Department of Electrical Engineering

EE462L-Antenna Engineering

Course Instructor: Dr. M. Qasim Mehmood Dated: 2nd June, 2021

Lab Engineer: Engr. Junaid Ashraf Semester: 8th

Session: Spring-21 Batch: BSEE2017

Lab 7. Design and Analysis of E-plane and H-plane Sectoral

Horn Antennas through CST

Lab Report Total

Name Roll No Viva Marks/5
Marks/10 Marks/15
Muhammad Salman
BSEE17078
Alvi

Checked on:
Signature:
7.1 Objective
The goal of this handout is to calculate the parameter for specific frequency of E-plane and H-
plane sectoral Horn antenna and design on CST.
7.2 Equipment and Component
Component Description Value Quantity
Computer Available in lab 1

7.3 Conduct of Lab

1. Students are required to perform this experiment in groups of two.
2. If any aspect of the lab experiment need clarification, the students are advised to seek
help from the course instructor, lab engineers, teaching assistants (TA) or lab
attendants.
7.4 Theory & Background
Horn antennas are widely used in centimeter and millimeter wave ranges. They are used as an
independent transmitting and receiving antennas for radiolocation, radio-relay communication,
measuring instrumentation and as feeders for more complicated antennas (lens and mirror
antenna). In fact, the horn antenna is a waveguide with axially increasing cross-section.

Figure 7-1 Shapes of Horn Antenna

In sectoral horn one pair of opposite sides are parallel, while the other pair is flared. Depending
on the plane, in which the diversion takes place, the antenna behaves either as E-plane or H-
plane sectoral horn. If both pairs of sides are diverging the horn is called pyramidal.
When studying the directional characteristics of horn antenna it is considered that radiation only
takes place from the horn aperture. Directional properties of horn antennas are mainly
determined by the aperture size and the amplitude and phase distribution in the aperture. If the
flare angle is small, the amplitude of the electromagnetic field across the horn aperture both in
the horn aperture is the same as in the feeder waveguide. Square waveguides are usually excited
with H10 waves.
 Figure 7-2 Horn antenna with dimensions

7.5 Lab
Task
7.5.1 E-Plan Sectoral Horn antenna designing
[Marks 4.5]
Calculate the parameter and design the E-plane sectoral Horn antenna at frequency assigned by
Lab Engineer. Having following parameter
𝑎 = 0.5𝜆
𝑏 = 0.25𝜆
𝑏1 = 2.75𝜆
Maximum phase deviation at the aperture of Horn antenna is 56.72°
Implement the given antenna using CST Software and observe its S-Parameter, VSWR, E-Field,
H-Field and Far-Field. Attach graph below also schematic diagram. Also attach calculations.

Figure 7-3 E-plane Sectoral Horn Antenna [4]

Calculations:
Antenna Design For Center Frequency = 𝑓 = 7.8 GHz
8
𝜆=𝐶= 3∗10
= 38.4615 mm
𝑓 7.8∗ 109

𝑎 = 0.5𝜆 = 19.23 mm
𝑏 = 0.25𝜆 = 9.615375 mm
𝑏1 = 2.75𝜆 = 105.7692308 mm
𝜌1 = 6𝜆 = 230.769 mm

E-Plane Sectoral Horn Antenna

Radiations along E-Field in 3D

Radiations along H-Field in 3D

S-Parameter
Bandwidth = 7.8633 GHz – 7.7241 GHz = 0.1392 GHz
VSWR Plot

Input Impedance
Far Field 3D & 2D Polar Plots
Observation of every plot
Here we have designed an E-Plane Sectoral Horn antenna on CST at frequency 7.8 GHz for which first we made
calculations according to the required formulas as shown above. Keeping in view the calculation, we then constructed
our antenna on CST, with lengths of 𝑎 = 19.23 mm, 𝑏 =9.615375 mm, 𝑏1= 105.7692308 mm and 𝜌1 = 230.769 mm for
the desired E-Plane Sectoral Horn antenna. We notice the following results.

