International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET)

Volume 2 Issue 10 pp 617-623 January 2014 www.ijsret.org ISSN 2278 0882

IJSRET @ 2014
SURVEY OF LOW AND HIGH FREQUENCY METHODS
FOR ANTENNA FIELD PROBLEMS
*S.A. Adekola, ** A.N. Nzeako, *** Ifeoma Asianuba
*Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayesla State Nigeria.
**University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria.
***University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Prior knowledge of the right numerical method for a given antenna analysis is essential for accurate and efficient
results. This is due to the fact that diverse antennas have their corresponding computational approach. These
techniques include the Method of Moment (MoM), Finite element method (FEM), physical optics (PO) to
mention but a few. In this work, the principles of these techniques, their benefits and computational
requirements are enumerated including their frequency region of operation, modes of presentation of the
relevant equations, performing media of operation and their frequency/time dependent expressions. Having
explored these properties, it becomes imperative that the right choice to problem analysis is made easier by
exploring these properties and generation of reliable results which would be in good agreement with
experimental outcomes will be guaranteed.
Keywords: Antenna, numerical methods.
1. Introduction
Electromagnetic field models are predominantly used by antennas. Solving antenna problems can be
experimental, computational or analytic depending on the nature of the model in question. Recently with the
advent of digital computers, computational methods are preferable due to fast advancement in computer models
and the corresponding complexity of problems they can handle. Other benefit includes the ability to simulate the
behaviour of devices and systems prior to their actualization. It cannot be argued that experimental results are
invaluable but they tend to consume time, are not cost effective due to large man power participation hazardous
process and expensive equipment that are required. But experimental values are benchmark of comparison with
numerical approach. Analytical approaches are exact method of solution but tend to be difficult with complex
structures and geometries. The principal application of computational methods in electromagnetic is in guided
waves, antenna modeling and scattering problem. The computational approach is basically classified into low
frequency methods and high frequency method [1].
2. Low Frequency Method
Involves EM radiation and scattering problems which find application in frequency band (< 3GHz). They are
limited to problems of small electric size and are purely defined by Maxwells equation. They include:
2.1 Method of Moment (MoM): is a matrix method for computing solutions of a field problems formulated by
Harrignton [2]. This method transforms integral or integro differential equations into a set of simultaneous linear
equation which can be analyzed by matrix operations. Depending on the form of the integral equation, it can be
applied to (1) conductor only (2) homogenous dielectric and (3) very specific conductor dielectric geometries.
In the analysis of MoM, consider the inhomogeneous equation given as
L (f) = g (1)
Where L is a linear operator, g is known, f is to be determined. Let f is expanded in the domain of L

=
n
n n
f f (2)
Where o
n
= expansion coefficient and f
n
= expansion function. Substituting eqn (2) into (1)
International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET)
Volume 2 Issue 10 pp 617-623 January 2014 www.ijsret.org ISSN 2278 0882
IJSRET @ 2014

= g f L
n n
) ( (3)
If a set of weighting function is defined and applying a suitable inner product

> < = > <

n
m n m n
g w Lf w , , (4)
m = 1, 2, 3,
These equations are expressed in matrix form as
j j j
m n mm
g I = (5)
Where
(
]
1

