Verification of Size Reduced Circularly Polarized Log-Periodic Dipole Array (CPLPDA)

In the design of antennas, it is important to remember that size is a very important issue. This brings the question, is it possible to maintain performance of antenna design while still reducing the size. The answer simply is yes, given the time and effort into design. A common method used today in antenna design is top loading. Top loading implores a method of increasing the radiation resistance of the antenna. The resistance is increased by adding a top feature to the antenna giving capacitance to the design. A typical top loading design can add to the performance of an antenna, making it seem to be physically bigger. In this aspect, by reducing the size of the elements in a log periodic dipole array and adding a top loading feature, a small and more compact design can be achieved. A log periodic dipole array antenna (LPDA), is an antenna design that can operate at a wide bandwidth while still maintaining high performance. Another part of my design is that it is circularly polarized. This means that the antenna will be able to communicate in a circular 360 degrees of motion of its axes. A design has been simulated with good results. My goal is to complete my research by fabricating and measuring the design. The design will be built to operate from 1 GHz to about 3.0 GHz. The goal will be to obtain matching data of that with the simulation verifying the designs functionality. This design will reduce the size of the original antenna by more than 75%, while maintaining its bandwidth. The data collected will show that the method I used was a success and allow me to write paper intended for publication showing my results