Optimization of Log-Periodic TV Reception Antenna with UHF Mobile Communications Band Rejection - MDPI
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electronics Article Optimization of Log-Periodic TV Reception Antenna with UHF Mobile Communications Band Rejection Keyur K. Mistry 1 , Pavlos I. Lazaridis 2, * , Zaharias D. Zaharis 3 , Ioannis P. Chochliouros 4 , Tian Hong Loh 5 , Ioannis P. Gravas 3 and David Cheadle 5 1 Oxford Space Systems, Harwell OX11 0RL, UK; keyur.mistry@oxford.space 2 Department of Engineering and Technology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK 3 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; zaharis@auth.gr (Z.D.Z.); igravas@auth.gr (I.P.G.) 4 Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. Member of the Deutsche Telekom Group of Companies, 15122 Athens, Greece; ichochliouros@oteresearch.gr 5 5G and Future Communications Technology Group, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK; tian.loh@npl.co.uk (T.H.L.); david.cheadle@npl.co.uk (D.C.) * Correspondence: p.lazaridis@hud.ac.uk Received: 19 October 2020; Accepted: 31 October 2020; Published: 3 November 2020 Abstract: The coexistence of TV broadcasting and mobile services causes interference that leads to poor quality-of-service for TV consumers. Solutions usually found in the market involve external band-stop filters along with TV reception log-periodic and Yagi-Uda antennas. This paper presents a log-periodic antenna design without additional filtering that serves as a lower cost alternative to avoid interference from mobile services into the UHF TV. The proposed antenna operates in the UHF TV band (470–790 MHz-passband) and rejects the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands (stopband) of 4G/LTE-800 and GSM900 services, respectively. Matching to 50 Ohms is very satisfactory in the passband with values of S11 below −12 dB. Furthermore, the antenna is highly directive with a realized gain of approximately 8 dBi and a front-to-back ratio greater than 20 dB. Keywords: CST simulations; GSM900 band rejection; log-periodic dipole antennas; 4G rejection 1. Introduction The adoption of digital modulation and advanced video compression techniques for terrestrial TV broadcasting, replacing analog broadcasting, resulted in considerable improvements in the efficiency of frequency spectrum utilization, making it possible to broadcast several TV programs in multiplex in a single 8 MHz TV channel. This transition set a part of the TV spectrum free for utilization for other applications, and thus, the wireless communications industry saw this transition as an opportunity to use the released frequency spectrum for mobile communication services. In turn, that led to European Member States being urged by the European Parliament to make sure that the frequency spectrum is efficiently utilized [1]. The European Commission (EC) investigated the allocation of the 790–862 MHz frequency band (the so-called 800 MHz band and part of the former UHF TV band) to Long Term Evolution (LTE-800) wireless services as a “digital dividend”, thus redistributing the benefits of digital TV migration [2]. The EC decision described in [3] suggests a harmonized plan that was adopted by European states (ITU Region 1) for LTE network deployment in the 800 MHz band. This band is particularly important for the mobile communications industry because of its relatively low building material penetration radio losses and the fact that most of the time mobile phones are used indoors. According to this plan, the spectrum of 790–862 MHz involves the use of chunks of 30 MHz uplink and 30 MHz downlink transmissions in the FDD (Frequency Division Duplex). Moreover, the uplink Electronics 2020, 9, 1830; doi:10.3390/electronics9111830 www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics
Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 12 Electronics 2020, 9, 1830 2 of 12 11 MHz-wide frequency gap. On the other hand, DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) is allocated the 470 MHz to 790 MHz band and that just leaves a 1 MHz-wide frequency gap between DTT spectrum is separated from the downlink spectrum using an 11 MHz-wide frequency gap. On the broadcasting and LTE-800 mobile communications. A useful study performed in [4] investigates the other hand, DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) is allocated the 470 MHz to 790 MHz band and that just effects of interference on the degradation of the QoS (quality-of-service) in the TV broadcasting band leaves a 1 MHz-wide frequency gap between DTT broadcasting and LTE-800 mobile communications. due to its vicinity with the LTE-800 band. Following the clearance of the 800 MHz band, the A useful study performed in [4] investigates the effects of interference on the degradation of the QoS requirement of allocating the 700 MHz band (694–790 MHz) was stated in a worldwide resolution (quality-of-service) in the TV broadcasting band due to its vicinity with the LTE-800 band. Following the [5], which was later approved in the 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12) of clearance of the 800 MHz band, the requirement of allocating the 700 MHz band (694–790 MHz) was ITU-R [6]. Thereafter, the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) [7] of ITU-R states stated in a worldwide resolution [5], which was later approved in the 2012 World Radiocommunication the provisions used to deploy the 700 MHz band in ITU Region 1. Another significant study is Conference (WRC-12) of ITU-R [6]. Thereafter, the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference presented in [8] and investigates the interference effects due to coexistence of the DTT broadcasting (WRC-15) [7] of ITU-R states the provisions used to deploy the 700 MHz band in ITU Region 1. service and LTE service in both the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands. Another significant study is presented in [8] and investigates the interference effects due to coexistence This paper is an extended version of a paper submitted to the IEEE NEMO-2019 conference [9]. of the DTT broadcasting service and LTE service in both the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands. Moreover, the proposed antenna in this paper has been further optimized to achieve higher and This paper is an extended version of a paper submitted to the IEEE NEMO-2019 conference [9]. flatter realized gain (RG) along with a higher FBR (front-to-back ratio) throughout the DTT reception Moreover, the proposed antenna in this paper has been further optimized to achieve higher and flatter passband. realized gain (RG) along with a higher FBR (front-to-back ratio) throughout the DTT reception passband. 