applied

sciences
Article
An Ultra-Wideband Vivaldi Antenna System for Long-Distance
Electromagnetic Detection
Jinjing Ren 1 , Hezhihan Fan 1 , Qi Tang 2 , Zhongyuan Yu 1 , Yang Xiao 1 and Xiang Zhou 1, *

1 Research Center for Electromagnetic Environment Effects, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China;
renjj@seu.edu.cn (J.R.); 220190348@seu.edu.cn (H.F.); 213172530@seu.edu.cn (Z.Y.);
xiaoyang66@seu.edu.cn (Y.X.)
2 Science and Technology on Near-Surface Detection Laboratory, Wuxi 214035, China; tangqiwx@163.com
* Correspondence: zhouxiang@seu.edu.cn

Abstract: Enlarging or reducing the antenna beam width of antennas can improve the positioning
capability of detection systems. A miniaturized and easily fabricated ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna
system for long-distance electromagnetic detection is proposed in this article. Two ultra-wideband
Vivaldi antennae were designed. One was the transmitting antenna with a beam width of 90◦ or
above, the other was a narrow beam antenna array with beam width less than 10◦ , as a receiving
antenna. Both proposed antennae feature broadside gain diagrams with stable radiation patterns and
wideband impedance matching in the frequency range between 2.5 GHz and 4 GHz. After detecting
their frequency and time-domain behaviors, the detection system can achieve measurements covering
a radius of 30 m.

Keywords: Vivaldi antennas; wideband antennas; electromagnetic detection






Citation: Ren, J.; Fan, H.; Tang, Q.;
Yu, Z.; Xiao, Y.; Zhou, X. An 1. Introduction
Ultra-Wideband Vivaldi Antenna
Ultrawideband (UWB) antennas have been increasingly applied in wireless commu-
System for Long-Distance
nication, biomedical detection, and radar systems in recent years [1–6]. As a tapered slot
Electromagnetic Detection. Appl. Sci.
antenna, the Vivaldi antenna is well-known for its high gain, directive radiation pattern,
2022, 12, 528. https://doi.org/
10.3390/app12010528
planar structure and fairly wide bandwidth [7], and it is one of the best options for the
UWB technology [8,9]. Its small transverse spacing makes it a good candidate for antenna
Academic Editor: arrays [10]. The Vivaldi antenna can be classified into the category of end fire traveling
Girdhari Chaudhary wave antennas, has theoretically infinite bandwidth [11], and can be used to form an ultra-
Received: 22 November 2021 wideband antenna system [12]. However, the Vivaldi antenna requires a large antenna
Accepted: 2 January 2022 size to achieve excellent performance in the low-end working band [13,14]. The width
Published: 5 January 2022 of a Vivaldi antenna should reach at least one half-wavelength so as to achieve effective
radiation, according to the research work in [15].
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
In order to reduce the size of the Vivaldi antenna and to further optimize it, some
with regard to jurisdictional claims in
scholars have put forward many new strategies. To be specific, in [8], the feeding part is
published maps and institutional affil-
improved to realize miniaturization. The antenna in [8] aims to increase the area of feeding
iations.
part and adopt feed with stepped structure. In [16,17], radiation parts are improved. The
antenna in [16] is seen to open unequal semicircle slots, while that in [17] can be witnessed
to open multiple rectangular slots on the edge of the radiation part, which helps improve
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. antenna gain. The antenna in [18] reflects the method of increasing the length of the
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. dielectric substrate to improve the directivity, and the antenna in [19] has an enhanced gain
This article is an open access article over whole frequency band by adding an additional structure that supports spoof surface
distributed under the terms and plasmon polaritons (SSPP) as the parasitic element. When compared with several antennae,
conditions of the Creative Commons the antennae in [8,20] perform better with miniaturization, but their performance with
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// regard to the direction and gain is far from scholars’ satisfaction. The antennae in [16–19]
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ have higher antenna gain, while they cannot meet scholars’ expectations in miniaturization.
4.0/).

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12010528 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528 2 of 14

This article designed a set of receiving and transmitting antennas based on Vivaldi
antennae, and built a long-distance electromagnetic detection system. In the target detection
test, the transmitting antenna is used as illumination feed, and the receiving antenna obtains
the signal reflected by the target from scanning angle to find the target and the azimuth
angle. Then, with the Time Domain Transmissometer (TDT) measurement results, the
target position is judged.
The working frequency band of the detection system is 2.5~4 GHz. According to the
working principle of the detection system, the beamwidth of the transmitting antenna
needs to cover a wide angle to ensure that the target under test can receive and reflect
the signal radiated by the transmitting antenna. Therefore, the half-power beamwidth
(HPBW) of the transmitting antenna should be larger than 90◦ . Correspondingly, in order
to quickly and accurately determine the azimuth angle and judge the position of the target,
the beamwidth of the receiving antenna is required to be as narrow as possible and have
good directivity. Therefore, the receiving antenna should be a typical one that has narrow
HPBW and good directional performance and that should also be miniaturized. To achieve
long-distance detection, the target detection system should have a high transmitting power,
and the antennae should be characterized by boasting better impedance matching and
higher gain performance [21].

