USE OF THE BEVERAGE ANTENNA IN WIDE APERTURE HIGH FREQUENCY DIRECTION FINDING. VOLUME I--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
A computer programmed general theory of the Beverage antenna was completed to calculate azimuth and elevation element and array patterns as a function of antenna length, height above ground, array size, frequency, earth constants, phasing and many other parameters. Verifying experimental measurements are also reported. The development of a Wullenweber-type scan digital commutator to permit extreme flexibility in arraying of any number of Beverage antennas with any array spacing was completed. The present digital commutator design demonstrated reduction in switching transients below system noise levels, good element to element isolation, satisfactory gain in each antenna circuit, and predicted array gains. Design details for an electronic digital commutator (no rotating parts) were completed. The present design is a suitable basis for control and programming by digital computer in a real time adaptive system. Research results showed the value of Beverage antennas as a low cost element in wideband circular wide aperture HF DF arrays over soils of relatively either low or high conductivity. The antenna is essentially frequency independent with an endfire unidirectional aperiodic pattern throughout the 1 to 30-MHz range. The input impedance, almost totally resistive and uniformly flat over the frequency range of interest, can be easily transformed to any standard feed cable impedance with a standing wave ratio of less than 1.25/1. Antenna dimensions need not exceed one wavelength long or one meter above ground.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0821162
Entities
People
- Carl Dodge
- Paul E. Martin
Organizations
- Southwest Research Institute