Optimized Design Methodology of Cavity-Backed Microstrip Antennas with Dielectric Overlays

Abstract

The optimized design methodology implemented in this research employs a design methodology, namely Response Surface Methodology (RSM), that is relatively new to the electromagnetics field. The design methodology used a full factorial designed experiment, a Hybrid Finite Element Method (HFEM) analysis code, a cubic spline empirical model, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test, and a simplex optimization code to successfully measure, predict, analyze, and optimize average antenna gain and antenna input impedance for a cavity backed microstrip antenna with dielectric overlays. Based on HFEM results from the full factorial designed experiment, a cubic spline empirical model successfully predicted average antenna gain and input impedance values for variable combinations within the experiment variable limits. The ANOVA test determined the impact each design variable introduced on the average antenna gain and indicated the areas of greatest concern during manufacturing and testing phases. Using simplex optimization, an optimized, realizable antenna design with minimum average antenna gain above the antenna bore sight and a target input impedance of 50 ohms was located within two minutes that agreed within approximately 4.0 percent to HFEM values determined from design validation tests, while measured results from the constructed optimized antenna design closely replicated the predicted antenna patterns and the predicted input impedance value. The design methodology eliminated numerous antenna builds by applying straight forward RSM techniques and saved countless man hours. The significant time savings found using this optimized design methodology demonstrates the power of RSM and motivates its application to other electromagnetic design problems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA335573

Entities

People

  • Douglas Joseph Hermes

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Analysis Of Variance
  • Antenna Radiation Patterns
  • Combinatorial Analysis
  • Dielectric Permittivity
  • Dielectrics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Experimental Design
  • Factorial Design
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Geometry
  • Radiation Patterns
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Transmission Lines

Readers

  • Approximation Theory.
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems