ANTENNA AND PROPAGATION

(3161003)
B.E. 6th SEMESTER

LABORATORY MANUAL

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

L.D.COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,AHMEDABAD.

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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 Preface
Antennas are a fundamental component of modern communications systems.
By definition, an antenna acts as a transducer between a guided wave in a
transmission line and an electromagnetic wave in free space. Antennas demonstrate
a property known as reciprocity that is an antenna will maintain the same
characteristics regardless if it is transmitting or receiving. When a signal is fed into
an antenna, the antenna will emit radiation distributed in space a certain way. A
graphical representation of the relative distribution of the radiated power in space is
called a radiation pattern. The radiation pattern of the antenna is of principle
concern when engineering a communications system. Let’s assume that a signal
needs to be sent from an antenna on the ground to a satellite in orbit. This would
require a radiation pattern with the majority of its radiated power focused into orbit.
If the antenna is not engineered to do so, contact cannot be established between the
signal source and its target. There are many different ways to manipulate a radiation
pattern to meet the demands of a specific task. These concepts are the principle focus
of this lab assignment. Implementing this lab assignment, students will examine the
radiation patterns of several antennas by hands on field testing. Only the most
fundamental antennas were chosen for this lab assignment. This allows us to see
visually how the most common types of real-world antenna designs function.

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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 LIST OF EXPERIMENTS
Lab Title Sign
1. To study the variation of field strength of radiated with
distance from transmitting antenna.
2. To demonstrate that the transmitting and receiving radiation
patterns of an antenna are equal and hence confirm the
reciprocity theorem of antennas.
3. To plot radiation pattern of 3-element Yagi-Uda antenna.
4. To study and plot the radiation pattern of the helical
antennas and Measure its Bandwidth and Beam width.
5. Design and simulate micro strip patch antenna in HFSS
simulator.

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Experiment

1 Date:

OBJECTIVE:
To study the variation of field strength of radiated with distance from transmitting
Antenna.

Apparatus:
• Vector Signal Generator and Spectrum Analyzer
• Antenna, Co-axial Cable and its connector
• Receiver Stepper Tripod, Measure Tape.
Theory:
Near and Far Field Regions
The field patterns, associated with an antenna, change with distance and are
associated with two types of energy: radiating energy and reactive energy. Hence,
the space surrounding an antenna can be divided into three regions, as shown in
Figure.

Figure 1. Near and far field pattern

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Procedure:
1. Keep both tripods at a minimal distance of 0.5m from each other, centre to
centre using measuring tape.
2. This minimal distance ensures that we are testing the antennas in the far field
region. Consult the theory for details.
3. Transmitted RF signal through Vector signal generator with appropriate
power level from Yagi (4el) antennas is intercepted by Yagi (3el) and sent to receiver.
Measure the level on receiver in dBm by using Spectrum analyzer.
4. Note down the level reading at 0.5-meter distance.
5. Take the reading at 0.7-meter distance. Ensure that no scattering objects are in
the vicinity of the antenna, which could reradiate and distort the field pattern and
consequently the readings. Avoid any movement of persons while taking the
readings.
6. Take further readings at distances of 1m, 1.4m, 2m, 2.8m
7. Plot these readings on Cartesian plane with distance between antennas on X
axis and signal level in dB as Y-axis.

Calculation and Observation Table:

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Questions:
1.The Free space path loss in wireless communication is given by:
(a) (4πdf/c)2 (b) (f/4πdc)2
(c) (4πdc/f)2 (d) (c/4πdf)2

Ans:

2. Equipotential surfaces about a point charge are in which of the following forms?
(a) Spheres (b) Planes
(c) Cylinders (d) Cubes

Conclusion:

Sign of Faculty

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Experiment

2 Date:

Objective:
To demonstrate that the transmitting and receiving radiation patterns of an antenna
are equal and hence confirm the reciprocity theorem of antennas.