2. Antenna Configuration Design and Performance

2.1. Ultra-Wideband Wide Beam Antenna
In general, the bandwidth of a traditional Vivaldi antenna is determined by the
transition from the feeding microstrip line to the slot line and the dimensions of the
antenna. For the planar slit gradient antenna, the spacing of the narrow end of the slot
line opening determines the highest working frequency, while the spacing of the wide end
determines the lowest working frequency [22]. Considering that the working frequency
range is 2.5~4 GHz, the end width of the slot line can be set as 50 mm and the starting
end width can be set as 2 mm. Since the radiation of the antenna is generated by the
current extending along the gradient slots on both sides [23], widening the width of the
antenna will make the current flow through a longer path and generate a wider main beam.
However, it also affects the impedance of the antenna. By further optimized simulation,
the width of the antenna’s metal sheet can be obtained.
Figure 1 shows the configuration of the proposed transmitting antenna. The antenna
is fabricated on a 150 × 150 × 1.6 mm FR4 substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.3. The
structure of the Vivaldi antenna is composed by dielectric substrate, metal ground plane,
and feeding microstrip transmission line. The exponential tapered slot, which is on the
ground plane, can be expressed as:

y = C1 e ax + C2 (1)

y2 − y1
C1 = (2)
e ax2 − e ax1
y2 − y1
C1 = ax (3)
e 2 − e ax1
where (x1 , y1 ), (x2 , y2 ) are the peak and bottom point, respectively, of the exponential
tapered shape and a is the exponential factor of the antenna. The optimized dimensions of
the proposed antenna are tabulated in Table 1.
Appl. Sci.
Appl. 2022,12,
2022,
Sci. 11,528
x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 15 3 of 14

Xd

Yd

l3
wh

l4

w3

Figure
Figure1. 1.
Structure of the
Structure transmitting
of the antenna.
transmitting antenna.

Table 1. Transmitting Antenna parameters(mm).

Table 1. Transmitting Antenna parameters (mm).
Parameter Value
Parameter
Xd 32.0 Value
Yd Xd 12.0 32.0
l3 Yd 22.8 12.0
wh l3 1.0 22.8
l4 wh 112.5 1.0
w3 l4 48.0 112.5
w w3 150.0 48.0
l w 150.0 150.0
l 150.0
Xd and Yd are the short axis and long axis of the elliptical resonator cavity, respec-
tively. The values l3 and wh are the length and width of the rectangular transitional slot,
Xd and
respectively. Ydvalue
The are the
l4 isshort axis of
the length andthelong axis slot,
gradient of the elliptical
while resonator
w3 is the cavity, respec-
widest width
oftively. The values
the gradient slot. l3 and wh are the length and width of the rectangular transitional slot,
After optimizing
respectively. the parameters
The value of feed
l4 is the length ofline
thestructure,
gradient theslot,working
while w3frequency range width of
is the widest
was 1.4–8 GHz.
the gradient slot. As shown in Figure 2a, the return loss of the simulated and measured
antenna was optimizing
After adjusted to −10thedB over the frequency
parameters of feed band from 1.4 GHz
line structure, thetoworking
8 GHz. Further-
frequency range
more, the simulated and measured normalized E-plane radiation
was 1.4–8 GHz. As shown in Figure 2a, the return loss of the simulated patterns of the antennae
and measured
operating at different frequencies are shown in Figure 3. Higher-order modes are gener-
antenna was adjusted to −10 dB over the frequency band from 1.4 GHz to 8 GHz. Further-
ated at higher frequencies, resulting in some ripples in the radiation patterns, which is
more, the simulated and measured normalized E-plane radiation patterns of the antennae
observed in Figure 3. The measured and simulated beam width of the transmitting an-
operating at different frequencies are shown in Figure 3. Higher-order modes are generated
tenna with structure at different frequencies are shown in Table 2. The antenna is a wide
at higher
beam frequencies,
antenna resulting in
and the half-power some ripples
beamwidth in the
(HPBW) canradiation patterns,
be maintained abovewhich is observed
90° in
in frequency
the Figure 3. range
The measured
2.5–5 GHz,and andsimulated
the maximum beam width
beam of the
width transmitting
is 122°. What is worthantenna with
structure at different frequencies are shown in Table 2. The antenna is a wide beam antenna
and the half-power beamwidth (HPBW) can be maintained above 90◦ in the frequency
range 2.5–5 GHz, and the maximum beam width is 122◦ . What is worth mentioning is
that the gain is shown in Figure 2b, which is greater than 3.26 dBi and that the directivity
consistency is good.
Appl. Sci. 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 15
Appl. Sci. 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 15

