Introduction

The way humans interact and communicate in the current world has been changed by mobile and satellite communication technology. The vital parts known as antennas, which are essential for sending and receiving data, are at the core of this cutting-edge technology. The usefulness and effectiveness are appreciated of these antennas, one must first understand their emission patterns. Antennas are essential parts of cell towers, cell phones, and other wireless gadgets in the world of mobile communication. The direction and power of the electromagnetic energy that a mobile phone network generates are determined by its radiation pattern. The vast coverage is ensured by omnidirectional antennas, which are frequently seen in cell towers.

On the other hand, directional antennas are frequently used by smartphones, focusing their radiation in certain directions to boost the strength of the signal and improve the device’s efficiency. Antennas installed on satellites, meanwhile, enable flawless data transfer between terrestrial and space-based infrastructure in the satellite communication sector. Depending on how they are made and what they are used for, satellite communication antennas have a wide range of emission patterns. Commonly employed for satellite communication, parabolic reflector antennas concentrate their radiation into sharp beams that are directed toward certain areas of the Earth, allowing for effective signal transmission across great distances.

Aims and Objectives

Aim

Antenna radiation patterns for mobile and satellite communications are being studied in order to improve communication links, signal coverage, and interference levels. This will result in more reliable and efficient data transmission for increased connectivity and seamless exchange of information on a global scale.

Objectives

• To analyze and optimization of signal coverage, recognizing weak signal locations and maximizing antenna placement for greater coverage are made possible by understanding radiation patterns.
• To reduce interference, possible sources can be found and eliminated through the analysis of radiation patterns, improving communication efficiency.
• To enhance antenna radiation rejection that would result in more dependable data transmission and improved connection for mobile and spacecraft communication systems, hence enhancing communication linkages.
• To improve overall system efficiency more effective antenna systems are used by understanding radiation patterns, which will optimize resources and lower signal losses.

Measurement Principle

Combining theoretical analysis, computer simulations, and experimental methods are used to measure the antenna pattern of radiation in mobile devices and satellite communication systems.

Analytical Theory

The expected radiated pattern of an antenna is predicted by engineers using mathematical theories and electromagnetic simulations before any measurements are made. These models predict the radiation properties by taking into account antenna geometry, design, and operating frequency.

Setup for Antenna Measurement

A controlled setting, such as a chamber of anechoic chambers or an open field, is utilized to measure the radiated pattern. A receiving station or a scanning mechanism is positioned at a set distance to catch the emitted signals, and the antenna is mounted on a revolving platform (Barbuto et al. 2019).

Rotating the scanner

During a signal is sent, the antenna being tested is rotated in both the horizontal and elevation planes. A set of data points representing the radiation pattern are produced as a result of the receiving antenna taking measurements of the signal intensity at various angles.

Processing and Visualization of Data

Visual representations illustrating the antenna’s radiation distribution are produced using the processed and plotted data from the data collection. Pole plots or 3D patterns, which display the antenna’s radiation properties in various directions, are frequent representations (El et al. 2020).

Procedure

Figure 1: Antenna measurement setup

(Source: Developed from Draw.io)

Set up Procedure

• Selection of a Controlled Environment: For the measurements, an appropriate controlled setting is selected, such as an open field or an anechoic room.
• Antenna Position: The test antenna is mounted on a rotating frame.
• Fixed Receiving Antenna: The emitted signals are collected, and an antenna for the receipt or scanning system is positioned at a fixed distance (Khan et al. 2020).
• Rotational Scanning: While a signal is being sent, the antenna turns in both the direction and elevation directions.
• Data collection: The antenna that receives the signals gathers a number of data points by measuring the signal intensity at various angles.
• Data processing: graphical illustrations of the antenna’s electromagnetic spectrum are produced using the processed data.
• Comparison and evaluation: The antenna’s performance is verified, and the observed radiation pattern is put up against theoretical forecasts. Important factors like gain, directivity, which is and beamwidth are also taken into consideration (Koli et al. 2020).

Main Procedure

Figure 2: Antenna diagnostics and radiation

(Source: Developed from Draw.io)

• Choosing a Measurement Environment: For reflections and outside interference to be reduced, pick a suitable site, such as an open field or an anechoic chamber.
• Antenna Setup: With exact alignment in mind, place the antenna that will be put to the test on a rotating structure or mounting system.
• Obtaining Antenna Position: The emitted signals are collected properly, position the antenna that receives the signals or scanning device in relation to the antenna being tested at a set distance and orientation (Hussain et al. 2021).
• Rotational Scanning: While emitting a signal, rotate the antenna being tested in both the azimuth and elevation directions.
• Data Collection: Data points are created that depict the radiation pattern, and record and measure the signal levels at various angles.
• Data analysis: Use the gathered information to process graphical representations of the antenna’s radiation properties, including polar plots or 3D patterns.
• Performance Evaluation: The antenna’s performance is verified, compare the observed radiation pattern to theoretical predictions while evaluating factors including gain, orientation, side lobes, and beam width (Al et al. 2021).

