Course detail
Antennas and Radio Links
FEKT-MPC-ARAAcad. year: 2025/2026
The subject is focused on the explanation of basic principles of the antenna theory and radio wave propagation, and their exploitation for antenna and radio links design. Students will practice their knowledge on the design, manufacturing and measuring of a given antenna, and on the analysis and design of selected radio links in a real environment.
Language of instruction
Number of ECTS credits
Mode of study
Guarantor
Department
Entry knowledge
- compute with complex numbers;
- apply fundamental principles of integral and differential calculus;
- explain fundamental principles of electromagnetic field theory (Maxwell’s equations, elementary radiation sources, propagation of plane and spherical wave, propagation of a wave along transmission line).
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
Aims
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); (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 principles of antennas with an extremely wide band of operation; (f) explain a term "electrically small anntena"; (g) describe basic steps of a design procedure selected type sof antennas for RFID, mobile applications, and sensors; (h) explain basic principles of antenna modeling; (i) specify, for a desired frequency band, a dominant mechanism of propagation, appropriate types of antennas, and typical services of operation; (j) describe principles of radio wave propagation close to the Earth’s surface; (k) describe basic steps of a radio link design; (l) describe computation of electric field intensity in a real terrain; (m) describe exploitation of propagation curves for the determination of electric field intensity; (n) explain principles of wave propagation and modeling in the area of mobile communication, and explain deterministic, empirical and semi-empirical propagation model; (o) describe a principle of an empirical model creation; (p) describe influence of atmosphere on radio links; (q) explain "digital microwave link", specify its pros and cons, explain quality criterions and basic steps of digital microwave link design.
Study aids
Prerequisites and corequisites
Basic literature
BALANIS, C. A., Modern Antenna Handbook, John Wilye & Sons, Croydon, 2008. (CS)
ČERNOHORSKÝ, D. a NOVÁČEK, Z.: Antény a šíření rádiových vln. Přednášky. Skriptum FEKT VUT Brno, Brno 2001. (CS)
SEYBOLD, J. S., Introduction to RF propagation, John Wiley and Sons, New Jersey, 2005. (CS)
Recommended reading
Classification of course in study plans
- Programme MPC-EKT Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
Type of course unit
Lecture
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
1. Antenna basics, antenna analysis.
2. Linear antennas, antenna arrays, linear antennas for selected frequency bands.
3. Microstrip antennas.
4. Horn antennas, reflector antennas.
5. Slot antennas and wideband antennas.
6. Electrically small antennas.
7. Antenna for RFID, antennas for mobile applications, antennas for sensors.
8. Antenna auxiliary circuits, materials for antenna technique, structure and fabrication of antennas, antenna measurement.
9. Radiocommunication services, exploitation of radio spectrum, conditions of radiocommunication, basic concept of radio links design.
10. Propagation of radio waves close to Earth surface, space and surface wave.
11. Mobile radio communication, propagation models for macrocells, microcells, and picocells, indoor radiowave propagation.
12. Influence of atmosphere on radio links.
13. Microwave links.
Exercise in computer lab
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
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