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528 4 of 14

mentioning is that the gain is shown in Figure 2b, which is greater than 3.26 dBi and that
mentioning is that the gain is shown in Figure 2b, which is greater than 3.26 dBi and that
the directivity consistency is good.
the directivity consistency is good.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure 2. (a)Return
Return lossofofthe
the measuredand
and simulatedtransmitting
transmitting antenna.(b)
(b) Thegain
gain ofthe
the
Figure 2.2. (a)
Figure (a) Return loss
loss of themeasured
measured andsimulated
simulated transmitting antenna.
antenna. (b) The
The gain of
of the
simulated
simulated
transmitting antenna.
simulatedtransmitting
transmittingantenna.
antenna.
Simulated Measured
Simulated Measured

0
10 0
330 30
10
330 30

0
0 300 60
300 60
-10
-10

-20 270 90
-20 270 90

-10
-10
240 120
0 240 120
0

210 150
10
210 180 150
10
180

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
0
0 10
10 330 0 30
330 0 30 10
10 330 30
330 30
0 0
0 0 300 60
300 60
300 60 300 60
-10
-10 -10
-10
-20
-20 270 90 -20 270 90
-20 270 90 -20 270 90
-20
-10
-10 -10
-10 240 120 240 120
240 120 0 240 120
0
0 0
210 150
10 210 150
210 180 150 10
10 210 180 150
180 10
180

(c) (d)
(c) (d)

Figure 3. Cont.
Appl. Sci. 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 15
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528 5 of 14

(e) (f)
FigureFigure
3. Simulated E-plane E-plane
3. Simulated radiationradiation
patterns of the transmitting
patterns antenna with
of the transmitting structure
antenna withat structure
(a) 2.5 at
GHz; (a)
(b) 2.5
3 GHz; (c) 3.5 GHz; and (d) 4 GHz; (e) 5 GHz; (f) 6 GHz.
GHz; (b) 3 GHz; (c) 3.5 GHz; and (d) 4 GHz; (e) 5 GHz; (f) 6 GHz.

Table 2. The beam width of the transmitting antenna at different frequency.

Table 2. The beam width of the transmitting antenna at different frequency.
Frequency/GHz HPBW (Measured)/° HPBW (Simulated)/°
Frequency/GHz HPBW (Measured)/◦ HPBW (Simulated)/◦
2.5 GHz 108° 122.3°
◦ ◦
3 GHz2.5 GHz 122° 108◦ 128.3°122.3◦
3 GHz 122 128.3
3.5 GHz3.5 GHz 109° 109◦ 120° 120◦
4 GHz4 GHz 90° 90◦ 91.9° 91.9◦
5 GHz5 GHz 95° 95◦ 104.7°104.7◦
◦ ◦
6 GHz6 GHz 86° 86 91.8° 91.8

