Wide frequency band analysis of an antenna by finite elements

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to calculate the impedance of a loop antenna, etched on a dielectric substrate, over a wide frequency band using finite element method (FEM).

Design/methodology/approach

The electromagnetic analysis of the global structure is performed with a full wave finite element formulation. In this work, two methods for the calculation of the impedance of the antenna are presented: receiving and transmitting mode. The results obtained are compared with boundary element method (BEM).

Findings

The paper finds that from the FEM analysis an equivalent circuit of a rectenna was obtained over a wide frequency band. A good agreement was obtained with a BEM approach in the case of an air‐like substrate. A dielectric substrate was considered. Such a configuration is more difficult to deal with BEM and makes the FEM attractive.

Practical implications

The equivalent circuit allows a global circuit simulation of the whole rectenna (antenna, rectifying diodes and load). This simulation can be achieved using spice simulator for example.

Originality/value

This paper shows the potentiality of the FEM to simulate an antenna over a broad band frequency. Two methods for the calculation of the impedance of the antenna are presented. It is addressed to R&D designers in the microwave area.

Citation

Choua, Y., Le Bihan, Y. and Pichon, L. (2006), "Wide frequency band analysis of an antenna by finite elements", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp. 660-667. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321640610666826