Computational investigation of a crossed slot cavity-backed array antenna

Date
2006-03
Authors
Voigt, Dewald
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
This thesis investigates a computational model of an electronically steered antenna array. It focuses on a simple element comprising an S-shaped, crossed, cylindrical cavity-backed slot antenna. An unusual aspect of the element is the addition of a top hat, which contributes to the low scanning ability of the array. The objective was to confirm this contribution of the top hat. During the investigation, the computation code Feko was validated for slot analysis through consideration of the basic properties of a dipole and slot and how they related to each other. Various alternative models were evaluated, before a final accurate model was modelled in Feko, to find possible equivalent models. The final model, which implemented the use of Feko as release 5, was the only one that achieved successful results. The results showed that the top hat does play an important role in the steering of the beam. The mechanism through which this occurs was identified. The results that where obtained indicated that there may be more effective elements than the cylindrical element and the identification of this is proposed as a field for further study.
Description
Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
Keywords
Antenna arrays, Antennas (Electronics), Dissertations -- Electronic engineering, Theses -- Electronic engineering
Citation