2.2. Ultra-Wideband
2.2. Ultra-Wideband Narrow Narrow
Beam Beam Antenna
Antenna
To ensure
To ensure the the detection
detection accuracy
accuracy ofofthe
thedetection
detection system,
system, the
thereceiving
receivingantenna
antennashould
be featured by owing ultra-wideband, narrow beam and high gain
should be featured by owing ultra-wideband, narrow beam and high gain performance. performance. Therefore,
the beam
Therefore, widthwidth
the beam of theof
antenna unit was
the antenna unitrequired to be reduced.
was required to be reduced.
For Vivaldi antennae, the main solutions
For Vivaldi antennae, the main solutions for reducing for reducing the antenna
the antenna beambeamwidthwidth
in- in-
cluded adding a director and slotting the metal patch. It should be noted
cluded adding a director and slotting the metal patch. It should be noted that both meth- that both methods
willaffect
ods will affect the
the standing
standing wave
wave ratio
ratioofofthe
theantenna.
antenna.The Theantenna
antenna adopting
adopting a gradual slotting
a gradual
method
slotting method yields better
yields results
better in the
results direction
in the of the
direction main
of the beam
main when
beam compared
when comparedwith the
method of ordinary slotting, and such a method can help increase the
with the method of ordinary slotting, and such a method can help increase the gain of the gain of the antenna.
At the same time, the triangular director of the antenna can also help
antenna. At the same time, the triangular director of the antenna can also help increase increase the gain of
the antenna and reduce the beam width of the antenna.
the gain of the antenna and reduce the beam width of the antenna.
To improve
To improve radiation
radiation characteristics
characteristics of theofantenna,
the antenna, a series
a series of symmetric
of symmetric slots were
slots were
installed in the extremities of the antenna. The modifications are shown in Figure 4. The
installed in the extremities of the antenna. The modifications are shown in Figure 4. The
modified antenna with optimized slots can secure a compact structure with improved
modified antenna with optimized slots can secure a compact structure with improved ra-
radiation patterns and better impedance bandwidth. Each slot operates as an RLC resonator
diation patterns and better impedance bandwidth. Each slot operates as an RLC resonator
where the resonant wavelength can be estimated by the following expression:
where the resonant wavelength can be estimated by the following expression:
r
λ0 2
l𝜆= 2 (4)
𝑙= 4 1 + εr (4)
4 1+𝜀
where l is the length of slot and ε r is dielectric constant of the substrate.
where l is the length of slot and 𝜀 is dielectric constant of the substrate.
After CST modelling and multiple simulation analysis of the parameters, the final
optimized triangular slot height registered 8 mm and the width was recorded as 4 mm.
The length of the triangle slot adopted an arithmetic sequence, and the minimum slot
height is 5 m. The height difference between two adjacent rectangles is 3 mm. At the same
time, three additional triangular slots are opened near the wide side of the antenna, which
can contribute a lot without affecting other electrical properties of the antenna. The final
 the frequency range between 2.5 and 8 GHz. The HPBW of proposed antenna is smaller
than the antennas in [19,24,27], and the bandwidth is larger than the antennas in the oth-
ers. Meanwhile, the minimum beam width is 59.4°. What’s more, Figure 5b show the gain
of the proposed antenna, which is greater than 4.54 dBi and the directivity consistency is
good. According to the characteristics, the proposed antenna can be an excellent candidate
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528 6 of 14 sys-
for the array element of the receiving antenna in an ultra-wideband Vivaldi antenna
tem.

b d2
d3
l1
l2 d4

l3

C1
R
R1
C2
d1

W w d5

Figure 4. Vivaldi narrow-beam

Figure antenna structure
4. Vivaldi narrow-beam (front
antenna and (front
structure back).and back).

After CST modelling

Table and multiple
3. Final optimization resultssimulation analysis
of the parameters of the
of Vivaldi parameters,
narrow-beam the(mm).
antenna final
optimized triangular slot
Parameter
height registered
Value
8 mm and the width
Parameter
was recorded as 4
Value
mm.
The length of the triangle
W slot adopted an55 arithmetic sequence,d and the minimum 8 slot
height is 5 m. The height L difference between 82 two adjacent rectangles
l is 3 mm. At 5 the
a
same time, three additional triangular slots4 are opened near thel wide side of the antenna, 8
which can contribute a blot without affecting8 other electrical properties l of the antenna.23 The
final optimization resultsR of the various parameters
4 R
of narrow-beam antenna are shown 6 in
d 9 w 1
Table 3.
d 7.5 C 20.6
Table 3. Final optimization results of the parameters of Vivaldi narrow-beam antenna (mm).

Parameter Value Parameter Value

W 55 d5 8
L 82 l1 5
a 4 l2 8
b 8 l3 23
R 4 R1 6
d1 9 w 1
d2 7.5 C1 20.6
d3 1.5 C2 16
d4 2.5

The final model of the designed ultra-wideband narrow-beam Vivaldi antenna was
simulated. As shown in Figure 5a, the return loss of the simulated narrow beam Vivaldi
antenna was adjusted to −10 dB over the frequency band from 2.5 to 8.5 GHz. The simulated
E-plane radiation pattern of the antenna at different frequencies are shown in Figure 6. In
addition, the HPBW of the antenna with structures at different frequencies are shown in
Table 4. It also lists out the comparison between the proposed antenna and other published
related antennas. From Table 4, the proposed Vivaldi narrow-beam antenna structure
was smaller in dimension than the antennae as reported in [19,24–28]. In addition, the
comparative results show the improvement in maintaining an HPBW less than 70◦ in the
frequency range between 2.5 and 8 GHz. The HPBW of proposed antenna is smaller than
the antennas in [19,24,27], and the bandwidth is larger than the antennas in the others.
Appl.Appl.
Sci. 2022, 11, x12,
Sci. 2022, FOR528PEER REVIEW 7 of 715of 14

d
Meanwhile, the minimum beam 1.5 width is 59.4◦ . What’s
C more, Figure 5b show
16 the gain of
d
the proposed antenna, which2.5is greater than 4.54 dBi and the directivity consistency is good.
According to the characteristics, the proposed antenna can be an excellent candidate for the
array element of the receiving antenna in an ultra-wideband Vivaldi antenna system.