2. Conventional LPDA Geometry 2. Conventional LPDA Geometry LPDAs (Log Periodic Dipole Arrays) or simply log-periodic antennas are frequently used for LPDAs (Log Periodic Dipole Arrays) or simply log-periodic antennas are frequently used for TV reception since the 1960s because of their excellent wideband properties and high directivity TV reception since the 1960s because of their excellent wideband properties and high directivity despite the fact that their peak gain is generally lower than that of similar size Yagi-Uda antennas despite the fact that their peak gain is generally lower than that of similar size Yagi-Uda antennas [10]. [10]. Furthermore, LPDAs provide flat gain throughout their operating band and are thus Furthermore, LPDAs provide flat gain throughout their operating band and are thus considered as considered as the best solution for applications where broadband behavior and gain flatness are the best solution for applications where broadband behavior and gain flatness are important [11,12]. important [11,12]. Compared to Yagi-Uda antennas, which are generally narrowband, LPDAs Compared to Yagi-Uda antennas, which are generally narrowband, LPDAs provide better gain flatness provide better gain flatness but a relatively lower RG. The performance of these antennas differs also but a relatively lower RG. The performance of these antennas differs also because of their different because of their different feeding pattern [13]. Conventional LPDAs are usually designed using feeding pattern [13]. Conventional LPDAs are usually designed using calculation guidelines proposed calculation guidelines proposed by Carrel in [14]. The basic LPDA geometry is shown in Figure 1. by Carrel in [14]. The basic LPDA geometry is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. Geometry of a conventional LPDA (Log Periodic Dipole Array) proposed by Carrel. Figure 1. Geometry of a conventional LPDA (Log Periodic Dipole Array) proposed by Carrel. A conventional LPDA is constructed using two booms arranged parallel to each other and A conventional separated by air usingLPDA is constructed insulating using or metallic two booms fasteners at thearranged rear end,parallel as welltoaseach other end, the front and separated by air using insulating or metallic fasteners at the rear end, as well as the front and sometimes in the middle of the antenna (see Figure 3). The two booms are forming a two-line end, and sometimes intransmission air-dielectric the middle of thewhich line, antenna (see feeds theFigure 3).dipoles. antenna The twoThebooms rear are endforming fastener aistwo-line usually air-dielectric transmission line, which feeds the antenna dipoles. The rear end fastener is usually metallic and acts also as a short-circuit stub. The spacing between the two conducting booms along with metallic and acts also as a short-circuit stub. The spacing between the two conducting booms along their cross-section size and shape controls the transmission line characteristic impedance, and therefore, with their cross-section size and shape controls the transmission line characteristic impedance, and it is important for matching of the antenna to a feeder cable [15]. In most cases, the antenna is matched therefore, it is important for matching of the antenna to a feeder cable [15]. In most cases, the antenna to a feeding cable impedance of 50 Ohms in general or 75 Ohms for TV reception. The dipoles are fixed is matched to a feeding cable impedance of 50 Ohms in general or 75 Ohms for TV reception. The to the booms in such a way that the length of the dipoles decreases as we move from the rear end of the
Electronics 2020, 9, 1830 3 of 12 antenna toward the front end. In addition, half-dipoles are alternatively connected to the upper and lower booms, and two half-dipoles together form a complete dipole. The phase inversion between the feeds of the two consecutive dipoles is achieved because of the dipoles being arranged in a criss-cross fashion. This phase inversion ensures that the antenna always radiates as an end-fire dipole antenna array [16]. Contrary to Yagi-Uda antennas, where there is only one dipole that is active and all the other dipoles are passive, all the dipoles in an LPDA are fed by the conducting booms transmission line, and therefore all the dipoles are active. Depending on dipole length and thickness, each dipole of the LPDA resonates around a specific frequency. Antenna gain and/or bandwidth significantly increase with the total number of dipoles used [17]. The feeding is provided at the front end of the booms (left end of the booms in Figure 3) using a coaxial cable that is usually passing though one of the booms that are hollow. Carrel [14] introduced design equations for the calculation of the dimensions in the case of the conventional LPDA geometry. The apex angle is the half angle in which all the dipoles are confined, and it is mathematically expressed as 1−τ α = tan−1 . (1) 4σ In the above expression, the parameter τ is called the “scaling factor” and is the ratio of the lengths or diameters of two consecutive dipoles as shown by the following expression: Ln + 1 dn+1 τ= = (2) Ln dn where Ln and dn are, respectively, the length and the diameter of the nth dipole. In addition, the parameter σ shown in (1) is called the “spacing factor” and is defined as: sn σ= (3) 2Ln where sn is the spacing between the nth dipole and its consecutive (n + 1)th dipole. The overall physical dimensions of the antenna significantly depend on the above two factors (τ and σ). Sometimes, a fixed diameter is used for the dipoles in order to simplify the antenna design and reduce costs. 