Course detail

Antennas and Propagation

FEKT-MPA-ANPAcad. year: 2022/2023

The subject is focused on the explanation of basic principles of the antenna theory and radio wave propagation with particular attention mainly on space applications. Students will practice their knowledge on the design, manufacturing and measuring of a given antenna.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The graduate is able to:
(a) explain a principle of the operation and describe basic steps of a design procedure of selected types of linear antennas (dipole, monopole, folded dipole, log-periodic antenna, Yagi antenna, helix antenna);
(b) explain a principle of the operation and describe basic steps of a design procedure of linearly and circularly polarized microstrip patch antennas;
(c) explain a principle of the operation and describe basic steps of a design procedure of horn, reflector, and slot antennas;
(d) explain basic principles of antenna bandwidth increasing;
(e) explain a term "electrically small anntena";
(f) explain basic principles of antenna modeling;
(g) explain basic requirments on antennas for satellites;
(h) specify basic antenna types for satellites;
(i) explain basic requirments on antennas for Earth station;
(j) specify basic antenna types for Earth station;
(k) explain basic procedures of antenna testing for space applications;
(l) explain basic principles of radio wave propagation;
(m) specify, for a desired frequency band, a dominant mechanism of propagation, appropriate types of antennas;
(n) describe atmospheric effects (attenuation by atmospheric gases, hydrometeor attenuation, depolarization, radio noise, scintillation) on a satellite link;
(o) calculate satellite link budget.

Prerequisites

Students who enroll the course should be able to:
- compute with complex numbers;
- apply fundamental principles of integral and differential calculus;
- explain fundamental principles of electromagnetic field theory.

The work in the laboratory is conditioned by a valid qualification of a "instructed worker" according to 50/1978 Coll., which students must obtain before the start of classes. Information on this qualification is given in the Dean's Directive Familiarization of students with safety regulations. 

 

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching methods depend on the type of course unit as specified in the article 7 of BUT Rules for Studies and Examinations. Techning methods include seminars covering lectures, and practical team project work. Course is taking advantage of e-learning (Moodle) system.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Laboratory exercises (15 points), an individual project (25 points), final exam (15 points written part + 45 points oral part=totally 60 points).

Course curriculum

1. Antenna basics, antenna analysis.
2. Linear antennas, antenna arrays.
3. Microstrip antennas.
4. Horn antennas and reflector antennas.
5. Slot antennas and wideband antennas.
6. Electrically small antennas.
7. Introduction to antennas for space applications.
8. Antennas for satellites.
9. Antennas for Earth station.
10. Testing of antennas for space applications.
11. Fundamentals of radiowave propagation.
12. Attenuation by atmospheric gases, hydrometeor attenuation and depolarization on satellite paths.
13. Radio noise, scintillation, satellite link budget calculation.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The subject is aimed to present basic antenna types, their applications and technical design with particular attention mainly on space applications, and further, principles of radio wave propagation and atmospheric effects on a satellite link.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Evaluation of activities is specified by a regulation, which is issued by the lecturer responsible for the course annually.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

BALANIS, C., A., Antenna Theory: Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition, John Wiley and Sons, New Jersey, 2005. (EN)
IMBRIALE, W. A., GAO, S., BOCCIA, L., Space antenna handbook, Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 2012. (EN)
SEYBOLD, J. S., Introduction to RF propagation, John Wiley and Sons, New Jersey, 2005. (EN)
IPPOLITO, L. J., Radiowave propagation in satellite communications, Springer, New York, 1986. (EN)

Recommended reading

FUJIMOTO, K., MORISHITA, H., Modern Small Antennas, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2013. (EN)
BALANIS, C. A., Modern Antenna Handbook, John Wilye & Sons, Croydon, 2008. (EN)
SHOEMAKER, K., Pratical Antenna Design, Second Edition, Shoemaker Labs, Indian Harbour Beach, 2016. (EN)

eLearning

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPA-SAP Master's, 1. year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Exercise in computer lab

13 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Laboratory exercise

13 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

eLearning