DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHORO

ANTENNA AND WAVE PROPAGATION
(First Semester, Third Year) LAB
EXPERIMENT # 03

Name: Roll No:

Signature of the Lab Tutor: Date:

OBJECTIVES

#. Of Taxonomy level
# CLO
Topic Lectures
Measure the LD Didactic Antenna station 3 2 Mechanism – P4
1
parameters.

OUTCOME(S)

a. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve (Complex) engineering PLO4:

problems Investigation
b. an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams PLO9: Individual
and Team Work

RUBRICS:

Performance Exceeds Meets expectations Does not meet expectation (4-5) Score
Metric (2-3) expectations (0-1)
Problem The question to be The question to be The question to be solved is
identification solved is accurately solved is identified identified substantially
identified. largely correctly with Wrong
possible minor mistakes
Teamwork Actively engages and Cooperates with other Distracts or discourages other
cooperates with other group members in a group members from group
members in an reasonable manner. conducting the experiment. effective
manner.
Total Score
TOTAL Norm. SCORE (out of 0.5)
 DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHORO
ANTENNA AND WAVE PROPAGATION
(First Semester, Third Year) LAB
EXPERIMENT # 03

Equipment:

Antenna measurement system (LD Didactic, Germany)

Details:
Requirements of an antenna measuring station
Antenna properties are obtained by carrying out measurements in an antenna measuring field. Due to its
actual size and location in the laboratory, here it is referred to as the antenna measurement station.
Antenna measurements should generally be carried out in a reflection-free environment. Reflections
interfere with the antenna's effect and cause changes in its directional diagram and also most of the other
electrical parameters. Therefore, the accuracy of the antenna properties measured depends on the quality
of the antenna measurement station. In practice, it is almost impossible to realize a reflection- free
antenna measuring field. This is especially true of antenna measurement stations set up in the narrow
confines of the lab. The antenna measurement station used in the T 7.6.4 training system consists of the
following Systems:

(1) Generation of the microwave field

(2) Rotating Antenna Platform
(3) Evaluation and control unit
(4) Anechoic chamber

Systems of the antenna measurement station

Generation of the microwave field

The microwave field is generated using the Gunn oscillator (frequency 9.40 GHz, power approx. 20
mW). The Gunn oscillator is amplitude modulated using the clock pulse oscillator (component from
737 407). This permits a frequency-selective detection of the incoming signal. The horn radiator
 DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHORO
ANTENNA AND WAVE PROPAGATION
(First Semester, Third Year) LAB
EXPERIMENT # 03
(source antenna) converts the guided waves into free space waves and radiates the wave field in the
direction of the test antenna. The Gunn power supply embedded with Rotating Antenna Platform
supplies the Gunn oscillator with power. Specifications on this device can be found in the
accompanying instruction sheet.

Rotating antenna platform

The rotating antenna platform enables directional diagrams to be recorded in a precise and simple way
by means of PC and the CASSY Lab software. Remark: CASSY Lab is a universal software package,
and a demo version of it is comprised in the scope of supply of the rotating antenna platform. Before the
rotating antenna platform is used, CASSY Lab has to be installed on the computer.
The following parameters can be changed manually for optimum use:
• Range from
Starting angle for the measurement given in degrees, e.g. –180
• Range to
Target angle given in degrees, e.g. 180
• Angular Increment
In this menu for the angular resolution, one of the following intervals of rotation can be selected: 0.5° /
1° / 2°.
• Bias Current
Can be switched on/off. The Schottky detector diode used in the dipole antenna (737 411) requires a
small DC bias current of the order of magnitude of 15 μA. Without this bias current, the sensitivity of
the detector is considerably diminished.
• Gunn Modulation
Superimposes a square-wave voltage of approx. 1 kHz, 1 V pp on the DC supply for the Gunn oscillator.
Should only be switched on if no PIN modulator (737 05) is available.
• Detector Characteristic
The test antennas always have to be connected to a detector (e.g. coax detector 737 03), or they have a
built-in detector diode. The original antenna signal A before the detector cannot be measured directly.
Only the voltage drop generated by the detector current at the measuring amplifier is measurable. In
general, A is not proportional to U. There are the following choices:
- Quadratic detector: A 𝖺 U1/2 (good approximation for small received voltages U < 5 mV)
- Linear detector: A 𝖺 U (approximation for high received voltages U > 5 mV)
- Free: A 𝖺 U1/m (here the detector characteristic has to be entered, e.g. after a gauging
measurement with a calibrated attenuator (737 09).
• Far-Field Computer
The input is DT (greatest lateral dimension of the test antenna in mm). The extension of the transmitting
antenna DQ (e.g. large horn antenna 737 21: D Q = 100 mm) and the wavelength λ 0 = 32 mm being taken
into account, the minimum distance r0 between the transmitting and the receiving antenna is calculated at
which the far-field condition is fulfilled:

