Chapter 12 Broadband and Frequency

Independent Antennas (12 1) to (12 - 24)

12.1 Introduction.. eeeer .. 12-2
12.2 Biconical Antenna . . 12-3
12.2.1 Radiated Fields of the Infinite Biconical Antenna... 12-4
12.2.2 input Iimpedance. . 12-8

12.2.3 Salient Features of Biconical Antenna .. 12-10

12.3 Frequency Independent Antenna.. .. 12-10

12.3.1Rumsey's Principle... .. 12-11

12.4 Spiral Antenna - Equiangular Spiral Antenna... ... 12 -13

12.5 Log Periodic Antenna. 12- 16
. . 12-18
12.5.1 Log Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA)...
Chapter 13 Antennas for Special Applications (13 1) toJenil
(13 Thakkar
-28)
 Broadband and Frequency
12 Independent Antennas

Syllabus
Rroadbamd amtenna, Frequency independent antenna, Log periodic antennas.

Contents
121 Introduction

122 Biconical Antenna

123 FrequencyIndependent Antenna. . .May-12, . .
Marks 3
124 Spiral Antenna Equiangular Spiral Antenna
-

125 Log Periodic Antenna May-11,12, Winter-12, 13, 14 Marks 7

(12-1) Jenil Thakkar

Antenna and Wave
Propagation 12-2 Broadband and Frequency I
lependent Ante
12.1 Introduction
An antenna may take form of a wire, rod, tower,
a
slot, aperture or an
wire, rod slot type elements. Based on a
particular application and frecu
range at which antenna to be used decides the form
of antenna to
be used.
On the basis of
frequency range over which the antenna is to be
antennas are classified as LF used the
antennas, MF antennas, HF, UHF and
and SHF antennas. UHF anton,
ennas
At lower frequencies
such as [ELF (< 3 kHz), VLF
(3 30 kHz), LF
the antenna
efficiency is very important factor. Over these (30 300 kHz
antennas used are
physically larger. Because of larger dimensions of ranges, frequency
these antennas fall in the wavelength,
category of electrically smnall antenna.
The MF (300 kHz 3
MHz) includes broadcast band. In this
-

used for transmitting range, the antennas

purposes are tower antennas. The antenna
very important parameter. To achieve desired efficiency is again
towers are used. As a
directional characteristics, of
receiving antenna in MF band, the efficiency is arrays not very
important parameter as that in the case of
transmittirng case.
Over frequency bands like
HF (3 30 MHz, VHF
(300 MHz 3 GHz) elevated rods and wires are most (30 300 MHz) and UHF
-

more
directivity, arrays of wires and rods are used. extensively used. To acnieve
The main
designing antenna in this HF to UHF range is that antenna or difficulty
in

maintain desired array snou

impedance and pattern characteristics over a wide frequeny
band.
I n the
SHF band (3 30 GHz), aperture
antennas are used but the limita is
they produce narrow beam with low side lobe
levels and require to
pattern characteristics over wide range.
For broadband antennas in HF, VHE, UHF bands, the bandwidth is very
important parameter. It is defined as the band of o v e r which antenna

is able to maintain frequencies over whie

required impedance, pattern characteristics.
I n the modern erra of
antenna with unlimited
communication field, it is now possible
possiDie
to design
ts for
bandwidth where upper and lower frequeny
most useful
performance are specified by designer
The antennas with
such unlimited
independentiy. endent

antenna. bandwidth are called frequeney *

Review Question

1.
unsoosnas
www.rau
What is meant
by broadband antenna
Explain briefly. ? ********************
********

********e******a eessu
ae*******ee***********************"
******************************"*******************

TECHNICAL
PUBLICATIONS" An up thrust for knowledge Jenil Thakkar
 12-3 Broadband and Frequency Independent Antennas
N a v eP r o p e g a t i o n

Antenna
end

1 2 . 2 B i c o n i c a l

Antennaa
A n t e n n a

nical antenna gives a broadband characteristics. It is formed by

Basically biconical

of
infinite eextent
nfinite x t e n t together.
to
cones

two
placing
p l a c i

shown in the Fig. 12.2.1 (a)

. T h et y p i c a l b i c o n i c a l
antenna is as

Cone 1

Feed transmission line

Cone 2

(a) Biconical antenna (b) Spherical waves

structure due to voltage Vin

Fig. 12.2.1 Biconical antenna

The biconical antenna
can be imagined as a properly uniformly tapered
transmission line.
When voltage in 1s applied at that input terminals, the antenna produces
Waves which are outgoing as shown in the Fig. 12.2.1 (5).
Thene spherical
waves at anyy point on the surface of the cone produces current I
along surface and
The voltage V between the cones.

