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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Complete Workflow: Modeling, Feeding, and Tuning a 20m Band Dipole Antenna
Here is a comprehensive guide to modeling, feeding, and tuning half-wave dipoles, offering principles and techniques that can be applied to any antenna system.
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AN-SOF 9: Taking Antenna Design Further with New Feeder and Tuner Calculators
Discover the advanced features of AN-SOF 9, the latest version that takes antenna design to the next level with groundbreaking Feeder and Tuner Calculators.
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Evaluating EMF Compliance – Part 1: A Guide to Far-Field RF Exposure Assessments
In today’s wireless world, ensuring Electromagnetic Field (EMF) compliance is crucial for protecting individuals from potential harmful effects of RF exposure. Join us as we explore the influence of antenna configurations, ground planes, and feed lines on far-field EIRP values, ensuring you possess the tools to navigate the complexities of EMF compliance effectively.
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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 practical applications.
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
Adding Wire Grids/Solid Surfaces Adding Wires Antenna Feeder Calculator Apertures & Reflectors Array Antennas Background Theory 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 How-To Guides Incident Field Input Impedances Linear Antennas Load Impedances Microstrip Antennas Modeling Guidelines Models Near Field Numerical Methods Release Notes Results Display Running Calculations Scripts Setup Guide Simulation Setup Sources and Loads Step By Step Transmission Lines Traveling Wave Validation Wire Antennas
Tags
advanced RF (12) antenna arrays (13) antenna design (8) antenna lab (17) blog (65) broadband (2) dipole (6) directional (15) featured (3) fractal (1) ham radio (22) helix (3) loop (10) microstrip (2) monopole (4) multiband (4) omnidirectional (12) quad (3) release notes (17) tips & tricks (11) transmission lines (3) validation (3) yagi (3)
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Recent Articles
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Log-Periodic Christmas Tree
At Golden Engineering we are passionate about antenna simulation. On this last day of the year we want to give you our Log-Periodic Christmas Tree made with AN-SOF.
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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 magnetic loop antennas, favored in ham radio. Learn about their dual loop design, coupling via induction, and AN-SOF Simulator for accurate simulations.
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Efficient NOAA Satellite Signal Reception with the Quadrifilar Helix Antenna
Discover the Quadrifilar Helix Antenna’s prowess in boosting NOAA satellite signal reception. Unveil its efficiency for superior connectivity and data capture.
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Enhancing VHF Performance: The Dual Reflector Moxon Antenna for 145 MHz
Discover the Dual Reflector Moxon Antenna at 145 MHz: 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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Building a Beam: Modeling a 5-Element 2m Band Quad Array
Want a directional antenna for the 2m band? This article explores modeling a 5-element quad array in AN-SOF, achieving good gain and front-to-back ratio.
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Advantages of AN-SOF for Simulating 433 MHz Spring Helical Antennas for ISM & LoRa Applications
Struggling with complex helical antenna designs for LoRa & ISM? AN-SOF overcomes limitations of traditional methods, enabling accurate simulations of 433 MHz spring helical antennas.
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AN-SOF in Action: Modeling and Understanding the Performance of Fractal Antennas
Dive into the fascinating world of fractal antennas! This article explores their revolutionary design principles using AN-SOF simulation software. Discover how self-similar patterns unlock wider bandwidths, smaller sizes, and superior efficiency compared to traditional antennas.
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Broadband Directional Antenna
This is a 4 element broadband directional antenna. More than 50 MHz of bandwidth (SWR < 1.5) around 285 MHz. Gain 7 to 8 dBi. Length 0.52 m and maximum width 0.6 m.
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Modeling a Circular Loop Antenna in AN-SOF: A Step-by-Step Guide
This step-by-step guide empowers you to simulate circular loop antennas in AN-SOF. We’ll configure the software, define loop geometry, and explore how its size relative to wavelength affects radiation patterns and input resistance. Gain valuable insights into this fundamental antenna type!
