W. Richards

Bio: W. Richards is an academic researcher from University of Houston. The author has contributed to research in topics: Microstrip antenna & Patch antenna. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 24 publications receiving 1529 citations.

An improved theory for microstrip antennas and applications

Abstract: An improvement to a recently reported theory for the analysis of the pattern and impedance loci of microstrip antennas is developed. It yields a theory which is simple and inexpensive to apply. The fields in the interior of the antennas are characterized in terms of a discrete set of modes. The poles corresponding to these modes are complex and depend on the losses in the antenna. The representation of the fields in terms of these modes is rigorous only for a bona fide cavity with no copper loss. The proper shift in the complex poles due to the addition of copper and radiative losses is approximated by lumping the latter two together with the dielectric loss to form an effective loss tangent. By so doing, it is found that the resulting expressions for impedance of the microstrip antenna are in good agreement with measured results for all modes and feed locations. The theory is applied to the evaluation of impedance variation with feed location, to multiport analysis, and to the design of circularly polarized microstrip antennas.

An experimental investigation of electrically thick rectangular microstrip antennas

Abstract: The electromagnetic properties of electrically thick rectangular microstrip antennas were investigated experimentally. Antennas were fabricated with different patch sizes and with electrical thicknesses ranging from 0.03 to 0.23 wavelengths in the dielectric substrate. The resonant frequencies were measured and compared to existing formulas. The bandwidth was calculated as a function of electrical thickness and the antenna radiation patterns were measured.

Accelerating the convergence of series representing the free space periodic Green's function

Abstract: A method for improving the convergence of the series representing the doubly periodic free-space Green's function is presented. The method consists of successively applying three different transformations to the Green's function spectral representation. Kummer's transformation is first applied to convert the slowly converging spectral representation into the sum of a rapidly converging series and a slowly converging series. The latter series is recognized as the spectral representation of the original periodic source distribution radiating in a medium with an imaginary wavenumber. Application of the Poisson transformation to this series renders it exponentially convergent since it effectively represents propagation of point source contributions through a medium with imaginary wavenumber. Finally, Shanks' transform is plotted versus the number of terms taken in the series. Numerical results confirm that an improvement in the convergence rate of the series is achieved for a particular convergence criterion. >

Dual-band reactively loaded microstrip antenna

Abstract: A previously derived theory is applied to a microstrip antenna with a reactive load to produce a dual-band radiator. A model consisting of a rectangular patch radiator loaded with a variable length short-circuited coaxial stub was investigated experimentally. Comparisons of theoretical predictions and experimental data are made for the impedance and resonant frequencies as a function of the position of the load, the length of the stub, and the characteristic impedance of the stub.

Dual-band microstrip antennas with monolithic reactive loading

Abstract: The design and experimental measurement of a dual-band, monolithic microstrip antenna is presented. The structure utilises a short-circuited length of microstrip transmission line to provide reactive loading and, thereby, retains the low-profile characteristic of a normal microstrip patch radiator.

Phased Array Antenna Handbook

Abstract: Phased Arrays in Radar and Communication Systems. Pattern Characteristics and Synthesis of Linear and Planar Arrays. Patterns of Nonplanar Arrays. Elements, Transmission Lines, and Feed Architectures for Phased Arrays. Summary of Element Pattern and Mutual Impedance Effects. Array Error Effects. Special Array Feeds for Limited Field of View and Wideband Arrays.

Microstrip antennas

Abstract: Microstrip antennas have been one of the most innovative topics in antenna theory and design in recent years, and are increasingly finding application in a wide range of modern microwave systems. This paper begins with a brief overview of the basic characteristics of microstrip antennas, and then concentrates on the most significant developments in microstrip antenna technology that have been made in the last several years. Emphasis is on new antenna configurations for improved electrical performance and manufacturability and on advances in the analytical modeling of microstrip antennas and arrays. >

Microstrip antenna technology

Abstract: A survey of microstrip antenna elements is presented, with emphasis on theoretical and practical design techniques. Available substrate materials are reviewed along with the relation between dielectric constant tolerance and resonant frequency of microstrip patches. Several theoretical analysis techniques are summarized, including transmission-line and modal-expansion (cavity) techniques as well as numerical methods such as the method of moments and finite-element techniques. Practical procedures are given for both standard rectangular and circular patches, as well as variations on those designs including circularly polarized microstrip patches. The quality, bandwidth, and efficiency factors of typical patch designs are discussed. Microstrip dipole and conformal antennas are summarized. Finally, critical needs for further research and development for this antenna are identified.

Multilayered media Green's functions in integral equation formulations

Abstract: A compact representation is given of the electric- and magnetic-type dyadic Green's functions for plane-stratified, multilayered, uniaxial media based on the transmission-line network analog along the aids normal to the stratification. Furthermore, mixed-potential integral equations are derived within the framework of this transmission-line formalism for arbitrarily shaped, conducting or penetrable objects embedded in the multilayered medium. The development emphasizes laterally unbounded environments, but an extension to the case of a medium enclosed by a rectangular shield is also included.

RF Energy Harvesting and Transport for Wireless Sensor Network Applications: Principles and Requirements

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of principles and requirements for powering wireless sensors by radio-frequency (RF) energy harvesting or transport. The feasibility of harvesting is discussed, leading to the conclusion that RF energy transport is preferred for powering small sized sensors. These sensors are foreseen in future Smart Buildings. Transmitting in the ISM frequency bands, respecting the transmit power limits ensures that the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) exposure limits are not exceeded. With the transmit side limitations being explored, the propagation channel is next discussed, leading to the observation that a better than free-space attenuation may be achieved in indoors line-of-sight environments. Then, the components of the rectifying antenna (rectenna) are being discussed: rectifier, dc-dc boost converter, and antenna. The power efficiencies of all these rectenna subcomponents are being analyzed and finally some examples are shown. To make RF energy transport a feasible powering technology for low-power sensors, a number of precautions need to be taken. The propagation channel characteristics need to be taken into account by creating an appropriate transmit antenna radiation pattern. All subcomponents of the rectenna need to be impedance matched, and the power transfer efficiencies of the rectifier and the boost converter need to be optimized.