Tesponding electric
proportional
The
voltage and magnetic fields 12.2.2 (a). The
are shown in the
g e and currents are represented as shown in the Fig. 12.2.2 (b).
Fig.

biconical
uriform transnantenna acts
o r tranct acts as a guide for spherical wave in the same way as that a
Smission line acts as a
guide for a
plane wave.

ECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowledge Jenil Thakkar

 Antenna and Wave Propagation 12-4 3roadband an
quency Independ Antennas

Ee V()
V)

) 11

(a) Representation of (b) Representation of

electric and magnetic field
voltage and current at distant r

Fig. 12.2.2 Electric and magnetic fields and relative currents and
biconical antenna voltages of

12.2.1 Radiated Fields of the Infinite Biconical

Antenna
Assume that the Transverse
both fields E and H are
Electromagnetic (TEM) mode of excitation is used where
and H fields consider
perpendicular to the direction of propagation. To find radiated
P in
point the spherical co-ordinate system as P(r,b,9)
From Maxwell's equation, the Faraday's law for harmonically varying fields 1s given
g
by
VxE =-jou H
.(122.1)
VxË = 1 [a(rsinE)_a(rE),
|, +
rsin
1 a(E,) d(r sin 0
+dttEg)_3E,],
.. (1222)
rsin 6
symmetry Eg a
But E field has
component E9 only in the 0-direction. Also by
independent of . Hence we can sy*
write,
.(122.3)

have

Now to maintain TEM must

mode with the H field
component necessarily in -
component
6 the
Ep n can
modity

direction only. Hence further

further
we

equation (122.3) as,

x
= ,joy [H,,l
Jenil Thakkar
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowledge
 12-5 Broadband and Frequency Independent Antennas
Popagation

Wave

and
ne . (12.2.4)
= -jaou Hl
d r /
"
W r i t e

can

or
we
(12.2.5)
1orEe= -jou Ho
rl dr
the Ampere's law for harmonically varying fields in
from
Maxwell's equations,
Now
Medium is given by,
mconducting .. (12.2.6)
VX = jweE

1 a(r sin H) a(rH6)]3,+

rsin
1 [aH,_d(rsin0 H,)]1 Ho) . (12.2.7)
rsin do dr

write, L.H.S. of
has only component along direction, hence we can
AsH field
equation (12.2.6) as,
a(rsin
sinH), + 1- r sin 0 H)1 a g .(12.2.8)
VXH = 1 r sin 0 r
rsin
But the E has component only in e direction. Hence R.H.S. of equation (12.2.6) is
gven by,
joe E =
joe[E, , +Ee e+Eço
joeE (j@sE,)e
=
(E, =Es =0)... (12.2.9)
Bquating equations (12.2.8) and
(12.2.9), we get,
or
line sin 0H)1. 1 6 a(r r sin8 Ho)a
rsin ão jocEg
Sin8 =
jotEg ão .(12.2.10)

quating ike terms on

both the sides, we get, for àr
[O(r sin 0H%)
1
r2sin
0 (12.2.11)
aA rsin
6 H,) =

nilarly foorr g,
we a(r sin
get, 1
H,)= joeE .(12.2.12)
r sin 5 or

ECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowledge

Jenil Thakkar
 Antenna and Wave Propagation 12-6
Broadband and Frequency
Independent Anten.
Simplifiying equation (12.2.12), we get, tennas
- sin
rsin rH)=
r joeE
joeEo

1 [0(TH)1
dr -jweE
10
-joe H , ) =(rEg)
.12.2.13)
Substituting value of r Eg in equation (12.2.5), we get,

jou H Wthe V

102
joe2 H ) = -jop(rH) Nt
2
azH)= (*o*ue)(tH
02
rH)=
dr2
-o- ue (rH) 12.2.14)

But phase shift ß 0yue, hence substituting in above

=

equation value of 6, we 8E
2
tH) -BrH,) ..(122.15)

The solution of the second

order differential equation 2211).
To meet must satisfy equan
required conditions, H should vary inversely we can write
with 0, hence
1
Ho oc sin
i.e. ..12.2.16)

sin 6
The solution of equation by,
(12.2.15) represents an outward travelling wave .12.2.17

H = 1
T s i n m e jër

Hence we are antenna

assumed to be considering only the outword wave ecause

biconical e can

infinitely long. By comparing equations d (12.2.17)

write (12.2.16) and

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS". An up thrust for knowledge Jenil Thakkar

