Antenna Magus versions

v5.2 [Dec 18, 2014]
New features:
- Axial-choke elliptical horn antenna.
- Dielectric-loaded folded half-loop.
- Waveguide-fed conical horn with dielectric loading.
- M-shaped monopole antenna.

v5.0 [Jul 23, 2014]
1. Smart Design
“Design at the click of a button, using the information you have” is the essence of Smart Design. The multi-step design process used in earlier versions of Antenna Magus has been simplified down to just one click.
While it is still possible for the user to specify all design objectives, Smart Design caters for empty or incomplete objective sets (A). Antenna Magus uses all objectives which have been specified to intelligently predict suitable input values for unspecified objectives required for design. The suggested values determined by Antenna Magus may subsequently be adjusted by the user to refine the design.
In order to make Smart Design even more powerful, objectives are grouped according to type. For each of these groupings, a type-specific calculator (B) is provided. The calculators allow the user to convert different representations of each data grouping into the required input objective(s) without having to perform conversions outside of Antenna Magus. Smart Design allows the user to specify what he knows and confidently rely on Antenna Magus to do the rest by simply clicking the Design button (C).
2. Chart Tracer Tool with value extraction
The Chart Tracer Tool has been expanded with the addition of quick representative value extraction capabilities. Once a trace has been captured and the X and Y axis types specified, the tool automatically calculates relevant performance parameters.
In this way, useful values e.g. bandwidth, beamwidth, minimum, maximum etc. can be determined quickly from plots or images and used in the Specifications Library, for Design or elsewhere.
3. Specification Library
The Specification Library may be used to store various design specifications in a structured format. These Specifications may subsequently be used in Find Mode (to help identify feasible antennas) as well as in Design Mode (to populate the Design Objectives of antennas in the Collection). A number of pre-defined specifications are included as part of the library. These pre-defined Specifications may be used as-is or expanded and refined by the user.
Each Specification contains Values representing the performance requirements of the targeted design, as well as Keywords describing the required antenna. Specifications may be defined and refined using a number of tools provided in the Specification Editor interface. These tools include the Antenna Magus Keyword dictionary, the Conversion calculators (also available in the Design Mode) and the advanced Chart Tracer tool (described in the previous section).
4. General improvements
Many improvements have been made to the Antenna Magus workspace and workflow to make antenna design and learning easier.