Parameter Value
Reflection S – parameter -20.258 dB
Bandwidth 0.1392 GHz
VSWR 1.215
Input impedance 1013.5 Ω
E – field 4576.54 V/m
H – field 18.533 A/m
Gain (dBi) 13.36 dBi
 Directivity (dBi) 14.26 dBi
HPBW 15.3o

Q. Which parameters will effect by changing aperture angle if length is constant. Explain below
Explanation
If we can change the aperture angle of E-Plane Sectoral Horn Antenna while the length is being constant it will effect the
parameter 𝑏1 and ρe. For increasing the aperture angle, we will increase 𝑏1 further from 2.75𝜆 and for decreasing the
aperture angle we will decrease 𝑏1 further from 2.75𝜆.
Plots
On Increasing the Aperture Angle b1
Radiation Along E-Field in 3D Plot

Radiation along H-Field in 3D Plot

 S-Parameter

Bandwidth = 7.834 GHz – 7.7188 GHz = 0.1152 GHz

VSWR
 Input Impedance

Far Field 3D & 2D Polar Plots

On decreasing the Aperture Angle b1
Radiation Along E-Field in 3D Plot

Radiation along H-Field in 3D Plot

 S-Parameter

Bandwidth = 7.8894 GHz – 7.7337 GHz = 0.1557 GHz

VSWR

Input Impedance
Far Field 3D & 2D Polar Plots
Observation & Analysis:
Here we have designed an E-Plane Sectoral Horn antenna on CST at frequency 7.8 GHz for which first we made
calculations according to the required formulas of E-Plane Sectoral Horn Antenna as shown above. But this time in order
to observe the effect of changing aperture angle we changed the parameter b1 by increasing and decreasing this
parameter we increased and decreased the aperture angle of E-Plane Horn Antenna. Due to change in aperture angle, we
get the desired effect in E-Plane Sectoral Horn antenna results which are following.

Parameter Value Increase Angle b1 Decrease Angle b1

S - Parameter -20.258 dB -14.345 dB -35.002 dB
Bandwidth 0.1392 GHz 0.1152 GHz 0.1557 GHz
VSWR 1.215 1.56 1.1086
Input Impedance 1013.5 Ω 1013.5 Ω 1013.5 Ω
E – Field 4576.54 V/m 5402.5 V/m 3830.83 V/m
H – Field 18.533 A/m 18.8684 A/m 18.1634 A/m
Gain (dBi) 13.36 dBi 13.50 dBi 12.66 dBi
Directivity (dBi) 14.26 dBi 14.49 dBi 13.37 dBi
HBPW 15.3o 9.3o 23o

We also notice that the bandwidth calculated from S-Parameter decreased to 0.1152 GHz from 0.1392 GHz when we
increased the aperture angle while it increased to 0.1557 GHz from 0.1392 GHz. We also notice that on increasing the
aperture angle of E- Plane Sectoral Horn antenna the S-parameter reflection increases to -14.345dB from -20.258 dB
while, on decreasing the aperture angle of E- Plane Sectoral Horn antenna the S-parameter reflection decreases to -35.002
dB from -20.258 dB, on the other hand the center frequency moves to lower frequencies on increasing aperture angle
and
center frequency moves to higher frequencies on decreasing aperture angle. VSWR increases to 1.56 from 1.215 while on
increasing the aperture angle and it decreases to 1.1086 from 1.215 when decreasing the aperture angle of antenna . The
E- field and H field radiation are slightly increasing as we increase the aperture angle of E Plane Horn antenna and its
decreasing as we decrease the aperture angle of E Plane Horn antenna. The directivity and gain of antenna measured in
dBi is increasing as we increase the aperture angle and decreasing as we decrease the aperture angle of antenna. While
the HPBW decreases on increasing the aperture angle and increases on decreasing the aperture angle of E Plane Horn
antenna.

VIVA Question-1 [2.5 Marks]

Q. Calculate and compare the Directivity of Horn antenna

Calculation:
For optimized 7.8 GHz frequency S-Parameter, we took
Lambda = 45.782738419581 mm
Calculating, a = 22.891369 mm , b1 = 125.9025 mm , ρe = = 281.8172671 mm
50 50
B = b1 ∗ √ ρe = 0.1259025
∗ √ 0.2818172671 = 7.837628, As B > 2
λ 0.0457827384
λ 0.0457827384

So, from Fig 13.8 graph in book we get 𝐺𝐸 = 72

𝐺𝐸 72
DE = 𝑎 ∗ = 0.022891369
∗ = 12.6313 = 11.0144 dBi
λ 50 0.0457827384 50
√ρe √ 0.2818172671
λ 0.0457827384

