receivingmode, suchasinportableradiosandpagers, whereantennaefficiencyisnot as
important as the signal to noise ratio. They are also used as probes for field
measurements and as directional antennas for radio wavenavigation. Figure2.1 shows
fewexamplesof existingloopantennas.
22
Figure2.1- Loopantennas[3].
Thefieldpatternof electrically small loopantennas is similar tothat of aninfinitesimal
dipolewithanull perpendicular totheplaneof theloopandwithitsmaximumalongthe
plane of the loop. As the overall length of the loop increases and its circumference
approachesonefreespacewavelength, themaximumof thepatternshiftsfromtheplane
of thelooptotheaxisof theloopwhichisperpendicular toitsplane[4].
The radiation resistance of the loop can be increased and made comparable to the
characteristic impedance of practical transmission lines, by increasing its perimeter or
thenumber of turns. Another way to increasetheradiation resistance of theloop is to
insert within its circumference or perimeter, a ferrite core of very high permeability
which will raise the magnetic field intensity and hence the radiation resistance. This
formssocalledferriteloop.
23
2.2 Radiated Fields
To find thefields radiated by theloop, weneed to consider thepotential function in
threedimensional spaces. Thisisgivenby[5]:
4
) z , y , x ( A
C
}
t
=
ThisequationcanbederivedbyreferringtoFigure2.2[6]:
FromFigure 2.2, R is the distancefromany point on the loop to the observation
point and dl' is an infinitesimal section of the loop antenna. In general, the current
distributionI
e
(x', y', z') canbewritte
Electrical & Electronics Engineering 3+0
MAHDI ALHAJI
To find thefields radiated by theloop, weneed to consider thepotential function in
threedimensional spaces. Thisisgivenby[5]:
' d
R
e
) ' z , ' y , ' x ( I
jkR
C
e

}
ThisequationcanbederivedbyreferringtoFigure2.2[6]:
Figure2.2- Geometryof circular loop[6].
FromFigure 2.2, R is the distance fromany point on the loop to the observation
is an infinitesimal section of the loop antenna. In general, the current
(x', y', z') canbewrittenas:
To find thefields radiatedby theloop, weneedto consider thepotential function in
(1)
eometryof circular loop[6].
FromFigure 2.2, R is the distance fromany point on the loop to the observation
is an infinitesimal section of the loop antenna. In general, the current
24
I
e
(x', y', z') =a
x
I
x
(x', y', z') +a
y
I
y
(x', y', z') +a
z
I
z
(x', y', z')
(2)
For thecircular loopantennashowninFigure2.2, it wouldbemoreconvenient towrite
therectangular current components interms of thecylindrical components usingmatrix
as[7]:
(
(
(
(
(
(
| |
| |
=
(
(
(
z z
y
x
I
I
I
1 0 0
0 ' cos ' sin
0 ' sin ' cos
I
I
I
(3)
For thecircular loop, thecurrent isflowinginthe| directionsothat [8]:
I
e
=a
r
I
|
sinusin(|-|') +a
u
I
|
cosu sin(|-|') +a
|
I
|
cos(|-|')
(4)
ThedistanceR, fromany point on theloop to theobservation point, can bewritten as
[9]:
2 2 2
) ' z z ( ) ' y y ( ) ' x x ( R + + =
(5)
Since
x=r sinucos|
y=r sinusin|
z =r cosu
x' =acos|'
25
y' =asin|'
z' =0
Theequation5canbereducedto[10]:
) ' cos( sin ar 2 a r R
2 2
| | u + = (6)
Thedifferential element lengthisgivenby[10]:
dl' =ad|' (7)
Henceequation1canbesimplifiedto[10]:
' d
' cos sin ar 2 a r
e
' cos
4
I a
A
2 2
' cos sin ar 2 a r jk 2
0
0
2 2
|
| u +
|
t
=
| u + t
|
}
(8)
UsingMaclaurinseries to simplify theintegrationandintroducingH andE as magnetic
fieldandelectricfieldcomponents, themagneticfieldreducedto[11]:
jkr
2
0
2
r
e
jkr
1
1
r 2
cos I ka
j H

(
+
u
= (9)
jkr
2
0
2
e
) kr (
1
jkr
1
1
r 4
sin I ) ka (
H

u (
+
u
=
(10)
Theelectricfieldscorrespondto[12]:
26
E
r
=E
u
=0
E
|
=
jkr 0
2
e
jkr
1
1
r 4
sin I ) ka (

(
+
u
q
(11)
2.3 Power Density of the Loop Antenna
The fields radiated by a small loop are valid every where except at the origin. The
power in the region very close to the antenna is predominantly reactive and in the far
field is predominantly real. To illustrate this, the complex power density is defined as
[13]:
) H E (
2
1
W = (12)
Whenequation12isintegratedover aclosedsphere, onlyitsradial component givenby:
(
+
u
q =
3 2
2
2
0
4
r
) kr (
1
j 1
r
sin
| I |
32
) ka (
W (13)
Whichcontributetothecomplexpower P
r
. Thus[13]:
| u u
(
+ q = =
} } }}
t t
d d sin
) kr (
1
j 1 | I |
32
) ka (
ds W P
3
2
0
2
0
3
2
0
4
r
(14)
Whichreducesto:
(
+ |
.
|
\
| t
q =
3
2
0
4
r
) kr (
1
j 1 | I | ) ka (
12
P (15)
2.4 Loop Patch Antenna Design
The loop patch antenna design is begin by considering the size. This can be done
usingtheequationshownbelow[14]:
27
f
c
= (16)
Where isawavelengthexpressinmeter.
Oncethesizeof theloopisdetermined, it isthenproceedtocalculateradiusof theloop.
Thiscanbeobtainedusingequation17[15].
2
r
a
3
2
120 R
(
t
t = (17)
WhereR
r
isacharacteristicimpedance50O and"a" isaradiusof theloopantenna.
