Antennas and Beyond!
This is a blog dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of antenna design and simulation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced engineer, you’ll find valuable insights into antenna modeling, theory, numerical methods, and practical examples of antenna models using AN-SOF Antenna Simulation Software.
Featured
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Modeling an Inverted V Antenna for 40 Meters: Design Insights and Ground Effects
The Inverted V antenna is a cornerstone of HF communication, providing a space efficient and single mast supported alternative to the horizontal dipole. This guide examines the critical influence of the antenna height above ground on its radiation pattern. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to use AN-SOF to accurately model the feedpoint at the antenna apex,…
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Introducing AN-SOF 10.5 – Smarter Tools, Faster Workflow, Greater Precision
We’re excited to announce the release of AN-SOF Antenna Simulator version 10.5, bringing a powerful set of new features and enhancements designed to improve your workflow and elevate your modeling precision.
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Evaluating EMF Compliance – Part 2: Using Near-Field Calculations to Determine Exclusion Zones
In this article, we dive deep into near-field calculations to establish RF exclusion zones. By understanding near-field and far-field regions, occupational vs. public exposure, health impacts, and practical methods, we ensure compliance with EMF guidelines and safeguard human health.
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Sections
The Antenna Lab
Unlock the world of antenna design! This section offers engaging resources for educators and students, fostering a deeper understanding of antenna theory and practice.
The Ham’s Corner
Take your ham radio skills to the next level! This section offers practical tips, tutorials, and project ideas specifically designed for the needs and interests of radio enthusiasts.
Advanced RF Edge
Delve into the cutting edge of antenna design. This section explores industry trends, insightful case studies, and advanced technical insights to empower antenna professionals.
Categories
1. Ideal Antennas 2. Antenna Metrics 3. Linear Antennas 4. Advanced Antennas 5. Simulation Methods Adding Wire Grids/Solid Surfaces Adding Wires Antenna Feeder Calculator Apertures & Reflectors Array Antennas Background Theory Book Complex Environments Current Distribution Curved Antennas Displaying Results Drawing Wires Editing Wires FAQs Far Field Fractal Antennas Getting Started Grids and Surfaces Ground Planes Guides Guides & Tools Incident Field Input Impedances Linear Antennas Load Impedances Microstrip Antennas Modeling Guidelines Models Near Field Numerical Methods Release Notes Results Display Running Calculations Scripts & Optimizers Setup Guide Simulation Setup Sources and Loads Step By Step Transmission Lines Traveling Wave Validation Wire Antennas
Tags
advanced RF (26) antenna arrays (19) antenna design (13) antenna lab (38) blog (108) broadband (2) dipole (12) directional (27) featured (3) fractal (3) ham radio (25) helix (8) loop (18) microstrip (4) monopole (8) multiband (4) omnidirectional (17) quad (3) release notes (22) tips & tricks (14) transmission lines (4) validation (6) yagi (7)
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Recent Articles
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Transmission Line Feeding in Antenna Design: Exploring the Four-Square Array
Explore the Four-Square Array: a phased array using six transmission lines in its feeding system. Perfect for directional control, it combines simplicity and performance for RF engineers, ham operators, and antenna designers.
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Simplified Modeling of Microstrip Antennas on Ungrounded Dielectric Substrates: A Practical First-Order Approach
Discover a practical first-order method for modeling microstrip antennas on ungrounded dielectric substrates with simplicity and ease.
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Fast Modeling of a Monopole Supported by a Broadcast Tower
Elevate your antenna design game with our latest video tutorial on monopole modeling using AN-SOF.
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Linking Log-Periodic Antenna Elements Using Transmission Lines
Dive into the world of advanced antenna design with our latest tutorial! Discover the art of connecting Log-Periodic Antenna Elements using Transmission Lines in the AN-SOF Antenna Simulator.
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Introducing AN-SOF 8.50: Enhanced Antenna Design & Simulation Software
Embrace the antenna revolution with AN-SOF 8.50! Unleash its advanced features: Transmission Line models, expanded power budget, and precise far-field calculation. Free trial available!
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Get Ready for the Next Level of Antenna Design: AN-SOF 8.50 is Coming Soon!
