Recent years have seen major progress in the development of active antennas due to advances in spatial and quasi-optical power combining techniques. These techniques have resolved problems presented by the high power requirements of many solid-state devices, and their successful implementation is responsible for the tremendous growth in research and applications, including radar and communications, electronic warfare, and low-cost sensors.
The rapid evolution of this technology has stimulated a great deal of research and numerous publications. Yet most books on the subject focus on only one of the three major components of this interdisciplinary field -- microwave circuits, antenna theory, or solid-state devices -- but do not offer a unified overview of the entire field. Integrated Active Antennas and Spatial Power Combining provides the first comprehensive treatment of the theoretical and practical elements of integrated antennas, active antennas, and spatial power combining.
The first part of the book provides all the background information necessary to understand integrated antennas, including general oscillator theory as well as antenna, array, and power combining theory. The book then classifies active antennas according to function, describes the evolution of the technology, and provides the technical tools needed to proceed confidently with antenna integration projects.
Offering many examples and useful insights, authors Julio Navarro and Kai Chang clarify the concepts behind the methods of power combining and synchronization, and examine testing parameters and techniques for active antenna measurements. They review all active integrated devices on microstrip patches, grids, notches, and other antennas; cover the application of these devices to transmitters and power combining arrays; and discuss various other active and integrated antenna components. They conclude with a chapter on beam steering, exploring both theory and potential phased-array applications for this exciting new technology. Engineers and scientists in both industry and academia, especially those involved in microwave, antennas, and solid-state devices, will find Integrated Active Antennas and Spatial Power Combining an excellent professional reference, a dependable technical guide, and a doorway to new opportunities in this dynamic field of research.
The first integrated treatment of active antennas and spatial power combining This much-awaited publication introduces the theory and practice of active antenna design and power combining, skillfully integrating areas of solid-state devices, antennas, and microwave circuits. Supplemented with 250 illustrations and numerous real-world examples, Integrated Active Antennas and Spatial Power Combining reviews the large body of work underlying current technology, discusses the latest applications, and details the steps necessary to build integrated antennas that exploit the advantages of power combining techniques. Useful for design engineers and researchers in antennas and telecommunications, and for anyone involved in microwave technology, this book * Covers the basics of the three major components of integrated antennas: circuits, solid-state devices, and antennas * Offers a broad theoretical and practical treatment--from general oscillator theory to the many applications for active antennas--focusing on the role of transmitters and power combining in many applications * Explains active antenna power combining, including methodologies for power combining and synchronization, testing parameters and techniques for active antenna measurements, and oscillator characteristics * Provides up-to-date coverage of active integrated devices on microstrip patches, grids, notches, and other antennas, and their application to transmitters and power combining arrays * Explores the promising new technology of beam steering
Cover Design: Fran Wolfson, Picture This
About the Author
JULIO A. NAVARRO, PhD, is an engineer at Epsilon Lambda Electronics Corporation, where he designs and develops microstrip and waveguide antenna arrays from X- to W-band; specifically, microstrip patch antenna arrays that operate at 24, 35, 60, 77, and 94 GHz. He is currently working on efficient feeding methods for large phased arrays and collision warning systems for the automotive market. Dr. Navarro received his degree from Texas A&M along with a Graduate Engineering Fellowship in 1989, a National Science Foundation Fellowship in 1991, the Edensbarger Electrical Engineering Award in 1992, and a NASA-Lewis Training Grant in 1993. He has published over 20 technical papers and holds two patents in the microwave field.
KAI CHANG, PhD, is the E-Systems Endowed Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Texas A&M University, where he teaches and performs research in microwave devices and circuits. Dr. Chang received his degree from the University of Michigan and has received several awards, including the Special Achievement Award from TRW, the Halliburton Research Excellence Award, Distinguished Teaching Award, and Distinguished Research Award from Texas A&M University. He has authored the book Microwave Solid-State Circuits and Applications (published by Wiley in 1994), edited the four-volume Handbook of Microwave and Optical Components, contributed chapters to a number of books, and has published over 250 technical papers on microwave circuits, components, antennas, and subsystems.