Thegain anddirectivity of theantennas can beobtained fromthechart as shown in
Figure2.3and2.4.
28
Figure2.3- ResistanceversusthedirectivityO [16].
29
Figure2.4- ReactanceversusthedirectivityO [16].
Theconductor length connected to theloop antennaand theport is normally given by
/4 long. If thereis aspacinghappen dueto two conductors lengths areused, then the
spacingequationisgivenby[17]:
1
2
f 2
c
S
r
+ c
= (18)
WhereS=Spacing
f =frequency
c=speedof light
c
r
=dielectricconstant
30
CHAPTER 3: SYSTEM DESIGN
Project designstepsareveryimportant toachievetheobjectives. A successful project
is because of proper planning and implementation. This chapter will shows a detail of
system design of the project. The general design of the loop patch antenna can be
summarizedasshowninFigure3.1.
Yes No
Figure3.1- A processtobuilda900MHz looppatchantenna.
Studytheloop
patchantenna
parameters
Highlight thedesign
requirements
Manuallydesigntheantennato
determineitsdimensionbasedonthe
frequencyandgainrequirement.
Put all thedesignparametersintoantenna
simulationsoftware
Test andanalyzetheresults
Fabricatetheantenna
Change
parameters
Isthesimulation
result correct?
Simulatetheantenna
31
Thefirst step of designingtheproject is to identify theparameters of theloop patch
antenna and the antenna features. The study of loop patch antenna or the information
regardingtheantennascanbeobtainedfromthefollowingresources:
Internet
J ournals
Conferencepapers
Antennatextbooks
Amongall theresources, textbookswill bewidelyusedcomparedtoothers. Theantenna
books providesufficient informationonthedesignof looppatchantenna. Not onlythat,
thebookalsocontentsthedetail designof theantenna.
J ournal andconferencepapersareusedasaguidelineinimplementingthelooppatch
antenna. J ournal and conference papers do not provide clear or detail in the system
design of the antenna. As a matter of fact, these two resources normally used to
determinethesimilar works or researchthat has beendoneby someoneelse. They also
usedfor comparisonpurposes.
Internet is ahugelibrary. Internet canprovideinformationonthelooppatchantenna
designs. However, this does not meanthat thetext intheliteraturereviewis copy from
internet. Inthis project, theuseof internet is to fetchsomepictureinformation, not the
text information. Lecturers and examiners are welcome to upload this document to
"Turn-It-In" plagiarismchecker tocheckfor plagiarism.
After getting enough information on the loop patch antennas. It is then perform
manual design on the antenna. Of course, the design requirement must be highlighted
beforethesimulation. Thedesignrequirement will beshowninnext section.
32
Oncetheantennahas been manually design on apieceof paper, theparameters are
then keyed into the antenna simulation software. Although there are many antenna
simulation software available in the market, however, the ADS (Advanced Design
System) antennasimulationsoftwarewill beused. ThissoftwareisdevelopedbyAgilent
companyin2002. A piratedversionof thissoftwarecanget frommanycomputer shops.
Theadvantagesof usingADSare:
1. Automaticscaletheantennasizeoncetheparameter suchaspermeabilityand
dielectricconstant aswell asthefrequencyvalueshasbeenkeyedin.
2. Fast computationusingmeshintegrationandgreentheorem.
3. Theresultscanbeoptimizeduntil desireresultsareobtained.
4. For theantennadesign, thesimulationresultswill show: radiationpatternin2D/3D,
power transmit/receive, S-parameters, Smithchart, gain, impedanceanddirectivity
plots.
Simulation usually will take longer times because of optimization to get a better
result. For example, the loop patch antenna in this project is operates in 900MHz.
However, thisdoesnot meanthat after manuallydesignandkeyinthoseparametersinto
theADS software, theresult will directly showresonanceat 900MHz. Inthereal time,
theresults get fromthefirst simulationwill bedifferent fromtheexpectedresults. As a
matter of fact, optimizationisneeded.
When theantennasimulation results areall correctly, thenext step is proceed to the
antennafabrication. Fabricationof antennawill beshowndetail later inthischapter.
Finally the antenna will be tested in the lab using network analyzer and television.
Theresultsarethencomparedtothesimulationresults.
33
3.1 Design requirements
This section will shows the loop patch antenna technical design requirements. The
requirementsarelistedandstatedintable3.1.
Parameters Requirements
Frequency 900MHz
Gain >2dBi
Radiationpattern Circular
Input impedance, S
11 ~ 50O
VSWR 1- 3
No. of turnsof theloop 1
Shapeof theloop Circular
Table3.1- Thetechnical parametersanddesignrequirement of theantenna.
3.2 Loop Patch Antenna Design
Step1: Determine the overall size of the antenna
To determinetheoverall sizeof theantenna, thedesignmust beginwithfrequency and
calculatethewavelength. Wavelengthis theonly parameter that cantell theoverall size
of theantenna. Hence, for thelooppatchantennaoperatein900MHz,
Sizeof antenna:
6
8
10 900
10 3
f
c
= =
=33.3cm
34
Step 2: Find the radius of the loop
Since the RF source having is 50O of output impedance, we are expecting radiation
resistanceto be50O as well as so that maximumpower can betransfer. With that, we
canfindout theradiusof theloop.
2
r
a
3
2
120 R
(
t
t =
2
a
3
2
120 50
(
t
t =
a=0.25mor 25cm
Hence, theradiusof theloopis25cm.
Thecircumferenceis=2tr =2t0.25=1.57mor 157cm
Step 3: Find the circumference of the loop
To find out the circumference of the circular loop, it is important to refer the graph
shown in Figure 3.2 (resistance graph). Since only O =8 can give lower resistance
whichisnearly50O, thenfromthegraphinFigure3.2, ka=c/ is0.3.
35
Figure3.2- Determinethe50O resistancefromthegraph.
So, thesecondloopwhichhascircumferenceof:
0.30.333=0.0999mor 9.99cm
36
Step 4: Determine the length which strip conductor that connect to the loop.