(a)

(b)
Figure 5. (a)
Figure 5. Return lossloss
(a) Return of the simulated
of the narrow
simulated narrowbeam
beamVivaldi
Vivaldiantenna.
antenna.(b)
(b)The
The gain
gain of the simulated
simu-
lated narrow beam Vivaldi antenna.
narrow beam Vivaldi antenna.

Table 4. Comparison
Table between
4. Comparison proposed
between antenna
proposed andand
antenna literature.
literature.
Dimension Operating Fre- HPBW
Ref. No. Dimension Operating HPBW
Ref. No. (mm2)
2 quency 2 GHz 3 GHz 4 GHz 5 GHz 6 GHz 7 GHz 8 GHz
(mm ) Frequency 2 GHz 3 GHz 4 GHz 5 GHz 6 GHz 7 GHz 8 GHz
[24] 120 × 90 2–5 GHz 130 - 75 65 - - -
[24] 120 × 90 2–5 GHz 130 - 75 65 - - -
[19] 200 × 80 3–14 GHz - 85° - - - 50° -
[19] 200 × 80 3–14 GHz - 85◦ - - - 50◦ -
[25][25] 297 × 297
190× 1900.6–3.2 GHz 51.4°
0.6–3.2 GHz 51.4 55°
◦ 55 -
◦ - - - - - - - - -
◦ ◦ 54.3◦71.1° 71.1◦ 58.6° 58.6◦
150× 1500.5–6 GHz
[26][26] 258 × 258 0.5–6 GHz48.7° 48.745.1° 45.154.3° - - - -
[27] 274 × 282 0.4–9.8 GHz - 74◦ - - - - 74° 74
◦
[27] 274 × 282 0.4–9.8 GHz - 74° - - - -
[28] 100 × 90 3–6 GHz - 55◦ - - 55◦ - -
[28]
proposed 100 × 90
82 × 55 3–6 GHz 2.5–8.5 GHz - 65.9◦55° 65.2◦ - 59.4◦ - 55.4◦ 55° 44◦ - 46.7◦ - 66.2◦
proposed 82 × 55 2.5–8.5 GHz 65.9° 65.2° 59.4° 55.4° 44° 46.7° 66.2°
 Appl. Sci. 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 15
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528 8 of 14

0
0 10
330 30
330 30
0 5

300 60 0 300 60
-20
-5

-40
-10
270 90 270 90
-10
-40

-5
-20
240 120 0 240 120

0 5
210 150
210 150
180 10
180

(a) (b)
0
330 30
10

0 300 60

-10

-20 270 90

-10

0 240 120

10
210 150
180

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

(g)
Figure 6. E-plane pattern of narrow beam Vivaldi antenna with structure at (a) 2 GHz; (b) 3 GHz;
Figure 6. E-plane pattern of narrow beam Vivaldi antenna with structure at (a) 2 GHz; (b) 3 GHz;
and (c) 4 GHz; (d) 5 GHz; (e) 6 GHz (f) 7 GHz; (g) 8 GHz.
and (c) 4 GHz; (d) 5 GHz; (e) 6 GHz (f) 7 GHz; (g) 8 GHz.
 that the antenna array can be assembled on the turntable support.
The final model of the designed narrow-beam eight-element antenna array was si
ulated and measured, and the simulated and measured E-plane radiation patterns of
antenna at different frequencies were obtained as shown in Figure 8. As shown in Fig
9a, the original Vivaldi antenna works in the frequency range from 2.5 to 4 GHz. The
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528 9 of 14
turn loss is less than −10 dB in the whole band, except that 3.9 GHz is about −9.5 dB. T
main lobe beam width at 2, 3, 4 GHz respectively is shown in Table 6. The HPBW in
E-plane of the proposed array are shown in Table 6. The HPBW are all less than 10°, a
To strengthen
thethe directional
gains are greaterradiation
than 10 capability
dBi, whichofarethe antenna
shown and meet
in Figure 9b. the require-
ment that the beam Phase
widthlinearity
has to be less the
within than 10◦ , the Vivaldi
operational antennae
bandwidth with improved
is an important aspect of wideba
beam width were arranged
antenna into
design. It an 8-element
is observed array.
from To 9c
Figure reduce thegroup
that the feed delay
ports,response
a powerof the tra
divider was used to feedantenna
mitting the antenna array.
is almost flat,The antenna
which array
indicates model is shown
distortionless in FigureThe
transmission. 7 maxim
and the array antenna parameters
group delay are shown
of the receiving in Table
array 5. is within 2ns, which is acceptable.
antenna

Figure 7. Model and size7.ofModel

Figure 8-element Vivaldi
and size array antenna.
of 8-element Vivaldi array antenna.

