Novel Antennas and Antenna Techniques

Antennas

The ESL conducts a wide array of research on antennas and radomes, including:

• the development of new mathematical models for computing antenna and radome patterns,
• implementation of these theories as numerical simulations, and
• application of simulations and other tools for designing, building, and measuring.

Some typical projects that have been considered recently include:

• Calculation of antenna patterns on platforms such as aircraft, tanks and boats
• Development of microstrip and other electrically small antennas
• Reduction of sidelobes for applications such as radiometry and energy transfer
• Very-wide-band antennas, operating with high performance from 50 MHz
  up to 20 GHz, standing some 13 feet tall
• Horn antennas with reduced side and back lobes due to construction with special corrugated surfaces 
• Metal radomes that are essentially transparent at the design frequencies
• Development of body-worn antennas

Antenna Design and Optimization

Design Optimization in our days is crucial for the development of commercial and wireless applications, for antennas and filters. Conformal, multi-functional and miniaturized antennas are needed:

• Conformal antennas are greatly desired primarily because they fit easily with the curvature and contour of various geometries such as aircrafts, missiles, and vehicles.
• Multi-functionality is critical since it eliminates the need for multiple antennas, which in turn eliminates the problem of space, signal loss, and mounting.

Faced with several novel antenna design goals we develop optimization algorithms and apply optimization techniques subject to their applicability to the specific problems. Among others, we use Genetic Algorithms, Pattern Search Algorithms, Sequential Linear Programming to solve problems of today with unique and intuitive approaches. The integration of the optimization algorithms with the antenna simulation packages is also in our interests.

At ESL we are working on all aspect of adaptive antennas for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers.

• Design of new antenna arrays
• Effects of mutual coupling
• Platform effects
• Effects of antenna and antenna processing on satellite signals (carrier phase and code phase biases)
• Optimum adaptive antenna weighting algorithms for GNSS receivers
• Adaptive antennas for new threats or emerging threats

• impact-avoidance,
• autonomous navigation, and
• cruise-control assist.

The ESL is active in each of these areas, and our research has contributed new technologies to the industry.

Load Bearing Antennas

ESL researchers are developing new load bearing antenna technologies for next generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Project highlights include:

• E-textile (carbon nanotube and Au/Ag coated textiles) printing on polymer substrates
• E-fiber weaving in polymer substrates
• conformal, load bearing conductors and substrate development for load bearing applications

These projects are done in collaboration with University of Michigan.

Integrated Antennas and RFIC

Integration of antennas with active and passive microwave devices results in self-contained radio frequency (RF) systems. ESL research is developing:

• new integrated systems,
• reconfigurable integrated antennas,
• coupled oscillator technologies, and
• components for RF integrated circuits (RFIC).