Thelengthconnectingloopintheformof patchisdetermineusing/4. So, thelengthis:
/4=33.3/4=8.235cm
Step 5: Calculate the width of the strip conductor.
Thewidthof theconductor that connectstotheloopisthengivenby:
W=L/10=8.235cm./10
=0.8235cm
Step 6: Calculate the conductor separation.
Sincetwo equal sizeof conductors areusedand connected to theloop, then asuitable
spacingis:
1
2
f 2
c
S
r
+ c
=
Wherec
r
dielectricconstant of thematerial tobuildtheloopantenna.
C isspeedof light.
So, thespacingis:
1 44
2
10 900 2
10 3
S
6
8
+

=
=0.035m=3.5cm
37
Where44isadielectricconstant of FR4boardwhichisusedtomaketheloopantenna.
Step 7: Sketch the diagram of the design.
Basedonthecalculatedparameters, theoutcomeor physical appearances of theloopis
thensketchandshowsinFigure3.3.
Figure3.3- Thephysical appearanceof thelooppatchantenna.
38
CHAPTER 4: HARDWARE & SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION
This chapter shows the hardware and software implementation of the project. The
chapter will begin by introducing the hardware components needed to build the loop
patchantennaandthenfollowedbysoftwareADS.
4.1 Hardware Requirement for the making of Loop Patch Antenna
The hardware requires used to build antenna is FR4 PCB copper board, SMA port,
SO239 port, 50O coaxial cable, soldering gun and soldering lead. Each of the
componentswill bebrieflydescribeinthissection.
4.1.1 FR4 PCB Copper Board
Figure4.1- FR4PCB copper board.
39
FR4 copper board also known as PCB and is acommon board to makeacircuit for
electronic andelectrical. This boardcansupport thesignal upto3GHz. As aresult, it is
suitable used to make a patch antenna or printed circuit board antenna. The FR4 is in
single layer of copper. Although double layer also exist, but it cannot be used for the
project becauseif bothsidesareconductor, aleakof electromagneticwavemayoccurs.
4.1.2 SMA Port
Figure4.2- SMA Port.
It is an RF femaleport which supports thecoaxial cable. This port has characteristic
impedanceof 50O. Theport offer excellent electrical performancefromDC to18GHz.
40
4.1.3 SO239 Port
This port supports UHF and VHF signals. Typical port is suitable for TV connection.
Theport existsinmaleandfemaletype. Thecharacteristicimpedanceof theport is75
Asaresult, whenusingthisport for looppat
must be75O types.
Electrical & Electronics Engineering 3+0
MAHDI ALHAJI
Figure4.3- SO239Femaleport.
Theport existsinmaleandfemaletype. Thecharacteristicimpedanceof theport is75
Asaresult, whenusingthisport for looppatchantennaconnection, typical coaxial cable
Theport existsinmaleandfemaletype. Thecharacteristicimpedanceof theport is75O.
chantennaconnection, typical coaxial cable
41
4.1.4 50O Coaxial Cable
Figure4.4- 50O Coaxial cable.
The cable is suitable for most of the lab equipments connection such as network
analyzer, functiongenerator or eventhespectrumanalyzer. Theimpedanceof thecable
would not change as the frequency is change. As a result, this type of cable is very
suitable used for connection between loop patch antenna and the network analyzer for
testing.
42
4.1.5 75O Coaxial cable
Figure4.5- 75O TV coaxial cable.
The75O coaxial can beseen every wherefor thosewho havetelevision at home. The
cable is only suitable for television to aerial connection. This kind of cable is very
flexibleandcanstandfor weather changed. Thecableisalsotoughandnot easytocut.
As seeninFigure4.5, thecablehas two conductors. Oneat thecenter is calledcore
conductor, which usually connect to positive terminal where as the one at the size is
called secondary conductor for ground connection. The cable only supports VHF to
UHF signals. The impedance of 75O would not change over the range fromVHF to
UHF.
43
4.1.6 Soldering Gun
Figure4.6- Solderinggun.
Soldering gun comes in variety power output. Thesmallest output power is 18W. The
highest output power is 200W. Soldering gun is used to melt thesolderinglead so that
the lead can make connection between SMA port or SO239 port with the loop patch
antenna. Most of thesoldering gun works for morethan 1A of current with 240V AC
input voltage.
44
4.1.7 Soldering Lead
Figure4.7- Solderinglead.
Solderingleadmelt whenexposetohightemperature. About 75C, theleadcanmelt and
becomes solid again when the heat is release. The lead can form of conductor and
usuallyusedfor solderingpurposes. Intheproject, thesolderingleadisusedjoint theRF
connector andthelooppatchantenna.
45
4.2 Software Requirement to design the Loop Patch Antenna
As mentioned before, ADS is asoftwareused to design and simulatetheloop patch
antenna. Thissectionwill brieflyintroducetheAgilent ADSsoftware.
4.3 Loop Patch Antenna Design using ADS
TheADS stand for AdvanceDesign System. It is afasts andaccuratepatch antenna
simulation software. Figure 4.8 shows the window template to begin the ADS when a
copyof ADSsoftwareisavailableinthecomputer.
Figure4.8- ADSstartingwindow.
46
To use the software design any patch antenna, it is always begins with new project.
Figure4.9showsthewaytoclickon"NewProject".
Figure4.9- Creatingnewproject.
Figure4.10- Newproject templatewindow.
47
Whenclick onthe"NewProject", thetemplatewindowshowninFigure4.10will pop
out. Inthiswindow, user isaskedtokeyintheproject nameandunit. Thedefault unit is
inmm. Click"Ok" andthewindowof Figure4.11will appear.
Figure4.11- Schematicwindow.
Note that, the window appears is not the window for the patch antenna design. The
windowshows inFigure4.11is todesigntheantennaschematic diagramandit will not
beusedintheproject.
