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
-
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,…
-
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.
-
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.
Subscribe to our free mailing list and be the first to receive new content as soon as it’s published on our blog Antennas and Beyond!
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)
Search
Recent Articles
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
-
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!
-
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.
-
The Moxon-Yagi Dual-Band VHF/UHF Antenna for Superior Satellite Link Performance
Elevate your satellite connections with the Moxon-Yagi Dual-Band VHF/UHF Antenna. This innovative design optimizes signal reception for seamless communication.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
New Release :: AN-SOF 6.40 ::
New Release :: AN-SOF 6.40 :: Tabular input of linear wires as well as sources and loads. List of recently open projects in the File menu. Zoom in and out by rotating the mouse wheel.
-
New Release :: AN-SOF 6.20 ::
This content is for subscribers only If you have already subscribed, please log in to access this section. 🔐 Log In After logging in, please refresh this page to view the content. Not a subscriber yet? Get instant access for $99 for the first year. Renewals are $49/year if you renew before your subscription expires.…
-
AN-SOF Antenna Simulation Best Practices: Checking and Correcting Model Errors
Refine AN-SOF antenna simulations. Identify and resolve errors with precision, ensuring model integrity.
-
Adjusting the Color Bar in AN-3D Pattern
It is important to have control over the scales of the graphs for a better presentation and interpretation of the results. We can adjust the maximum and minimum values of the color bar in AN-3D Pattern to obtain increments in multiples of 5 or the value we want.
-
How to Speed Up Simulations in AN-SOF: Tips for Faster Results
Learn how to optimize simulation speed in AN-SOF Antenna Software. Follow valuable tips for faster results by adjusting segments, resolution, and settings. Turbocharge your antenna simulations!
Subscribe
Sign up for our free mailing list to receive new content as soon as it’s published on Antennas and Beyond!
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