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AN-SOF Data Export: A Guide to Streamlining Your Workflow
Unleash the power of your AN-SOF simulations! This article explores the software’s data export features, enabling you to seamlessly transfer results to spreadsheets for further analysis, report generation, and clear communication of your antenna design findings.
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Enhancing Antenna Design: Project Merging in AN-SOF
Discover how AN-SOF’s project merging feature enhances antenna design flexibility, unlocking new possibilities.
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On the Modeling of Radio Masts
Radiating towers or radio masts can be modeled in AN-SOF with a high degree of detail, as shown in the figure below. Since we already know the omnidirectional shape of the radiation pattern, what interests us is to calculate electric field values at ground level for a given input power.
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The Equivalent Circuit of a Balun
A balun can be implicitly modeled in AN-SOF using an equivalent generator, as the figure below shows. Since voltage sources admit an internal impedance, we can adjust its resistance value to match the antenna input resistance.
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Setting the Radiation Pattern Center
From the far field point of view, the whole structure of an antenna and its surroundings is reduced to a single point at the origin (X,Y,Z) = (0,0,0).
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H-Field Option in Preferences
We see that most of the time we are interested in calculating only the E-field in antenna projects when we are talking about the near field. For this reason, we have added an option to enable or disable the automatic calculation of the H-Field.
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AN-SOF 7.80 is ready!
New version of Antenna Simulation Software: AN-SOF 7.8.
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New AN-SOF User Guide
Explore the new AN-SOF User Guide >, where you will find detailed information about its many features, as well as step-by-step examples and tips to help you quickly move forward with your antenna modeling projects.
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Explore 5 Antenna Models with Less Than 50 Segments in AN-SOF Trial Version
Discover 5 antenna models with less than 50 segments in AN-SOF Trial Version. These examples showcase the capabilities of our software for antenna modeling and design, allowing you to evaluate its features for your projects.
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A Closer Look at the HF Skeleton Slot Antenna
Explore the intricacies of the HF Skeleton Slot Antenna – a bi-directional marvel offering versatile HF communication.
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The 5-in-1 J-Pole Antenna Solution for Multiband Communications
Experience versatile communication with this 5-in-1 J-Pole Antenna – your go-to solution for multiband excellence.
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New Release: AN-SOF 7.50
New version of Antenna Simulation Software: AN-SOF 7.50.
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The 17m Band 2-Element Delta Loop Beam: A Compact, High-Gain Antenna for DX Enthusiasts
Conquer the 17-meter band with the 2-element Delta Loop Beam antenna. This compact, high-gain design boasts near-perfect impedance matching, making it perfect for DX enthusiasts. Download the AN-SOF model and unlock its potential!
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AN-SOF 7.20 is ready!
See how the radiation pattern changes with frequency in AN-3D Pattern. The near field heatmap and current distribution can also be viewed dynamically by changing the operating frequency.
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Enhancing Satellite Links: The Moxon-Yagi Dual Band VHF/UHF Antenna
Elevate your satellite connections with the Moxon-Yagi Dual Band VHF/UHF Antenna. This innovative design optimizes signal reception for seamless communication.
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New Release :: AN-SOF 7.10 ::
AN-SOF 7.10 is now available for download! Access the input impedance and VSWR easily by going to the Main menu > Results. This avoids selecting the segment where the source is located to access the input impedance.
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Automating 2-Element Quad Array Design: Scripting and Bulk Processing in AN-SOF
Struggling to design optimal 2-element quad arrays? This article explores automating the process using Scilab scripts and AN-SOF’s bulk processing. Generate & simulate multiple configurations with varying element spacing, saving time and uncovering potential performance improvements!
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Exploring the Spiral Loop Antenna: A Compact Solution for 80m DXing
Discover the spiral loop antenna, a compact alternative for 80 meters band DXing. Explore its challenges and benefits, and learn how AN-SOF enables accurate modeling of its intricate wire geometry for optimal performance.
