An Investigation of an Electronically Switched Beam Smart Antenna: Numerical and Empirical Approaches

Abstract

An investigation of an electronically switched beam smart antenna through numerical and empirical approaches is presented. This paper examines two scenarios of switched beam smart antenna realization to be applied in wireless communication application for mitigating multipath fading and interference effects. Smart antenna system realise real time RF signal processing and automatic switching of the beam pattern direction capabilities to improve the performance of communi-cation connection. Some factors that limit the performance of smart antenna together with the corresponding problems encountered during its numerical evaluation and fabrication stages are discussed. Index Termsswitched-beam smart antenna, RF-signal processing, LNA, RF detector, signal conditioning circuit (SCC), switching network.REFERENCES[1]C. Balanis, "Antenna Theory: Analysis and Design, " WILEY-INTERSCIENCE, JOHN WILEY & SONS, Inc. Publication 3rd Edition, New Jersey, 2005.[2]J.S. Blogh and L. Hanzo, Third-Generation Systems and Intelligent Wireless Networking: smart antennas and adaptive modulation, IEEE Press and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2002. Chapter 3, 4, and 5.[3]J.C. Liberti and T.S. Rappaport, Smart Antennas For Wireless Communications: IS-95 and Third Generation CDMA Applications. Prentice Hall PTR. Chapters 1, 3, and 4. 1999.[4]S.L. Preston, D.V. Thiel, T.A. Smith, S. G. O'Keefe and J.W. Lu, "Base- Station Tracking in Mobile Communications Using a Switched Parasitic Antenna Array," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 46, No. 6, pp.841-844. June 1998.[5]E. Palantei and D.V. Thiel, Electronically Switched Parasitic Smart Antenna for Wireless Communication. Conference Digest of the 9th Australian Symposium on Antennas, Sydney, Australia, pp.24. 16-17 Feb. 2005.[6]E. Palantei and D.V. Thiel, Circular Monopole Array Antenna with Intelligent Electronic Circuit at the Bottom Side of Cylindrical Ground Structure. To be submitted in IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.[7]A. Sibille, C. Robin and G. Poncelet, "Beam Steering Circular Monopole Arrays for Wireless Applications," in the proceeding book of 10th International Conference on Antennas and Propagation,14-17 April 1997, Conference Publication No. 436 © IEE 1997: pp. 1,358 1.361.[8]R. Schlub and D.V. Thiel, 2004. Switched Parasitic Antenna on a Finite Ground Plane With Conductive Sleeve. IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation. Vol. 52, No.5, pp. 1343-1347. May 2004.[9]R.F. Harrington, 1968. Field Computation by Moment Methods. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. Reprint Edition 1982.[10]NEC-Win Pro V1.6. Nittany Scientific, Inc. 2003.