Apparatus:
• Vector Signal Generator and Spectrum Analyzer.
• Dipole and Yagi Antenna, Co-axial Cable and its connector.
• Receiver Stepper Tripod, Measure Tape.
Procedure:
1. Connect the Yagi Antenna to receiver Stepper tripod and set the frequency
between 750 MHz to 800 MHz and attenuator to low. Set the antenna dimensions as
per figure. Keep the antenna in horizontal plane.
2. Now connect a dipole antenna to the transmitter tripod. Set the attenuator to
high for high RF output to maximize receiver sensitivity. Adjust the dipole also for
950 MHz.
3. Point the Yagi antenna is the direction of dipole with their elements parallel to
each other as per figure.
4. Set the distance between the antennas to be around 1m. Remove any stray
object from around the antennas, especially in the line of sight. Avoid any
unnecessary movement while taking the readings.
5. Now rotate the Yagi antenna around its axis in steps of 5 degrees using
pointer.
Take the readings in receiver at each step and note down.
6. Plot the readings on the graph paper provided at back.
7. Now without disturbing the setup, connect the Stepper pod to the transmitter.
8. Do not disturb their directions. Now Yagi is connected to transmitter and
dipole at receiver. Take another set of readings by rotating the transmitter antenna
Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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every 5 degrees. Keep in mind that it is antenna that is being rotated is plotted in
reception and transmission mode both for proving the reciprocity theorem.
9. Observe the two plots and find if they are any different from each other.

Calculation and Observation Table:

Transmitted Power level - _____________________

Angle Received Power level Angle Received Power level

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Questions:
1. Define reciprocity theorem of antenna

2. Is it possible to design nonreciprocal antenna?

Conclusion:

Sign of Faculty

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Questions:
1. If total input power to an antenna is Wt, the radiated power is Wr, and radiation
intensity is Ø then matches the following
(a) Power gain (1) Wr /Wt
(b) Directive gain (2) Wr /4π
(c) Average power radiated (3) 4πØ / Wt
(d) Efficiency of antenna (4) 4πØ / Wr

Conclusion:

Sign of Faculty

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Experiment

3
Objective:
To plot radiation pattern of 3-element Yagi-Uda Antenna.

Apparatus:
• Vector Signal Generator and Spectrum Analyzer.
• Yagi and Dipole Antenna, Co-axial Cable and its connector.
• Receiver Stepper Tripod, Measure Tape.

Theory:

Figure 3 Yagi uda antenna and its radiation pattern

A basic Yagi consists of a certain number of straight elements, each measuring
approximately half wavelength. The driven or active element of a Yagi is the
equivalent of a center-fed, half-wave dipole antenna. Parallel to the driven element,
and approximately 0.2 to 0.5 wavelength on either side of it, are straight rods or
wires called reflectors and directors, or passive elements altogether. A reflector is
placed behind the driven element and is slightly longer than half wavelength; a
director is placed in front of the driven element and is slightly shorter than half
wavelength. A typical Yagi has one reflector and one or more directors. The antenna

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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propagates electromagnetic field energy in the direction running from the driven
element toward the directors, and is most sensitive to incoming electromagnetic field
energy in this same direction. The more directors a Yagi has, the greater the gain. As
more directors are added to a Yagi, however, it becomes longer. Following is the
photo of a Yagi antenna with 6 directors and one reflector.

Procedure:
1. Connect the Dipole Antenna to the transmitter tripod and set the attenuator
upwards for high RF output to maximize receiver sensitivity. Set the length of the
antenna elements to λ/4 . each from center of the boom. Keep the antenna in
horizontal direction.
2. Now connect the Yagi antenna to the receiver Stepper tripod and set the
Receive to 750 MHz Set the attenuator upwards for maximum sensitivity.
3. Set the distance between the antennas to be around 1m to 1.5m. Remove any
stray objects from around the antennas, especially in the line of sight. Avoid any
unnecessary movement while taking the readings.
4. Now rotate the Yagi antenna around its axis in steps of 10 degrees. Take the
readings in receiver at each step and note down.
5. Plot the readings on a polar or Cartesian plane.

