Chapter 3

Methodology
This chapter provides an in-depth overview of the design methodology utilized in
this project, focusing on the calculations of design parameters, project development,
and the testing procedures employed to ensure functionality and reliability of the
antenna created by the proponents.
The main approach employed in this antenna revolves around testing the
antenna's performance under different parameter conditions. The evaluation criteria
emphasize the clarity of reception and the ability to display a satisfactory number of
channels with good quality.
Parameters Calculation
The concept of the project is to design an antenna capable of receiving UHF or
VHF signals. The main goal of the project is to create an antenna that can receive
multiple channels with good quality and clarity. Therefore, the proponents studied each
parameter of a log-periodic dipole antenna to understand how it affects the design and
functionality of the antenna they created.
The log periodic dipole antenna (LPDA) typically consists of a series of half-wave
dipole elements, comprising pairs of metal rods positioned along a support boom that
aligns with the antenna axis. These elements are spaced at intervals determined by a
logarithmic function of the frequency, denoted as d or sigma (). As we traverse along
the boom, the length of successive elements and the spacing between them gradually
decrease. This progressive variation in length is defined by a function referred to as tau
(). Significantly, sigma and tau serve as critical design parameters influencing the
LPDA's design. In this design, the proponents decided to make a log-periodic dipole
antenna that operates at 512 MHz – 662 MHz. The following computation provides the
mathematical basis of the design:
The proponents provided specific values for the parameters to be used in the
design of the log-periodic antenna:
Minimum Frequency (MHz): 512
Maximum Frequency (MHz): 662
Maximum Boomlength (inch): 18
Gain (dB): 8
Characteristic Input Impedance ( ZC ,∈¿ ¿): 75 Ω

Diameter of the element (⌀ N ): 3/8 in or 0.009525 m

Design Equation
In this section a number of equations will be used to design a log-periodic dipole
antenna.
The Scaling Factor is one of the most important parameters that describe log
periodic antennas. It ensures that the antenna dimensions remain consistent in relation
to the wavelength λ. This condition is essential to maintain consistent impedance and
radiation characteristics across a broad frequency range. Another important factor is
the spacing factor which relate the spacing between adjacent elements.

Figure # : Computed contours of constant directivity versus 𝜎 and 𝜏 for log-periodic

dipole arrays
From Figure #, for Do = 8 dB the relative spacing is 𝜎 = 0.157 and the
corresponding 𝜏 is 𝜏 = 0.865.

Figure #: Key Dimensions for a Log-Periodic Dipole Antenna

 The general configuration of a log-periodic array is described in terms of the
design parameters 𝜏, 𝛼, and 𝜎 related by

α =tan−1
[ ] 1−τ
4σ
α is the angle of the of the elements to the line drawn through the center of the
elements (see Figure #).

α=tan−1
[ 1−0.865
4 (0.157) ]
=12.132° ≈ 12 °

The desired bandwidth can be calculated by dividing the maximum frequency to

minimum frequency.
f max 662 MHz
B= = =1.292
f min 512 MHz

Carrel proposed a semiempirical equation that allows for the calculation of the
bandwidth of the active region Bar, which is dependent on the parameters α and τ .
2 2
Bar=1.1+7.7 (1−τ ) cot α =1.1+7.7 ( 1−0.865 ) cot 12.132 °=1.753

In practical applications, it is common to design a slightly larger bandwidth (Bs)

than the required bandwidth (B). The two are related by
Bs=B Bar= (1.292 )( 1.753 ) =2.265

The overall length of the structure, denoted as L, extends from the shortest
element (l min) to the longest element (l max ), is given by

( ) ( )
λ max 1 0.586 m 1
L= 1− cot α = 1− cot12.132 °=0.381m(1.25 ft)
4 Bs 4 2.265

where
8
c 3 x 10
λ max=2 l max = = 6
=0.586 m ( 1.922 ft )
f min 512 x 10
From the geometry of the system, the number of elements are determined by
ln(B s ) ln ⁡(2.265)
N=1+ =1+ ≈ 7 elements
ln ( 1τ ) ln ( 1
0.865 )
 Calculating the length of 7 elements
8
c 3 x 10
l 1= = =0.293 m=29.3 cm
2 f 1 2(512 x 106)