Table 5. Array antenna parameters (mm).

Parameter Value
L 440
W 146
D1 16
D2 35
L1 239
L2 385
L3 17.5
l1 3.2
l2 1
θ 60◦

The single element is 82 mm long and 55 mm wide. The power divider is a microstrip
T-branch power divider which is enlarged in the Figure 7. The length below the T-shaped
knot is 16 mm, which is about λ/4, and the width is 3.2 mm. The width on both sides is
1 mm, and the width of the antenna unit feeder is also 1 mm. The distance between the
last-level power divider line and the leftmost side of the antenna array is 239 mm, and the
other levels of power divider are distributed in a symmetrical structure. The length of each
level of power division microstrip line is 16 mm and the width is 1 mm. Three positioning
points were marked, and a hole with an inner diameter of 6 mm was drilled so that the
antenna array can be assembled on the turntable support.
The final model of the designed narrow-beam eight-element antenna array was sim-
ulated and measured, and the simulated and measured E-plane radiation patterns of the
antenna at different frequencies were obtained as shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 9a,
the original Vivaldi antenna works in the frequency range from 2.5 to 4 GHz. The return
 Appl. Sci. 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 15

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528 Table 5. Array antenna parameters(mm). 10 of 14

Parameter Value
L 440
loss is less than −10 dB in the whole band, except that 3.9 GHz is about −9.5 dB. The main
W 146
lobe beam width at 2, 3,
𝐷1
4 GHz respectively is shown in Table 6. The16 HPBW in the E-plane
of the proposed array are shown in Table 6. The HPBW are all less than ◦
𝐷2 35 10 , and the gains
are greater than 10 dBi,𝐿1which are shown in Figure 9b. 239
𝐿2 385
Table 6. Narrow beam Vivaldi
𝐿3 8-element array E-plane pattern main lobe width.
17.5
𝑙1 3.2
Frequency/GHz HPBW (Measured)/◦ HPBW (Simulated)/◦
𝑙2 1
2 GHz 𝜃 9.8◦ 60° 8.3◦
3 GHz 7◦ 5.6◦
4 GHz 4 ◦ 4.2◦
Table 6. Narrow beam Vivaldi 8-element array E-plane pattern main lobe width.

Frequency/GHz
Phase HPBW bandwidth
linearity within the operational (Measured)/° HPBW
is an important (Simulated)/°
aspect of wideband
2 GHz 9.8°
antenna design. It is observed from Figure 9c that the group delay response 8.3°of the trans-
3 GHz
mitting antenna 7°distortionless transmission. 5.6°
is almost flat, which indicates The maximum
4 GHz
group delay of the receiving array antenna is4° 4.2°
within 2 ns, which is acceptable.

Simulated Measured
0 0
20
330 30 330 30
10
10
0
300 60 0 300 60
-10
-10
-20
-20
-30 270 90 270 90
-20
-20
-10
-10
240 120 0 240 120
0
10
10
210 150 210 150
20
180 180

(a) (b)

0
20
330 30
10

0 300 60
-10

-20

-30 270 90

-20

-10

0 240 120

10
210 150
20
180

(c)
Figure
Figure 8. 8.E-plane
E-planepattern
patternofofVivaldi
Vivaldi8-element
8-element array
array with
with structure
structure at
at (a)
(a) 22 GHz;
GHz; (b)
(b)33GHz;
GHz;and
and(c)
4 GHz.
(c) 4 GHz.
 Appl. Sci. 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 15
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528 11 of 14

(a) (b)

(c)
Figure9.9. (a)
Figure (a) Return
Return loss
lossofofthe
thesimulated
simulated8-element Vivaldi
8-element array
Vivaldi antenna.
array (b) (b)
antenna. TheThe
gaingain
of the
of sim-
the
ulated 8-element Vivaldi array antenna. (c) Group delay profile of the proposed transmitting
simulated 8-element Vivaldi array antenna. (c) Group delay profile of the proposed transmitting an-
tenna and the receiving array antenna.
antenna and the receiving array antenna.