Calculation and Observation Table:

Transmitted Power level - _____________________

Angle Received Power level Angle Received Power level

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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 Antenna Radiation Characteristics

Name:
Antenna type:

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Questions:
1. Explain features of Yagi – Uda antenna.

Conclusion:

Sign of Faculty

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Experiment

4
Objective:
To study and plot the radiation pattern of the helical antenna and Measure its
Bandwidth and Beam width.

Apparatus:
• Vector Signal Generator and Spectrum Analyzer.
• Dipole and Helical Antenna, Co-axial Cable and its connector.
• Receiver Stepper Tripod, Measure Tape.
Theory:
Another basic, simple, and practical configuration of an electromagnetic radiator is
that of a conducting wire wound in the form of a screw thread forming a helix. In
most cases the helix is used with a ground plane. The ground plane can take
different forms. One is for the ground to be flat, as shown in Figure . Typically the
diameter of the ground plane should be at least 3λ/4. However, the ground plane
can also be cupped in the form of a cylindrical cavity or in the form of a frustrum
cavity . In addition, the helix is usually connected to the center conductor of a coaxial
transmission line at the feed point with the outer conductor of the line attached to
the ground plane. The geometrical configuration of a helix consists usually of N
turns, diameter D and spacing S between each turn. The total length of the antenna is
L = NS while the total
Length of wire is

L0 is the length of the wire between each turn and C = πD is the circumference of the
helix. Another important parameter is the pitch angle α which is the angle formed by

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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a line tangent to the helix wire and a plane perpendicular to the helix axis. The pitch
angle is defined by

The radiation characteristics of the antenna can be varied by controlling the size of
its geometrical properties compared to the wavelength. The input impedance is
critically dependent upon the pitch angle and the size of the conducting wire,
especially near the feed point, and it can be adjusted by controlling their values. The
general polarization of the antenna is elliptical. However circular and linear
polarizations can be achieved over different frequency ranges.

Figure 7 Helical antenna with ground plane.

Procedure:
1. Connect the dipole Antenna to the tripod and set the transmitter frequency
To 750 MHz and attenuator downwards to avoid receiver saturation. Keep the

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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antenna in Horizontal direction using a Polarization connector. Adjust the dipole for
resonance at 750 MHz
2. Now connect the Helical antenna to the stepper tripod and set the receiver to
750 MHz Keep the antenna horizontal.
3. Take reading of maximum gain and 3-dB Bandwidth as well as Beam width
by its radiation pattern.

Calculation and Observation Table:

Transmitted Power level - _____________________

Angle Received Power level Angle Received Power level

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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 Antenna Radiation Characteristics

Name:
Antenna type:

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Questions:
1. If dimensions of the helix are very less than the wavelength which property will
be changed of helix?

2. Match the following

A. Aperture antenna 1. Helical antenna
B. Circularly polarized 2. Point source antenna
C. Frequency independent 3. Log periodic antenna
D. Isotropic antenna 4. Microstrip antenna

Conclusion:

Sign of Faculty

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Experiment

5
Objective:
Design and simulate micro strip patch antenna in HFSS simulator.

Software:
High Frequency structure simulator (version 12.1) purchased by Ansoft Corporation.

Overview:
Ansoft terms:
The Ansoft HFSS window has several optional panels:
• A Project Manager which contains a design tree which lists the structure of
the project.
• A Message Manager that allows you to view any errors or warnings that
occur before you begin a simulation.
• A Property Window that displays and allows you to change model
parameters or attributes.
• A Progress Window that displays solution progress.
• A 3D Modeller Window which contains the model and model tree for the
active design. For more information about the3D Modeller Window

Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Conclusion:

Sign of Faculty
Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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Antenna and Wave Propagation (Lab manual) - L.D.College of Engineering – Ahmedabad

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