Course detail

Antennas and Propagation

FEKT-MPA-ANPAcad. year: 2025/2026

The subject is focused on the explanation of basic principles of the antenna theory and radio wave propagation with particular attention mainly on space applications. Students will practice their knowledge on the design, manufacturing and measuring of a given antenna.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Entry knowledge

Students who enroll the course should be able to:
- compute with complex numbers;
- apply fundamental principles of integral and differential calculus;
- explain fundamental principles of electromagnetic field theory.

The work in the laboratory is conditioned by a valid qualification of a "instructed worker" according to 50/1978 Coll., which students must obtain before the start of classes. Information on this qualification is given in the Dean's Directive Familiarization of students with safety regulations. 

 

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Laboratory exercises (15 points), an individual project (25 points), final exam (15 points written part + 45 points oral part=totally 60 points).
Evaluation of activities is specified by a regulation, which is issued by the lecturer responsible for the course annually.

Aims

The subject is aimed to present basic antenna types, their applications and technical design with particular attention mainly on space applications, and further, principles of radio wave propagation and atmospheric effects on a satellite link.
The graduate is able to:
(a) explain a principle of the operation and describe basic steps of a design procedure of selected types of linear antennas (dipole, monopole, folded dipole, log-periodic antenna, Yagi antenna, helix antenna);
(b) explain a principle of the operation and describe basic steps of a design procedure of linearly and circularly polarized microstrip patch antennas;
(c) explain a principle of the operation and describe basic steps of a design procedure of horn, reflector, and slot antennas;
(d) explain basic principles of antenna bandwidth increasing;
(e) explain a term "electrically small anntena";
(f) explain basic principles of antenna modeling;
(g) explain basic requirments on antennas for satellites;
(h) specify basic antenna types for satellites;
(i) explain basic requirments on antennas for Earth station;
(j) specify basic antenna types for Earth station;
(k) explain basic procedures of antenna testing for space applications;
(l) explain basic principles of radio wave propagation;
(m) specify, for a desired frequency band, a dominant mechanism of propagation, appropriate types of antennas;
(n) describe atmospheric effects (attenuation by atmospheric gases, hydrometeor attenuation, depolarization, radio noise, scintillation) on a satellite link;
(o) calculate satellite link budget.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

BALANIS, C., A., Antenna Theory: Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition, John Wiley and Sons, New Jersey, 2005. (EN)
IMBRIALE, W. A., GAO, S., BOCCIA, L., Space antenna handbook, Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 2012. (EN)
IPPOLITO, L. J., Radiowave propagation in satellite communications, Springer, New York, 1986. (EN)
SEYBOLD, J. S., Introduction to RF propagation, John Wiley and Sons, New Jersey, 2005. (EN)

Recommended reading

BALANIS, C. A., Modern Antenna Handbook, John Wilye & Sons, Croydon, 2008. (EN)
FUJIMOTO, K., MORISHITA, H., Modern Small Antennas, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2013. (EN)
SHOEMAKER, K., Pratical Antenna Design, Second Edition, Shoemaker Labs, Indian Harbour Beach, 2016. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPA-SAP Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Antenna basics, antenna analysis.
2. Linear antennas, antenna arrays.
3. Microstrip antennas.
4. Horn antennas and reflector antennas.
5. Slot antennas and wideband antennas.
6. Electrically small antennas.
7. Introduction to antennas for space applications.
8. Antennas for satellites.
9. Antennas for Earth station.
10. Testing of antennas for space applications.
11. Fundamentals of radiowave propagation.
12. Attenuation by atmospheric gases, hydrometeor attenuation and depolarization on satellite paths.
13. Radio noise, scintillation, satellite link budget calculation.

Exercise in computer lab

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Modeling of Linear Antennas in 4NEC2 Software

2. Modeling of Microstrip Patch Antenna in ANSYS Electronics Desktop – HFSS

3. Modeling of Circularly Polarized Microstrip Patch Antenna

4. Modeling of Slot Antenna

5. Modeling of Antennas for Portable Devices

 

Laboratory exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Measurement of current distribution on linear antennas

2. Measurement of ferrite loop antenna

3. Input impedance and impedance matching of microstrip antenn

4. Measurement and tuning of inverted F antenna

5. Gain and radiation pattern measurement of antennas