To go to the window for patch loop antenna design, from Figure 4.11, click
"Window" "Layout" andimmediatelythewindowof Figure4.12will appear.
48
Figure4.12- Thewindowfor patchantennadesign.
Therearefewimportant functionsinthewindowof Figure4.12todesigntheloopparch
antenna. J ust beforeshows thefunctions, user has to takenoteonthedimensionandits
units. Figure 4.13 shows the dimensions in x and y coordinates. Moving the mouse
pointer aroundwill changethedimensionvalues.
49
Figure4.13- Dimensionof themeasurement in2Dcoordinatessystem.
Tobegindesignthelooppatchantenna, user has tousethefunctionas showninFigure
4.14:
Figure4.14- Important functionstosketchthepathloopantenna.
ThecircleshapeshowninFigure4.14isusedtosketchthecircleinorder toformaloop.
Byfollowingthecalculation, theradius of thecircleis, 250mmor 25cm, thenaclick on
thecircleshowninFigure4.14todrawacirclewithradius of 250mm. This is shownin
Figure4.15.
50
Figure4.15- DrawacircleintheADSsoftware.
To create a loop, user has to create another circle which is smaller the one show in
Figure4.15thenoverlapit. ThisisshowninFigure4.16.
Figure4.16- Drawasecondcircleandoverlapit.
51
Now, go to "Edit" "Merge" "UnionMinus Intersection" andclick onit as seenin
Figure4.17, theresult of circleisthenloopliketheoneshowinFigure4.18.
Figure4.17- Creatingasinglelooponthecircle.
Figure4.18- A ringor asingleturnof looppatchantenna.
52
Now, theloop shown in Figure4.18 needs to connect to thestrip of conductor for RF
port insertion. Todothat, usetherectangular functionshows inFigure4.14andcreatea
connection between strip and the loop. The length should follow the calculated value.
Figure4.19showsthis.
Figure4.19- Stripof conductor joint withthering.
Noticethat whenuser tries to joint thestripandthelooptogether, it does not meanthat
it is actually jointed together. ADS will not havethis automatic jointingthepath. As a
matter of fact, to joint theloop andthestrip of theconductor, user has to highlight the
twocomponentsasshowninFigure4.20.
53
Figure4.20- J oiningthestripandlooptogether.
After highlight thetwocomponents, thengoto"Edit" "Merge" andclick on"Union"
tofinishthejobonjoiningthecomponents.
The loop patch antenna shown in Figure 4.20 needs to be trimmed and corrected
before doing the simulation. Figure 4.21 shows the final outlook or actual loop patch
antennathat will beusedintheproject.
54
Figure4.21- Thecompletelooppatchantennadesign.
4.4 The Making of Loop Patch Antenna
Thissectionwill showthehowtheprototypeof thelooppatchantennawill bemade.
The loop patch antenna only can be made when the simulation results are confirmed
correct. If not, it will affect thepractical results andhenceaffect thetelevisionchannel
receptions.
To build theprototypeof loop patch antenna, it important to preparethematerials:
Laser printer, PCB pen, Ironing, A4 sizetransparent paper, sticker, Iron (III) Chloride,
alcohol solutionandcleanwater.
55
The first step of doing the loop patch antenna is print out the antenna layout using
laser printer andA4sizetransparent paper asshowninFigure4.22:
Figure4.22- Print out thelooppatchantennalayout fromADSsoftware.
After print out, the next step is prepares the FR4 PCB board, PCB pen, sticker and
ironing. This is shown in Figure 4.23. The process of ironing will begin and it is a
process to transfer theimageof print out onto thePCB FR4board. Figure4.24shows
theimageput onthePCB FR4boardandreadytodotheironingprocess.
56
Figure4.23- Material preparedfor ironingprocess.
Figure4.24- Usesticker toholdtheprint out andput onthePCB board.
57
Theironingprocessnowbeginsandit isshowninFigure4.25.
Figure4.25- Ironinginprogress.
Intheironingprocess, heat plays animportant roletodeterminetheyieldor qualityof
imagetransfer. For good ironingprocess, thetimespends should in between within10
seconds for temperature of 80C. Figure 4.26 shows the time recorded graph while
ironingisinprogress.
58
Figure4.26- Theironingprocesstimephases.
AsseenfromthegraphshowninFigure4.26, thetotal timetakenis80secondstodo
the whole ironing process. When temperature reaches 80C, the toner transfer will be
started. Thistakesabout 10seconds.
Figure4.27 shows theresults of image after ironing. Noticethat theimageof loop
patch antenna has been printed on the FR4 PCB board. If the image printed on FR4
material is not clear. It can be make clearer by using the PCB pen. This is shown in
Figure4.27(b).
59
(a) Layout printedonFR4PCB. (b) DarkentheimageusingPCB pen.
Figure4.27- Result after ironingprocessanddarkentheimage.
Figure4.28- Preparefor etching.
60
Figure 4.28 shows the materials prepare for etching after darken the antenna on the
FR4. Etching is a process that removes materials fromsuch us unwanted copper from
thePCB surfacetoachievecircuit designrequirements. Theetchingprocessusedinthis
project iscalledchemical etchor patternetch.
Themost important thingabout etchingis theetchrate. Etchratewill determinethe
quality of PCB. Too muchetchingwill removepart of thewantedcopper areawhereas
littleetchedwill takelongtimeendtheprocess. Hence, etchrateisdefinedas:
Time Etch
etch after copper of Thickness - etch before copper of Thichness
rate Etch =
Theetchtimeusuallyaffectedbyfewfactorsasshownbelow:
Theconcentrationof iron(III) chloride
Thetemperature
Disturbanceof solution
The concentration of iron (III) chloride will determine rate of chemical reaction. In
thisetchingprocess, thechemical reactioninvolveintheetchprocessis:
FeCl
3
+Cu FeCl
2
+CuCl
WhereFeCl
3
is theiron(III) chloride, Cuis copper, FeCl
2
isiron(II) chlorideandCuCl
isacopper chloride. Therateof reactionisgivenby:
Taken Time
reacted PCB on copper of mass Total
reaction of Rate =
61
Figure4.29showstheetchinginprogressandFigure4.30showsprocessof cleaningthe
looppatchantennaafter etchingandattachingtheRF port onit.
