RESONANT FREQUENCY CALCULATION OF MEANDER DIPOLE ANTENNAS BY TLM

David Puente,1,2 Daniel Valderas,1,2 Joseba Garca,1,2 Juan Melendez,1,2 Javier Gomez,1,2 and 1,2 Juan Ignacio Sancho 1 CEIT, 20018 San Sebastian, Spain; Corresponding author: dvalderas@ceit.es 2 Tecnun (University of Navarra), 20018 San Sebastian, Spain Received 29 October 2007 ABSTRACT: A new method for calculating the resonance frequency of an arbitrary meander dipole antenna (MDA) is proposed by making use of a full transmission line model approach. Once the current distribution of MDA is analyzed, a theoretical formula is obtained for input voltage and resonance frequency calculation. The model is compared with simulations and prototype measurements on three MDA families: those which exhibit an increasing number of meanders, variable meander sizes, and locations within MDA, respectively. The error is below 7.8% in all cases. Conclusions are drawn on optimal meanders for miniaturization. 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 17071712, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23463 Key words: compact antennas; dipole antennas; meander-line antennas; resonant frequency; transmission line modeling 1. INTRODUCTION Figure 2 Transmission line equivalence for a MDA

this part. This would allow the new model to take into account the meander spacing. Section 2 describes the new MDA model and provides a formula for voltage and resonant frequency. In Section 3, a MDA group is designed, simulated, prototyped, and measured. The resonant frequency from simulations and experimental measurements are compared with the theory. Section 4 provides the conclusions.
2. MDA MODELING AND FORMULATION

In recent years, with the rapid growth of wireless communications, electronic devices have become smaller and more lightweight with increasing connectivity. Numerous applications, such as remote control systems, portable handsets, personal data assistants, radio frequency identication tags, and implants, demand low-prole and compact antennas. The meander dipole antenna (MDA) is one valid solution for this type of application [1-3]. Several modeling approaches have been proposed, either by EM computation [4] or by analytical formulas, such as inductive circuit model representation [5]. Here, the MDA is considered to be a linear conductor loaded with inductances derived by transmission line model (TLM) application to the meander sections. It offers a straightforward method for estimating the MDA selfresonance frequency depending on the dimensions of the antenna. However, some meander parameter variation, e.g. spacing between them, is not fully described for resonance estimation [6]. For this reason, it appeared reasonable to attempt a new approach. With the aim of estimating MDA resonant frequency in mind, it therefore becomes necessary to clarify the extent to which TLM is a suitable tool for meander sections by analyzing the current distribution of a MDA. Furthermore, the MDA straight element can no longer be considered as one simple conductor with self-inductance, but rather TLM analysis can be also extended to

2.1. Meander Antenna Model Figure 1 shows the basic geometry of a MDA with 2N meanders. The antenna is symmetric with regard to the antenna feed. Two parts are clearly distinguished: the meanders and the collinear elements. Three different variables are involved: meander length ti, meander spacing si, and straight segment length li. An equivalent model from Figure 1 is obtained on the basis of lossless TLM (see Fig. 2). Thus, MDA is considered as a series of transmission lines whose characteristic impedances are denoted as Zom_i and Zos_i for meanders and collinear lines, respectively. The segments are numerated starting from the closest to the open end. From this point on, the x-coordinate is dened along the wire. 2.1.1. Meander Characterization The current distribution along the MDA is assumed to be sinusoidal and given by (1). I x I o sin x (1)

Each meander is considered as a shorted transmission line. The i-meander short distance is x di from the edge along the antenna wire. A new variable z is used to dene the distance from here along the meander (2). x di z (2)

Figure 3 shows the TLM model for meander characterization. Notice that now the currents I1 and I2 do not exhibit a 180 out-of-phase characteristic, because of the condition given by (3).

Figure 1 Geometry of a symmetric MDA comprising 2N meanders

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Instead, the voltage variation over a meander differential section is calculated as follows (5): dV z jI 1 L dz 2 di jI 2 z L dz 2 dz j L I sin 2 o di z (5)

sin

j LIo sin di cos z dz.