3. Proposed LPDA Geometry The proposed LPDA geometry can be used to mitigate the interference caused by the LTE-800 and GSM-900 mobile communications band transmissions to the TV broadcasting service band. This solution is actually a UHF TV reception log-periodic antenna composed, in this example, of 10 dipoles that can act as a filter and reject frequencies in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands. One of the already existing solutions that is most widely used to mitigate interference is the use of a conventional TV reception antenna along with an external bandstop filter that rejects the undesired 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands. However, not enough research work has been performed on TV reception antennas without using external bandstop filters. In [18], an LPDA is proposed that is optimized by a variant of the PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) method, i.e., by PSOvm (PSO with velocity mutation). This antenna design is capable of rejecting signals, which reside in the 800 MHz band and are directed toward the antenna axis; however, relatively low VSWR values in the 800 MHz band still raise a concern of receiving interference signals from other directions. In the above-mentioned LPDA design, the first dipole is longer in length compared to its adjacent dipoles (i.e., 2nd and 3rd dipole) and therefore acts as reflector for signals that reside in the 800 MHz band. An early effort was made in [19] to design an LPDA that rejects the 800 MHz band without using any external filters and avoids LTE-800 signals from every direction of arrival. As a starting point, Carrel’s design procedure [14] was used to calculate the antenna dimensions. Then, the shorter dipole lengths and the distances between these dipoles were optimized using the TRF optimization algorithm
Electronics 2020, 9, 1830 4 of 12 in CST (Trusted Region Framework) in order to obtain rejection in the 800 MHz band. This type of optimization achieves LTE-800 rejection by finding appropriate values for the lengths of some (two or three) of the shorter dipoles and for the distances between them. Extending the LPDA design presented in [19], an improved version of this LPDA [9,20] is proposed in this paper. Instead of optimizing the whole antenna geometry, which would lead to an increased computational burden and doubtful convergence, this design is the result of optimizing the lengths of the front three dipoles only as well as the distances between these dipoles. The rest of the antenna is identical to the conventional design. In comparison to the conventional LPDA design (Carrel’s model) and the LPDA design given in [19], the antenna presented in this paper achieves lower values of S11 (i.e., better matching) as well as higher and flatter RG and FBR throughout the passband, and it concurrently provides better rejection of the LTE-800 and GSM-900 services. The TRF algorithm, which is available in the CST environment, is employed to optimize the antenna according to the goals listed in Table 1. The antenna optimization could also have been carried out using several other algorithms, such as IWO (Invasive Weed Optimization) in [21–24], PSO in [25,26], and PSOvm in [27]. Table 1. Optimization specifications and goals. Parameter Goal Frequency (MHz) Weight S11 10 dBi 470–790 (Passband) 1.0 Front-to-back ratio >14 dB 470–790 (Passband) 0.2 S11 >−1 dB 810–960 (Stopband) 5.0 Realized gain >−10 dBi 810–960 (Stopband) 1.0 The reason that only the front three dipoles take part in the optimization is due to the fact that the front dipoles determine the behavior of an LPDA at higher frequencies. So, the lengths of the first three dipoles, i.e., L1 , L2 and L3 , and their distances, i.e., s0 , s1 , s2 , and s3 , are the only parameters considered for optimization. The optimization settings for the TRF algorithm are taking into consideration that the optimal values of these parameters cannot deviate more than 30% from the respective values of a conventional LPDA design. Therefore, by multiplying the parameter values of this conventional design by 0.7 (30% less) or by 1.3 (30% more), we find the parameter boundaries, which are listed in Table 2. These boundaries are used to restrict the search area of every parameter and thus help the optimization algorithm converge faster. Table 2. Lower and upper boundaries of the parameters to be optimized. Parameter Initial Values from [18] Lower Boundary Upper Boundary L1 138 96.6 mm 179.4 mm L2 111.8 78.26 mm 145.34 mm L3 126.2 88.34 mm 164.06 mm s0 28 19.6 mm 36.4 mm s1 15.3 10.7 mm 19.9 mm s2 18.6 13.0 mm 24.2 mm s3 22 15.4 mm 28.6 mm Table 1 shows the optimization goals that were used to optimize the LPDA parameters that are specified in Table 2. This LPDA optimization resulted in a design, where the first four dipoles are arranged in an unusal pattern compared to the conventional LPDA design. The arrangement of first four dipoles were such that the 1st (front) dipole is longer than the 2nd dipole. Furthermore, the length of 2nd dipole is longer than the 3rd dipole, and the length of 4th dipole is longer than the 3rd dipole. The optimized antenna design follows the conventional LPDA design rule after the 4th dipole, whereafter, the lengths of dipole keep increasing until the last (rear) dipole.
Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 12 Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 12 Electronics 2020, 9, 1830 gap 10 11.7 5 5 of 12 Stubgaplength 10 79 11.7 45 455 Stub length 79 45 45 The physicalStub thickness dimensions of the optimized35 LPDA design 35 are 356 mm35× 302.6 mm × 35 mm Stub thickness 35 35 35 (length × width × thickness). In order to mantain the seperation gap between the two booms, 4. LPDA Simulations and Measurements a cuboidal fastener is embodied at the rear end of the antenna, which also provides an advantage of 4. LPDA Simulations and Measurements acting as a short-circuit Maxwell’s equations stub. areAdditionally, often solved this usingfastener FDTDis(Finite-difference used to mechanically attach thevariants time-domain) antenna in to any Maxwell’s external equations support. The are physicaloften solved dimensions using of FDTD this (Finite-difference cuboidal various electromagnetic simulation software packages. CST is one of the many electromagnetic fastener are time-domain) 45 mm × 15 mm variants × 35 mm in various×electromagnetic (length simulation width × thickness). software packagessimulation software that utilizes FDTDpackages. CST isThis for simulations. one software of the many offerselectromagnetic a user-friendly simulation Figure interface that software 2 presents allows the packages theuser top to that view modelutilizes of the FDTD conventional fully for simulations. parametric LPDA ThisasIt design CAD models. software well has aaswideoffers the a user-friendly optimized range LPDA of solvers interface design. that canThe that allows side view be used the user to of the LPDAsuch for simulations modeldesign fully parametric is shown as time domain CAD in Figure models. 3. The solvers, It has dimensions frequency a wide domain range of the of solvers conventional solvers, and an that can LPDA integral be used design, solver. for simulations theHowever, antenna design insuch [19], as any electromagnetic andtime domain the proposed simulation solvers, antenna frequency design requires anare domain shown in accurate solvers, Table 3.and meshing an It also of the integral shows model. the solver. Another However,ofany list ofadvantage parameters CSTelectromagnetic used for designing is that thesimulation it provides CAD a fast,model requires an accurate of themeshing automatic antenna, where with meshing mesh of the Ln refinement is length of model. the Another nth dipole, capabilities that advantage sn adapt is distance of CST of between the quality isthe that nth meshing (n + 1)th it provides anddepending a fast, automatic dipole, on thes0model meshing is the distance and useswith mesh the between Perfect refinement start of Boundary capabilities the boom andthat Approximations adapt the(PBA) the [28].quality first dipole, L-boom For thisofpaper, ismeshing lengththeofdepending the boom, Finite on the model W-boom Integration is width Technique andof(FIT) uses the Perfect boom, included Boundary H-boom in CST is Approximations height of the boom, (PBA) and [28]. gap isFor the this paper, distance the between Finite the Integration two was used to simulate the proposed antenna design. The model was hexahedrally meshed using parallel Technique booms. The (FIT) included cuboidal in fastener CST for wasantenna the usedmesh 4,668,482 to wassimulate designed cells, andthe proposed using the antenna the dimensions simulations were design. specified performedThe model for Stub_length, with −50 was hexahedrally dBStub_width, accuracy. Open andmeshed using Stub_height boundary 4,668,482 in Table 3. mesh conditions An with acells, LPDA and can reflectionbethe simulations matched level were performed to the desired of approximately 10−4 werewith impedance −50 by varying used dBthe to model accuracy. seperation Open this antenna gapinboundary between CST. A conditions the discrete 50 Ω with two conducting porta that reflection booms. connectslevel The theof center initialapproximately model that was points of10 −4 were used to model this antenna in CST. A designed both the boomsusingatCarrel’s front enddesign of theequation antenna hadis adiscrete matching used 50 Ω to provide port thethat impedance connects of 75 ohms, excitation. The the center the where antenna points was booms of both simulatedwereinthe 10 booms themm at front apart. frequency endfrom However, range of the in450antenna caseMHz of thetois usedMHz proposed 1000 to provide optimized with 10 theMHzexcitation. LPDA, The antenna the separation resolution, because gap was simulated between the in ofthe the booms frequency frequency was interest reduced involvesrange from UHFfrom 10TV, mm450 toMHz 5 mm LTE-800, to 1000 in order and MHz GSM-900 with to match 10 bands. MHz the The antenna resolution, to 50 chamber anechoic because ohms impedance. the frequency Thereafter, at the National of interest the proposed Physical involves Laboratory UHF antenna (NPL),was TV, LTE-800, UK fabricated was used and to testGSM-900 using alluminium and measure bands. The components the anechoic fabricated at thechamber LPDAUniversity at the design. of National HuddersfieldPhysical Laboratory (NPL), Manufacturing UK was laboratory. Figureused 4 to test and measure the fabricated LPDA design. shows the fabricated model that follows the exact dimensions of the CST-optimized LPDA design. Figure 2. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) model of Carrel’s conventional model (left) and the Figure2.2.CAD Figure proposed CAD LPDA (Computer-Aided (Computer-Aided (right) Design) model of Carrel’s conventional model (left) and the proposed Design) shown as a top view. model of Carrel’s conventional model (left) and the LPDA (right) shown as a top view. proposed LPDA (right) shown as a top view. Figure 3. Figure Side-view of 3. Side-view of the the CAD CAD model model of of the the proposed proposed LPDA LPDA design. design. Figure 3. Side-view of the CAD model of the proposed LPDA design.