3. Verification and Discussion

3. Verification and Discussion
3.1.Detection
3.1. DetectionSystem
SystemPositioning
PositioningTestTest

AA miniaturized
miniaturized and and easily
easily fabricated
fabricated ultra-wideband
ultra-wideband (UWB) (UWB) antenna
antenna system system forfor
long-distance electromagnetic detection is proposed. The transmitting
long-distance electromagnetic detection is proposed. The transmitting antenna is the ultra- antenna is the ul-
tra-wideband wide beam antenna discussed in 2.1, and the photograph
wideband wide beam antenna discussed in Section 2.1, and the photograph is shown in is shown in Figure
10a. The
Figure 10a.receiving antenna
The receiving is theisultra-wideband
antenna the ultra-wideband narrow beam
narrow eight-element
beam eight-element array de-
array
signed in 2.2 and the photograph is shown in Figure 10b, which
designed in Section 2.2 and the photograph is shown in Figure 10b, which was placed was placed on a turntable
support.
on The distance
a turntable support.between the two
The distance antennas
between thewas
twofixed. During
antennas was thefixed.
test, the transmit-
During the
ting and receiving antennas were connected to two ports of the
test, the transmitting and receiving antennas were connected to two ports of the E5071C E5071C vector network
analyzer
vector (VNA)analyzer
network to form(VNA)the Ultra-wideband Vivaldi antenna
to form the Ultra-wideband system
Vivaldi for long-distance
antenna system for
electromagnetic detection.
long-distance electromagnetic detection.
Wemeasured
We measuredthe thedistance,
distance,w,w, between
between thethetwo two antennas.
antennas. TheTheVNA VNA transmits
transmits elec-
electro-
tromagnetic
magnetic wave wave signals
signals through
through the the transmitting
transmitting antenna
antenna through
through portport
one.one. TheThe receiv-
receiving
ing antenna
antenna has ahas a smaller
smaller beam beam width.
width. We placed
We placed it onitthe
on rotating
the rotatingtabletable
andand connected
connected it toit
to port
port twotwo of the
of the VNA, VNA,andandthe the schematic
schematic diagram
diagram of the
of the experiment
experiment is shown
is shown in Figure
in Figure 11.
11. We observed the S21 parameter of the VNA and adjusted the
We observed the S21 parameter of the VNA and adjusted the angle of the rotating table angle of the rotating table
tofind
to findout
outthe
theazimuth
azimuthangle angleθθofofthethetarget.
target.WeWemaintained
maintainedthe theazimuth
azimuthangle angleandandthen
then
changed the
changed the VNA to time-domain.
time-domain.We Wethen
thenmeasured
measured thethe
time difference
time difference T from
T fromthe mo-
the
ment when
moment when thethetransmitting
transmittingantenna
antennasendssendsaasignal
signal to
to the moment when when the thereceiving
receiving
antenna receives the signal, and the sum distance. Then, the target position can be obtained.
 Appl. Sci. 2022, 11,Appl.
x FOR PEER
Sci. 2022,REVIEW
11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 15 12 of 15

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528 12 of 14

antenna receives the signal,
antenna andthe
receives thesignal,
sum distance. Then,
and the sum the target
distance. position
Then, can be
the target ob-
position can be ob-
tained. tained.

(a) (a) (b) (b)

Figure 10. Photos of the proposed antennas. (a) Wide beam transmitting antenna. (b) Narrow beam
Figure 10. Figure
Photos 10. Photos
of the of the
proposed proposed(a)
antennas. antennas. (a) Wide
Wide beam beam transmitting
transmitting antenna. antenna. (b) Narrow
(b) Narrow beam beam
receiving antenna.
receiving antenna.
receiving antenna.

Figure 11. Experimental schematic.

Figure 11. Experimental schematic.
Figure 11. Experimental schematic.
3.2. Analysis of the Test Results
3.2. Analysis of3.2.
the Analysis
Test Results
of the Test Results
The TDT test results are shown in Figure 12. The peak point one was at 17.65 ns—5.295 m,
The TDT test results
The TDT are shown in Figure 12. The peak point onepeak
waspoint
at 17.65 ns—
because two antennae weretest results
coupled. are shown
The peak pointin Figure
two is12.atThe
202.3 ns—60.69one m, was
whereat 17.65
the ns—
5.295 m, because two
5.295 antennae
m, because were
two coupled.
antennae The
were peak point
coupled. two
The is
peak at 202.3
point ns—60.69
two is at m, ns—60.69 m,
202.3
signal was reflected by the target. In Figure 11, L2 is the distance between the transmitting
where the signal wasthe
reflected by the target. Inby Figure 11, L2
In is the distance
11, L2 isbetween the between the
antenna andwhere
transmitting antenna and
signal
the target,the
and was
L2 reflected
target,
is
and
theL2
distance
is the
the target.
between
distance
Figure
the receiving
between the
the distance
antenna
receiving antenna
and the
target. The transmitting
measured L2 antenna
was andm,
30.31 theand
target,
the and L2 is the L1
measured distance
was between
30.2 m the receiving
with w antenna
and the target.and
Thethe
measured
target. L2 was
The 30.31 m,
measured L2 and
was the measured
30.31 m, and L1 was
the 30.2 mL1
measured with
was == 4.2
w30.2 m.
Undoubtedly,
4.2 m. Undoubtedly,the measured
the measured L1 +L1L2+ = L260.51
= 60.51m.m. Considering
Considering the
the electromagnetic
electromagnetic wave w =
m with
traveltravel 4.2
difference, m. Undoubtedly,
which the
is determined measured
by the L1 + L2 = 60.51 m. Considering the electromagnetic
Appl. Sci. 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW
wave difference, which
wave travel is determined
difference, which is thedifference
bydetermined
difference betweenthe
between
by the
the cable
differencecable
13
port
between
port
15 and the
of and
the cable port and
electromagnetic
the electromagnetic wave
wavefeed
feedport,
port,thus,
thus, the
the tested
tested L1L1++L2 L2==59.6
59.6 m.m.
the electromagnetic wave feed port, thus, the tested L1 + L2 = 59.6 m.