v4.2 [Dec 16, 2012]
We are very pleased to announce a new release of Antenna Magus Version 4.2. This release boasts 4 new antennas and an article about commonly used coaxial RF connectors which contains useful FEKO and CST MICROWAVE STUDIO simulation models of each connector.
As 2012 draws to a close we look back at an exciting year where Antenna Magus has become an integral part of the design process of more antenna engineers, assisting in making intelligent antenna design and modelling choices. 2013 is going to be an even more exciting year with lots of feature extensions and antenna additions planned.
New article: RF Connectors
Summary of some useful RF coaxial connectors available in Antenna Magus.
This release of Antenna Magus sees the addition of an article focusing on some commonly used RF coaxial connectors to the reference resources in the Information Browser. Here is a short excerpt from this useful resource:
1. SMA (SubMiniature version A)
SMA Female PCB type connector.
This 50 Ω SMA connector uses a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) dielectric and offers excellent electrical performance from DC to 12.4 GHz (for flexible cables) and DC to 18 GHz (for semi-rigid cables). Above this frequency and up to 34 GHz, SMA-like 3.5 mm connectors are used - which can be mated to standard SMA connectors.
SMA 2 hole female panel mount with extended PTFE.
2. N-Type
N-Type 4 hole panel mount Jack with extended dielectric.
The N-type connector dates back to 1940 and was one of the first connectors capable of carrying microwave-frequency signals. The standard upper operating frequency is 11 GHz and some connectors are extended to operate at 18 GHz.
The above image shows an N-Type 4 hole panel mount Jack connector with extended dielectric, typically used to feed a cavity or waveguide.
3. MMCX (Micro-Miniature Coaxial)
MMCX PCB Jack connector.
MMCX connectors were developed in the 1990s, and are similar, but smaller, than MCX connectors. These connectors are most commonly used in Wi-Fi PCMCIA cards as antenna connectors, or as external GPS antenna connectors on small devices. They use a snap-lock mechanism, allowing 360 ° rotation, usually with 50 Ω impedance and have good electrical performance from DC to 6 GHz.
New antennas in Version 4.2
Antenna Magus 4.2 introduces 4 new antennas.
The Axial choke horn with a dielectric lens is a popular reflector feed antenna, while the Offset-fed Gregorian and Cassegrain are practical and flexible reflector antennas with low blockage and compact size. The simple, robust "Egg-beater" antenna is ideal for circular polarised radiation in the UHF and VHF bands. It is also a great option for low-cost mobile satellite communication applications.
Splash plate reflector
Image of the Splash plate reflector .
The splash plate feed uses backfire radiation to illuminate the dish, and the feeder waveguide doubles as a feed/support structure (see the image below for an illustration of the feed element). This is a compact reflector topology with the feed positioned close to the main reflector requiring no additional support struts. Another advantage is that the feed antenna can be fed from behind the main reflector, reducing unwanted aperture blockage.
The Splash plate feed antenna used here is an intricate design consisting of a matching section inside the waveguide and dielectric lens which is designed with the feed plate for optimum dish illumination.
Illustration of the Splash plate feed element.
The Splash plate reflector can be compared with the Horn fed Cassegrain reflector already in Antenna Magus. The following image shows one of each of these antennas designed for the same primary dish diameter (0.4m) and F/D of 0.3 at 30 GHz. Note that the Cassgerain's feed horn intersects the primary reflector - Antenna Magus exports simulation models that include a small cut-out in the primary reflector to cater for this.
A Splash plate and Cassegrain reflector design with primary dish diameter of 0.4m, F/D of 0.3 at 30 GHz.
The graph below compares the radiation pattern results that were estimated in Antenna Magus. It is important to note that no struts are included in the Cassegrain analysis - these would introduce unwanted blockage, increase sidelobes and reduce performance in the actual antenna. The splash plate result shows better backlobe performance, but slightly higher sidelobes than the Cassegrain reflector - a small compromise to achieve a more compact and mechanically simpler design.
Normalised gain comparison between the Cassegrain and Splash plate reflectors, designed for similar primary reflector size and F/D.
Conical four-arm sinuous antenna
Image of the Conical four-arm sinuous antenna.
The Four-arm sinuous is a two-port dual-linearly polarised, multi-octave bandwidth antenna which is also physically compact. It is well suited to applications that require instantaneous polarisation diversity.

