Unit information: Antennas in 2014/15

Unit name	Antennas
Unit code	EENG35010
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Hilton
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	EENG25000.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The antenna is an integral part of any wireless communications system. This unit predominantly considers intentional radiators (i.e. antennas), though also provides a basis for analysis of unintentional electromagnetic radiation (i.e. potential sources of interference). The first part of the unit concentrates on defining, and practical measurement of, antenna characteristics. Antenna array theory is then developed to show how the antennas radiation pattern can be shaped and steered. The application and design of some of the wide variety of antenna configurations is considered, with examples given of practical antennas (dipoles, slots, arrays, reflectors). It is also important to show how the antenna is integrated with feed-lines and RF circuitry. This area is covered in lectures and reinforced through a design exercise where students have to specify antenna and RF component requirements for a satellite communications system downlink.

Elements:

Antenna Characteristics: Input & transmissions responses (radiation patterns & polarisation), gain, directivity, efficiency.

Magnetic & Electric Dipoles: Basic sources, diffraction and ground plane effects.

Aperture Antennas: Waveguide horns, reflector antennas

Printed Antennas: Dipoles, slots, loops, microstrip patch antennas

Antenna Arrays: Array theory, beam-shaping, beam-steering, pattern synthesis, mutual coupling, n-port networks

Antenna Systems: Matching, noise temperature, G/T, C/N

Baluns: Reasons for use, different implementations, suppression of unintentional radiation

Antenna Design Exercise For a satellite communications system

Blackboard progress tests (weigthing 0%): short quizzes to assess student progress and give feedback.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit, students should be:

• aware of the mechanisms that give rise to electromagnetic radiation;

• able to understand basic antenna measurements (matching, transmission and polarisation);

• aware of many different types of antenna geometries and their RF characteristics;

• able to understand the use of antenna arrays and be able to generate, shape and steer antenna radiation patterns;

• able to identify suitable antennas for particular applications given system specifications;

• able to identify potential sources of unwanted radiated emissions

Teaching Information

Lectures

Assessment Information

Name: Design Exercise

Type: Homework

% of final coursework: 10

Description: Write a system specification document

Name: Terminal Exam

Type: Exam

% of final mark: 90

Description: 2 hour written paper

Reading and References

• Balanis, C.A., Antenna Theory : Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition, Wiley 2005, ISBN 978-0-471-66782-7

• Kraus, John D. & Marhefka, Ronald J., Antennas for all Applications, 3rd Edition, McGraw Hill 2002, ISBN 0-07-232103-2