Figure4.29- Etchinginprogress.
62
(a) Cleantheantennaafter etching. (b) Cleantheantennausingalcohol.
(c) Result of looppatchantennaafter clean. (d) Solder theSMA port onthetipof the
antenna.
Figure4.30- Processof makingthelooppatchantennaafter etching.
63
Figure4.31- Thefinal outlookof thecircular looppatchantenna.
Figure4.31shows thecompleteoutlook of thecircular looppatchantennaandready to
gofor testing.
64
CHAPTER 5: RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS
This sectionwill present theresults fromtheexperimental test andpractical application
of thelooppatchantenna. Thediscussionwill beginwiththesimulationresultsfollowed
bylabtest onthelooppatchantennaandfinally apply thelooppatchantennatoreceive
theTV channels.
5.1 Simulation Results
To simulate the antenna shown in Figure 4.21, one must go to "Momentum"
"Substrate" andclickon"Create/Modify", thewindowof Figure5.1will popout:
Figure5.1- Windowthat allowuser keyintheantennaparameters.
65
Notethat theimportant parameters that canaffect theresults of S
11
, radiationpattern,
input impedanceandgainof theantennaarethickness, permittivityandreal.
Some parameters cannot changes because it has to follow the practical value. The
parameters such as real and permittivity cannot changes. In real time, the permittivity
and real has to put 40 because the FR4 material used to make the antenna has a
permittivityof 40. Theonlyparameter canchangeisthethicknessof thesubstrate. Inthe
market, there are many types of thickness of the substrates. As a result, to tune the
antennasothat it producesdesireresult, thethicknessis oneof theconcernedparameter
besidessideof theantennaor theradiusof theantenna.
After key in theantennaparameters, user now has to insert theport at thetip of the
antenna. This port can be clicked from . Without the port, ADS cannot do the
simulationbecauseport isaRF sourcewhereit determinetheinput power.
After insertingtheport, user now can go to "Momentum" "Simulation" and click
on"S-parameters". Thewindowof Figure5.2will comeout.
Figure5.2- Simulationcontrol window.
66
Figure5.2is asimulationcontrol window. As seeninthewindow, it asks theuser to
enter thestart frequency andstopfrequency. Sincethelooppatchantennais operates in
900MHz, a wide range frequency should be entered. Fromthe window, 500MHz to
2GHz issufficient ranges.
Thesamplepoint limit istheamount of iteration. It determinesthenumber of samples
sothat agraphcanbeplotted. Thehigher thesamplepoint limits, themoreaccuratethe
resultsbut computationwill becomeslow.
After determine the sample point limits and enter the start and stop frequency, it is
thenclick on"Update" "Apply" "Simulate". Thesimulationshouldbeginandthe
resultsof S-parameterswill automaticallyplot inthegraphs.
Figure5.3- S
11
andS
22
simulationresultsof looppatchantennashowninFigure4.21.
52
67
Analysis: Figure 5.4 shows the input reflection coefficient (S
11
) and output reflection
coefficient (S
22
) plots of the loop patch antenna. The meaning of S
11
and S
22
are shown in
Figure 5.4 based on the loop patch antenna design.
Figure5.4- Themeaningof S
11
andS
22
onthelooppatchantenna.
From Figure 5.3, the S
11
is -27.071dB resonance at almost 900MHz. Here the resonance
frequency is 957MHz. The exact 900MHz would not give an expected magnitude of S
11
.
Basically, the lower the S
11
values toward more negative, the better the result is. This is
because it approaches 50O which can match with the impedance of the RF generator.
From Figure 5.3 the S
11
= -27.071dB, the input impedance is [18]:
NB: The most important parameters are S
11
and S
22,
because both can transmit and
receive. As for the S
12
and S
21
they can only receive without transmitting and
transmitting without receiving respectively. Since the antenna is a reciprocal antenna,
then we can only focus on parameters that have reciprocal functions (i.e transmitting
and receiving).
68
-27.071dB =20log
10
S
11
20
071 . 27
10
=S
11
S
11
=0.0443
50 Z
50 Z
S
in
in
11
+
=
0.0443(Z
in
+50) =Z
in
- 50
0.0443Z
in
+500.0443=Z
in
- 50
0.0443Z
in
+2.215=Z
in
- 50
2.215+50=Z
in
- 0.0443Z
in
52.215=0.9557Z
in
9557 . 0
215 . 52
Z
in
=
=54.64O
Which is very near to 50O. Since the ADS using 1V
rms
RF signal as a source to obtain
the S
11
and S
22
parameters, then the transmit power at the output of the RF source is:
P
in(Source)
=I
2
R
=1
2
50O
=50W
Since the input and out of the antenna is having the same impedance as 54.64O, then the
power that will be radiated by the antenna is:
P
Out(radiate)
=1
2
54.64O
=54.64W
69
The loss of power due to impedance mismatch is:
Power loss=54.64W- 50W
=4.64W
Apart fromtheS
11
and S
22
graphs plotted, TheSmith charts results also shown for S
11
andS
22
. ThetwoSmithchartsresultsareshowninFigure5.5.
Figure5.5- TheSmithchartsplot for S
11
andS
22
.
Analysis: Looking into the Smith chart and identify the frequency of 957MHz, it is seen
that the loop patch antenna having a complex impedance of 1.045 + j0.01. The actual
impedance is then:
Z
actual
=50 (1.045+j0.01)
=52.25+j0.5O
70
Since the both the circles are toward left, that means the impedance of the loop patch
antenna from 500MHz to 2GHz would be small and typical values is less than 60O. The
circles are covered the semi circle of Smith chart on top and bottom. As a result, this can
conclude that the loop patch antenna is having equal inductive reactance and capacitive
reactance. Hence it will be easy to tune to the resonance when construct it in the
practical.