> < > <

> < > <
=
... ,
... ,
2 2 1 2
2 1 1 1
Lf w Lf w
Lf w Lf w
I
mn
(6)
j
(
(
(
]
1

> <
> <
=
(
(
(
]
1

=

g w
g w
g
m n
,
,
,
2
1
2
1

(7)
The solution of the matrix eqtn (6) exist if it is non singular
j j j
m mn n
g I
1
= (8)
MoM is not very effective when applied to arbitrary configurations with complex geometries or inhomogeneous
media but is efficient for one to three dimensional radiation and scattering problems.
Some challenges encountered when using MoM is the computational time required to achieve the solution and
CPU memory capacity [3]. This is because memory and time increases with number of subsections necessary
for an efficient result in the analysis. Other challenges include nature and impact of the kernel used in the
analysis [4,5], Resonance issues associated with linear arrays in [6,7] and convergence acceleration issues.
When MoM is applied to radiation and scattering problems, the main parameter of interest is the current
distribution upon which other parameters of engineering interest can be obtained. These include radiation
pattern, gain, efficiency, bi-static radar cross section, side lobe level etc. With these it becomes important to
define the parameters of a given antenna for a specified application.
2.2 Finite Difference Time Domain Method
Solves Maxwells equation using finite differences in time domain and finds application mostly in analysis
involving inhomogeneous and non linear media such as wave propagation in complex dielectrics, packaging and
wave guide problems. Maxwells curl equations are converted into their corresponding scalar partial differential
equation followed by the discretization in space and time domain. This gives rise to discrete equations for each
field component known as update equation.
An important consideration in FDTD simulation is that of Absorbing Boundary condition. This is due to the fact
that computational resources are limited hence the spatial domain needs to be truncated to avoid wave
reflections from the boundaries [8]
E jw H x . = V (9)
H jw E x = V (10)
E and H are electric and magnetic field intensity vectors c and are permittivity and permeability respectively.
A significant advantage of this method is that it does not use empirical approximations i.e. it does not use
variational or weighting residuals, unfortunately, it requires large amount of memory and long simulation time
thus does not need to solve linear equations with huge number of unknowns. It is well suited for parallel
processing [9] and can model dielectric materials and problems with arbitrary objects.
It has fairly accurate geometrical modeling ability with inflexible meshing system compared to other full wave
models, it allows broadband analysis of the antenna by Gussian pulse excitation and the antenna characteristics
over a wide frequency range can be obtained by taking the fourier transform of the FDTD result obtained when
the Gueassian pulse is used. For numerical implementation using FDTD three coordinate system (i,j,k) with
International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET)
Volume 2 Issue 10 pp 617-623 January 2014 www.ijsret.org ISSN 2278 0882
IJSRET @ 2014
discretization step (At, Ax, Ay, Az) for time and space respectively. There are also location differences between
field component in a cell as well as time difference between electric and magnetic field components. The field
components are calculated in time steps e.g. t = 2 t A 2 3 t A 2 5 t A .
2.3 Finite Element Method
Splits structures into groups of inter connected elements and finds application in computing frequency field
distribution in complex closed regions. The elements are modeled by discrete electrical components or
electromagnetic wave propagating through it. These include waveguides and cavities. It is not suitable for
radiation and scattering problems because the solution domain must be truncated by artificial absorber or a
perfectly matched layer to simulate the free space. Alternatively complicated but more accurate truncation can
be realized by hybridizing the FEM with MM[10]
FEM directly discretizes the problem region by simple elements of triangle and quadrangle in two dimensional
problems or the tetrahedral, hexahedral and prism elements in three dimensional problems. It solves the partial
differential equation of Maxwells equation with the applied boundary condition E x n = 0 holds on the
boundary surface S
E jw H X = V . (11)
H jw xE = V (12)
0 . = V H (13)
0 . = V E (14)
With n, being the outer normal unit vector. On the surface S, absorbing boundary condition must be prescribed
to absorb the electromagnetic energy hence
j 0 = + V

H x n jk xH
o
r
r Lim
on S (15)
Which can be approximated by the first order absorbing boundary condition j 0 = + V H x n jk H x x n
o
on S (16)
The calculation domain must be truncated because the discretization cannot be performed at infinity.
0
2
= V V H k xH x
o
and jw xH E / ) (V = (17)
Using eqtn (11) and (12) and applying (13), the partial differential equation for H| can be obtained.
0
2
= + V H k H
o
- helmhottz eqtn for magnetic field intensity
E = total electric field in free space
Ko = wave number
H = total magnetic field
For an impressed electric source, the partial electric differential eqtn is given as
J Z jk E k E x x
o o o
= V V

2
)
1
( (18)
Z
o
= free space intrinsic impedance
J = impressed electric source
Applying a weighting function w and integrating over the finite element volume, the FEM weak form is as
follows
}
}
=
(
]
1

V V
v
o o
v
r o
Wdv J z jk dv
W E K xW E x
.
. ) ( . ) (
1
2

(19)
Basis function such as, right prism, tetrahedral or triangular elements are then used to discretize the volume.
Various feed models exist for the FEM
International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET)
Volume 2 Issue 10 pp 617-623 January 2014 www.ijsret.org ISSN 2278 0882
IJSRET @ 2014
1. Current probe feed
2. Delta gap function
3. Magnetic frill generator and
4. Wave guide port
Notable benefits of FEM include ability to handle eigen value problems, strength forward extension into use of
higher order basis function, very simple handling of dispersive materials and potentially of better frequency
scaling than MoM
Other characteristics of FEM include
- Sparse matrix
- Entire computational domain need be discretized
- Arbitrary (in reality, to some extent) material parameter can be treated
- Computational domain is terminated by numerical absorbing boundaries
- Generates set of linear equations
2.4 Transmission Line Model (TLM)
Is a time domain method where electromagnetic waves propagates through elements made from transmission
lines. A fast fourier transform converts the transients response into frequency response data [11]. It is a variation
of the finite difference method but the boundary splits into elements rather than the interior region. The elements
used consist of network of interconnected transmission lines [12]. It is used by individuals with strong circuit
theory background but with week field theory knowledge. The solution of ordinary differential equation
describing an equivalent transmission line model is given by
) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (
) (
z E z V z z I z Z
dz
z dV
z
i
+ + = (20)
) ( ) ( ) ( ) (
) (
z I z z V z Y
dz
z dI
+ = (21)
0 ) ( ) ( = = L I o I (22)
In this model, radiation and scattering are accounted for by introducing the dependent current and voltage
sources through o(z) and (z) to the conventional TL equations
From equation 21
CI
dz
dI
Y
V +

