Design and development of highly directive antenna array for beam switching applications

Abstract

Directive antenna arrays are those arrays which can radiate patterns of newlinehigh directivity in specific directions. They are of great significance in the newlinecurrent scenario when there is congestion in the wireless communication newlineenvironment. They help to focus radiated power in the direction of desired users newlineand minimize wastage of power in undesired directions, thereby improving the newlinerange, coverage and signal-to-noise ratio of the communication system. This newlinethesis is focussed on the development of a highly directive microstrip arc dipole newlineend-fire array which overcomes the drawbacks of conventional super-directive newlineantenna arrays such as poor impedance matching, low gain, poor bandwidth and newlinelow radiation efficiency. newlineThis thesis also aims at integrating the concept of high directivity in beam newlineswitching. Eight directive antennas are arranged in a fan shaped structure. newlineUsing appropriate switching arrangement, single or multiple beams can be newlineswitched in the azimuthal plane. The structure is then modified into an umbrella newlineshape by arranging eight directive antennas at the base of a cylindrical support. newlineThis arrangement helps in tilting the beam in the elevation plane, which is newlinesuitable for base station antenna applications. Stacking of more number of newlineelements can further improve directivity and gain. Thus optimal coverage can newlinebe obtained with overlapping radiation patterns of high directivity newline