Figure 5.6 shows the impedance plot of the loop patch antenna from 500MHz to
900MHz. Putting the market at near to 900MHz, it shows the impedance is 0.906
normalizesimpedance.
Figure5.6- Impedanceplot of thelooppatchantenna.
71
Analysis: The graph shows in Figure 5.6 is an impedance plot for the loop patch
antenna from 500MHz to 2GHz. The impedance is given by:
Z=(R jX) O
WhereZ=Impedance
R =Resistanceinreal
X =Reactanceeither capacitanceor inductance
We know that X is given by [19]:
fL 2 X
L
t =
fC 2
1
X
C
t
=
Hence the Xc or X
L
are varies with the frequency. That is why we get difference
impedance at difference frequency. Since our concerned frequency is 900MHz, from the
graph, it gives 0.906 normalize impedance. 0.906 is not actual impedance. It is called
normalized impedance by characteristic impedance which is 50O. To calculate the
actual impedance, we have to multiply by 50O. Hence, actual impedance at 898.4MHz
is:
Z
actual
=500.906
=45.3O
72
Figure5.7showstheVSWR plot of looppatchantennafromthesimulationresult.
Figure5.7- VSWR plot of looppatchantenna.
Analysis: VSWR is a measure of how much the wave is returned to the source when
impedance is mismatched. The practical excepted range of value is from 0 to 2. When
VSWR is more than 2, the antenna is lost its impedance mismatched and it might not be
able to receive any channel. There is a relationship between VSWR and the S
11
. The
relationship between them can be expressed mathematically as shown below:
11
11
S 1
S 1
VSWR
+
=
Since the VSWR = 1.16 at 900MHz,
73
1.16(1- S
11
) =1+S
11
1.16- 1.16S
11
=1+S
11
1.16- 1=S
11
+1.16S
11
0.16=2.16S
11
S
11
=0.074
Convert to dB, we have:
S
11
(dB) =20log
10
0.074
=-22.615dB
To plot theradiationpatternof theantenna, user canco go to "Momentum" "Post
Processing" andclickon"Radiationpattern". Thefollowingwindowwill popout:
Figure5.8- Readytoplot theradiationpattern.
74
Analysis: Figure 5.8 shows the window which ready to plot the radiation pattern of the
loop patch antenna. Before plot the radiation pattern, the window request user to select
which types of radiation to be plotted, 2D or 3D? Before looking the 3D, we would like
to see the 2D plot. As a result, use mouse to click on "2D data display". The window also
asks for port excitations, user can choose either one because they are the same. Once
complete setting, click on "Apply" then "Compute". The 2D radiation plot is shown in
Figure 5.9 and 5.10.
Figure5.9- Circular polarizationradiationpattern.
75
Figure5.10- Thegainanddirectivityradiationpattern.
Figure5.11- Efficiencyof thelooppatchantenna.
76
Although there are many graphs plotted in the radiation 2D radiation patterns. Only
three graphs like circular polarization, gain & directivity and efficiency of the antenna
are useful to describe the performance of loop patch antenna.
From Figure 5.9, it is seen that the radiation pattern of the loop patch antenna is
circular. The red colour represent magnetic field whereas the blue colour is electric
field. Note that both are radiate in the same direction with the same power. As a result,
it can be predict that these fields must be a near field radiation.
Figure 5.10 shows gain and directivity of the loop patch antenna. Notice that the gain
and directivity are having the peak value of 5dB at the angle of 0. Figure 5.11 shows
the efficiency of the antenna. The efficiency of the loop patch antenna is very high which
is about 85%. This shows that only 15% of the power has been loss when operate at
957MHz of frequency.
Toviewtheradiationplot in3D as well as theprototypeof thelooppatchantennain
3D, user has to go back to Figure5.6andclick on"3D Visualization". Thewindows of
Figure5.12and5.13immediatelywill comeout.
Figure5.12- 3Dviewof looppatchantenna.
77
Figure5.13- Three3Dradiationpatternof thelooppatchantenna.
Analysis: Figure 5.12 shows the 3D view of the loop patch antenna with the current
distribution along the loop antenna. The current represented by blue colour and excited
from the port with a little green colour. This indicates the source is from the port.
Figure 5.13 shows the 3D radiation pattern of the loop patch antenna. The radiation
is plotted in the polar coordinate which circulates in 360. The radiation is in circular
polarization as shown.
78
5.2 Experimental Test of Loop Patch Antenna
This section presents an experimental test of loop patch antenna in the lab using
network analyzer. Figure5.14shows thetypical network analyzer used to test theloop
patchantenna:
Figure5.14- Networkanalyzer.
79
Table5.1showsthetechnical featuresof thenetworkanalyzer.
Technical Features Requirement
Power supply 240V, 50Hz
Maximumcurrent 20A
oneKeypad 4x3
No. of ports 2
No. of USB port 1
Frequencysweep 9kHz - 13.6GHz
Window Xp
No. Markers 3
Functions Measures S-parameters, Smithchart, impedance, VSWR,
andpower transmit/receive
Frequencyentered Start, Centreandstop
Attenuation 0dB - 50dB
Table5.1- Technical featuresof thenetworkanalyzer.
Figure5.15showsthelooppatchantennaisconnectedtonetworkanalyzer for testing.
Figure5.15- Networkanalyzetest onlooppatchantenna.
80
Figure 5.16, 5.17, 5.18 and 5.19 shows the S
11
measurement, Smith chart plot,
impedanceplot andVSWR plot
Figure5.16- TheS
11
plot of thelooppatchantenna.