=
1
(23)
Y C / =
Using (23) in (20) wave length. The find application due to increasingly dominated edge
The transmission line equation is given by
j j 0
1 1
1
= + + + +
(
]
1

z
i
E I c c z
dz
dI
Y dz
dI
Y dz
d
(24)
where
dz
dc
c =
1
Equation 24 can be reduced to the conventional transmission line equation when o and are set to zero.
2.5 High Frequency Methods (HFM): are actually used for electromagnetic problems that are electrically of
large size (reflective antennas). This includes problems of radar cross section prediction, far and near field
radiation pattern of antennas mounted on large structures, radio astronomy, space probe navigations etc. They
use asymptotic methods to produce results which are in very good agreement with that obtained from
measurements. They are also used for modeling of secondary effects such as the interaction of the main antenna
with adjacent structures similar to buildings or terrain obstacles.
2.6 Geometric Optics (GO)/ Geometric Theory of Diffraction (GTD)
International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET)
Volume 2 Issue 10 pp 617-623 January 2014 www.ijsret.org ISSN 2278 0882
IJSRET @ 2014
Geometric Optics is satisfactory for analysis of large aperture diameter in terms of wave length. They find
application due to increasingly dominated edge diffractions associated with reflector antennas. Geometric Optics
techniques are less accurate at lower frequency than PO techniques, in other words the accuracy of GO increases
with frequency. The radiation fields of aperture antennas are determined from the knowledge of the fields over
surface of the reflector using geometric optics whereas the GTD is used to compute the diffracted fields from the
rim of the reflector.
2.7 Geometric Theory of Diffraction (GTD)
GTD uses ray tracing algorithm for every observation point on the surface of aperture antennas to determine the
electric field and radiation pattern of the aperture. It is used mostly in parabolic reflectors to predict the main
beam and side lobe level with good accuracy [13]. GTD is an extension of Kellers geometrical theory of
diffraction and is applicable in transition regions where Kellers solution is not applicable [14].
GTD inherently takes shadowing effect into account by adding the direct ray from the feed when it is not
shadowed by the reflector. The problem with GTD is that it predicts singular values in the transition regions
adjacent to the GO incident and reflection shadow boundaries [15]. It also fails near the caustics of diffracted
ray. To overcome some of the problems of the GO and GTD, other methods such as uniform theory of
diffraction (UTD) and equivalent current method (ECM) are also developed.
2.8 Physical Optics (PO)
PO is a current based high frequency asymptotic technique used in determining the parameters of aperture
antennas. It uses approximations to estimate the field on a surface and integrating these fields over the surface to
determine the transmitted or scattering parameters. Physical optics assumes the surface current as a given
parameter rather than solving for it rigorously as in the MoM. The PO approximation is essentially the first term
in MFIE and that it has been combined with MoM to form useful hybrid method [16].
The scattered field E
s
in an unbounded region due to a collection of electric and magnetic current sources J and
J
m
respectively confined within a finite volume V is given by [17]
j Gdv J jw J k J
w
j
E
v
m s
}
V + V V

2
) . ( (25)
K = wave number, c = permittivity of the medium. If the source is simply induced, current density J
s
on a
perfectly conducting surface S. The above expression translates into a surface integral
j
}
+ V V

=
s
s s s
Gds J k J
w
j
E
2
) . (

(26)
This is exact and is valid at all points exterior to the surface region.
PO approximation expresses J
s
at any point on the reflector in terms of the incident magnetic field intensity H at
that point. Specifically, it is assumed that
xH u J
n s
2 =
u
n
is the unit normal to S. This implies zero current on portions of the reflector not directly illuminated by the
feed valid for infinite perfectly conducting plane. The actual current distribution is obtained by the modification
of the above equation with respect to the finiteness of the reflector as well as by its curvature.
Table 1: Showing relationship between various numerical methods for antenna analysis
MoM FEM FDTD TLM GO/
GTD
PO/ PTD
Low frequency
operation
High frequency
operation
International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET)
Volume 2 Issue 10 pp 617-623 January 2014 www.ijsret.org ISSN 2278 0882
IJSRET @ 2014
Differential
equation
Integral equation
Frequency based
analysis

Current based
analysis

Time based analysis
Field based analysis
Homogenous media
Inhomogeneous
media

Antenna type Linear
antenna
Linear antenna,
Arbitrary
shapes and
material
Linear
antenna and
arbitrary
materials
Transmission
line
Aperture
antenna
Aperture
antenna
3. Conclusion
To use the right numerical approach for the analysis of antenna problem, it is imperative to understand the
principles, modes of operation and features of the different computational approach. A run down of the basic
and frequently used approaches of the numerical analysis have been given and categorized under frequency/time
dependent analysis, current and field dependent operations etc. From this work, detailed exposure of the relevant
properties of the numerical methods have been enumerated so choice of suitable technique will be easier and
generation of reliable results will be guaranteed. However, understanding the underlying numerical methods is
essential in assessing the accuracy, limitations and performance of a particular approach.
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International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET)
Volume 2 Issue 10 pp 617-623 January 2014 www.ijsret.org ISSN 2278 0882
IJSRET @ 2014
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