The voltage at a distance zo of the short circuit is obtained by integration (6):

V zo

j LIo sin di cos z dz jZom_i Io sin di sin zo km_i , (6)

where km_i is an arbitrary constant and Zom_i is the meander characteristic impedance. To nd the value of km_i, a particular case (zo 0) is considered for (6). V zo 0 km_i 0 (7)

From (6) and (7), the input voltage at the meander terminals (zo ti) is (8) V ti jZ om_i Io sin di sin ti (8)

If each meander comprises two parallel cylindrical conductors, its characteristic impedance Zom_i can be obtained as follows (9) [7]: Z om_i 276 log si . a (9)

where si is the distance between the conductors and a is the conductor radius. When low-thickness rectangular-section conductors are used instead of circular wires, it is possible to dene an equivalent radius ae [7] as dened in (10). ae where b is the trace width. 2.1.2. Characterization of Collinear Elements Each of the straight segments can be also modeled by TLM. A generic straight element is showed in Figure 4, extracted from Figure 2, now with out-of-phase currents I1 and I2. Therefore, the classical transmission line equations can be used. b , 4 (10)

Figure 3 Transmission line differential section of the meander, at a distance z from the origin of the meander (a) and equivalent TLM model (b)

di

n , 2

1,2, . . .

(3)

Thereby, as a difference from previous TLM application to MDA [5], expression (4) should no longer be applied for meander input impedance and the differential section is characterized by a couple of inductances L/2 and a capacitance C per unit length [Fig. 3(b)]. Z in jZom_i tan z (4)
Figure 4 Generic straight segment

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taking into account all the variables involved in the meander antenna geometry. To solve this problem, once MDA meanders have been substituted by their equivalent voltage at terminals, a recursive TLM method is employed, which calculates the unknown voltages of any straight segment by using the known voltages of the adjacent segment as boundary conditions. 2.2.2. Step 1 Taking the rst collinear element of Figure 2, the constant ks_1 in (12) is found to be zero since the voltage is maximum at the open end [8]. So, the voltage along this section is given by (13). V x jZ os_1 Io cos x 0 x d1 t1 (13)

2.2.3. Step 2 Figure 5 shows the voltages in the mesh 1 of Figure 2. Provided V(x d1 t1) (13) and Vm_1 (8), V(x d1 t1) is calculated by Kirchhoffs law.
Figure 5 Representation of a voltage circuit between adjacent straight segments 1 and 2

V x

d1

t1

V x d1

d1 t1

t1

2V m_1 jZos_2 Io cos d1 t1 (14)

jZos_1 Io cos The characteristic impedance of the segment Zos_i depends on the distance to the feed point. As is known, the characteristic impedance Zo_cil of a general cylindrical dipole can be calculated by averaging that of a biconical antenna over the same length [8] (11). 2y 120 ln dy, H a

ks_2

2jZom_1 Io sin d1 sin t1

As the segments 1 and 2 are very close to each other, Zos_1 and Zos_2 will be very similar. So, average impedance (11) Zos_1,2 is assumed including both segments. The constant ks_2 is then given by (15). k s_2 j2Io Zom_1 Zos_1,2 sin d1 sin t1 (15)

Z o_cil

(11)

where y denotes the distance to the antenna feed and H is the length of one arm of the dipole. Therefore, the characteristic impedance Zos_i of any generic i-element of a MDA can be calculated from (11) over this element by substituting H by li. Again, a rectangular section conductor can be employed by equivalent radius transformation (10). In this manner, the voltage along any i-element is given by (12).
i

2.2.4. Step N 1: Antenna Feed Voltage By iteration, a general j 1 collinear element constant ks_j 1 expression can be obtained (16).
j

k s_j

1 i 1

j2Io Zom_i

Zos_i_i

sin di sin ti

(16)

V x

j LI o sin x dx

jZos_i Io cos x

ks_i ,

(12)

In the particular case of the element N 1, closest to the feed, the voltage at the antenna feed can be calculated by substituting (16) by j N on (12). This gives (17). Va jZos_N 1 Io cos
N

where ks_i is an unknown constant in each segment. 2.2. General Expression for MDA Resonant Frequency

dN

tN

lN sin di sin ti (17)

j2Io Zom_i Zos_i_i

i 1

2.2.1. Calculation Method The resonance is achieved when the voltage is equal to zero at the antenna feed, i.e. Va 0. The nal purpose is to obtain an equation which reects this condition,

The resonance will be reached if Va 0. This solution in the frequency domain provides the MDA resonance frequency fo.

