Tools required for antenna prototyping

[MRAJAHARSHA]

Hello all

I am new to antenna design. Can anybody help me about the tools required for complete patch antenna design and testing on a board.

I know there are simulators like HFSS and IE3D and LPKF CIRCUIT BOARD PLOTTERS.....what else are required?

How do i feed, observe the characteristics?

 

[MRAJAHARSHA]

Can anybody help me in this regard
Please!

 

[GVVIN]

Could you be more specific on what you are looking for.

As you said,

1. You should know the spec ,for what application what frequency what gain etc
2. Design the same on paper
3. Verify and optimise your design using a simulation tool, like CST IE3D etc
4. Make the proto
5. Testing, test and see whether all design specs are met, at least measure resonant frequency on a network analyzer before putting it on the system.

may be you have to do one or two iterations for an optimum design that meets the requirement

 

[MRAJAHARSHA]

Thanks for replying

I am familiar with the simulation part.

My requirement is the prototype making and observing the characteristics


What are the different devices necessary for this?

I know there is one circuit board plotter by LPKF
I donot know the setup and other details and requirements
How do i measure the characteristics?
How will i feed the signal?

 

[zirtapoz]

For prototype just etch it and if your simulation made for coax use coax with suitable impedance. if you have network analyser use it for VSWR, gain etc. if you do not have one, try to use spectrum analyser with different range and angle. if you have got a antenna with specs try to compare it with your prototype. Or forget all of them and take your prototype to an anechoic chamber..

Good luck

 

[MRAJAHARSHA]

I am using an inset feed

how will i feed the antenna?
how will i observe the s-parameter plot?
how to plot radiation pattern etc..,

 

[zirtapoz]

vswr----network analyser
gain-----network analyser
s parameters ----network analyser
pattern------simulation + anechoic chamber


use surface mount jack to feed with analyser