HF antenna design

Abstract

This is a final year project report on the designing of a high frequency antenna. Design should be of a reasonable size and height as the final implementation would be on top of a structure. Certain criterions on radiation pattern and bandwidth must also be met.

First, a bowtie design was explored. Simulations were done on 2 simulators, HFSS and 4NEC-2 to verify the results and finalize the design. The final design was a bowtie shaped antenna that was constructed using wires instead of metal patches to maintain physical and financial practicality.

Having finalized the design, a detailed study was done on a simple dipole to test the effects a passive or active reflector have on the radiation pattern and input impedance of the dipole. To ensure that the study is a good representation for antennas working in the high frequency range, simulations were done on a 6m dipole and a 15m dipole. Variations were made to the dipole height, reflector height, reflector length and phase of an active dipole.