• Normalize Level
Forms the ratio A= U/Umax, which is 1 in the maximum. The logarithmic damping factor is a = 0 dB in
the maximum.
• Rotate Maximum to 0°
Sets the maximum of the measured curve to 0°. The measured curve can be rotated and shifted manually
with the two screenshot keys. Important note regarding cursor operation: the measuring instruments (e.g.
 DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHORO
ANTENNA AND WAVE PROPAGATION
(First Semester, Third Year) LAB
EXPERIMENT # 03
level A or angle ϑ) display the current measured value and not the position of the cursor in the diagram
or the table.
• Approach Reference Point
Interrupts the current measurement and returns the rotating platform to the starting position +/- 180°.
This is necessary, e.g., after free movement of the rotating platform has been hindered so that errors
occur in recording the position.
• Stop Rotating Platform
Stops the rotating platform. Static measurements are possible, e.g. for determining the antenna gain. The
rotating platform may be controlled step by step via the screenshot keys.

Evaluation and control unit

The logging of the angle position and receiving signal of the test antenna is carried out manually or
automatically. In the manual measurements, evaluation and graphic representation must be done by hand
too.

Anechoic chamber
Screened from distorting environmental influences, the test antenna is protected by absorber mats from
undesired reflections. Only under these circumstances is it possible to investigate the properties of the
antenna.

The antenna measuring station in the lab

To attain at least a low reflection measurement area using the microwave absorbers (737 390) you have
to comply with the following hints.

Area requirements
The type of laboratory area needed is generally arbitrary. However, it is recommended that certain
boundary conditions be adhered to. The antenna measurement station requires only a standard lab
bench or table.

Note on assembly
The antenna measurement station should be organized in an undisturbed corner of the lab, where little
activity takes place. Under no circumstances may individuals cross through the measurement field
while measurements are in progress.

Sources of interference
Stationary reflections, constant in time and brought about by, e.g. reinforced concrete, metal table tops
etc., lead to asymmetries in the directional diagrams and should be avoided at all possible costs.

Effects of various echo-free measurement areas on amplitude distribution at the

location of the test antenna
(1) : Rectangular chamber
(2) : Tapered chamber
(a) Pyramid absorber
(b) Amplitude distribution on the wave fronts
 DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHORO
ANTENNA AND WAVE PROPAGATION
(First Semester, Third Year) LAB
EXPERIMENT # 03

(c) Primary radiator (horn radiator)

Material

1 737 01 Gunn Oscillator

1 737 020 Gunn Power Supply with Amplifier
1 737 03 Coax Detector
1 737 15 Support for Waveguide Components
1 737 21 Large Horn Antenna
1 737 407 Rotating Antenna Platform
1 737 412 Dipole Antenna Kit
1 737 432 Yagi Antenna Kit
1 300 11 Saddle Base
2 501 02 BNC cable, L = 1 m
1 501 461 Pair cables, black L = 1 m

Recommended
1 531 57 Multimeter
1 737 390 Set of Microwave Absorbers
 DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHORO
ANTENNA AND WAVE PROPAGATION
(First Semester, Third Year) LAB
EXPERIMENT # 03

Operation

3.1 Putting into operation

Components of the antenna measurement station

The above picture shows a typical antenna measurement station. Connect the test antenna to a suitable
holder and insert it either directly in the central mounting for plug-in axles in the rotating antenna
platform or set it up with stand material in the required position. Recording directional diagrams in the
horizontal plane with a λ/2 dipole antenna and a Yagi antenna is shown as an example.

A. Transmitter, generating the microwave field

The microwave field is generated by means of a Gunn oscillator. The amplitude of this field can be
modulated by building in a PIN modulator (737 05). This makes possible frequency- selective detection
of the received signal. The isolator (737 06) provides decoupling and prevents feed-back to the oscillator.
As a source antenna the horn antenna (737 21) converts the guided waves into free-space waves and
transmits the wave field in the direction of the test antenna.

[If no PIN modulator is available, a “direct” modulation of the Gunn oscillator is necessary. For this the
supply voltage UG (GUNN) is modulated by a square-wave voltage. In this case, “Gunn Modulation” has
to be enabled in the menu Settings Rotating Antenna Platform.]

B. Rotating antenna platform

During the measurement the rotary plate is rotated into the desired angular position by the program and
then stops. Now the measuring values are recorded. Every measured value is averaged from approx. 1000
 DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHORO
ANTENNA AND WAVE PROPAGATION
(First Semester, Third Year) LAB
EXPERIMENT # 03
individual measurements. After the directional diagram has been recorded or after the supply voltage has
been switched on, the rotary plate automatically returns to its initial position. In addition, the rotary plate
provides supply of the Gunn oscillator (BNC socket GUNN) and the PIN modulator (BNC socket PIN).
Communication between the rotating antenna platform and the PC takes place via the serial interface (RS
232).