Compare:
If we compare both Calculated directivity of 11.0144 dBi and CST measured directivity value of 14.26 dBi they differ
very slightly and there is a small deviation of almost 3.2455 dBi
Plots
Directivity from E-Plane Sectoral Horn CST Plot measured: 14.26 dBi or 5.1641 in magnitude

On Increasing Aperture angle, we get Directivity: 14.49 dBi or 5.302 in magnitude

On Decreasing Aperture angle, Directivity: 13.37 dBi or 4.66 in magnitude

7.5.2 H-Plan Sectoral Horn antenna designing
[Marks 4.5]
Calculate the parameter and design the H-plane sectoral Horn antenna at frequency assigned by
Lab Engineer. Having following parameter
𝑎 = 0.5𝜆
𝑏 = 0.25𝜆
𝑎1 = 5.5𝜆
𝜌2 = 6 𝜆
Implement the given antenna using CST Software and observe its S-Parameter, VSWR, E-Field,
H-Field and Far-Field. Attach graph below also schematic diagram. Also attach calculations.
 Figure 7-4 H-plane sectoral Horn Antenna [4]

Calculations:
Antenna Design for Center Frequency = 𝑓 = 7.8 GHz
8
𝜆=𝐶= 3∗10
= 38.4615 mm
𝑓 7.8∗ 109

𝑎 = 0.5𝜆 = 19.23mm
𝑏 = 0.25𝜆 = 9.6153 mm
𝑎1 = 5.5𝜆 = 211.5384 mm
𝜌2 = 6 𝜆 = 230.769 mm
H-Plane Sectoral Horn Antenna
Radiation along E-Field in 3D

Radiation along H-Field in 3D

S-Parameter
Bandwidth = 7.9479 GHz – 7.7216 GHz = 0.2263 GHz
VSWR Plot

Input Impedance

Far Field 3D & 2D Polar Plots

Observation of every plot
Here we have designed an H-Plane Sectoral Horn antenna on CST at frequency 7.8 GHz for which first we made
calculations according to the required formulas as shown above. Keeping in view the calculation, we then
constructed our antenna on CST, with lengths of 𝑎 = 19.23mm, 𝑏 = 9.6153 mm, 𝑎1 = 211.5384 mm, and 𝜌2= 230.769
mm for the desired H-Plane Sectoral Horn antenna. We notice the following results.
Parameter Value
Reflection S – parameter -22.535 dB
Bandwidth 0.2263 GHz
VSWR 1.1614
Input impedance 826.2 Ω
E – field 3315.11 V/m
H – field 9.77542 A/m
Gain (dBi) 12.2 dBi
Directivity (dBi) 12.2 dBi
HPBW 12.8o
 Q. Which parameter will effect by changing aperture angle if length is constant. Explain below

Explanation
If we can change the aperture angle of H-Plane Sectoral Horn Antenna while the length is being constant it will effect the
parameter a1 and ρh. For increasing the aperture angle, we will have to increase a1 further from 5. 5𝜆 and for decreasing
the aperture angle we will have to decrease a1 further from 5. 5𝜆.
Plots
On Increasing the Aperture Angle a1
Radiation Along E-Field in 3D Plot

Radiation along H-Field in 3D Plot

 S-Parameter

Bandwidth = 7.8636 GHz – 7.6528 GHz = 0.2108 GHz

VSWR

Input Impedance
Far Field 3D & 2D Polar Plots
On decreasing the Aperture Angle a1
Radiation Along E-Field in 3D Plot

Radiation along H-Field in 3D Plot

 S-Parameter

Bandwidth = 7.538 GHz – 7.4275 GHz = 0.1105 GHz

VSWR

Input Impedance
Far Field 3D & 2D Polar Plots
Observation & Analysis:
Here we have designed an H-Plane Sectoral Horn antenna on CST at frequency 7.8 GHz for which first we made
calculations according to the required formulas of H-Plane Sectoral Horn Antenna as shown above. But this time in order
to observe the effect of changing aperture angle we changed the parameter a1 by increasing and decreasing this parameter
we increased and decreased the aperture angle of H-Plane Horn Antenna. Due to change in aperture angle, we get the
desired effect in H-Plane Sectoral Horn antenna results which are following.