Electronics 2020, 9, 1830 6 of 12 Table 3. Conventional and proposed LPDA dimensions. Parameter Carrel’s Design Proposed Design in [19] Proposed Design Variable name Value (mm) Value (mm) Value (mm) L1 98 138 145.4 L2 110 111.8 128.4 L3 124 126.2 112 L4 140 121.4 121.4 L5 160 157.2 157.2 L6 180 180.2 180.2 L7 206 203.6 203.6 L8 232 235.4 235.4 L9 264 267 267 L10 298 302.6 302.6 L-boom 356 356 356 H-boom 15 15 15 W-boom 15 15 15 Dipole diameter 4 4 4 Stub width 15 15 15 s0 30 28 24.1 s1 16 15.3 11.4 s2 18 18.6 14.9 s3 20 22 17.9 s4 22 25.3 25.3 s5 26 27.3 27.3 s6 28 27 27 s7 34 36.3 36.3 s8 37 40.4 40.4 s9 42 40.6 40.6 gap 10 11.7 5 Stub length 79 45 45 Stub thickness 35 35 35 Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 12 Figure 4. Fabricated Fabricated LPDA built using the optimized LPDA dimensions. 4. LPDA The Simulations surface currentanddensity Measurements of the optimized antenna was simulated in order to obtain the current distribution at four specific Maxwell’s equations are often solved frequencyusingpoints: FDTD (a)(Finite-difference 470 MHz, (b) 630time-domain) MHz, (c) 790 variants MHz, and in (d) 960 MHz as shown in Figure 5. The four frequency points were specifically various electromagnetic simulation software packages. CST is one of the many electromagnetic selected such that three of thesoftware simulation frequency points that packages lie in the passband utilizes FDTD for(470–790 MHz), simulations. Thisand a frequency software offers point is in the a user-friendly stopband/rejection band (810–960 MHz) of the antenna. The surface current density interface that allows the user to model fully parametric CAD models. It has a wide range of solvers presented in Figure that can5 validates thesimulations be used for fact that each dipole such resonates as time domainat asolvers, specificfrequency frequency.domain Figure 5a suggests solvers, andthat an the longest integral dipole solver. of the antenna However, has the highest any electromagnetic surface requires simulation current density, as the an accurate longestofdipole meshing will the model. resonateadvantage Another at the lowest of CSTfrequency of bandwidth. is that it provides However, a fast, automatic Figurewith meshing 5b shows a shift in capabilities mesh refinement maximum surface current that adapt density the quality ofto the 7thdepending meshing dipole at 630 on MHz, which the model andis uses approximately the center Perfect Boundary frequency of Approximations the bandwidth. Figure 5c demonstrates that the maximum current density is at the 2nd and 6th dipoles of the antenna, thereby stating that both the dipoles resonate at 790 MHz. The reason for this is the intentionally created anomaly in the antenna design, which results in the energy getting trapped between these two dipoles, which ultimately leads to high rejection beyond this frequency. As seen in Figure 5d, at 960 MHz, very minimal current density is seen throughout the antenna
Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 12 Electronics 2020, 9, 1830 7 of 12 (PBA) [28]. For this paper, the Finite Integration Technique (FIT) included in CST was used to simulate the proposed antenna design. The model was hexahedrally meshed using 4,668,482 mesh cells, and the simulations were performed with −50 dB accuracy. Open boundary conditions with a reflection level of approximately 10−4 were used to model this antenna in CST. A discrete 50 Ω port that connects the center points of both the booms at front end of the antenna is used to provide the excitation. The antenna was simulated in the frequency range from 450 MHz to 1000 MHz with 10 MHz resolution, because the frequency of interest involves UHF TV, LTE-800, and GSM-900 bands. The anechoic chamber at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), UK was used to test and measure the fabricated LPDA design. Figure 4. Fabricated LPDA built using the optimized LPDA dimensions. The surface current density of the optimized antenna was simulated in order to obtain the current The surface distribution current frequency at four specific density of points: the optimized antenna (a) 470 MHz, (b) was simulated 630 MHz, in MHz, (c) 790 order and to obtain (d) 960the MHz as current shown distribution in Figure 5.atThe fourfour specific frequency frequency points: points (a) specifically were 470 MHz, (b)selected 630 MHz, such(c) 790 thatMHz, threeand of the (d) 960 MHz frequency pointsaslieshown in thein Figure 5.(470–790 passband The fourMHz), frequency and apoints were point frequency specifically selected is in the such that stopband/rejection band (810–960 MHz) of the antenna. The surface current density presented in Figure is three of the frequency points lie in the passband (470–790 MHz), and a frequency point in the 5 validates stopband/rejection band (810–960 MHz) of the antenna. The surface current density the fact that each dipole resonates at a specific frequency. Figure 5a suggests that the longest dipole presented in of Figure 5 validates the antenna has the the fact that each highest dipole surface resonates current at a specific density, as the frequency. longest dipoleFigure 5a suggests will resonatethat at the the longest dipole of the antenna has the highest surface current density, as the longest dipole will lowest frequency of bandwidth. However, Figure 5b shows a shift in maximum surface current resonate at the lowest frequency of bandwidth. However, Figure 5b shows a shift in maximum density to the 7th dipole at 630 MHz, which is approximately the center frequency of the bandwidth. surface current density to the 7th dipole at 630 MHz, which is approximately the center frequency of Figure 5c demonstrates that the maximum current density is at the 2nd and 6th dipoles of the antenna, the bandwidth. Figure 5c demonstrates that the maximum current density is at the 2nd and 6th thereby stating that both the dipoles resonate at 790 MHz. The reason for this is the intentionally dipoles of the antenna, thereby stating that both the dipoles resonate at 790 MHz. The reason for this created is theanomaly in the intentionally antenna created design,inwhich anomaly resultsdesign, the antenna in the energy gettingintrapped which results between the energy these getting twotrapped between these two dipoles, which ultimately leads to high rejection beyond this frequency. 5d, dipoles, which ultimately leads to high rejection beyond this frequency. As seen in Figure at 960 MHz,invery As seen minimal Figure 5d, at current 960 MHz, density very is seen throughout minimal the antenna current density is seen model, which throughout suggests the antennathat none of the model, dipoles which of thethat suggests antenna none ofresonates at this the dipoles frequency. of the antenna resonates at this frequency. (a) (b) (c) (d) Figure Figure Surface 5. 