 12-7 Broadband and Frequency Independent Antennas
Propagation

Wave

and
nng H n eB r

.(12.2.18)

the electric and magnetic field components are

off
o the medium,
p r o p e r t y

medium i.e. n. Hence we can write,

By
the
mpedance of
intrinsic impedance

..(12.2.19)
He
can write,
we
Hence

r sin 0
...(12.2.20))
at points 1 and 2 at distance r from origin can be written as,
Now the voltage
T -oy/2
V= E dL = (E de) (r de g)
a2

T
2(nHme ißr r de
Egrde r sin 6
2

nHeißr de
nHmeißr cosece de
sin6

nHme jBrIn tan 7 ..(12.2.21)

Putng
tir limits
of
integration, we get
V) n - n s tan-ntan

VinH|m(co tn
t) =
nHne ir| In cot In a -Inb=log
tan

ECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowiedge Jenil Thakkar

Antenna and Wave Propagation 12-8 Aroadband and Frequency Independent
Anten

V =
nHme i6Incot
V) = 2n Hme-ißrin cot
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.12.2.22
By Ampere's law, the current I on the surtace of cone at a distance r is given bu

2T
I(r) =H(r sin) do
0

Substituting value of H from equation (12.2.17), we get,

Ir) = H e e r |[rsin6 do]

Om equc
Me angle
2T
IT) =HmeiBrdo Naracteris

aiSussie

Ir) = 2 n H e .12.2.23) ratcally

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ge bico
Equations (12.2.22) and (12.2.23) represent voltage and current due to the radiated E e radiat
and H fields.

12.2.2 Input Impedance

.The characteristic impedance for the infinite cone is obtained by taking rau
between equations (12.2.22) and (12.2.23). Hence input impedance Z0 is given Dy

Zo
ua2Heibrmcot
V(r)
2t HmeJBr
" * * w o r * * * * a * * * * **naann****s*onnnogmmmmn

tad
.(12.2.24)

.... ..
*********************************************************************************************
it
But the characteristics distance,
as
impedance is independent or r i.e.
raua space

represents input impedance at antenna feed terminals. Thus tor

(no 120T) equation (12.2.24)

=
can be modified as,

u**e*****************"***************************************************pA* t* *********
.(12.2.25)

Zg Zin 120 m cot

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowledge Jenil Thakkar

 12-9 Broadband and Frequency Independent Antennas
a n dW e v eP m p a g a t i o n
Propa97

hWave

ena

ynenne

oedance
represented by uation (12.2.25) is purely resistive.
input
The angles,
cone

small
,For
tar 4
Hence equation (12.2
n (12.2.24) can be modified in case of small cone angle antenna as,

tan

...(12.2.26)
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Prom equation (12.2.26) it is clear that the input impedance is the function of half
cone angle while designing, the half cone angle value is selected such that the
characteristic impedance of the configuration is nearly equal to that of the
transmission line.

Practically small angle biconical antennas are not practically useful. But the wide
angle biconical antennas are very much useful as broadband antennas.
'he radiation resistance Rrad can be obtained by finding total radiated power.
27t
rad Pavg 'dS = [ 1 EE.,2 sine dÙ de
2 n
0 0=
Substituting value of |E| as
agnitude of Eg from equation (12.2.20), we
get,
27
rad do .2 (nH sinde =(2) ..n*H.2
sin
de 2 T-

=0 2n r sine
2 sin 0

2Tn H "2 de
sin 6
Using similar steps
wnsgnargansnp o n pspeps,
on done in case of
expression for V(r) we can write,
Tad2 n H
******* ************************ n cot
"************** ** *********** .(12.2.27)
*************-*****u* .*****"**nde*******

ECHNICAL
PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowledge
Jenil Thakkar
 Antenna and Wave Propagation 12- 10 Broadband and Frequency
endent Antennas
T o find Rrad we can calculate current at r =0
using equation (12.2 22
we can write 23) as
I(0), then
Prad 1O *Rad

2P rad
Rrad [I(O)1 2mHm12
***************************************************san****
4T Hm
Rynd cot
****************************************************** ************************************"
.12.2.28
Thus the radiation resistance of the conical antenna is identical to the int
impedance of the antenna.

12.2.3 Salient Features of Biconical Antenna

owww ww.w

) It consists of two infinitely large cones arranged with axes in line while vertices
infinitesimally at a large distance.
i) The two cones are fed with a balanced transmission line.
ii) The input impedance of biconical antenna is independent of frequency

iv) The biconical antenna has larger bandwidth.

v) It has omnidirectional radiation
pattern.
vi) It is most extensively used for broadcast applications.