Results And Observations

Figure 3: Rectangular horn at 10.5GHz

(Source: Developed from Antenna Rotator)

According to the above figure, it can be seen that the rectangular horn at the 10.5ghz is the correction frequency, and this is a polar diagram to show the x-y direction is 62, and also enum is the default value and the rotator com port is ^I/_O COM10 and the signal level dBm is -63.248 where the aim for -27dbm is ref level.

Figure 4: Rectangular horn at 9.0GHz

(Source: Developed from Antenna Rotator)

As per the given picture, it can be observed that the rectangular horn at 9 GHz has been implemented while doing this job as well it can be seen that there are reference dbm value is -41.1653, while their signal level dbm is -70.90 and the aim for value is same as the previous one and the x-y value is 54.

Figure 5: Rectangular horn at 9.0GHz

(Source: Developed from Antenna Rotator)

As per the given picture, it can be observed that the rectangular horn at 9 GHz has been implemented while doing this job as well it can be seen that there are reference dbm value is -49.8056, while their signal level dbm is -70.44 and the aim for value is same as the previous one and the x-y value is 56.

Figure 6: Rectangular horn at 9.0GHz

(Source: Developed from Antenna Rotator)

According to the given figure, it can be seen that the rectangular horn at 9 GHz has been implemented while doing this job as well it can be seen that there are reference dbm value is -28.7231, while their signal level dbm is -54.39 and the aim for value is same as the previous one and the x-y value is 51.

Figure 7: Rectangular horn at 9.0GHz

(Source: Developed from Antenna Rotator)

As per the given figure, it can be seen that the Rectangular horn at the 9.0GHz has been implemented while doing the allocated task using Antenna Rotator software.

Figure 8: Rectangular horn at 9.0GHz

(Source: Developed from Antenna Rotator)

In the given figure it can observe that a rectangular horn at the 9.0 GHz for the polar diagram has been implemented while doing the given software.

Figure 9: Rectangular horn at 10.5GHz

(Source: Developed from Antenna Rotator)

According to the polar diagram that has been visualized while their correction frequency is 10.5 GHz and their reference dbm is -39.1982.

Figure 10: Rectangular horn at 9.0GHz

(Source: Developed from Antenna Rotator)

As per the given figure, it can be seen that the polar diagram has been implemented while their single-level dbm is -59.48.

Figure 11: Rectangular horn at 10.5GHz

(Source: Developed from Antenna Rotator)

As per the given figure, it can be seen that the Rectangular horn at 10.5GHz has been implemented while doing the allocated task using Antenna Rotator software.

Figure 12: Rectangular horn at 9.0GHz

(Source: Developed from Antenna Rotator)

According to the given image, it can be seen that the polar diagram has been implemented while their single-level dbm is -72.42.

Figure 13: Rectangular horn at 10.5GHz

(Source: Developed from Antenna Rotator)

As per the given figure, it can be seen that the Rectangular horn at 10.5GHz has been implemented while doing the allocated task using Antenna Rotator software.

Observation results

Question 1:

What distinguishes the radiation patterns of communication via satellite antennas from those of mobile communication antennas?

Answer: Their radiation properties account for the majority of the differences. Omnidirectional radiation patterns are frequently used by mobile communication antennas to give extensive coverage in all directions, providing constant connectivity for users in varied places. To create effective communication linkages across great distances and to target certain areas of the Earth, satellite communication antennas often use directional designs of radiation with concentrated beams (Ehtaiba et al. 2023).

Question 2:

How are mobile and satellite communications networks affected by the observed radiation patterns?

Answer: The signal coverage, disturbance, and overall communication functionality of both systems are directly impacted by the observed radiation patterns. Omnidirectional patterns enable consistent coverage for mobile communication but may cause interference in heavily crowded regions. Directional patterns in satellite communication enable long-distance communication with fewer signal losses and concentrated power, leading to effective data transfer and improved connection performance (Rana et al. 2022).

Question 3:

What essential factors are taken into account by engineers while examining antenna radiation patterns?

Answer: Engineers take into account a number of important factors, such as sidelobe levels, directivity, gain, and beam width. Gain indicates the antenna’s capacity to direct radiation in comparison to an isotropic radiator, whereas directivity depicts the degree to which radiated power is in a particular direction. The main lobe’s angular coverage is determined by beamwidth, and sidelobe levels show unwanted radiation coming from undesirable angles (Baudha et al. 2019).

Calculations

1. Directivity

In contrast to an isotropic receiver (which radiates power equally in all directions), directivity measures the concentration of energy emitted in a specific direction. It is a crucial element in the assessment of antenna performance and is often given in decibels (dB). In relation to mobile communication systems:

Measurement of the antenna’s radiation distribution is needed to determine a mobile communication antenna’s directivity. The greatest power emitted in the main lobe of an antenna’s design may be used to calculate the directivity by measuring it and comparing it to the amount of electricity transmitted by an ideal isotropic in shape antenna (Rashmitha et al. 2020). Directivity (D) in loudness is calculated as follows:

“Directivity (dBi) = 10 * log10(Pmax / Piso)”

Where: Pmax is the antenna pattern’s main lobe’s maximum radiating power.

