Antenna and Microwave Engineering

(TC-313)
Complex Engineering Problem

Telecommunications Department, NEDUET

PROBLEM:

For a wideband application, RF generator with internal impedance Z = 50

ohms is connected via RG58 coaxial cable to a CW circularly polarized directional
antenna having radiation resistance of 98 ohms, loss resistance of 2 ohms and a
susceptance of 0.25 ohms. The maximum directivity of the Antenna is 20 dB at
20GHz. The receiver antennas, separated by a distance of 100 X, are aligned for
maximum radiation between them and are CCW circularly polarized having
maximum directivity of 2dB.
Observe and express: Is there anything wrong with the above setup?
Discuss and defend: What can you do as a design engineer?

Group Members:
Hamza Ahmed (TC-61)
Yahya Vohra (TC-71)
Hassaan Salman (TC-62)
Muhammad Bilal Khan (TC-72)
 2

ISSUES:
1. Significant power and data loss during transmission can occur if there is a mismatch in
polarization between the transmitting and receiving antennas.
2. Power loss in transmission may happen due to differences in the directivity of the two
antennas, though some data may still be received.
3. An impedance mismatch exists between the internal impedance of the RF generator
(50Ω) and the directional antenna with a total resistance of 60Ω (98Ω radiation
resistance + 2Ω loss resistance). To minimize power loss, adjusting the radiation
resistance to approach 48Ω is necessary to match impedances. This adjustment should
consider the characteristic impedance of the RG58 coaxial cable (98Ω), keeping in mind
that the loss resistance is challenging to alter.
SOLUTIONS:
1. The primary issue arises from the misalignment of polarization between the transmitting
and receiving antennas, resulting in low received power. This can be addressed by
adjusting the polarization of either the transmitting or receiving antenna to achieve
alignment.
2. Increasing the size of the transmitting antenna to enhance directivity is problematic due
to impedance mismatch. Alternative solutions include:
a) Employing reflectors or lenses to focus wave energy in a specific direction.
b) Implementing a phased array, a configuration of multiple antenna elements
connected to a common feed point, to intensify and direct the emitted wave.
3. The final challenge is the impedance mismatch between the internal impedance of the
RF generator and the antenna resistance. Resolving this involves:
a) Adjusting the antenna size to match the impedance.
b) Implementing matching circuits like L-networks, T-networks, or π-networks.
c) Using stubs for impedance matching.
d) Opting for a different cable type with a characteristic impedance of 60Ω. A
combination of these solutions may be necessary for an optimal outcome.

DESIGN ENGINEERING:
As a design engineer, my focus is on straightforward and cost-effective solutions that are
easy to implement and troubleshoot. I prefer a combination of options: 1, 2(b), and 3(c), with the
modification of switching the transmitting antenna from Continuous Wave (CW) to Circularly
Continuous Wave (CCW) for simplified implementation and debugging.
This change can be facilitated through a polarization controller, such as a Liquid Crystal
Polarization (LCP) controller, which utilizes liquid crystal technology for easy adjustment of
wave polarization. These controllers are readily available in the market, making them a
convenient choice for switching polarization.
To improve transmission gain, I suggest incorporating reflectors and lenses into a dual-
stacked Yagi antenna, generating a CCW circular polarized wave. Reflectors, with longer lengths
than the driven elements, and directors, with shorter lengths, can enhance directivity and gain.
 3

For impedance matching, introducing an RG58 coaxial cable with parallel short-circuit stubs
is recommended. Utilizing smith chart plotting and other relevant data will help achieve optimal
impedance matching for improved performance.
• ZL = Load impedance = ((98 + 2) + 1/0.4) Ω
• Zo = characteristic impedance = 50Ω
• Zin = input impedance = 50Ω

For this data we can get

ZL’ = ZL/Zo = 2 + j 0.05

We will work on admittance (Y = G + jB) as it is a parallel stub.

The data we get is:

• YL = 0.49 – j 0.012
• Ds = 0.002 + 0.153 = 0.155 λ
• YA = 1 + j 0.75; YB = 1 – j 0.195
 4

SMITH CHART:

Where
 YL: Load Admittance
 YA, YB: Points at unity G circle intersection (G = 1)
 [Points A and B] Ys = YsA: Point at G = 0 circle where the value of stub is found d:
distance from load to stub
 ls: length of stub