Analysis: Figure 5.16 shows the S
11
results obtained from the real time network
analyzer machine. Notice that there are quite a number of resonance points happen at
different frequency. However, the most concerned frequency is the one near to 900MHz
because the antenna is operates at 900MHz. From Figure 5.14, the highest peak of S
11
is
-24.622dB which happens at 840.16392MHz frequency. This is the only frequency very
to 900MHz. The exact 900MHz would not get resonance due to following factors:
81
1. The soldering point between antenna and the port causes resonance point shifted.
2. The N-connector which converts from SMA to network analyzer port causes about -
3dB loss of signal. As a result, this also affects the resonance point of frequency.
From Figure 5.16, the input reflection coefficient S
11
at 840.16392MHz is:
- 24.622dB =20log
10
S
11
20
622 . 24
11
10 S

=
=0.0587
0.0587(Z
in
+50) =Z
in
- 50
0.0587Z
in
+2.94=Z
in
- 50
2.94+50=Z
in
- 0.0587Z
in
52.94=0.9413Z
in
9413 . 0
94 . 52
Z
in
=
=56.24O
Compare to simulation result, we have 54.64O. As a matter of fact, the simulation is of
S
11
is almost match with the practical result of S
11
with almost the same impedance.
82
Figure5.17- TheSmithChart plot of looppatchantenna.
Analysis: Figure 5.17 shows the Smith chart plot of loop patch antenna. Note that from
the marker point, the impedance shows 57.440 + j15.552O at 841.12671MHz. Compare
to simulation result, it shows 52.25 + j0.5O. That means, the practical of loop patch
antenna is more inductive.
83
Figure5.18- Impedanceplot of looppatchantenna.
Analysis: Figure 5.18 shows the impedance plot of loop patch antenna. The impedance
varies with the frequency. At 837.38MHz which is very near to 900MHz, the impedance
is 63.346O. Basically the impedance should be the same with calculated which is
56.24O. This is because the marker of the network analyzer did not allow positioned to
the frequency of 840.16392MHz. It is too narrow, as a result, the marker only stop at
837.38MHz. Compare with simulation result, the impedance at near the 900MHz is
45.3O.
84
Figure5.19- TheVSWR plot.
Analysis: Figure 5.19 shows the VSWR plot of the loop patch antenna tested with
network analyzer. Looking into the graph, the VSWR is 1.385 at the frequency of
839.44MHz. The S
11
can be calculated:
11
11
S 1
S 1
VSWR
+
=
1.385(1- S
11
) =1+S
11
1.385- 1.385S
11
=1+S
11
0.385=2.385S
11
S
11
=0.1614
85
5.3 Apply and test the Loop Patch Antenna using Television
This section will present theapplication of loop patch antennato test the TV signal
reception. Since the 900MHz is under the range of VHF/UHF, the antenna should be
able to receive some channels from the Television broadcast station. A comparison
between commercial types of loop antenna with loop patch antenna developed in this
project will beshown.
5.3.1 The performance of commercial type of loop antenna
Figure5.20- Usingcommercial typeof loopantennatoreceivetheTV channels.
Analysis: The commercial type of loop antenna is an elemental type of loop antenna
which using wires to form a loop antenna. In the picture of Figure 5.20, the loop
antenna has two turns. As seen in the pictures, the loop antenna tried to receive the TV
channels from the TV broadcast station. The location of doing the experimental is in
Sunway, Condominium, 5th floor face to North direction and the time is 8pm.
86
Table 5.2 shows the results recorded when using the commercial type of loop antenna to
the detect the TV channels in Malaysia.
Available Free TV Channels in Malaysia Detected by commercial type of loop
antenna
TV1
TV2 Not clear
TV3
NTV7 Not clear
TV8
TV9
Legend:
=Abletoreceivewithclear picturesandvoice
=Not abletoreceiveandnovoiceat all
Table5.2- Theperformanceof commercial typeof loopantenna.
5.3.2 The performance loop patch antenna developed in this project
Figure5.21- UsinglooppatchantennatoreceivetheTV channels.
87
Analysis: Figure 5.21 shows the pictures of using the loop patch antenna receive some
TV channels. As seen in the pictures, by using the loop patch antenna, a much clearly
channels can be received compared to the commercial type of loop antenna. Table 5.3
shows the performance of loop patch antenna on the detection of the TV channels.
Available Free TV Channels in Malaysia Detected by the developed type of loop
antenna
TV1
TV2
TV3 Not clear
NTV7
TV8
TV9
Table5.3- Theperformanceof looppatchantennaontheTV channelsreception.
To understand how the loop patch antenna works on receiving the TV channel, one have
to refer to the Gauss's law and Amperes law on current induce when a conductor is
immersed in the electric field.
Figure 5.22 shows the loop patch antenna immersed in the electric field E which
represent the TV channels.
Figure5.22- AnalysisonhowlooppatchantennaworkstoreceivetheTV channel.
88
Using Ampere's law [20],
dt
d
i
E
0
u
=
Which state that the rate of change of electric fields produces the current in a conductor.
From the Gauss's law,
u
E
=} EdA, u
E
=} Eds, or u
E
=} EdV
WheredA isasmall element of area
dsisasmall element of distance
dV isasmall element of vollume
From Figure 5.22, u
E
=} Eds, is the most suitable express to analyze the voltage
induced in the loop antenna. Hence from Gauss's law again,
V
p
=}Eds
Showing potential across the point P is an integration of electric fields. From Figure
5.22,
}
tc
=
2
0
P
r
dq
4
1
V (From Gauss Law)
2 2
0
p
z R
q
4
1
V
+
tc
=
At the loop center where z = 0,
R 4
q
V
0
p
tc
=
So, it is clearly since that the radius of loop plays an important role to determine the
potential difference across the terminal!
89
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Conclusion
This project has achieved the objectives requirement. As seen in the results, the
antennacanoperateat 900MHz or near to 900MHz. Thegainis morethan2dBi shown
in the simulation result. At the frequency of 900MHz, the antenna gets resonance and
has lower magnitude of input reflection coefficient, S
11
. The input impedance of the
antenna also approach 50O and the antenna can receive more than one channel of the
televisionprogramme.
