Constructing a Conformal Patch Antenna
Create the conformal patch antenna in CADFEKO.
- Set the model unit to millimetres.
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Add a work plane.
- Origin: (0, 0, -40)
- V vector: (0, 0, 1)
- Label: workplane_hors
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Set the workplane_hors as the default workplane.
Tip: Expand Workplanes in the tree, open the right-click context menu and click Set as default.
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Create a cylinder.
- Definition method: Base centre, radius, height
- Base centre (B): (0, 0, -40)
- Radius (R): 40
- Height (H): 80
- Label: cylinder_out
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Create a copy (duplicate) of the cylinder_out part and
modify the following:
- Radius (R): 40 - 2.87
- Label: cylinder_in
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Subtract cylinder_in from
cylinder_out.
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Define the following variables:
- alpha = deg(50/40)
- beta = deg(31.1807/40)
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Split the Subtract1 part:
- Plane: UN
- Rotate split plane, N axis: 90 - alpha/2
This creates two parts, Split_front1 and Split_back1. - Delete the Split_back1 part.
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Split the Split_front1 part.
- Plane: UN
- Rotate split plane, N axis: 90 + alpha/2
This operation results in two parts, Split_back1 and Split_front1. -
Delete the Split_front1 part.
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Create the leading edge of the patch.
-
Create a line.
- Use the Global XY workplane.
- Start point: (0, -46.784/2, 0)
- End point: (0, 46.784/2, 0)
- Label: edge_of_patch
-
Create a line.
- Rotate the edge_of_patch part on the N axis through an angle of -beta/2 degrees.
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Spin the edge_of_patch part on the N axis through an
angle of beta degrees.
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Create the patch antenna feed.
-
Create a line.
- Use the Global XY workplane.
- Start point: (0, 0, -2.87)
- End point: (0, 0, 0)
- Label: feed
-
Create a line.
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Position the feed line at the exact feed position.
- Rotate the feed part through an angle of -beta/2 + deg(8.9/40).
Tip: Use one of the following methods to view the feed inside the model: Change the opacity of the model or use a cutplane. - Union all the parts.
-
Create a dielectric medium.
- Relative permittivity: 2.2
- Label: substrate
- Set the region of Union1 to substrate.
- Set the bottom face of Union1 to perfect electric conductor.
- Set the top face of Union1, which corresponds to the metallic patch, to perfect electric conductor.
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Create a Wire port on the feed line.
Tip: Use a cutplane to add the wire port.
- Create a Voltage source on Port1 with default settings.
- Set the Frequency to 3e9 Hz.
- Create a full 3D far field request. Set the workplane (for this request) to the Global XY workplane.
-
Create the mesh.
- Mesh size: Standard
- Wire segment radius: 0.65
Note: If the meshing process takes more than two seconds, you may have neglected to set the Model unit. Change the Model unit to Millimetres (mm) and remesh the model.