Antenna efficiency calculation & measurement

Abstract

The measurement of antenna efficiency is a well-known challenge in the field of radio communications and antenna design, resulting in several different methods being developed over the years. Through the review of four different methods of measuring antenna efficiency, this report will investigate the strengths and weaknesses of each method in relation to the application of developing antennas for mobile applications such as mobile phones and other portable devices. The novel method of Calorimetry is found as a very promising candidate to consider for the rapid evaluation of antenna prototypes, though it still has the downside of using equipment and materials not standard to a radio communications lab.