Review euestions
******************************************************************************************************************************** *********************** *****************************************************************
*******es*se**************

1. Explain the biconical antenna.

2. Explain the working of biconical antenna and derive the expression for input impeuan
ance.

3. Write
explainary note on biconical antenna.
an

4 Write salient features of biconical antenna.

wwwesaaremomweoooonmooud

GTU May-12

12.3 Frequency Independent Antenna and umportantly

The antennas which

simple, small, light weight, economue are
operating over the entire frequency band are most desirable. Usedin
nnas and are point
Such antennas referred to as frequency independent are
arne
10-10,000 MHz region for practical applications such s
i n t to

communication, feeds for reflectors and lenses.

Jenil Thakkar
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowlodge
 Antennas
12 - 11 Broadband and Frequency Independent
Popagation
a v e

specified by angles
but the current along
be completely
and

neona
o n n a can
can
from the input terminals. Also
biconical
a n t e n n a

with distance away

reducereduce

The
the s t r u c t u r e
does nnot
does
ot
form limiting
with frequency.
have a
loes
not
not
has frequency independent
equation which
does

pattern shape
its
R u m s e y
OSed a general
p r o p o s e d
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s and with
this shape the current
polarization

and
pattern
impedance, zero rapidly.
reduces to
distribution

2 3 . 1 Rumsey's Principle

independent
antenna was postulated
was postulated by
of the frequency
condition of lossless antenna is
perfornmance of the
condition
The
stated that the
He of
V. H. Rumsey. are specified interms
the dimensions of the antenna
if
independent of frequency This requirement can
remain constant interms of wavelength.
angles such that they in the spherical
co-ordinates has the
antenna if its equation
be fulfilled by any
form given by, . (12.3.1)
r e (+0 f(0)
where f0) is a function of 6.
The equation stated above is the P(,0, )
equation of equiangular or logarithmic
spiral
of
where constant 'a' indicates rate
expansion and ¢o orientation. The
cO-ordinate system for
Spiral antenna is
equiangular
as shown in the
Fig. 12.3.1.
Consider that an ante has both the r=
erminals infinitely. system
of the
of the Close to the origin Fig. 12.3.1 Spherical co-ordinate
for equiangular spiral antenna
each is spherical co-ordinate system and
isposed
Assume that thealong 0, T axes symmetrically.
0 =

e antenrna is perfectly conducting and it is surrounded by a

omogeneous medium. Let the antenna surface is defined by,

. (12.3.2)
where r is the
the distance
anternadistance
is
along
alons the surface edge. or
requeency, thern O b e scaled to a frequency K times lower than the original
anterma should
sho beto maintain
tantain
ma electrical dimensions, the physical surface of the
same

r= KO, ) e K times greater. Then the new surface can be defined by,
here K is (12.3.3)
const
cOnstant independent of 6 and
ECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowledgo
Jenil Thakkar
 Antenna and Wave
Propagation 12-12
Broadband and Frequency
Independent Antenns
nnas
The two surfaces are similar and
can be
congruent
both are infinite. if
Their oo.
proved only through the rotation in . As both
terminals at origin, translation is not allowed. the surfaces
So also rotation have e
congruence
because both the pair of terminals are in is not ae
So symmetrically
disposed along 0 0 allowe
tohave congruence of the second surtace =
with the first
be rotated by an one, the surface axes.
angle C such that must
K FO,0) =
FO,0 + C)
where
angle C depends on K but not on 0 and o. .(12.34)
.The equation (12.3.4)
represents that the original antenna behaves
at both the
frequencies. But the electrically same
radiation pattern will be rotated
through angle C. azimuthaly
For unrestricted value of Wiaut
K (0SKS»), the pattern will rotate by angle C in owith
frequency but the shape will remain same. Thus the and
be frequency independent. pattern impedance will
Cla1
For 0s KS», differentiating equation (12.3.4) with respect to C, we get,
[K
dC FO,)] FO,
C
=
+ C)]

dF, +C) F®, ¢+C)] .(12.3.5) The su

Now differentiating equation (12.3.4) with respect to ¢, we get, ndepe
IK F, = F 0 , 0+ C]
dhe
K (+Fe,+C] .(12.36)

Equating equations (12.3.5) and

(12.3.6) we get,
F0, = KOF0, 6)
dC

From equation (12.3.2), F®, ) =

r,

dC
123.7

1 dk1 dr
K dCr d0 h e g e n e r a ls o l u t i o n

Since L.HS. of the

equation (12.3.7) is independent of 0 and 9, tn
for surface r =
F(®, 0) is given by,

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowledge Jenil Thakkar

 12 13 Broadband and Frequency Independent Antennas
a n dWaveP o p a g a t i o n
********************************
P r d
*********************.
Wave
******************
**********************************
: :
a n d ****

e ° f(0)
F(O, ) =
Andenna

=
r
. (12.3.8)
1 dK
Where
a K dC
-*********************************************************
*************************
****
****

**

function.
arbitrary
is an

where f0) is called Rumsey's Principle or general shape equation

q11ation
The a b o v e e q u a t i o n (12.3.8)
antennas.
independent
frequency
for

Review Q u e s t i o n s
wwww.wwww

*****
wwwww**

wwww
wwww
wwwwww

antennas ? GTU May-12, Marks3

1. What do you
mean by frequency independent
antenna ? Give two examples of frequency
2. What is meant by frequency independent
independent antenna.

3. Explain Rumsey's principle and obtain general shape eguation for frequency independent
*********** ***********************"

antenna.
* * * * *
***********************************************************************

12.4 Spiral Antenna - Equiangular Spiral Antenna

the equiangular spiral shape can be described comnpletely by angles.

he surface of
all the necessary conditions that are employed to design frequency
ruls
independent antennas.
the surface extends infinity it is necessary to fix the length
Curve
of
along to
the arm for finite size of the antenna.
the frequency of
the Otal arm length is comparable with the wavelength,
Operation is the lowest cut-off
frequency.
Beyond
is freos
this equency,
frequ the impedance characteristic and the pattern
Is frequency independent.
of the anterna

1.Plana Log
Spiral Antenna
The shape shape of the equiangular plane spiral curve can be obtained from
equation (12.3.8) by selecting derivative of f©) as,
. (12.4.1)
nere
A =
Arbitrary positive constant
Thus 8
Dirac-delta function =

eguation (12.3.8) becomes,

ECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS" An up thrust for knowledge Jenil Thakkar

Antenna and Wave Propagation 12-14 Broadband and Frequency
Independe Antennas
le-/2 P =
Aea°, when = t/2

= 0, when # T/2
where A = Po e ' o

Then, le= r/2

le-/2
=
ea.A =
o e o.ea
****************************************************** ****

a(-o, when 0 T7/2

. (12.42
-
0 when o=0
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This equation represents equation of an

equiangular spiral where a is rate of
expansion and ¢o is the orientation.
According to the ideal theoretical analysis, the antenna shape is assumed to be
infinite. But practically antenna should be cut at some finite distance or the
terminals.
Some simple shape of the frequency independent planar antennas are as
shownin
the Fig. 12.4.1.

n
3ni2)
(a) Single spiral (b) Two spirals (= 0, ) =0, n/2,
(c) Multiple spiral

Fig. 12.4.1 Spiral wire antennas

Let
Z1 Input impedance of antenna for o1 =
-

Z2 Input impedance of antenna for ®1

Two antennas form complementary screens and hence, we can write
.(124.3)

Z1Z2 4

PUBLICATIONS"-
Jenil Thakkar
TECHNICAL An up thrust for knowledge
 and Wave
Popagation
12-15
Broadband and
Frequency Independent
Anterna

Antennas
wyhen

Z1 Z2

hen

ana Z Z2 . 12.4.4)
But 120 T, then
Z1 188.4 2 Z2 =
607 =

Thus the theoretical value of .(12.4.5)

,
input impedance of antenna is 188.4 Q. But
practically the value of measured input impedance is observed to be 164 .
Thus there is difference between the theoretical and values of the practical input
impedance due to the finite arm
length, finite plate thickness and non-ideal
feeding conditions.
2.
Frequency Independent Conical Spiral Antennas
he shape of non-planar spiral antenna can be defined by selecting derivative of
1) as,

f(0) df AB(-0) .(12.4.6)

de
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*****anwmw mmiwwwwwwww wm mwmmwwwwwwwwmw

where
Any angle in range 0 S$ S T
For given value of B, equation (12.4.6) along with equation (124.8) describes a

spiral apped on a onical surface. The edges of such conical spiral surface can
be given by

r ea p)
sin
2 =

********:***************ae*
.. (12.4.7)
2 r eD
vihere wwwwwnww wwwommwwwwwwe ***

b a sin&o

. (12.4.8)
Also r3
ela
sin
o) =
e(asin Bo)6.(asin8)
vhere A00009nndanrouwnunulowwdnnourinowiw*oowwww
wwwww

r'a easin6o ( ) and

= e-(asineo)8

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knowleuge
thrust for
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An up
cCHNICAL
 Antenna and Wave Propagation 12-16 Broadband and Frequency Independent Antenr
and e = half of the total included cone angle. Larger the Bg values in
in the
the range
wound spirals.
0s0Sn/2, less will be the tightly
The conical spiral shaped
A Coaxial cable
structure can be
conducting
constructed using printed
circuit technique which serves
as a support. The feed cable is
bound to the metalarms which
are wrapped around cone as
shown in the Fig. 12.4.2.