Get ready for the future of antenna design. AN-SOF 8.50 brings enhanced features like Transmission Line models, extended power budget, and improved far-field calculation. Stay tuned for the release!
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AN-SOF Implements James R. Wait Theory for Ground Losses of LF/MF Radio Masts
AN-SOF introduces an innovative method based on James R. Wait theory to accurately compute ground losses, improving monopole antenna design. Explore the validated model for LF/MF radio masts.
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Overcoming 7 Limitations in Antenna Design: Introducing AN-SOF’s Conformal Method of Moments
Introducing AN-SOF’s Conformal Method of Moments, an advanced approach to wire antenna design. By overcoming several limitations of traditional techniques, this method enables accurate modeling and analysis of antennas with complex geometries.
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Explore the Cutting-Edge World of AN-SOF Antenna Simulation Software!
This quick overview document provides a concise introduction to the capabilities of AN-SOF, designed to revolutionize the way you approach antenna design.
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Linear Antenna Theory: Historical Approximations and Numerical Validation
Discover the vital role of historical theoretical results alongside advanced numerical calculations in accurately approximating current distribution on linear antennas.
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Wave Matching Coefficient: Defining the Practical Near-Far Field Boundary
Discover how the Wave Matching Coefficient (WMC) redefines near-far field boundaries. Using a 20 dB threshold, we uncover new distances for elementary antennas and a consistent method to define non-spherical boundaries for antennas of any size or complexity relative to the wavelength.
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AN-SOF Mastery: Adding Elevated Radials Quickly
Rev up your AN-SOF skills with this video tutorial featuring two fast methods for adding elevated radials.
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Front-to-Rear and Front-to-Back Ratios: Applying Key Antenna Directivity Metrics
Understand the difference between Front-to-Rear (F/R) and Front-to-Back (F/B) ratios, key metrics for antenna directivity. Learn how to calculate and interpret these values using AN-SOF software. Improve your antenna designs with this essential knowledge.
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Validation of a Panel RBS Antenna with Dipole Radiators against IEC 62232 Standard
This article validates AN-SOF’s results against the IEC FDIS 62232 standard by replicating an RBS panel antenna model with nine dipole radiators. The successful validation highlights AN-SOF’s ability to deliver highly accurate results, even with relatively simple models.
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Upgrade to AN-SOF 8.20 – Unleash Your Potential
AN-SOF has released its latest version, 8.20, which brings significant enhancements to improve the software’s accessibility and performance.
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Modeling a Super J-Pole: A Look Inside a 5-Element Collinear Antenna
Simulating a Super J-Pole: A 2m Antenna Analysis. This article describes a 5-element collinear antenna design for the 2m band, its radiation pattern, VSWR, and key components for optimal performance.
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AN-SOF 8: Elevating Antenna Simulation to the Next Level
New Plots tab where we can quickly see the input impedance, VSWR, gain, Front-to-Rear, and Front-to-Back ratios as a function of frequency, with various visualization controls (grids, points, markers, etc.).
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Simulating a Multiband Omnidirectional Dipole Antenna Design
Discover the design and simulation of a multiband omnidirectional dipole antenna using AN-SOF. Operating at six key frequencies, this antenna combines closely spaced parallel dipoles into a single feed point. Explore how simulation reveals performance patterns and empowers your antenna experiments.
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The Loop on Ground (LoG) Antenna: A Compact Solution for Directional Reception
The Loop on Ground (LoG) antenna offers a compact solution for directional reception with a cardioid radiation pattern. This article explores its design and highlights the efficiency achieved through the Conformal Method of Moments (CMoM).
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New Release: AN-SOF 7.90
This version of AN-SOF has new functions and options: ARRL-style scale in polar plots. Radiation pattern slices in decibels can be displayed…
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Precision Simulations with AN-SOF for Magnetic Loop Antennas
Explore dual-loop magnetic antenna design and simulation with AN-SOF. Model performance at five frequencies, showcasing radiation patterns, current distributions, and tuning values. Automated bulk simulations streamline the process.