Figure 6

General implemented MDA layout

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TABLE 1 Designed Prototype Dimensions When Not Mentioned Default Dimensions L t s ae Value (mm) 70 10 5 1.5

TABLE 2 Size Reduction Respecting the Reference /2 Straight Dipole Antenna Without Meanders Measured Size Reduction Factor MDA_1_1 MDA_1_2 MDA_1_3 MDA_1_4 0.95 0.87 0.80 0.74 Theoretical Size Reduction Factor 0.91 0.82 0.76 0.76

Besides, it can also be solved for designing specic resonant frequency MDA.
3. IMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS

3.1. Implementation Figure 6 shows the proposed general MDA layout whose meanders are identical but repeatedly swapped for mutual coupling avoidance [6] as this phenomenon is not included in the presented formulation. The surface occupied by the antenna is xed at 2L mm 2t mm. When not provided, Table 1 shows the default values for variables L, t, s, and ae. The simulations have been carried out with CST Microwave Studio Suite [9]. The prototypes are fabricated on a 0.2-mm-thick metal sheet and the resonant frequency is measured by a Network Analyzer. 3.2. Simulated and Experimental Results The proposed expression is now contrasted against EM simulations and measurements. Three antenna families are considered: those whose variables are N, s, and l, respectively, with any other parameter retained constant within this family. 3.2.1. Case Study 1: Number of Meanders The effect of an increasing number of meanders N is rst investigated in a family of MDA named MDA_1_N. The collinear elements lengths are

equal for simplicity. Figure 7 shows the resonant frequency calculated for these antennas along with the simulated and measured results. The percentage of error of the theoretical calculations with regard to the measurements is also given. The results show good coincidence between theory and measurements. A percentage of error below 6% is achieved in this case. As expected, the resonant frequency decreases with the number of meanders since 2L 2t remains constant. Furthermore, the reference resonant frequency for a 2L /2 dipole is 1.07 GHz. The measured and theoretical size reduction factor achieved by MDA_1 is given in Table 2. Thus, the miniaturization exhibited by MDAs can also be estimated by this method before prototyping. 3.2.2. Case Study 2: Meander Modication The robustness of the resonant frequency calculation vs. meander variation is now studied. In this case, parameter s is varied in a new family of MDA called MDA_2_s. N 2 is taken and the collinear elements lengths are again equal. Figure 8 shows the results for these antennas. Since N and L are constant, the unfolded MDA_2 length is retained. Thus, resonant frequency fo decreasing with s is due to a variation in coupling in each meander. This tendency is also successfully predicted by the proposed model, which can be used for further tuning of MDAs.

Figure 7

Resonant frequencies of MDA_1 vs. N along with relative errors

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Figure 8

Resonant frequencies of MDA_2 vs. N along with relative errors

3.2.3. Case Study 3: Meander Location The case study of the varying meander position is now veried with N 1. This position is given by the meander distance to the open end l1 for MDA_3_l1. Figure 9 shows the results for these antennas. As the meander gets closer to the antenna feed, its effect on size reduction is less effective. The difference is based on the coupling between meanders. This is also predicted by the model and shows

that a size-reduction efcient meander should be placed close to the edges of the MDA. The error with regard to measurements is below 6% as in Case 1. Therefore, it is demonstrated that a full TLM model for MDA can predict the tendency of meander location on resonant frequency, which is no longer possible with other models [5], as is shown in [6].

Figure 9

Resonant frequencies of MDA_3 vs. l along with relative errors

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4. CONCLUSIONS

After analyzing MDA current distributions, it is observed that those along the meander parallel conductors basically do not exhibit a 180 diphase. Furthermore, MDA collinear elements can be described as transmission lines with variable characteristic impedance. Thus, a full TLM reformulation can be performed to model the voltage at MDA feed and calculate its resonant frequency. The equation provided involves all the geometrical antenna parameters. Therefore, either a synthesis of a MDA from its resonance frequency or MDA analysis for resonance estimation can be performed. The relative error falls below 7.8% in the prototypes under study. The MDA resonant frequency reduction factor can be estimated from the model mainly by the number of meanders without the need for simulations. It is demonstrated that further predictable antenna tuning can be achieved either by meander dimension adjusting or by meander drifting along the MDA, which cannot be explained by other models in the literature. Furthermore, the model shows that meanders closer to antenna edges are more size-reduction efcient than those closer to the antenna feed. Therefore, it makes MDA be more easily matched to compact and low prole application circuits.