l 2=τ ∙ l 1=( 0.865 ) ( 0.293 m )=0.253 m=25.3 cm

l 3=τ ∙ l 2=( 0.865 ) ( 0.253 m )=0.219 m=21.9 cm

l 4 =τ ∙l 3= ( 0.865 ) ( 0.219 m )=0.189 m=18.9 cm

l 5=τ ∙ l 4= ( 0.865 ) ( 0.189 m )=0.163 m=16.3 cm

l 6=τ ∙ l 5=( 0.865 )( 0.163 m )=0.141m=14.1 cm

l 7=τ ∙ l 6=( 0.865 )( 0.141 m )=0.122 m=12.2 cm

Calculating the distance between element centres 𝑖 and 𝑖

d 0 , 1=0 m ,i . e l 1 @ 0 m

l 1−l 2 0.293−0.253
d 1 ,2 = cot α= cot 12.132 °=0.092 m ,l 2 @0.092 m=9.2cm , l 2 @ 9.2 cm
2 2
l 2−l 3 0.253−0.219
d 2 ,3 = cot α = cot 12.132°=0.079 m, l 3 @ 0.092+0.079=0.171m=17.1cm
2 2
l 3−l 4 0.219−0.189
d 3 , 4= cot α = cot 12.132°=0.070 m, l 4 @0.171+ 0.070=0.241 m=24.1 cm
2 2
l 4−l5 0.189−0.163
d 4 ,5= cot α = cot 12.132° =0.060 m, l 5 @ 0.241+0.060=0.301 m=30.1 cm
2 2
l 5 −l 6 0.163−0.141
d 5 , 6= cot α = cot 12.132° =0.051 m, l 6 @ 0.301+0.051=0.352 m=35.2 cm
2 2
l 6−l 7 0.141−0.122
d 6 , 7= cot α = cot 12.132° =0.044 m ,l 7 @0.352+ 0.044=0.396 m=39.6 cm
2 2

Length of the terminating stub 𝑍term:

λ1 0.586
lZ = = =0.073 m
term
8 8
 λ1
where: l 1= ; λ =2 l1 =2 ( 0.293 )=0.586
2 1

Average characteristic impedance of the shortest element N:

ZC ,N =120 ln
[( ) ] [
ln
⌀N
−2.25 =120 ln ( 0.009525
0.122 m
m) ]
−2.25 =36.012 Ω

Required characteristic impedance of the feeder connecting the elements:

ZC ,feed =¿ ¿ ¿

' σ 0.157
where: σ = = =0.169
√ τ √ 0.865

spacing factor σ
( 75 )2
√( )
2
75
ZC ,feed = + ( 75 ) +1=253.271 Ω
8(0.169)(36.012) 8 ( 0.169 )( 36.012 )

Using online calculator to solve for parameters:

 The proponents observed a slight discrepancy between the results of manual
computations and those obtained from an online calculator. This discrepancy is
attributed to rounding off values, which can affect decimal precision.

Project Development
The process of creating a log periodic dipole antenna (LPDA) requires careful
planning, design, and construction to achieve the desired frequency range. This type of
antenna is widely used in applications that require a broadband and frequency-
independent antenna with exceptional directivity and gain characteristics. Designing an
LPDA involves determining the optimal dimensions, spacing, and number of dipole
elements to ensure optimal performance across the desired frequency range.
Throughout the construction process, proponents seek a balance between trade-offs
such as gain, bandwidth, and directivity to meet the specific requirements of the
intended application.
After the proponents determined the required parameters, they used them to
determine the number of elements needed and their spacing, which also served as the
basis for the boom length measurement. The proponents then designed and planned
the appearance of the antenna. Afterward, the proponents listed the materials needed,
such as 5 ft long Aluminum Rod with a diameter of 10 mm for the 7 elements to be
constructed, 3 ft long Aluminum Rod with a diameter of 20 mm for the antenna body, 7
Element Holders, Bolts and Nuts, RG-6 Coaxial F Connector, 1.6 mm Solid Wire (4 m),
Coaxial Cable RG-6U (4 m), and Balun (Transformer).
After the proponents gathered all the necessary materials for constructing the
log-periodic dipole antenna, they began the assembly process. The first step involved
measuring the distances between each element on the Aluminum Rod or antenna
boom. Next, precise markings were made for drilling holes to fit the element holders.
The boom was drilled accordingly, and the bolts of each element holder were screwed
in, with nuts placed on the opposite side to ensure secure attachment of the element
holders. The length of each of the 7 elements was measured on the 10mm Aluminum
Rod, and once measured, they were cut. After completing the 7 elements, each element
was split in the middle. The edges of the elements were smoothed using sandpaper.
Markings were made on each element to indicate where they needed to be drilled for
placement in the element holders. The bolts and nuts of the element were tightened in
the element holder. Solid wires were wrapped around the screws in a crisscross pattern
so that the ends pointed out. After temporarily removing the wire, the insulation wires in
the middle of each end point were stripped, and then the bolts and nuts were tightened
again. The balun was placed on each side of the last element, ensuring that the bolts
and nuts were tightened. Finally, the RG-6U coaxial cable was connected to the RG-6
Coaxial F Connector, which was then connected to the balun. After completing all these
steps, the constructed log-periodic dipole antenna was used in various testing
conditions.

Recommendations
Creating a log periodic dipole antenna (LPDA) requires careful consideration of
design parameters and construction techniques to achieve optimal performance. In this
project, the proponents encountered difficulties in selecting conditions to accurately
measure the quality of the constructed antenna. Additionally, they faced challenges in
obtaining certain parameters due to time constraints and limited availability of materials.
In conclusion, the proponents would like to offer the following recommendations to
readers, researchers, and aspiring designers:
1. Look for devices that can provide accurate testing results. If possible, also
consider creating conditions wherein the effectiveness of the constructed antenna can
be assessed in different applications.
2. Study various software applications that provide accurate parameters,
patterns, and graphs of an antenna.
3. Create different types of log periodic antennas other than LPDA and compare
their results to determine the appropriate type of log periodic antenna to use for various
applications.
 In this recommendation, the proponents provide guidelines and suggestions to
improve the process of creating a log periodic dipole antenna and to obtain more
accurate results during testing. By following these recommendations, researchers and
practitioners can enhance their ability to design and build LPDAs.