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Efficient NOAA Satellite Signal Reception with the Quadrifilar Helix Antenna
The Quadrifilar Helix (QFH) antenna, with its unique design and circular polarization, ensures efficient NOAA satellite signal reception. This article explores the history, key characteristics, and practical modeling of QFH antennas using AN-SOF, providing valuable insights for RF engineers and enthusiasts.
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Validating V Antennas: Directivity Analysis with AN-SOF
This article validates AN-SOF’s results against established formulas for V antennas, highlighting its advanced modeling capabilities. We explore optimal angles, directivity enhancements, and precise calculations, making AN-SOF a powerful tool for RF engineers, ham radio enthusiasts, and antenna designers.
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Enhancing VHF Performance: The Dual Reflector Moxon Antenna for 145 MHz
Discover the Dual Reflector Moxon Antenna at 145 MHz (2m band): Amplified Gain and Enhanced Performance for VHF Enthusiasts.
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Building a Compact High-Performance UHF Array with AN-SOF: A 4-Element Biquad Design
Need a compact directional antenna for your UHF needs? This 4-element Biquad antenna, designed with AN-SOF, packs a powerful punch in a relatively small space. Perfect for UHF applications where space is at a premium!
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Validating AN-SOF Simulations for Gain and VSWR of Helix Antennas in Axial Mode
AN-SOF simulations of axial-mode helical antennas closely match John D. Kraus’s classic measurements for gain and VSWR, confirming its accuracy. Using the Conformal Method of Moments, AN-SOF models true helix curvature, delivering reliable predictions for high-gain circularly polarized designs.
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Helical Antennas in Normal Mode: Theoretical Limits and Numerical Validation
Validate the electromagnetic behavior of the helical antenna in its Normal Mode through this detailed study referencing the foundational work of John D. Kraus. By analyzing the transition from a 3D helical structure to its theoretical loop-dipole equivalent, this article demonstrates how AN-SOF accurately captures the broadside radiation pattern and the asymptotic gain limit. Essential…
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Input Impedance and Directivity of Large Circular Loops: Theory vs. Numerical Simulation
Moving beyond the uniform-current simplifications of small antennas, this article analyzes the electromagnetic behavior of electrically large circular loops. By benchmarking AN-SOF numerical results against classical Fourier theory, we explore how loop circumference and wire thickness influence non-uniform current distributions, parallel/series resonances, and axial directivity. This detailed study validates the accuracy of CMoM for curved…
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Precision Modeling of Small Loop Antennas: Validating the Conformal Method of Moments (CMoM)
Validate the precision of the Conformal Method of Moments (CMoM) through this rigorous study of small loop antennas. By comparing simulated circular and square loops against classical asymptotic theory, we demonstrate how AN-SOF accurately models radiation resistance and directivity in the low-frequency limit, where antenna size is a tiny fraction of a wavelength. This article…
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Validating Dipole Antenna Simulations: A Comparative Study with King-Middleton
This article presents a comprehensive comparison between AN-SOF’s dipole antenna simulations and the renowned King-Middleton second-order solution. Through rigorous analysis and numerical experiments, we validate the accuracy and reliability of AN-SOF in predicting dipole antenna input impedance.
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Indexed Articles
- 1.3 Arrays of Point Sources
- Adding Loads
- Adding a PEC Ground Plane
- Aborting the Calculations
- A Closer Look at the HF Skeleton Slot Antenna
- Adding a Custom Lossy Line
- Adding a Dielectric Substrate
- Adding a Feed Line and Transformer
- Adding a Real Ground Plane
- Adding Sources
- Adding Transmission Lines
- Adjusting the Color Bar in AN-3D Pattern
- Advantages of AN-SOF for Simulating 433 MHz Spring Helical Antennas for ISM & LoRa Applications
- An Efficient Approach to Simulating Radiating Towers for Broadcasting Applications
- An RLC Circuit
- AN-SOF 7.0 is Here!
- AN-SOF 7.20 is ready!
- AN-SOF 7.80 is ready!