The power emitted by an antenna with isotropic properties under identical circumstances is known as piso.

2. Antenna Arrays

Combining several antennas in antenna arrays improves performance in terms of higher directivity, beam shaping process, and signal intensity. The Array Component and the Radiation A pattern are two crucial variables in array computations. For Wireless Communication Systems: Take into account N identical antennas separated at a distance of ‘d’ separating each element to figure out the Array Factor for a handheld communication network (Volkan et al. 2020). The Array Factor (AF) is calculated using

“AF(theta θ) = Σ[exp(j * 2 * π * d * sin(theta θ) * n / λ)]”

The array factor, or AF(theta θ), is a function of the angle “theta θ”. The array has N items in total. The distance (d) between antenna components. The element index is n, with values ranging from 0 to N-1. The frequency’s operational wavelength is λ.

Summary

Antenna radiation patterns, which specify how antennas send and receive signals, are essential to mobile and spacecraft communication systems. To increase connection, signal coverage must be optimized, the interference must be decreased, and overall communication linkages must be improved. Antennas are crucial components of wireless devices and cell towers in the field of mobile communication. While directional antennas concentrate their radiation on a specific region, enhancing signal strength and performance, omnidirectional antennas radiate signals equally in all directions, guaranteeing extensive coverage.

Antennas installed on satellites are used in satellite communication to establish data transfer with ground stations. In order to effectively transmit signals across great distances, parabolic reflector antennas focus their radiation into focused beams that are directed to specific locations on Earth. Theoretical assessment, electromagnetism simulations, and experimental observations are required to comprehend radiation patterns. Before making actual observations, engineers utilize theoretical simulations and mathematical models to forecast trends. A fixed receiving antenna or scanning system must be used to capture radiated signals when the antenna is mounted on a revolving platform. To display radiation properties, data is gathered from multiple perspectives and then transformed into graphical representations like polar graphs or 3D patterns.

The process of performance evaluation comprises verifying antenna effectiveness while gain, angle of incidence, and beamwidth as well as comparing measured patterns to theoretical predictions. Engineers’ ongoing efforts to improve communication systems drive steady advancements in the research and analysis of antenna radiating patterns.

References

Al-Janabi, F., Singh, M.J. and Pharwaha, A.P.S., 2021. Development of Microstrip Antenna for Satellite Application at Ku/Ka Band. J. Commun., 16(4), pp.118-125.

Barbuto, M., Miri, M.A., Alu, A., Bilotti, F. and Toscano, A., 2019. A topological design tool for the synthesis of antenna radiation patterns. IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, 68(3), pp.1851-1859.

Baudha, S., Kapoor, K. and Yadav, M.V., 2019, March. U-shaped microstrip patch antenna with partial ground plane for mobile satellite services (MSS). In 2019 URSI Asia-Pacific Radio Science Conference (AP-RASC) (pp. 1-5). IEEE.

Ehtaiba, M.H. and Elamari, H.M., 2023. Design M× N Adaptive Antenna Array for Personal-Satellite Communications Link. Sirte University Scientific Journal, 13(1), pp.16-24.

El Hadri, D., Zugari, A., Zakriti, A., El Ouahabi, M. and Taouzari, M., 2020. A compact triple band antenna for military satellite communication, radar and fifth generation applications. Advanced Electromagnetics, 9(3), pp.66-73.

Hussain, M., Mazher, A., Chaudary, E., Hussain, B., Alibakhshikenari, M., Falcone, F. and Limiti, E., 2021, August. Compact Dual-Band Antenna with High Gain and Simple Geometry for 5G Cellular Communication Operating at 28 GHz and 44 GHz. In 2021 XXXIVth General Assembly and Scientific Symposium of the International Union of Radio Science (URSI GASS) (pp. 1-4). IEEE.

Khan, M.M. and Sultana, A., 2020. Novel and compact ultra-wideband wearable band-notch antenna design for body sensor networks and mobile healthcare system. Engineering Proceedings, 3(1), p.1.

Koli, M.N.Y., Afzal, M.U., Esselle, K.P. and Hashmi, R.M., 2020. An all-metal high-gain radial-line slot-array antenna for low-cost satellite communication systems. IEEE Access, 8, pp.139422-139432.

Rana, M.S., Islam, S.I., Al Mamun, S., Mondal, L.K., Ahmed, M.T. and Rahman, M.M., 2022. An S-Band Microstrip Patch Antenna Design and Simulation for Wireless Communication Systems. Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (IJEEI), 10(4), pp.945-954.

Rashmitha, R., Niran, N., Jugale, A.A. and Ahmed, M.R., 2020. Microstrip patch antenna design for fixed mobile and satellite 5G communications. Procedia Computer Science, 171, pp.2073-2079.

Volkan, A.K.A.N., 2020. Design of polyrod antenna having isoflux radiation characteristic for satellite communication systems. International Advanced Researches and Engineering Journal, 4(3), pp.226-232