Figure 12.
Figure 12.TDT
TDTtest
testresults.
results.

The actual and tested position map of the target are plotted in Figure 13. The two
blue square dots at the bottom are the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna.
The coordinates (3.278, 30.13) is the measured target point, and (3.138, 29.86) is the esti-
mated result point of the test. It can be seen from the results that the error of the coordinate
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528 13 of 14
Figure 12. TDT test results.

The actual and

The actual andtested
testedposition
positionmap mapofofthethe target
target areare plotted
plotted in Figure
in Figure 13. two
13. The The blue
two
blue square dots at the bottom are the transmitting antenna and the
square dots at the bottom are the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. The receiving antenna.
The coordinates
coordinates (3.278,(3.278,
30.13) 30.13)
is theismeasured
the measured
targettarget
point,point, and (3.138,
and (3.138, 29.86)29.86)
is theisestimated
the esti-
mated resultofpoint
result point of the
the test. It test.
can beIt can
seenbefrom
seenthe
from the results
results that thethat theoferror
error of the coordinate
the coordinate values
values
of x andofyx of
and y of
this testthis test are
result result areless
both both less0.3
than than
m,0.3 m, which
which meetsmeets the actual
the actual appli-
application
cation requirements.
requirements.

Figure 13.
Figure Actual and
13. Actual and tested
tested position
position map of the target (Unit: m).

4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
In this article, an UWB Vivaldi antenna system for long-distance electromagnetic
In this article, an UWB Vivaldi antenna system for long-distance electromagnetic de-
detection has been proposed. In the frequency range of 2.5~4 GHz, the transmitting antenna
tection has been proposed. In the frequency range of 2.5~4 GHz, the transmitting antenna
was an ultra-wide bandwidth beam Vivaldi antenna with HPBW above 90◦ in the frequency
was an ultra-wide bandwidth beam Vivaldi antenna with HPBW above 90° in the fre-
range 2.5–5 GHz. The receiving antenna was an ultra-wideband narrow-beam Vivaldi
quency range 2.5–5 GHz. The receiving antenna was an ultra-wideband narrow-beam Vi-
antenna array. The array unit maintained HPBW less than 70◦ in the frequency range
valdi antenna array. The array unit maintained HPBW less than 70° in the frequency range
between 2.5 GHz and 8 GHz, and the receiving antenna was a eight-element Vivaldi
between 2.5 GHz and 8 GHz, and the receiving antenna was a eight-element Vivaldi array
array with HPBW less than 10◦ in the frequency range of 2.5~4 GHz. It was verified by
experiments that after detecting their frequency and time-domain behaviors, the detection
system can achieve measurement covering a radius of 30 m.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, J.R.; methodology, H.F.; software, Z.Y., and J.R.; validation,
Q.T., and H.F.; formal analysis, J.R.; investigation, Y.X.; data curation, J.R., H.F. and Q.T.; writing—
original draft preparation, J.R. and Z.Y.; writing—review and editing, J.R. and X.Z.; supervision, X.Z.;
project administration, Y.X.; funding acquisition, Q.T. and J.R. All authors have read and agreed to
the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This work was supported in part by the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province
under Grant BK20180360, the Aero-Science Fund of China under Grant 201926069001, and the
National Defence Basic Research Program of China under Grant No. JCKYS2020 DC404. And we are
grateful for the assistance of the reviewers and editors.
Data Availability Statement: The data used to support the findings of this study are available from
the corresponding author upon request.
Conflicts of Interest: There is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 528 14 of 14

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