- AN-SOF 8.70: Enhancing Your Antenna Design Journey
- AN-SOF 8: Elevating Antenna Simulation to the Next Level
- AN-SOF 9.50 Release: Streamlining Polarization, Geometry, and EMF Calculations
- AN-SOF 9: Taking Antenna Design Further with New Feeder and Tuner Calculators
- AN-SOF Antenna Simulation Best Practices: Checking and Correcting Model Errors
- AN-SOF Antenna Simulation Software - Version 8.90 Release Notes
- AN-SOF Data Export: A Guide to Streamlining Your Workflow
- AN-SOF Engine User Guide
- AN-SOF Implements James R. Wait Theory for Ground Losses of LF/MF Radio Masts
- AN-SOF in Action: Modeling and Understanding the Performance of Fractal Antennas
- AN-SOF Mastery: Adding Elevated Radials Quickly
- AN-SOF Overview
- AN-SOF User Guide
- Arc
- Archimedean Spiral
- Articles Index Directory
- A Simple, Low-Cost Approach to Simulating Solid Wheel Antennas at 2.4 GHz
- A Transmission Line
- Automating 2-Element Quad Array Design: Scripting and Bulk Processing in AN-SOF
- Automotive Antenna Placement: How Vehicle Geometry Reshapes FM Reception
- 2.7 Beamwidth and Sidelobes
- Beyond Analytical Formulas: Accurate Coil Inductance Calculation with AN-SOF
- Boosting Performance with Dual V Antennas: A Practical Design and Simulation
- Building a Beam: Modeling a 5-Element 2m Band Quad Array
- Building a Compact High-Performance UHF Array with AN-SOF: A 4-Element Biquad Design
- Building Effective Cost Functions for Antenna Optimization: Weighting, Normalization, and Trade-offs
- 3.1 Cylindrical Wire Antennas
- Calculating the Current Distribution
- Calculating the Far Field
- Calculating the Near E-Field
- Calculating the Near H-Field
- Can AI Design Antennas? Lessons from a 3-Iteration Yagi-Uda Experiment
- Circle
- Complete Workflow: Modeling, Feeding, and Tuning a 20m Band Dipole Antenna
- Cone
- Conformal Method of Moments
- Connecting Transmission Lines
- Connecting Wires
- Connecting Wires to the Ground
- Convergence of the Dipole Input Impedance
- Copying and Stacking Wires
- Cross-Section Equivalent Radius
- Curved vs. Straight Segments
- Custom Feed Line Options
- Custom Preferences
- Custom Transmission Lines
- Cylinder
- 5.2 Differential Equation Methods
- 2.6 Directivity and Gain
- Defining the Environment
- Defining the Excitation
- Deleting a Grid/Surface
- Deleting a Wire
- Deleting Multiple Wires
- Design and Analysis of a Parabolic Cylinder Reflector with a Back-Firing Primary Radiator
- Design and Simulation of a Compact Self-Resonant Pyramidal Horn Antenna for 2.4 GHz WiFi
- Design and Simulation of Short Top-Loaded Monopole Antennas for LF and MF Bands
- Design Guidelines for Skeleton Slot Antennas: A Simulation-Driven Approach
- Dipole Gain and Radiation Resistance
- Disc
- Disclaimer of Warranty
- Displaying Smith Charts
- DIY Helix High Gain Directional Antenna: From Simulation to 3D Printing
- Download Examples
- 2.11 Effective Aperture and Gain
- 3.6 Equivalent Radius for Non-Circular Wires
- Editing Loads
- Editing Sources
- Editing Transmission Lines
- Efficient NOAA Satellite Signal Reception with the Quadrifilar Helix Antenna
- Electric Field Integral Equation
- Element Spacing Simulation Script for Yagi-Uda Antennas
- Enabling/Disabling Coating
- Enabling/Disabling Loads
- Enabling/Disabling Resistivity
- Enhanced Methodology for Monopoles Above Radial Wire Ground Screens
- Enhancing Antenna Design Flexibility: Project Merging in AN-SOF
- Enhancing VHF Performance: The Dual Reflector Moxon Antenna for 145 MHz
- Evaluating EMF Compliance - Part 1: A Guide to Far-Field RF Exposure Assessments
- Evaluating EMF Compliance - Part 2: Using Near-Field Calculations to Determine Exclusion Zones
- Evolving Better Antennas: A Genetic Algorithm Optimizer Using AN-SOF and Scilab
- Excitation by an Incident Field
- Excitation of the Structure
- Experimenting with Half-Wave Square Loops: Simulation and Practical Insights
- Explicit Modeling of a 9-Element LPDA: Capturing Real-World Wideband Performance
- Explore 5 Antenna Models with Less Than 50 Segments in AN-SOF Trial Version
- Explore the Cutting-Edge World of AN-SOF Antenna Simulation Software!