The comparison between the simulation results and thepractical results on theloop
patchantennaissummarizedintable6.1.
Simulation results Practical results
S
11
=-27.071dB @957MHz S
11
=-24.622dB@840.16392MHz
Z
actual
=52.25+0.5O @957MHz Z
actual
=57.440+j15.552O @841.1267MHz
Z
L
=45.3O @900MHz Z
L
=63.346O @837.38MHz
VSWR =1.16@900MHz VSWR =1.385@839.44MHz
Gain=4.8dBi -
Directivity=5dB -
q =85% -
Radiationpattern=Circular -
Table6.1- Summarizedthecomparisonresultsbetweensimulationandpractical.
90
Fromthetestingof antennawithtelevisionchannels reception, it is seenthat theloop
patchantennahasbetter performancecomparedtothecommercial typeof loopantenna.
6.2 Problem Facings
There are few problems faces while doing the project. These problems are
highlightedasshowbelow:
1. Solderingleaddoesaffect theperformanceof antenna.
Solution: Tunetheantennabyadjust thepositionsothat it resonanceat 900MHz.
2. Themarkerspoint inthesimulationandnetworkanalyzer canlocatedat theexact
frequencyof 900MHz.
Solution: Useapproximationfrequencytojustifyitsparameters.
3. Theradiationpatterncannot betestedpractically.
Solution: Dependsonthesimulationresults.
6.3 Recommendation
Infuture, theproject canbeimprovedto detect thesatelliteTV signals whichoperate
at KU bandandabove. It isalsointerestingtoimprovetheantennasothat it canreceive
theWiFi signal.
Apart fromthe improvement, an auto searching of the channels also can be added it
intotheantennasothat searchingof strongsignal isdoneautomatically
91
REFERENCES
[1] Baker, D.E. (1) andC.A. Vander Neut: A Compact, Broadband, Balanced
TransmissionlinePatchAntennafromLoops, IEEE Ant. Prop. Soc. Symp., pp. 568
570. Albuquerque, 1982.
[2] Kerr, J .L. (1): Short LoopAxial LengthBroadBandAntenna, IEEE Tans. Ants.
Prop., AP-21, 710 714, September 1973.
[3] Shin, J .(1) andD.H. Schaubert: A parametricStudyof LoopPatchAntenna, IEEE
Trans. Ant. Prop., 47, 879 886, May1999.
[4] Kraus, J .D. (4): Characteristicof AntennaswithClosely-SpacedElements, Radio,
no.236, 9-19, February1939.
[5] Kraus, J .D. (6): W8J K LoopArrayBeamAntenna, QST, 54, 11-14, J uly1970.
[6] Bagby, C.K. A Theoretical Investigationof ElectromagneticWavepropagationon
theLoopAntenna, Mastersthesis, Electrical EngineeringDepartment,
OhioStateUniversity. 1948.
[7] DuHamel, R.H. andA.R. Mahmad: Chap. 28inR.C. J ohnson(ed.), Radio
Engineering Handbook, 3
rd
ed., McGraw-Hill, NewYork, 1993.
[8] Lindenblad, N.E. AntennasandTransmissionLinesat theEmpireStateTelevision
Station, Communications, 21, 10-14, 24-26, April 1941.
[9] Yagi, H. LoopPatchAntennaDesign, Proc. IRE., 16, 715 740, J une
1998.
[10] RRL(1), RadioResearchLaboratorystaff, Very High Frequency Techniques,
McGraw-Hill, 1974, Chap.4.
[11] J ordan, E.C., G.A. Deschamps, J .D. DysonandP.E. Mayes, Developmentsin
BroadbandAntennas, IEEE Spectrum, 1, 58-71, April 1964.
[12] Ballantine, Stuart. ReciprocityinLoopPatchAntenna, Proc. IRE, 17, 929 951,
J une1997.
92
[13] Garson, J .R. Reciprocal TheoremsinAntennaCommunication, Proc. IRE, 17,
952 956, J une1929.
[14] Cox, C.R. Mutual ImpedancebetweenLoopandthePorts, Proc. IRE, 35, 1367
1370, November 2000.
[15] Labus, J ., RecherischeErmittlungder Impedanz vonAntenna,
Honchfrequenztechink und Electroakustik, 17, J anuary2001.
[16] Brown, G.H. andO.M. Woodward, ExperimentallyDeterminedImpedance
Characteristicsof LoopAntennas, Proc. IRE, 33, 257-262, April 2001.
[17] King, H.E., Mutual Impedanceof TwoLoopAntennasinEchelon, IEEE
Trans. Ants. Prop., AP-5, 306 313, J uly2002.
[18] King, RonoldandC.W. Harrison, J r., TheDistributionof Current alonga
Symmetrical LoopAntenna, Proc. IRE, 31, 548 567, October 2002.
[19] Lindenblad, N.E.. AntennasandTransmissionLinesat theEmpireState
TelevisionStation, Communications, Vol.20, p. 13, May2003.
[20] E.F. Collin, "ElectromagneticFieldTheory", McGraw-Hill BookCo., NewYork,
2004.
93
APPENDIX A: RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM
94
APPENDIX B: INPUT IMPEDANCE OF LOOP ANTENNA GRAPHS
95
APPENDIX C: LAYOUT OF LOOP PATCH ANTENNA
96
APPENDIX D: PRICE LIST
ITEMS PRICE
1. FR4(20cmx20cm) RM 12
2. Solderinggunx1 RM 78
3. Solderingleadx1 RM 17
4. PCB standx4 RM 2.80
5. Transparent plasticboard(30cmx30cm) RM 59
6. Travelling RM 300
7. IronChloride RM 46
8. Drill RM 500
9. RF port/SO239 RM 34
10. TV antenna RM 30
Total RM 1078.80
97
APPENDIX E: GANTT CHART

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BEng (Hons) in Electrical & Electronics Engineering 3+0

in collaboration with UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON.

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