5. Surfacecurrent currentdensity densityof of the the optimized antennaatat(a) optimized antenna (a)470 470MHz, MHz,(b)(b) 630630 MHz, MHz, (c) 790 (c) 790 MHz, MHz, and (d)(d) and 960 MHz 960 MHz from fromsimulation. simulation. The S11 values of the simulated and the measured LPDA design using Carrel’s design guidelines The S11 values of the simulated and the measured LPDA design using Carrel’s design areguidelines shown in Figure 6. Ininaddition, are shown Figure 6.the InS11 values the addition, of the S11optimized values of antenna are alsoantenna the optimized shown are in Figure also 6. Theshown in Figure 6. The graphs suggest that the S11 values of the optimized antenna are relatively to graphs suggest that the S11 values of the optimized antenna are relatively lower compared thelower Carrel’s modelto compared inthe theCarrel’s passband, model hence validating in the passband,the improved hence S11 the validating of the optimized improved antenna. S11 of the This also demonstrates excellent antenna matching for the reception in the passband. Furthermore, in the LTE-800 and GSM-900 mobile service bands (stopband), the S11 values of the optimized antenna are significantly higher compared to the Carrel’s model. This demonstrates the ability of the optimized antenna to reject the interference from the stopband from all the directions. This figure also indicates a
optimized antenna. Electronics 2020, 9, x FORThis PEERalso REVIEWdemonstrates excellent antenna matching for the reception in 8the of 12 passband. Furthermore, in the LTE-800 and GSM-900 mobile service bands (stopband), the S11 optimized values of theantenna. optimized Thisantenna also demonstrates excellent are significantly antenna higher matching compared to theforCarrel’s the reception model. in the This passband. Furthermore, demonstrates the ability ofin thethe LTE-800antenna optimized and GSM-900 to rejectmobile service bands the interference (stopband), from the stopbandthe fromS11 allvalues of2020, the9, optimized the directions. Electronics antenna 1830This figure also are significantly indicates a goodhigher compared agreement to the between the Carrel’s simulated model. This and 8theof 12 demonstrates the ability of the optimized antenna to reject the interference measured S11 values of the proposed antenna design. The measured S11 values have been corrected from the stopband from inall the to order directions. This figure take into account somealso extraindicates losses inathe good agreement fabricated between the simulated and the antenna. good agreement measured S11 valuesbetween the of the simulated proposed and thedesign. antenna measuredThe S11 values S11 measured of the proposed values have antenna design. been corrected The measured S11 values have been corrected in order to in order to take into account some extra losses in the fabricated antenna.take into account some extra losses in the fabricated antenna. Figure 6. S11 plot of Carrel’s conventional LPDA design and the optimized LPDA design of this paper. Figure 6. S11 plot of Carrel’s conventional LPDA design and the optimized LPDA design of this paper. Figure 6. S11 plot of Carrel’s conventional LPDA design and the optimized LPDA design of this Figure paper. Figure 7 7compares comparesthethesimulated simulatedandandmeasured measuredRG RGofofCarrel’s Carrel’sconventional conventionalLPDA LPDAwith withthe the simulated simulated RG RGofof the theoptimized optimized LPDA LPDA and and the themeasured measured results. The results. Themeasured measured RGRGofofthe theproposed proposed antenna Figure has 7 compares been corrected the in simulated order to andinto take measured account RG some ofextra Carrel’s conventional losses in the LPDAantenna. fabricated with the antenna has been corrected in order to take into account some extra losses in the fabricated antenna. simulated This result RG of the shows that optimized the LPDAantenna optimized and theachieves measured a results. RG higher Thecompared measured to RGthat of the proposed derived byby This result shows that the optimized antenna achieves a higher RG compared to that derived antenna Carrel’s has model. been corrected Furthermore, in order thethe to take optimized into antennaaccount some demonstrates extra losses a steep in the rejectionfabricated in in thethe antenna. stopband, Carrel’s model. Furthermore, optimized antenna demonstrates a steep rejection stopband, This result where the RG shows drops that below the 0 optimized dBi. This antenna ensures thatachieves that a higher antenna RGthe rejects compared signals to that from all derived the anglesby where the RG drops below 0 dBi. This ensures that that antenna rejects the signals from all the angles of Carrel’s ofarrival model. Furthermore, arrivalofofradiation. radiation. The the measured optimized realized antenna gain demonstrates of the proposed a steep rejection antenna in follows the stopband, closely the The measured realized gain of the proposed antenna follows closely the simulated where theRG simulated RG drops thebelow 0 dBi. This ensuressomethat that antennacanrejects the signals from allmeasured the angles RG inside theinside passband.passband. However, However, some difference difference can be seen betweenbe seen the between measuredthe and simulated of simulated and arrival of RG radiation. of the The measured proposed antennarealized from gain 700 MHzof the to proposed 1000 MHz. antenna The RG follows drops closely faster inin the the RG of the proposed antenna from 700 MHz to 1000 MHz. The RG drops faster in the stopband the simulated stopband in RG the inside the measurement passband. than in However, the some simulation. difference can be seen between the measured measurement than in the simulation. and simulated RG of the proposed antenna from 700 MHz to 1000 MHz. The RG drops faster in the stopband in the measurement than in the simulation. Figure 7. Realized Figure gain 7. Realized plot gain of of plot Carrel’s conventional Carrel’s LPDA conventional and LPDA thethe and proposed LPDA proposed of of LPDA this paper. this paper. The simulated Figure FBR 7. Realized ofplot gain theof optimized LPDA is compared Carrel’s conventional LPDA and with Carrel’sLPDA the proposed conventional LPDA in of this paper. Figure 8. This plot shows that the proposed antenna exhibits highly directive characteristics in the passband. In contrary to this, Carrel’s model demonstrates a highly directive nature in the passband as well as stopband, therefore being vulnerable to the interference. Furthermore, in comparison to Carrel’s model, the optimized antenna also achieves a somewhat improved FBR in the passband.