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AN-SOF 7.0 is Here!
AN-SOF 7.0 is Here! Run bulk simulations and process multiple input files with just one click. We have chosen the NEC format for the input files as it is a standard adopted by many users. Forget about running the simulations one by one, run them all at once.
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Indexed Articles
- Aborting the Calculations
- Accurate Analysis of Solid Wheel Antennas at 2.4 GHz Using Cost-Effective Simulation
- 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 PEC Ground Plane
- Adding a Real Ground Plane
- Adding Loads
- 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 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: 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 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
- Antennas on a Ship
- Arc
- Archimedean Spiral
- Articles Index Directory
- A Transmission Line
- Automating 2-Element Quad Array Design: Scripting and Bulk Processing in AN-SOF
- Calculating the Current Distribution
- Calculating the Far Field
- Calculating the Near E-Field
- Calculating the Near H-Field
- Capacitively-Fed Patch
- Car Roof Antenna
- 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
- Cylindrical Antenna
- Defining the Environment
- Defining the Excitation
- Deleting a Grid/Surface
- Deleting a Group of Wires
- Deleting a Wire
- Design Guidelines for Skeleton Slot Antennas: A Simulation-Driven Approach
- Dipole Antenna
- Dipole Gain and Radiation Resistance
- Directional V Antenna
- Directivity of V Antennas
- Disc
- Disclaimer of Warranty
- Dish Antenna
- Displaying Smith Charts
- DIY Helix High Gain Directional Antenna: From Simulation to 3D Printing
- Download Examples
- 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: Project Merging in AN-SOF
- Enhancing Satellite Links: The Moxon-Yagi Dual Band VHF/UHF Antenna
- Enhancing VHF Performance: The Dual Reflector Moxon Antenna for 145 MHz
- Evaluating EMF Compliance - Part 1: A Guide to Far-Field RF Exposure Assessments
- Excitation by an Incident Field
- Excitation of the Structure
- 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 the Spiral Loop Antenna: A Compact Solution for 80m DXing
- 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
- 7-Element Yagi-Uda
- 5-Element Yagi-Uda
- 3-Element Yagi-Uda
- 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
- Log-Periodic Christmas Tree
- Log-Periodic Dipole Array
- MI2 Fractal Loop
- Microstrip Antenna Array
- Microstrip Dipole
- Modeling a Circular Loop Antenna in AN-SOF: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Modeling a Super J-Pole: A Look Inside a 5-Element Collinear Antenna
- Modeling Coaxial Cables
- Modifying a Grid/Surface
- Modifying a Group of Wires
- Modifying a Wire
- Monopole Above Earth Ground
- Monopole Over Real Ground
- Moving, Rotating, and Scaling Wires
- Parabolic Grid Antenna
- Paraboloid
- Patch
- Patch Antenna
- Plate
- Plotting 2D Far Field Patterns
- Plotting 3D Far Field Patterns
- Plotting Level Curves
- Plotting Near Field Patterns
- Plotting the Current Distribution
- Plotting the Far Field Spectrum
- Plotting the Near Field Spectrum
- Power Budget
- Precision Simulations with AN-SOF for Magnetic Loop Antennas
- Project Details
- Scilab Script for Plotting Level Curves
- Selecting a Wire
- Setting the Radiation Pattern Center
- Shortcut Keys
- Simple Dual Band Vertical Dipole for the 2m and 70cm Bands
- Simplified Modeling for Microstrip Antennas on Ungrounded Dielectric Substrates: Accuracy Meets Simplicity
- Simulating the Ingenious Multiband Omnidirectional Dipole Antenna Design
- Specifying the Frequencies
- Sphere
- Square Loop Antenna
- 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 Equivalent Circuit of a Balun
- The Exact Kernel
- The List Currents Toolbar
- The Loop on Ground (LoG): A Compact Receiving Antenna with Directional Capabilities
- 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
- Top-Loaded Short Monopole
- Transmission Line Feeding for Antennas: 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