C. Evaluation and monitoring unit

The PC performs evaluation and monitoring functions and enables control of the rotating antenna
platform. Moreover, the angular position and the received signal are recorded for the calculation of the
directional diagram of the test antenna. Communication between the PC and the rotary plate takes place
via the serial interface (RS 232).

D. Anechoic chamber

The test antenna is screened from unfavorable environmental influence by absorber mats and thus
protected against undesirable reflections. Only under these circumstances the properties of the test antenna
can be reliably studied.
Hints for practice

Use the 345 mm long stand rods supplied with the rotating antenna platform for setting up the transmitter
(microwave components). Set up the anechoic chamber as shown in the above picture. See to it that the
rotary plate is aligned as precisely as possible relative to the transmitting horn (= source antenna). Fix the
source and test antenna at equal heights with the longitudinal axis of the horn being in parallel with the
floor. The absorbers behind the test antenna are as close to the rotary plate as possible and close to each
other (without air gap). The remaining absorber mats cover the cables on the table and reduce reflections
from the floor. Good results are obtained by slightly lifting the mat which lies immediately in front of the
rotary plate at the side where it points to the rotary plate.
selective detection of the received signal. The isolator (737 06) provides decoupling and prevents feed-
back to the oscillator. As a source antenna the horn antenna (737 21) converts the guided waves into free-
space waves and transmits the wave field in the direction of the test antenna.

[If no PIN modulator is available, a “direct” modulation of the Gunn oscillator is necessary. For this the
supply voltage UG (GUNN) is modulated by a square-wave voltage. In this case, “Gunn Modulation” has
to be enabled in the menu Settings Rotating Antenna Platform.]

E. Rotating antenna platform

During the measurement the rotary plate is rotated into the desired angular position by the program and then
stops. Now the measuring values are recorded. Every measured value is averaged from approx. 1000 individual
measurements. After the directional diagram has been recorded or after the supply voltage has been switched
on, the rotary plate automatically returns to its initial position. In addition, the rotary plate provides supply of
the Gunn oscillator (BNC socket GUNN) and the PIN modulator (BNC socket PIN). Communication between
the rotating antenna platform and the PC takes place via the serial interface (RS 232).

F. Evaluation and monitoring unit

 DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHORO
ANTENNA AND WAVE PROPAGATION
(First Semester, Third Year) LAB
EXPERIMENT # 03
The PC performs evaluation and monitoring functions and enables control of the rotating antenna
platform. Moreover, the angular position and the received signal are recorded for the calculation of the
directional diagram of the test antenna. Communication between the PC and the rotary plate takes place
via the serial interface (RS 232).

G. Anechoic chamber

The test antenna is screened from unfavorable environmental influence by absorber mats and thus
protected against undesirable reflections. Only under these circumstances the properties of the test antenna
can be reliably studied.
Hints for practice

Use the 345 mm long stand rods supplied with the rotating antenna platform for setting up the transmitter
(microwave components). Set up the anechoic chamber as shown in the above picture. See to it that the
rotary plate is aligned as precisely as possible relative to the transmitting horn (= source antenna). Fix the
source and test antenna at equal heights with the longitudinal axis of the horn being in parallel with the
floor. The absorbers behind the test antenna are as close to the rotary plate as possible and close to each
other (without air gap). The remaining absorber mats cover the cables on the table and reduce reflections
from the floor. Good results are obtained by slightly lifting the mat which lies immediately in front of the
rotary plate at the side where it points to the rotary plate.

3.2 Overload behavior

The rotary plate may be rotated by hand. Be careful when the stops are reached. If free rotation of the
rotary plate is hindered during the measurement, this leads to faulty position entries in the measuring
table. In this case, repeat the measurement or enable the menu item go to reference point.

Points to be taken care of

The longitudinal axis of the horn antenna and the antenna stand must be in alignment. Both the axis of the
rotating platform as well as that of the test antenna must be located as exactly as possible in the symmetry
plane of the radiating horn. Source and test antenna should be as equal as possible in height, whereby the
longitudinal axis of the radiating horn antenna should run parallel to the ground. The coned microwave
absorber behind the test antenna should be as close as possible to the rotating platform. Two of the four
remaining absorber mats should Cover the cables lying on the table and reduce reflections from the
ground. Good results are obtained by slightly elevating the mat located directly in front of the rotating
platform, to the platform side. Then the rotating platform is in the shadow and is not radiated by the
source antenna.

