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Conformal Array Antenna Theory and Design

ISBN: 978-0-471-46584-3

January 2006

Wiley-IEEE Press

488 pages

Description

This publication is the first comprehensive treatment of conformal antenna arrays from an engineering perspective. There are journal and conference papers that treat the field of conformal antenna arrays, but they are typically theoretical in nature. While providing a thorough foundation in theory, the authors of this publication provide readers with a wealth of hands-on instruction for practical analysis and design of conformal antenna arrays. Thus, readers gain the knowledge they need, alongside the practical know-how to design antennas that are integrated into structures such as an aircraft or a skyscraper.

Compared to planar arrays, conformal antennas, which are designed to mold to curved and irregularly shaped surfaces, introduce a new set of problems and challenges. To meet these challenges, the authors provide readers with a thorough understanding of the nature of these antennas and their properties. Then, they set forth the different methods that must be mastered to effectively handle conformal antennas.

This publication goes well beyond some of the common issues dealt with in conformal antenna array design into areas that include:

  • Mutual coupling among radiating elements and its effect on the conformal antenna array characteristics
  • Doubly curved surfaces and dielectric covered surfaces that are handled with a high frequency method
  • Explicit formulas for geodesics on surfaces that are more general than the canonical circular cylinder and sphere

With specific examples of conformal antenna designs, accompanied by detailed illustrations and photographs, this is a must-have reference for engineers involved in the design and development of conformal antenna arrays. The publication also serves as a text for graduate courses in advanced antennas and antenna systems.

About the Author
Lars Josefsson is a Fulbright scholar who has been with Ericsson Microwave Systems in Sweden since 1963 when he worked on ground scattering problems associated with radar design, infrared radiation and propagation, and airborne pulse doppler radar system analysis.  In 1968 he moved to the Antenna Department at Ericsson where he was involved with broadband polarizers and twist reflectors, stripline and waveguide slot arrays, and phased array antenna systems.  He is responsible for the introduction of new antenna technology and systems, internal R& D projects, and internal courses relating to antennas.  In 2001 he was appointed Senior Expert, Antenna Systems.
He has at the early project definition phase undertaken studies for many of the antenna systems that have later been put into production by Ericsson.  These studies include, for example, dual frequency Cassegrain antennas, Flat plate antennas, Phase steered AEW antennas, and 3D Radar antennas.  Dr. Josefsson has taken an active role in the AIMT project (Antenna Integrated Microwave Technology) sponsored by FMV, the Swedish Defense Material Administration.  His responsibilities have included the development of mutual coupling models for certain classes of array antennas.  He was technical leader for the initial development phase of Ericsson's AESA phased array radar antenna, aimed at next generation airborne radar applications. Currently he is involved in developing conformal antenna arrays.

Patrik Persson is a research scientist and instructor at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. He is the 2002 recipient of the R.W.P. King Prize Paper Award by the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society.  A frequent collaborator with Dr. Josefsson, he teaches courses on Antenna Theory at RIT and has been a visiting scholar at the ElectroScience Laboratory at Ohio State University.