Antenna design for ultra wideband radio

Abstract

The recent allocation of the 3.1-10.6 GHz spectrum by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for Ultra Wideband (UWB) radio applications has presented a myriad of exciting opportunities and challenges for design in the communications arena, including antenna design. Ultra Wideband Radio requires operating bandwidths up to greater than 100% of the center frequency. Successful transmission and reception of an Ultra Wideband pulse that occupies the entire 3.1-10.6 GHz spectrum require an antenna that has linear phase, low dispersion and VSWR [< or =] 2 throughout the entire band. Linear phase and low dispersion ensure low values of group delay, which is imperative for transmitting and receiving a pulse with minimal distortion. VSWR [< or =] 2 is required for proper impedance matching throughout the band, ensuring at least 90% total power radiation. Compatibility with an integrated circuit also requires an unobtrusive, electrically small design. The focus of this thesis is to develop an antenna for the UWB 3.1-10.6 GHz band that achieves a physically compact, planar profile, sufficient impedance bandwidth, high radiation pattern and near omnidirectional radiation pattern.