A NOVEL COMPACT BRANCH-LINE COUPLER USING FOUR COUPLED TRANSMISSION LINES

Mehdi Nosrati and Salman Karbasi Valashani Department of Electrical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran: Corresponding author: Nosrati_1359@yahoo.com Received 3 November 2007 ABSTRACT: A compact branch line coupler (BLC) using four coupled transmission lines is introduced. The loaded part of the proposed model has a same performance with a cascade two unit elements and it is equaled by a quarter wavelength line. The quarter wavelength lines of each branch in the conventional coupler are replaced by an equivalent circuit composed of a four coupled transmission line and two transmission lines. A compact branch-line coupler (BLC) is designed, analyzed, and tested using this technique. The size reduction is about 65% with comparable performance. The measurement results are in good agreement with the theoretical ones. 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 17121714, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop. 23460 Key words: branch-line coupler; four coupled transmission-lines

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Daniel Valderass contract is partially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education within the framework of the Torres Quevedo Program, and conanced by the European Social Fund.

1. INTRODUCTION

REFERENCES 1. L.C. Godara, Handbook on antennas in wireless communications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 2002, Ch. 12. 2. K. Gosalia, M.S. Humayun, and G. Lazzi, Impedance matching and implementation of planar space-lling dipoles as intraocular implanted antennas in a retinal prosthesis, IEEE Trans Antennas Propag 53 (2005), 23652373. 3. V. Rabinovich, B. Al-Khateeb, B. Oakley, and N. Alexandrov, Symmetrical and asymmetrical antenna performances, including the RF cable effect, in the 315 MHz frequency band, Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48 (2006), 1828-1833. 4. M. Ali, M. Okoniewski, and S.S. Stuchly, Study of a printed meander antenna using the FDTD method, Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37 (2003), 440-444. 5. T. Endo, Y. Sunahara, S. Satoh, and T. Katagi, Resonant frequency and radiation efciency of meander line antennas, Electron Commun Jpn Part II 83 (2000). 6. S.R Best and J.D Morrow, Limitations of inductive circuit model representations of meander line antennas, In: Proceedings of the Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, 2003, pp. 852-855. 7. C.A Balanis, Antenna theory: Analysis and design, 2nd ed., Wiley, New York, NY, 1997, pp. 495, 456. 8. R.E. Collin, Antennas and radiowave propagation, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1985, pp. 92, 99. 9. CST Microwave Studio. HF design and analysis. Available at www. cst.com. 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Branch-line coupler (BLC) is an important passive microwave element that has many applications in devices such as phase shifter, vector modulators, ampliers, and mixers. The compact size and high-performance of this element are highly demanded in many communication systems. Recently, several methods have been vastly investigated for size reduction in different studies. Transmission line loaded with series or shunt impedances instead of each quarter wavelength transformers have been reported [1-4]. The combinations of short high impedance transmission lines and shunt lumped capacitors have been considered [5-7]. The size reduction is the advantage of the previous works, but bandwidth reduction is their disadvantage. For example, in [7] a four-branch hybrid with mixed distributed elements has been proposed with a highly miniaturized and a simple analysis; however, the more its size has reduces, thereby its bandwidth decreases as well. The use of connecting lines as a cascade two unit elements instead of the internal series stubs is a useful method for increasing bandwidth in digital elliptic lters [8]. The implementation of this method is more difcult in practice and needs suspended bars and dielectric shims. In this article, a loaded coupled transmission-line with maximized coupling as shown in Figure 1 is introduced which has a simple structure for implementation and the same performance with a cascade of two unit elements. This proposed model has an extremely compact simple microstrip structure, low fabricated cost, a size reduction more than those of previous works, and it is a useful model to compensate the bandwidth reduction created in the previous works due to size reduction. To reduce the BLC size, the usual quarter wavelength lines in conventional BLC are replaced by the proposed compact model of transmission line. The novel BLC is designed at 900 MHz and fabricated on a 0.762-mm-thick RF-35 PTEE/Woven substrate with a relative dielectric constant r 3.5. Furthermore, the simulated and measured results of the proposed BLC are presented.

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