.By using balanced

transmission line, the conical
equiangular antenna is fed at
the apex. The line is carried
up to the apex inside the cone Fig. 12.4.2 Two arm balanced conical spiral
antenna
along the axis the cone.
The main difference between the conical spiral and planar spiral antenna 1s that
the conical spiral antenna provides unidirectional radiation in a single loe
towards the apex of the cone with maximum along the axis.
In conical antennas, circular polarization is obtained and relatively constant

impedances over the bandwidth are presented.

The input impedance of the conical spiral antenna ranges between 100 to 130 Q for

pitch angle a =17° and full angles 20 to 60.

The bandwidth depends on the ratio of base diameter to the truncated a
diameter and this ratio may be choosen arbitrarily large such as 5: 1 or more

Review Questions
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1. Explain conical spiral antenna.

2. Explain with examples, equiangular spiral antenna.
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14
12.5 Log Periodic Antenna GTUMay-11,12,
Winter-12,13
omes

then it
In general, any antenna when defined in terms of angles only, nly, s i s are

under the category of the frequency independent antenna. Its chata

found to be frequency independent. radiation
par
and the
l n any frequency independent antenna, the impedance and the
both are independent of frequency.
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS- An up thrust for knowledge
Jenil Thakkar
 12-17 Broadband and Frequency Independent Antennas
Propagation
VWave

and
ntenna
obtain frequency independent characteristics is that the
.concept to cone

the
basic

ructure should
s hould be adjusted i.e. either expanded or contracted, in
So
antenna stru

proportion to wavelength.

nassible to adjust
antennamechanically, then the size of the radiating
possible

proportion with the wavelength.

not
f i t is should be in
.
in the pattern
gion comes under a class of antennas which are based on log
neriodic
A log periodic
antenna
bandwidth with
Suchlog periodic principles ensure very large
eriodic principles.
P e r i

very good directivity.

and other basic elements which are
Alog periodic antenna consists of dipoles
arranged in such form that it
forms constant angle array.
active element of the
In such antenna as the frequency of operation changes the
moves from one end to other.
antenna effectively
The log periodic antennas are

available in different types and

different physical appearances.
But all these types have
significant feature that their
radiation resistance and
radiation
pattern both are
requency independent.
The basic realization of the
n Conducting
log sheet
periodic antenna is as
n the shown
Fig. 12.5.1. This is a Feed
planar structure which consists point
two
edge shaped metalic
Structures with teeth angle
cut into
hemselves along circular
The main feature arc.
of above
Diucture is
that the
arm
which define radii of the Fig. 12.5.1 Planer log periodic antenna structure
successive
e location or
teeth are with
constant ratio given by
T=
n+1
This ratio Rn
When also defines leng e s lengths and widths of the successive teeth alongwith radii.

stis rinteger.
uchure antennaat
is energized at the vertex, the properties exihibited by the
frequency
equency f will be peated at all frequencies given by T".f where n
f will

ECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowlodge

Jenil Thakkar
Antenna and Wave Propagation 12-18 Broadband and Frequency
Independent
dent Ant
Antennas
When these frequencies are plotted on a
logarithmic scale, it is observed that all are
spaced equally with period equal to
logarithm of t. Because of such a unique
property, antenna is named as log-periodic
antenna or logarithmically periodic
antenna.
The non-planar log periodic antenna is
obtained by bending the two arms of the
planar structure which forms V-shaped
structure as shown in the Fig. 12.5.2.
Fig. 12.5.2 Nonplanar log-periodic
12.5.1 Log Periodic Dipoie Array (LPDA) antenna

The log periodic

antenna is a broadband antenna in which the
geometry of the
antenna structure is adjusted such that all the electrical properties of the antenna
are repeated periodically with the logarithm of the frequency.
Thus the basic geometric structure is repeated with the structure size changed. he
For every repetitiorn, the
structure size changes by a constant scale factor,with
which the structure can either expand or contract.

Thus the principle of the log periodic antenna can be understood with thehelpot
a array of the log periodic antenna known as Log Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA)
A typical Log Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA) consists number of dipoles
the
different engths and spacings. A typical arrangement is as shown n
urther
Fig. 12.5.3 such an array is fed using a balanced transmission line and it is r

transposed between each adjacent pairs of terminals of dipoles.