passband.diagram schematic In contrary to this, of the Carrel’s test setup formodel demonstrates aishighly gain measurements showndirective nature in Figure 9. TheinS12 the from passband the test antenna to the reference antenna was measured using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). Then,to as well as stopband, therefore being vulnerable to the interference. Furthermore, in comparison Carrel’s these datamodel, were usedthe optimized along withantenna also known the already achievesgain a somewhat values of improved FBRantenna the reference in the passband. to calculate Figure 9 shows the test setup in an NPL anechoic chamber for the measurement the RG of the test antenna. As shown in Figure 10, the reference antenna and the test of antenna realized gain are and radiation Electronics oriented parallelpatterns 2020, 9, 1830 of the optimized to the ground in order toLPDA. The perform Schwarzbeck E-plane USLP-9143B LPDA was used measurements. 9 ofas 12a reference antenna in these measurements. The AUT (Antenna Under Test) was placed 2 m apart from the reference antenna, and both the antennas were placed at 1.2 m above the absorbing floor. A schematic diagram of the test setup for gain measurements is shown in Figure 9. The S12 from the test antenna to the reference antenna was measured using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). Then, these data were used along with the already known gain values of the reference antenna to calculate the RG of the test antenna. As shown in Figure 10, the reference antenna and the test antenna are oriented parallel to the ground in order to perform E-plane measurements. 8. FBR Figure 8. Figure FBR(front-to-back (front-to-backratio) plot ratio) of Carrel’s plot conventional of Carrel’s design conventional and the design andoptimized LPDA design. the optimized LPDA design. Figure 9 shows the test setup in an NPL anechoic chamber for the measurement of realized gain and radiation patterns of the optimized LPDA. The Schwarzbeck USLP-9143B LPDA was used as a reference antenna in these measurements. The AUT (Antenna Under Test) was placed 2 m apart from the reference antenna, and both the antennas were placed at 1.2 m above the absorbing floor. A schematic diagram of the test setup for gain measurements is shown in Figure 9. The S12 from the test antenna to FBR Figure 8. the reference antenna (front-to-back ratio)was plotmeasured of Carrel’susing a Vectordesign conventional Network and Analyzer (VNA). the optimized LPDA Then, these data were design. used along with the already known gain values of the reference antenna to calculate the RG of the test antenna. As shown in Figure 10, the reference antenna and the test antenna are oriented parallel to the ground in order to perform E-plane measurements. Figure 9. A schematic diagram of the test setup for gain measurements in an anechoic chamber. Electronics 2020,9.9,A Figure x FOR PEER REVIEW schematic diagram of the test setup for gain measurements in an anechoic chamber. 10 of 12 Figure 9. A schematic diagram of the test setup for gain measurements in an anechoic chamber. (a) (b) Figure Figure TheThe 10.10. testtest setup to measure setup the radiation to measure patterns:patterns: the radiation (a) E-plane (a) and (b) H-plane E-plane and (b)of H-plane the fabricated of the optimized LPDA in an NPL anechoic chamber. fabricated optimized LPDA in an NPL anechoic chamber. Figure 11 presents the simulated and the measured E-plane normalized radiation patterns of the optimized antenna at (a) 470 MHz, (b) 630 MHz, (c) 790 MHz, and (d) 960 MHz. These plots suggest that the simulated radiation patterns and the measured radiation pattern in the E-plane are in good agreement. It also validates the highly directional behavior of the antenna in the passband as
(a) (b) Figure Electronics 2020,10. The test setup to measure the radiation patterns: (a) E-plane and (b) H-plane of the 9, 1830 10 of 12 fabricated optimized LPDA in an NPL anechoic chamber. Figure Figure1111presents presentsthe thesimulated simulatedand andthethe measured measured E-plane E-planenormalized normalized radiation patterns radiation of the patterns of optimized antenna the optimized at (a)at antenna 470(a)MHz, (b) 630(b) 470 MHz, MHz, 630 (c) MHz,790 (c) MHz, 790and (d) and MHz, 960 MHz. (d) 960These MHz. plots suggest These plots that the simulated suggest radiationradiation that the simulated patterns patterns and the measured radiationradiation and the measured pattern in the E-plane pattern in the are in good E-plane are agreement. It also validates in good agreement. the highlythe It also validates directional behavior of highly directional the antenna behavior of theinantenna the passband as shown in in the passband as Figure 11a–c. The directional behavior of the antenna degrades in the stopband as shown in Figure 11a–c. The directional behavior of the antenna degrades in the stopband as shown shown in Figure 11d at in960 MHz. Figure 11d at 960 MHz. (a) (b) (c) (d) Figure 11. Figure 11. E-plane E-plane normalized normalized radiation radiation patterns patterns at at (a) 470 MHz, (a) 470 MHz, (b) (b) 630 630 MHz, MHz, (c) (c) 790 790 MHz, MHz, and and (d) (d) 960 MHz. 960 MHz. After Afterthetheradiation radiationpattern measurements pattern measurementson theonE-plane, the radiation the E-plane, patterns of the radiation the optimized patterns of the LPDA wereLPDA optimized measured were at the sameatfrequency measured the same points on the frequency H-plane. points on the The test setup H-plane. for setup The test H-plane for radiation pattern measurements H-plane radiation used exactly pattern measurements usedthe samethe exactly testsame setuptest as setup the E-plane as the radiation pattern E-plane radiation measurements, where only pattern measurements, the orientation where of the test antenna only the orientation and antenna of the test the reference and antenna were changed the reference antenna to be perpendicularly were aligned with respect changed to be perpendicularly to the aligned