SubscribeLearning about antennas traditionally relied on theory, mathematics and static drawings of idealized antenna characteristics.
The Antenna Training System changes this approach, and now makes things simpler, practical and more-enjoyable for trainees and instructors, and most of all utilises the power of the computer.
This practical hands-on system allows real-time-measurement and observation of antenna radiation patterns in E and H planes. Measured antenna characteristics are plotted and displayed on a computer screen in real time, and trainees gain experience with actual antennas that they assemble and test.
This makes it easier to relate real-world observations to theoretical concepts of antenna behaviour. The antenna training system contains a full set of 1-GHz wire and loop antennas, including a Yagi, and a variety of 10-GHz horn, slotted guide and patch antennas that trainees set up, and connect at the transmitting and receiving ends of the system. A safe low-power, dual-band RF generator, a computer-controlled rotary antenna positioner, and a data acquisition interface are the other main components of the system.
Correlated student courseware provides practical experiments with real antennae, and enhances the understanding of antenna theory. A complimentary Instructor Guide is provided to enable the instructor to setup quick demonstrations, and the answers to more complex questions are supplied.
Radar Cross Section (RCS) Demonstration Add-On
The Radar Cross Section (RCS) Demonstration Add-On is used in conjunction with the Antenna Training and Measuring System to allow observation of the near-field, and far-field relative radar cross-section of targets. The RCS kit can be used for both quasi-monostatic and bistatic RCS measurements.
The system is composed of a modified Antenna Positioner, an additional 2-meter RF cable, a 20 X 20 cm flat plate and a metallic prism target. RCS patterns of different targets are acquired, displayed and stored using customised software. Trainees can observe the RCS of different target forms such as flat plates, cylinders and complex objects such as model aircraft, ships, land vehicles.
Typical computer generated antenna plot.
Multi-Beam Array Antenna Add-On
This package is designed to provide users with training in phased-array antenna theory. The study of advanced antenna principles, used in the fields of radar imagery, satellite and space-diversity communications systems is easily accomplished with this hands-on package.
The MBAA, accompanying accessories, and courseware are offered as an add-on to the wide selection of antennas already included with the Antenna Training and Measuring System. The MBAA uses a microstrip Rotman lens to modify the phase shifts to a linear array of radiating elements. It can be used in single-beam mode or, with the use of the power combiner, it can be operated with multiple beams.
The antenna beam can be steered to various discrete directions by manually connecting the RF input connector between the MBAA feed ports. Completely passive, requiring no power supply, the MBAA unit is designed to be mounted on the Antenna Positioner. MBAA theory, design, antenna beam pattern characteristics, and beam combination effects are presented incrementally within the courseware exercises.
Multiple Simultaneous Beam Antenna Pattern.
Log-Periodic Antenna Add-On
The Log-Periodic Antenna Add-On is designed to provide familiarity with the principles of frequency independent antennas. When used with the Antenna Training and Measuring System, the Log-Periodic Antenna is operated from 700 to 1275 MHz (the low-band frequency coverage of the RF Generator). It does however cover frequencies from 700 to 3600 MHz. For full flexibility in experimenting with this antenna, it is recommended that two be used (one to transmit, and one to receive). The antenna can be mounted for either vertical or horizontal polarization.
Two-Element Phasing Kit Add-On.
The Two-Element Phasing Kit Add-On allows observation of the effects of antenna phasing on combined antenna patterns. Different patterns such as end-fire, broadside and cardioid can be generated. They then can be measured, stored and analyzed by using the antenna pattern measurement software.
The system is composed of an additional drooping monopole antenna, an additional antenna mast with vertical clips, a power splitter/combiner, a 30 cm RF cable assembly, a 35.4 cm RF cable assembly and a 40.8 cm RF cable assembly. Phase shifts of 0, 90 and 180 degrees can be created by using the supplied RF cables. Other phase shifts can be generated by user-built cable assemblies.