Thus it cannot cause reflections. The rotating platform can be placed even more in the shadow by
permitting the mat to partially stand above the edge of the platform. The distance r 0 between the source
and test antennas must generally fulfill the far field condition. This is the case for the dipole and Yagi
antennas with r0 = 100 cm. A more precise estimation of the far field distance r 0 can be obtained from:
Where:
 DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHORO
ANTENNA AND WAVE PROPAGATION
(First Semester, Third Year) LAB
EXPERIMENT # 03
dQ: largest cross or longitudinal section of the source antenna
dT : largest cross or longitudinal section of the test antenna
0 : free-space wavelength (0= 32 mm)

Discussion:
Please write the appropriate answers to following questions,

1) What purpose the antenna measuring system module (703405) is used for?

The antenna measuring system module (703405) is used to measure the performance of antennas in
wireless communication systems

2) Draw a block diagram of antenna measurement system discussed. (starting from Gunn Oscillator
till the output as displayed directional diagram)

Gunn oscillator or signal generator: This component generates a high-frequency signal that is used to
test the antenna.

Power amplifier: This component amplifies the signal generated by the oscillator or signal generator.

Directional coupler: This component couples a small portion of the signal to the measurement receiver,
while most of the signal is directed to the antenna under test.

Antenna under test: This is the antenna that is being tested.

Measurement receiver: This component measures the signal received from the antenna under test and
provides data for analysis.

Signal processor: This component processes the data received from the measurement receiver and
generates a directional diagram that shows the antenna's radiation pattern.

Overall, the system is designed to measure the performance of the antenna under test and provide
directional information about the antenna's radiation pattern.

1) Describe an anechoic chamber; discuss its importance in our measurements?

An anechoic chamber is a room designed to completely absorb sound waves, eliminating any echoes or
reflections. It is important in measurements because it allows for precise acoustic testing of devices
and materials without any external noise interference. The absence of reflections also ensures accurate
measurements of a device's sound radiation pattern and frequency response.

2) Why the alignment of source and test antenna is important? What impact can it have on our
measurements?
 DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHORO
ANTENNA AND WAVE PROPAGATION
(First Semester, Third Year) LAB
EXPERIMENT # 03
The alignment of the source and test antenna is important because it can have a significant impact on
the accuracy and reliability of our measurements. If the antennas are not aligned properly, it can lead to
errors in the measurement of parameters such as gain, directivity, and polarization. These errors can be
caused by factors such as signal attenuation, interference, and reflection. Therefore, proper alignment
of the antennas is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable measurements.
 (First Semester, Third Year)
LAB EXPERIMENT # 03

3) Define Gunn Oscillator and write the types and uses of several other types of oscillators
available? Name some types of oscillators with their applications.

A Gunn oscillator is a type of microwave oscillator that generates high-frequency

electromagnetic waves in the microwave range using the Gunn effect, which is the result of the
interaction between electrons and a semiconductor material.

Other types of oscillators include:

LC Oscillators - used in radio transmitters, receivers, and audio systems

Crystal Oscillators - used in digital circuits, frequency synthesizers, and communication systems
Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) - used in frequency modulators, phase-locked loops, and
wireless communication systems
Relaxation Oscillators - used in timing circuits, tone generators, and clock circuits
Phase-Shift Oscillators - used in audio oscillators, tone generators, and frequency synthesizers
Applications of oscillators include signal generation, frequency synthesis, timing circuits, clock
generation, and communication systems. For example, crystal oscillators are commonly used in
digital circuits to provide accurate and stable clock signals, while VCOs are used in frequency
modulators to generate a modulated signal. Relaxation oscillators are often used in timing circuits
to provide pulses or tones with specific frequencies, and phase-shift oscillators are used in audio
circuits to generate sine waves with a specific frequency.
 DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
MEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHORO
ANTENNA AND WAVE PROPAGATION
4) What is a waveguide and what is it advantages?

A waveguide is a hollow metal tube or structure that guides and contains electromagnetic waves,
typically at microwave frequencies. Its advantages include low signal loss, high power handling
capacity, and efficient transmission of energy.

5) Draw a block diagram of antenna measurement system discussed. (starting from Gunn
Oscillator till the output as displayed directional diagram)

6) Please name some antennas with omni-directional radiation

some common antennas with omni-directional radiation patterns:

Dipole Antenna: This is a simple, wire antenna that consists of two conductive elements. It is commonly used for radio and television

reception.
Monopole Antenna: This is a single wire antenna that is grounded at one end. It is commonly used for broadcast and mobile

communications.

Vertical Antenna: This is a type of monopole antenna that is mounted vertically. It is commonly used for base station and mobile

communications.

Helical Antenna: This is a type of antenna that has a coil-shaped conductor. It is commonly used for satellite and mobile

communications.

Discone Antenna: This is a type of antenna that has a cone-shaped radiator and a disc-shaped ground plane. It is commonly used for

wideband and scanner applications.

All of these antennas have omni-directional radiation patterns, which means that they radiate electromagnetic waves uniformly in all

directions around the antenna