absorbing with respect floor, to theasabsorbing shown in floor, Figureas10. The simulated shown in Figure and the measured 10. The simulatedradiation and the patters measuredat four frequency radiation points patters are compared at four frequency in Figure points 12.compared are The results in show Figuresatisfactory agreement 12. The results between measurements show satisfactory and simulations. agreement between measurements and simulations. (a) (b) (c) (d) Figure 12. Normalized radiation patterns on the H-plane at (a) 470 MHz, (b) 630 MHz, (c) 790 MHz, and (d) 960 MHz. 5. Conclusions An optimized interference-rejecting 10-dipole LPDA that mitigates interference problems because of UHF DTT broadcasting co-existence with LTE-800 mobile communications band has been presented. Compared to conventional LPDAs, the proposed optimized LPDA demonstrates improved performance in the UHF DTT reception band (passband), which improves the quality-of-service (QoS) of the TV reception. Another advantage is that the proposed antenna offers high-rejection capabilities in the LTE-800 band without the use of external bandstop filters, which reduces the final cost of the antenna. Furthermore, this paper highlights a novel design procedure for LPDAs in order to achieve desired passband and stopband characteristics by simply optimizing antenna geometry [19]. The proposed antenna exhibits excellent matching in the passband with low S11 values below −12 dB. Moreover,
Electronics 2020, 9, 1830 11 of 12 the antenna achieves a relatively flat gain of approximately 8 dBi in the passband and also demonstrates a highly directive behavior with a front-to-back ratio of 20 dB. Finally, this paper also presents the S11, RG, and radiation pattern measurements of the fabricated proposed antenna in an anechoic chamber. The measured results show good agreement with simulated results. Author Contributions: Conceptualization, K.K.M. and P.I.L.; methodology, K.K.M., P.I.L., Z.D.Z.; software, K.K.M.; validation, P.I.L., Z.D.Z. and I.P.G.; formal analysis, K.K.M. and P.I.L.; investigation, K.K.M. and P.I.L.; resources, P.I.L., T.H.L. and D.C.; data curation, K.K.M., T.H.L. and D.C.; writing—original draft preparation, K.K.M. and P.I.L.; writing—review and editing, Z.D.Z., I.P.G. and I.P.C.; visualization, K.K.M.; supervision, P.I.L., Z.D.Z. and I.P.C.; project administration, P.I.L.; funding acquisition, P.I.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding: This research was funded by the “European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie”, grant agreement number 861219, and the “European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Staff Exchange programme”, grant agreement number 872857. Acknowledgments: The work of T. H. Loh and D. Cheadle were supported by The 2017-2020 National Measurement System Programme of the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), under Science Theme Reference EMT20 of that Programme. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. References 1. EPR 2008/2099 (INI), “Reaping the Full Benefits of the Digital Dividend in Europe: A Common Approach to the Use of the Spectrum Released by the Digital Switchover,” European Parliament Resolution, September. 2008. Available online: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/cfb2bb65-48a0-48bc-b8d8- 1a5d163f96d6/language-en (accessed on 2 November 2020). 2. EU COM (2009) 586, “Transforming the Digital Dividend into Social Benefits and Economic Growth,” October 2009. Available online: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/opinions-information-reports/opinions/ transforming-digital-dividend-social-benefits-and-economic-growth (accessed on 2 November 2020). 3. Dec. 2010/267/EU “On Harmonised Technical Conditions of Use in the 790–862 MHz Frequency Band for Terrestrial Systems Capable of Providing Electronic Communications Services in the European Union,” May 2010. Available online: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32010D0267 (accessed on 2 November 2020). 4. Ferrante, M.; Fusco, G.; Restuccia, E.; Celidonio, M.; Masullo, P.G.; Pulcini, L. Experimental results on the coexistence of TV broadcasting services with LTE mobile systems in the 800 MHz band. In Proceedings of the 2014 Euro Med Telco Conference (EMTC), Naples, Italy, 12–15 November 2014; pp. 1–6. 5. WRC Resolution 232 [COM5/10]. Use of the Frequency Band 694–790 MHz by the Mobile, Except Aeronautical Mobile, Service in Region 1 and Related Studies. Geneva, 2012. Available online: https://www.itu.int/dms_ pub/itu-r/md/15/wrc15/c/R15-WRC15-C-0028!A2!MSW-E.docx (accessed on 2 November 2020). 6. Final Acts-WRC-12; ITU-R: Geneva, Switzerland, 2012. 7. Provisional Final Acts-WRC-15; ITU-R: Geneva, Switzerland, 2015. 8. Fuentes, M.; Garcia-Pardo, C.; Garro, E.; Gomez-Barquero, D.; Cardona, N. Coexistence of digital terrestrial television and next generation cellular networks in the 700 MHz band. IEEE Wirel. Commun. 2014, 21, 63–69. [CrossRef] 9. Mistry, K.K.; Lazaridis, P.I.; Loh, T.H.; Zaharis, Z.D.; Glover, I.A.; Liu, B. A novel design of a 10-dipole log-periodic antenna with LTE-800 and GSM-900 band rejection. In Proceedings of the 2019 IEEE MTT-S International Conference on Numerical Electromagnetic and Multiphysics Modeling and Optimization (NEMO), Boston, MA, USA, 29–31 May 2019; pp. 1–4. 10. Zaharis, Z.D.; Skeberis, C.; Xenos, T.D.; Lazaridis, P.I.; Stratakis, D.I. IWO-based synthesis of log-periodic dipole array. In Proceedings of the 2014 International Conference on Telecommunications and Multimedia (TEMU), Heraklion, Greece, 28–30 July 2014; pp. 150–154. 11. Balanis, C.A. Antenna Theory: Analysis and Design; Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, USA, 1997. 12. Casula, G.; Maxia, P.; Mazzarella, G.; Montisci, G. Design of a printed log-periodic dipole array for ultra-wideband applications. Prog. Electromagn. Res. C 2013, 38, 15–26. [CrossRef] 13. Huang, Y.; Boyle, K. Antennas; John Wiley & Sons: New York, NY, USA, 2008.
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