- Exploring an HF Log-Periodic Sawtooth Array: Insights from Geometry to Simulation
- Exploring the Spiral Loop Antenna: A Compact Solution for 80m DXing
- Exporting Currents on a Wire
- Exporting the Far Field
- Exporting the Near Field
- Exporting Wires
- Export Radiation Patterns to MSI Planet
- Export Radiation Patterns to Radio Mobile
- Extended Double Zepp (EDZ): A Phased Array Solution for Directional Antenna Applications
- 2.8 Feedpoint Impedance and Bandwidth
- 4.7 Fractal Antennas
- Far Field Parameters
- Fast Modeling of a Monopole Supported by a Broadcast Tower
- Feeder Results: Input Impedance and Losses
- File Formats
- Flat Ring
- Fractal vs. Arbitrary Geometry: Analyzing the VE9SRB "Random" Loop
- Front-to-Rear and Front-to-Back Ratios: Applying Key Antenna Directivity Metrics
- 3.4 Hallén’s Integral Equation
- 4.2 Helical Antennas
- 4.5 Horn Antennas
- 5.4 Hybrid Numerical Techniques
- Helical Antennas in Normal Mode: Theoretical Limits and Numerical Validation
- Helix
- H-Field Option in Preferences
- HF Maritime Platform Integration: Modeling a 10 MHz Naval Monopole Array
- High-Gain Biquad Antenna with Planar Reflector: Analysis and Applications for the 866.5 MHz ISM Band
- High-Performance Impedance Matching in Microstrip Antennas: The Role of Capacitive Feeding
- How to Adjust the Radiation Pattern Reference Point for Better Visualization
- How to Speed Up Simulations in AN-SOF: Tips for Faster Results
- 3.3 Induced EMF Method
- 3.2 Input Impedance and Feedpoint Modeling
- 5.3 Integral Equation Methods
- 5.1 Introduction to Antenna Simulation
- Importing Wires
- Incident Field Parameters
- Input Impedance and Directivity of Large Circular Loops: Theory vs. Numerical Simulation
- Internal Impedance of a Source
- Introducing AN-SOF 10.5 – Smarter Tools, Faster Workflow, Greater Precision
- Introducing AN-SOF 8.50: Enhanced Antenna Design & Simulation Software
- Introducing the AN-SOF Engine: Power, Speed, and Flexibility for Antenna Simulation
- Introduction to Yagi-Uda Arrays: Analyzing a 5-Element Beam with a Folded Dipole Driver
- 4.1 Loop Antennas
- 4.4 Log-Periodic Arrays
- Licensing FAQ
- Line
- Linear Antenna Theory: Historical Approximations and Numerical Validation
- Linking Log-Periodic Antenna Elements Using Transmission Lines
- Listing Load Impedances
- Listing the Currents in a Segment
- Listing the Input Impedances, VSWR, and S11
- Logarithmic Spiral
- 5.5 Method of Moments (MoM)
- 4.8 Microstrip and Printed Antennas
- 1.9 Monopole Antennas
- 1.1 Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Radiation
- Modeling a Center-Fed Cylindrical Antenna with AN-SOF
- Modeling a Circular Loop Antenna in AN-SOF: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Modeling an Inverted V Antenna for 40 Meters: Design Insights and Ground Effects
- Modeling a Super J-Pole: A Look Inside a 5-Element Collinear Antenna
- Modeling Coaxial Cables
- Modeling Common-Mode Currents in Coaxial Cables: A Hybrid Approach
- Modeling Helix Antennas in Axial Radiation Mode Using AN-SOF
- Modifying a Grid/Surface
- Modifying a Wire
- Monopole Antennas Over Imperfect Ground: Modeling and Analysis with AN-SOF
- Moving, Rotating, and Scaling Wires
- 4.6 Parabolic Reflectors
- 2.2 Polarization
- Paraboloid
- Patch
- Plate
- Plotting 2D Far Field Patterns
- Plotting 3D Far Field Patterns