Balance twin
T n+1
****
"**
20
******** ***
line

Inactive Sn+1
region Active
(L region
( Inactive (stop)
region

Fig. 12.5.3 Log Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA)

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS" - An up thrust for knowledge Jenil Thakkar
 12 - 19 Broadband and Froquency independent Antonnas
and WavePropagation

Anbne. narrow
end or apex of thearray. The length of the
nnected at
such that the included angle
l i n e i s c o n n e c t e d

towards other end

he feed
f r o m feed point
increasesf r o m .

dipoles

in wavelength
a remains constant.

and the spacing

of the dipole (L)
in
in length
the
the
that the dimensions of the adjacent
increase
(s) adjusted such are
The dipoles
two other. each
een
certain
ratio with
related
dipoles
possess

and the spacings between two adjacent dipoles are

lengths by Thus
scale factor which is denoted
t.
dipole
The
through parameter called
called design ratio or

through parameter
between s, and sn + 1
and n and Ln+1 is given by,
therelationship *******
******** *********

Ln T
(12.5.1)
Sn+ 1 Ln+ 1
* * * *******************************

is also called periodicity factor which is always less than 1.

This t
be written in terms of
constant k as
The same expression c a n ********

Sn+1k * ... (12.5.2)

Sn

sides. These two

he ends of the dipoles lie along straight lines o n both the
included by
line meet at feed point or apex giving angle 20 which is angle
tragnt
two straight line.

Depending on the get three regions namely inacthve

length of the dipoles, we
anismission line region, active region, inactive stop region.
Ve ransmission line region L <^):It is the region in which the length of
dipoles is less than The
The elements in this region provide capacitive impedance.
eement
ery smallpacing
hencein this region is comparatively smaller. The currents in the region are
pplied by
Pied bythe
the
S Considered as inactive region. These currents lead the voltage

Active reg transmission line. n this region, the lengths of dipoles are approximately equal to -

equal to
resonant
num radiation length. This is the central region of the array from where
nus diation
the taks
currents aree ofo
) Inactive place. In this region, the dipoles offer resistive impedance.
. Feater than
tive large value and in phase with the base voltage.
ae saller in stop region : In this than A/2
regio the lengths of the dipoles are greater
on asthis resonant lengths.
in this The dipoles offers inductive impedance. The currents
any sn region and also
lags the base voltage. This is also called reflective
ent wave gets reflected due to the large inductive impedance.

EuHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowledge

Jenil Thakkar
 Antenna and Wave Propagation 12-20 Broadband and Frequency Independent
Antennas
.Thus for a wavelength A, the radiation occurs from the active region whih
the middle of the array. When the wavelength increases, the radiation zono in
moves
towards right side of the active region while when the wavelength
decrease the
radiation zone moves towards left side of the active region.

.To find the relationship

between the apex angle a,
S
spacing s and length L
consider a part of a log
2
periodic array as shown in
the Fig. 12.5.4.
Fig. 12.5.4 Geometry of log-periodic array
From Fig. 12.54

( 1-Ln
tana= S
..(12.5.3)t

tan a =
2s

tan =
2s

But Lnt 1 k, 1Le. substituting in above equationwe get

LLn kie Ln+ 1
1 t1
. (12.5.4)
tan a
2s

For active region Ln+ 1 =

¡

tan =
2s

tan a =

Jenil Thakkar
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowledge
 12-21 Broadband and Frequency Independent Antennas
Pmpagation
Wave
********************************** ******

4nd
ang

(12.5.5)
tan a
4Sk
... *************

***

Apexangle,
k = Scale factor.
-Spaci in wavelength shortward
a
where

elements

ele
lement say n +1th element and length of first element is related
of any
The length

n1 k =F ... (12.5.6)
wvwwwwwwwwwwavrwwwwew-

When the length of the first 11 0.2

element is L then the length of
.18
n+ 1 element is time k 10
greater than L. This ratio is also 0.166
termed as frequency ratio F or it Sk0.166 T0.16
9tD 0.85 dB
s called bandwidth. **°~~--** 0.14
The relation between the 8
apex t0.12
angle a, scale factor k and
ik 0.895
spacing Sk with
optimum design 0.10
ine and gain is 0.8 0.85 0.9 0.95 1
the Fig. 12.5.5. represented in
Scale factor (k)

Ihe number of Fig. 12.5.5 Relationship between parameters of a

elements
) can be obtained in array log
frequency fuU and lowerfrom upper
log
frequency f
wwmwwmawwanmnwnpe
as given below,
)-log (G) (n 1) log =

(12.5.7)
ider the frequency
STmission lineuency in the middle of the operating range, in inactive
urrent is s region the
dipole length is smaller than resonant length, so the
AAs th smaller
and
tegpor spacing between1leading the base voltage.
Hence the radransmission
t h e dipoles is very small in the inactive transmission une
prprovides 180
radiation is very small in backward
"
phase shift between adjacent dipoles.
1s
direction.
TECHNICAL PUBLIICATIONS". An up thrust for knowledge
Jenil Thakkar
 12- 22 Broadband and Frequency
Antenna and Wave Propagation
dependent Anton
While in active region, the spacing between the dipoles is sufficiona
transmission provides 90" phase shift between adjacent dipoles ntly large, the
.Thus a large field is resulted towards left. Hence we get very laron

the left direction which is also the

backward direction. iation in
I t is observed that the radiation in forward direction is very small.

