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Guides
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- Modeling Common-Mode Currents in Coaxial Cables: A Hybrid Approach
- Evaluating EMF Compliance - Part 2: Using Near-Field Calculations to Determine Exclusion Zones
- Beyond Analytical Formulas: Accurate Coil Inductance Calculation with AN-SOF
- Complete Workflow: Modeling, Feeding, and Tuning a 20m Band Dipole Antenna
- DIY Helix High Gain Directional Antenna: From Simulation to 3D Printing
- Evaluating EMF Compliance - Part 1: A Guide to Far-Field RF Exposure Assessments
- Design Guidelines for Skeleton Slot Antennas: A Simulation-Driven Approach
- Simplified Modeling for Microstrip Antennas on Ungrounded Dielectric Substrates: Accuracy Meets Simplicity
- Fast Modeling of a Monopole Supported by a Broadcast Tower
- Linking Log-Periodic Antenna Elements Using Transmission Lines
- Wave Matching Coefficient: Defining the Practical Near-Far Field Boundary
- AN-SOF Mastery: Adding Elevated Radials Quickly
- Enhancing Antenna Design: Project Merging in AN-SOF
- On the Modeling of Radio Masts
- RF Techniques: Implicit Modeling and Equivalent Circuits for Baluns
- AN-SOF Antenna Simulation Best Practices: Checking and Correcting Model Errors
- Show All Articles (1) Collapse Articles
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- 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 Software - Version 8.90 Release Notes
- AN-SOF 8.70: Enhancing Your Antenna Design Journey
- Introducing AN-SOF 8.50: Enhanced Antenna Design & Simulation Software
- Get Ready for the Next Level of Antenna Design: AN-SOF 8.50 is Coming Soon!
- Explore the Cutting-Edge World of AN-SOF Antenna Simulation Software!
- Upgrade to AN-SOF 8.20 - Unleash Your Potential
- AN-SOF 8: Elevating Antenna Simulation to the Next Level
- New Release: AN-SOF 7.90
- AN-SOF 7.80 is ready!
- New AN-SOF User Guide
- New Release: AN-SOF 7.50
- AN-SOF 7.20 is ready!
- New Release :: AN-SOF 7.10 ::
- AN-SOF 7.0 is Here!
- New Release :: AN-SOF 6.40 ::
- New Release :: AN-SOF 6.20 ::
- Show All Articles (3) Collapse Articles
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Models
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- Download Examples
- Modeling a Center-Fed Cylindrical Antenna with AN-SOF
- Yagi-Uda Array
- Monopole Over Real Ground
- Helix Antenna in Axial Mode
- Modeling a Circular Loop Antenna in AN-SOF: A Step-by-Step Guide
- A Transmission Line
- An RLC Circuit
- Explore 5 Antenna Models with Less Than 50 Segments in AN-SOF Trial Version
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- Modeling a Super J-Pole: A Look Inside a 5-Element Collinear Antenna
- Simulating the Ingenious Multiband Omnidirectional Dipole Antenna Design
- The Loop on Ground (LoG) Antenna: A Compact Solution for Directional Reception
- Precision Simulations with AN-SOF for Magnetic Loop Antennas
- Advantages of AN-SOF for Simulating 433 MHz Spring Helical Antennas for ISM & LoRa Applications
- Radio Mast Above Wire Screen
- Square Loop Antenna
- Receiving Loop Antenna
- Monopole Above Earth Ground
- Top-Loaded Short Monopole
- Half-Wave Dipole
- Folded Dipole
- Dipole Antenna
- The 5-in-1 J-Pole Antenna Solution for Multiband Communications
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- The Lazy-H Antenna: A 10-Meter Band Design Guide
- Extended Double Zepp (EDZ): A Phased Array Solution for Directional Antenna Applications
- Transmission Line Feeding for Antennas: The Four-Square Array
- Log-Periodic Christmas Tree
- Enhancing VHF Performance: The Dual Reflector Moxon Antenna for 145 MHz
- Building a Compact High-Performance UHF Array with AN-SOF: A 4-Element Biquad Design
- Building a Beam: Modeling a 5-Element 2m Band Quad Array
- Broadside Dipole Array
- Log-Periodic Dipole Array
- Broadband Directional Antenna
- A Closer Look at the HF Skeleton Slot Antenna
- The 17m Band 2-Element Delta Loop Beam: A Compact, High-Gain Antenna for DX Enthusiasts
- Enhancing Satellite Links: The Moxon-Yagi Dual Band VHF/UHF Antenna
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Validation
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- Simple Dual Band Vertical Dipole for the 2m and 70cm Bands
- Linear Antenna Theory: Historical Approximations and Numerical Validation
- Validating Panel RBS Antenna with Dipole Radiators against IEC 62232
- Validating V Antennas: Directivity Analysis with AN-SOF
- Enhanced Methodology for Monopoles Above Radial Wire Ground Screens
- Dipole Gain and Radiation Resistance
- Convergence of the Dipole Input Impedance
- Validating Dipole Antenna Simulations: A Comparative Study with King-Middleton
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Transmission Line Feeding for Antennas: The Four-Square Array
Since version 8.50, the AN-SOF Antenna Simulator has enabled us to implicitly model transmission lines. This capability allows us to define a transmission line by specifying its characteristic impedance, velocity factor, length, connection ports, and losses. One valuable application of this transmission line modeling technique is in modeling the feeding system of phased arrays. An illustrative example of a versatile phased array that utilizes transmission lines in its feeding system is the four-square array. This configuration consists of four vertical elements, each measuring 1/4-wavelength in height and arranged in a square pattern. It serves as a powerful tool for both radio enthusiasts and professionals seeking a straightforward phased array for controlling the main lobe direction of the antenna radiation pattern.
The figure below illustrates the layout of the four-square array and its corresponding radiation pattern. When treating the four vertical elements as a 4-port network, calculations dictate the addition of an 18 Ohm resistor at the base of each monopole to achieve the desired directional radiation pattern. Additionally, the feeding system of this array involves six transmission lines, meticulously configured for length and interconnections, all detailed in Chapter 8, Section “The Four-Square Array,” found in the 19th edition of the ARRL Antenna Book.
Here are some of the properties that make the four-square array a compelling choice for antenna enthusiasts and professionals:
1) Forward Gain: 3.3 dBi, considering an average ground.
2) Beamwidth: The array offers a 3 dB beamwidth of 100°.
3) Horizontal Front-to-Back Ratio: 20 dB or better over a 130° angular range.
4) Symmetry for Directional Switching: Thanks to its symmetric design, the four-square array allows for directional switching in 90° increments.
By employing the feeding system outlined in this model, the four-square array showcases excellent performance characteristics, with any limitations primarily influenced by environmental factors. Furthermore, the array’s design lends itself to the implementation of a remote switching mechanism, enabling effortless adjustment of the array’s direction as needed.
Whether you’re a ham radio operator, a DXer, or a professional in the field, the four-square array is a fascinating option to consider for your next antenna project.