- Plotting Near Field Patterns
- Plotting the Current Distribution
- Plotting the Far Field Spectrum
- Plotting the Near Field Spectrum
- Power Budget
- Precision Modeling of Small Loop Antennas: Validating the Conformal Method of Moments (CMoM)
- Precision Simulations with AN-SOF for Magnetic Loop Antennas
- Project Details
- 2.3 Radiated Power and Energy Conservation
- 2.5 Radiation Efficiency
- 2.1 Radiation Pattern Fundamentals
- 2.4 Radiation Resistance
- 2.10 Receiving Mode Operation
- Radar Cross Section
- Radar Cross Section and Reception Characteristics of a Passive Loop Antenna: A Simulation Study
- Rectangular Microstrip Patch Antennas: A Comparative Analysis of Transmission Line Theory and AN-SOF Numerical Results
- Removing the Ground Plane
- Resonant Radar Cross Section (RCS) Analysis of a Jet Trainer in the HF Band
- RF Calculators
- RF Techniques: Implicit Modeling and Equivalent Circuits for Baluns
- Running a Bulk Simulation
- 3.7 Self and Mutual Impedances
- Scilab Script for Plotting Level Curves
- Selecting and Modifying Multiple Wires
- Selecting a Wire
- Shortcut Keys
- Simple Dual Band Vertical Dipole for the 2m and 70cm Bands
- Simplified Modeling of Microstrip Antennas on Ungrounded Dielectric Substrates: A Practical First-Order Approach
- Simulating a Multiband Omnidirectional Dipole Antenna Design
- Simulating Helical Antennas over Finite Wire-Grid Ground Planes
- Specifying the Frequencies
- Sphere
- Step-by-Step: Modeling Basic Yagi-Uda Arrays for Beginners
- 2.12 The Friis Transmission Equation
- 1.6 The Half-Wave Dipole
- 1.4 The Hertzian Dipole – FREE SAMPLE
- 1.2 The Isotropic Radiator
- 2.9 The Reciprocity Principle
- 1.5 The Short Dipole
- 1.7 Thin Dipoles of Arbitrary Length
- Tabular Input of Linear Wires
- Tapered Wires
- Technical FAQ
- The 17m Band 2-Element Delta Loop Beam: A Compact, High-Gain Antenna for DX Enthusiasts
- The 3D-View Interface
- The 5-in-1 J-Pole Antenna Solution for Multiband Communications
- The AN-SOF Calculation Engine
- The AN-SOF Interface
- The Conformal Method of Moments
- The Exact Kernel
- The Lazy-H Antenna: A 10-Meter Band Design Guide
- The List Currents Toolbar
- The Loop on Ground (LoG) Antenna: A Compact Solution for Directional Reception
- The MI2 Fractal Loop: Achieving Resonant Efficiency in Compact Apertures
- The Moxon-Yagi Dual-Band VHF/UHF Antenna for Superior Satellite Link Performance
- The Plots Tab
- The Results Tab
- The Run ALL Command
- The Settings Panel
- The Setup Tab
- The Source/Load/TL Toolbar
- Tools in the Workspace
- To Our Valued AN-SOF Customers and Users: Reflections, Milestones, and Future Plans
- Transmission Line Feeding in Antenna Design: Exploring the Four-Square Array
- Troubleshooting
- Truncated Cone
- Tuner for Impedance Matching
- Types of Excitations and Loads
- Types of Grids and Surfaces
- Types of Results
- Types of Wires
- 1.0 Table of Contents
- Navigating the Numerical Landscape: Choosing the Right Antenna Simulation Method
- Near Field Parameters
- Nelder-Mead Optimization for Antenna Design Using the AN-SOF Engine and Scilab
- New AN-SOF User Guide
- New Release :: AN-SOF 6.20 ::
- New Release :: AN-SOF 6.40 ::
- New Release :: AN-SOF 7.10 ::
- New Release: AN-SOF 7.50
- New Release: AN-SOF 7.90
- New Tools in AN-SOF: Selecting and Editing Wires in Bulk
- Numerical Green's Function