.So it is necessary to feed the neighbouring dipoles at opposite phase so thats

he
maximum radiation occurs in the backward direction. To accomplish this
wires of the transmission line are transposed leading to alternate dipoles
shown in the Fig. 12.5.5.
.Thus entire array operates in an end-fire fashion with the main beam o
radiation in the backward direction ie. towards the direction of short dipoles
Hence the array is fed with a transmission line at the end with shorter dipole.
The gain of a log periodic antenna lies between 6.5 dB to 12 dB. For a particular
bandwidth, the log periodic antenna design becomes compact for higher values
of apex angle a and lower values of scale factor k. By increasing scale factor k
and decreasing the apex angle a, the performance of the antenna improves. But a
ar
apex angle
is lowered, and k is increased, the size of the structure increases
lower a and higher k, the gain of antenna increases.

Example 12.5.1 Design a log periodic dipole array having scale factor k = 0.895 and spacng
S 0.166 over a frequency range of 10 MHz to 30 MHz.
Solution:
tor
1. From design of 8.5 dB, the
curve in section 6.6, for a directivity scale
k=0.895 and spacing factor s = 0.166.
2 The apex angle can be obtained as,

tan a =
1-k 1-0.895 = 0.15813
8sk 4 (0.166)

a =
8.9859° = 8.99°
3. The number of elements in
array is
given by,
logGu)- log 6) =(n - 1) log

y 30 MHz, f = 10 MHz, k = 0.895

log (30 x10) log (10 x 10)
-

(n
=
- 1) log| aR95
n=10.9035
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONs" An up thrust or knowieoy
Jenil Thakkar
 12- 23 Broadband and Frequency Independent Antennas
mEand WaveP m p a g a t i o n

elements in an array should be an integer, rounding off value of n to

A sm u m b e r

he
next
integer

n = 11

of dipoles.
Calcuiation of
lengths
3x108 15 mn
dipole, Lu =

wingthoflst 2 10x106

Ln = k = 0.895
No L +1

L10 k (L1) = 0.895 (15) = 13.425 m

Lg = k (L10) = 0.895 (13.425) = 12.0153 m

Lg = k L) = 0.895 (12.0153) = 10.7536 mn

L = k (L) = 0.895 (10.7536) = 9.624661

Lg = k (L) = 0.895 (9.6246) = 8.614 m

Ls = k (L) = 0.895 (8.614) = 7.7095 mn

L4 = k (L) = 0.895 (7.7095) = 6.9 m

L3 = k (L) = 0.895 (6.9) = 6.1755 m

L2 = k (L) = 0.895 (6.1755) = 5.5271 m

S.TIhehe distance Ly =
k (L) =
0.895 (5.5271) =
4.9467
betweer dipoles is given by,
S= Ln
2 tan o

S = L 4.9467
15.6337 m
tan a 2 tan 8.99
L2
2 tan a
5.5271
17.4687 m
2 tan 8.99

S3 L3
2 tan 6.1755=19.518 m
a 2 tan 8.99°

S4=4
2 tan
=
6.9
= 21.8078 m
a 2 tan 8.99°
Ss Lsd
2tan 7.7095 24.3663 m
2 tan 8.99°

CAL
PUBLICATIONS- An up thrust
th for knowledge
Jenil Thakkar
Antenna and Wave Propagation 12-24 Broadband and Frequency
Independent Anten
LG 8.614
27.225 m
S%2tanO 2 tan 8.99
L7 9.6246 = 30.419 m
7 22tana 2 tan 8.99
Lg 10.7536 = 33.9873 m
Sg 2 tan & 2 tan 8.99

12.0153
S9 L9 2 tan 8.99°
37.975 m
2 tan a

L10O 13.425
S10 2tan 42.4304m
2 tan 8.99°

15 = 47.4083 m
S11 2tan a 2 tan 8.99°

ReviewQuestions
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1. Write a note on : Log periodic antenna.

GTU May-1 Winter 13. Marks 4 Winter14,Marka

2. Draw the log periodic wie antepna and explain its functioning and design concepts n a
GTU 12 Marks 5
3. Explain log periodic antenna. GTU Winter-12, Marks
4. With suitable geometry describe the design of a log periodic array.
and
5. In a log periodic dipole array, describe the relationship between apex angle, scale conistu

spacing
6. Explain three important regions of log periodic dipole array. wwww.eneanaeoeeto
wwwww rwwww.worwwwwwww.owoores

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust tor knowledge Jenil Thakkar