The Johns Hopkins University Dr.

Steven Weiss
525.738.31 Advanced Antenna Systems Phone: 301 394-1987 (W)
Summer semester: June 7 – August 23, 2010
E-mail: swieee@aol.com (preferred) sweiss7@jhu.edu
(Late afternoon 7:00 – 10:05) Room K2 Kossiakoff Center

Text: “Antenna Theory – Analysis and Design 3rd edition,” Constantine Balanis, John
Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0-471-66782-X

Prerequisite: Antenna Systems 525.415. Working knowledge of (and access to) a high
level computer language such as Mathematica or Matlab as some of the HW problems
will require this.

This course is designed to follow Antenna Systems 525.415. Antenna array synthesis is
discussed. Fourier transforms are reviewed and applied to antenna theory and array
distributions. The Method of Moments is studied and used to solve basic integral
equations employing different basis functions. The Sommerfeld dipole problem is
examined. Green's functions for patch antennas are formulated in terms of Sommerfeld-
like integrals. Techniques such as saddle-point integration are presented. Topics
addressed include computational electromagnetics, Leaky and surface waves, mutual
coupling, and Floquet modes. Students should be familiar with Complex Variables
(contour integration), Fourier transforms, and Electromagnetics from undergraduate
studies.

Class 1 (June 7) - Review of mathematical techniques for electromagnetics from

Antenna Systems 525.415. Developments of Fourier transform method(s) for radiation
from apertures. Evaluation of Integral equations using Stationary phase.

Class 2 (June 14) – Fourier Transform method applied to apertures (e.g., the Horn
antenna), design procedures for implementing these methods.

Class 3 (June 21) – Separation of variables, Bessel functions, and Hankel functions –
applications to patch antenna problems (homogeneous solutions.)

Class 4 (June 28) – Inhomogeneous solutions for the internal fields of probe fed patch
antennas.

Class 5 (July 5) – Green’s functions for microstrip antennas (external fields) are
developed in terms of Sommerfeld-like integrals.

Class 6 (July 8 THURSDAY) – Evaluation of Sommerfeld integrals explicitly separating

the radiated fields, surface waves, and leaky waves. Midterm passed out.

Class 7 (July 19) – Array theory

Class 8 (July 26) – Scan blindness in array theory

Class 9 (August 2) – Aperiodic arrays (Drop/Audit deadline)

Class 10 (August 9) – Moment methods in antenna theory.

Class 11 (August 16) – Development of Floquet mode analysis for antenna array theory.
Final Exam passed out.
Class 12 (August 23) – Other topics: Noise in antenna systems, reflector antennas,
traveling wave antennas, helix antennas, and review for the final.

Grading: 30% Homework 35% Midterm 35% Final

To compute the homework grade, a running total of points is kept, divided by

the total number of possible points, and multiplied by a weight of 30. Usually, 10 points
per homework problem are given. Students are encouraged to work together on
homework assignments. If a grader is used for the course and you feel the grader
erroneously graded a particular problem, make a note next to the problem and hand it
to me. I will look it over and return it a week later with any adjustment. Assignments
are due on the next class date. If you don’t make the class, please ensure I get the HW
by fax or have someone bring it in. HW submitted after the solutions are passed out will
not be accepted.

Academic honesty – Although you are encouraged to work together on

homework, you are still responsible for writing up your solution individually. It is
cheating to obtain or use a solutions manual. Tests are open book and notes. You are
not permitted to share material with other students during an exam.

Solutions for the midterm and homework are passed out. The final exam is not
returned – make a copy before you hand it in. Students wishing to know the final exam
and final grade for the course may hand me a self-addressed stamped envelope at the
time of the final exam. I will mail this to you after the final grade has been submitted to
Johns Hopkins. After the final grades have been posted, if there is a question about
your score on the final exam, you can make an appointment to see me and we will go
over your work. Please do not ask for grades by e-mail or the phone.

Important dates: Drop/Audit deadline: 9th class meeting

Inclement weather information on school closings:

Telephone: 410-516-7781 or 1-800-548-9004
Web site: http://webapps.jhu.edu/emergencynotices
Primary Objectives for the Advanced Antenna Systems

1) Develop advanced techniques in electromagnetics and apply them

to a variety of antenna systems and arrays.
2) Familiarize the student with the method of moments approach to
analyzing antenna structures.
3) Integrate various disciplines in electromagnetics so that the
student appreciates antennas from a system standpoint (e.g.,
transmission line theory, propagation effects, electromagnetic
techniques, etc.)
4) At the conclusion of the course, the student should have a far
greater capacity to read and understand technical articles such as
those seen in the IEEE Transactions on Antennas and
Propagation.

Secondary Objective

1) A secondary objective of the course is to develop the student’s

analytical skills, so that upon graduation they have obtained a
mathematical background commensurate with Master’s level
degree.