Parameter Value Increase Angle a1 Decrease Angle a1

S - Parameter -22.535 dB -29.5 dB -19.034 dB
Bandwidth 0.2263 GHz 0.2108 GHz 0.1105 GHz
VSWR 1.1614 1.5487 3.3174
Input Impedance 826.2 Ω 1333.7 Ω 2166.8 Ω
E – Field 3315.11 V/m 3763.59 V/m 4745.73 V/m
H – Field 9.77542 A/m 9.2116 A/m 11.61 A/m
Gain (dBi) 12.2 dBi 10.64 dBi 10.37 dBi
Directivity (dBi) 12.2 dBi 10.65 dBi 10.35 dBi
HBPW 12.8o 21.2o 22o

We also notice that the bandwidth calculated from S-Paramter decreased to 0.2108 GHz from 0.2263 GHz when we
increased the aperture angle while it decreased to 0.1105 GHz from 0.2263 GHz. We also notice that on increasing the
aperture angle of H- Plane Sectoral Horn antenna the S-parameter reflection decreases to -29.5dB from -22.535 dB while,
on decreasing the aperture angle of H- Plane Sectoral Horn antenna the S-parameter reflection increases to -19.034 dB
from -22.535 dB, on the other hand the center frequency moves to lower frequencies on increasing aperture angle and
center frequency moves to higher frequencies on decreasing aperture angle. VSWR increases to 1.5487 from 1.1614
while on increasing the aperture angle and it decreases to 3.3174 from 1.1614 on decreasing the aperture angle. The
E-field
radiation is slightly increasing, and H field radiation is slightly decreasing as we increase the aperture angle of H Plane
Horn antenna while, its increasing as we decrease the aperture angle of H Plane Horn antenna. The directivity and gain of
antenna measured in dBi is decreasing as we increase or decrease the aperture angle of antenna. While the HPBW also
increases on increasing or decreasing the aperture angle of H Plane Horn antenna.

VIVA Question-2 [2.5 Marks]

Q. Calculate and compare the Directivity of Horn antenna

Calculation
For optimized 7.8 GHz frequency S-Parameter, we took
Lambda = 45.782738419581 mm , b = 11.4456846 mm , a1 = 251.8050613 mm , ρh = = 299.4501311 mm
50 50
A = a1 ∗ √ ρh = 0.2518050613 ∗ √ 0.2994501311 = 15.20674, As A > 2
λ 0.0457827384
λ 0.0457827384

So, from Fig 13.15 graph in book we get almost 𝐺𝐻 = 93

𝐺𝐻 93
𝐷 =𝑏∗ = 0.0114456846 ∗ = 8.409 = 9.24749 dBi
𝐻 λ 0.0457827384
50 50
√ρh √ 0.2994501311
λ 0.0457827384

Compare:
If we compare both Calculated directivity of 9.24749 dBi and CST measured directivity value of 12.2 dBi they differ
significantly and there is a deviation of almost 2.9525 dBi
Plots
Directivity from H-Plane Sectoral Horn CST Plot measured: 12.20 dBi or 4.0738 in magnitude

On Increasing Aperture angle a1, we get Directivity: 10.65 dBi or 3.408 in magnitude

On Decreasing Aperture angle a1, Directivity: 10.35 dBi or 3.2923 in magnitude

 7.6 Conclusion
[Mark 1]
In this Lab we have designed an E-Plane Sectoral Horn antenna and H-Plane Sectoral Horn on CST at frequency 7.8 GHz
for which first we made calculations according to the required formulas as shown above. Keeping in view the calculation,
we then constructed our antenna on CST, with lengths of 𝑎 = 19.23 mm, 𝑏 =9.615375 mm and 𝑏1= 105.7692308 mm for
the desired E-Plane Sectoral Horn antenna and with lengths of 𝑎 = 19.23mm, 𝑏 = 9.6153 mm, 𝑎1 = 211.5384 mm, and
𝜌2= 230.769 mm for the desired H-Plane Sectoral Horn antenna.
Then in order to observe the effect of changing aperture angle we changed the parameter b1 for E Plane Sectoral Horn
Antenna and a1 parameter for the H Plane Sectoral Horn Antenna by increasing and decreasing this parameter we
increased and decreased the aperture angle of E-Plane Horn Antenna and H Plane Sectoral Horn Antenna respectively.
Due to change in aperture angle, we get the desired effects in both E and H Plane Sectoral Horn antenna.
We also notice change in bandwidth calculated from S-Parameter. We also notice change in center frequency, VSWR, E-
H Field radiation, far field plots, gain, directivity, HPBW while on increasing and decreasing the aperture angle of E-H
Plane Sectoral Horn.