v4.0 [May 25, 2012]
Version 4.0 also sees the addition of 23 new antennas and various additional import and export options. For example, users are now able to import and use 3D radiation pattern data to represent array element patterns when using the array synthesis tool.
Many information and export model updates, as well as performance and UI improvements ensure that Antenna Magus Version 4.0 aids antenna designers in making excellent antenna choices while simplifying and accelerating everyday design work.
One of the new features, "Add your own antenna", allows users to add their own antennas to the Antenna Magus database within the familiar Antenna Magus data structure. Once the antenna information has been captured into the database, it is available to use or share (securely) as if it was an Antenna Magus antenna. Now you can use the first knowledge management system specifically designed for antenna designers to manage your own antenna information. This new feature provides users designing within a particular application with better solutions - both in terms of complexity of antenna topologies as well as accuracy of design.
Design groups were added to Antenna Magus to give the user access to pre-optimised designs and structures that are tailored to a specific well-defined application - such as integrated GSM, WLAN, Bluetooth and GPS antennas or designs for standard antennas. The objectives used during the optimisation of these designs (like frequency range, shape and size) are based on the underlying requirements of the target application. There are 23 new antennas added to this release. Each of the added antennas (as shown in the above thumbnail images) is unique with great practical utility and deserves detailed attention. Due to limited space however, only a few examples can be discussed in the newsletter. More information on each antenna can be found in Antenna Magus or on the antennas page.
It is possible to import general 3D radiation patterns in various formats for use as Array elements in an array synthesis.
When importing an array element pattern from an external 3D radiation pattern format, a rotation of the pattern can be specified to allow for alignment of the array element.
A Setting has been added that allows indicators to be activated on antennas in the Find Mode view. These indicators show which export models are available for specific 3D EM tools.
Indicators have been added to the Find Mode view that show which antennas have been newly added in the most recent update.
Indicators have been added to the Find Mode view that show which antennas have static (pre-optimised, application-specific) design groups.
The total number of antennas in each search group is now indicated at the top of the group in the find mode.
Transparency has been added to some of the antenna previews where this aids in visualising the structure.
A new Axial ratio chart type has been added that plots IEEE Axial ratio in dB (handedness is not included).
New chart type options have been added that allow the plotting of co- and cross-polarised gain based on the Ludwig III method.
When exporting data from a 2D Chart, an additional option is available that allows the number of sample points (equally-spaced) to be chosen.
3D radiation patterns may be plotted showing the co- and cross-polarised gain based on the Ludwig III method.
Pattern files may be exported to the VSS format used by the AWR Design Environment.
Distribution matrices in the Array tool may now be imported and exported to/from an xml format data file.
A comma-separated format (*.CSV) export option has been added for 3D pattern data. This format is a general CSV format, but has header information tailored for usage with AWR VSS.
An export option has been added for 3D pattern data based on the IEEE1979 standard.

v3.2 [Sep 29, 2011]
Antenna Magus 3.2 is the 16th product update since the release of Version 1.0. With a growing database of 159 antennas, 10 transitions and more handy calculators added to every release, the product has established itself as an essential tool in any antenna engineers' toolbox.
Traveling-wave series-fed patch array
Image of the Traveling-wave series-fed patch array.
Series-fed microstrip patch arrays are light weight, low profile antennas typically used for communication and in microwave sensor applications. The traveling-wave series-fed patch array is related to the resonant series-fed patch array (already included in the Antenna Magus database), but has a different design approach and operation mechanism, providing different performance characteristics and options. Where the resonant series-fed patch array provides in-phase excitation for efficient broadside radiation, the patches of the traveling wave array are spaced to produce a progressive phase shift between patches. This results in a fan beam which squints off broadside and scans with frequency.
The traveling-wave design can achieve high gain (up to 20 dBi) at a specified squint angle. As with most traveling-wave array structures (like slotted guide arrays), the operating bandwidth is narrow (typically 2%), and some energy is absorbed in a termination load resulting in a reduced radiation efficiency (typically in the order of 75%). The Antenna Magus design provides 0.5% to 5% bandwidth design options and attempts to optimise the radiation efficiency according to the designed objectives.
Typical fan beam pattern of a 12 element array.
Gain patterns vs frequency of a traveling wave series-fed array designed for 18 dBi gain and a 10 degree squint at 10 GHz. [Note how the main beam scans with frequency].
Horn fed Gregorian Axisymmetrical dual reflector
Image of the Horn fed Gregorian Axisymmetrical dual reflector.
Dual-reflector antennas are based on principles that have been used in optical telescopes for centuries. The Gregorian telescope was the first dual lens optical telescope. It provided a revolutionary advantage, in that the observer could look through the telescope while standing behind the main reflector, without getting in the way of the light from the observed object (an effective way of reducing aperture blockage!).
The Gregorian dual-reflector antenna has a number of advantages when compared to the prime focus reflector. In cases where the housing for the feed electronics is electrically large, the feed can be positioned behind the primary reflector, reducing unwanted aperture blockage (provided, of course, that the sub reflector is smaller than the feed electronics). A second advantage is that for a given feed beamwidth the dual reflector configuration can reduce the antenna length and require shorter, less sturdy struts.
The Gregorian dual-reflector is a very popular antenna for very high gain applications. Similar to the Cassegrain reflector (already included in Antenna Magus), it transforms the low to medium gain radiation of the feed horn to a high-gain pencil beam.
Difference between the Gregorian and Cassegrain configurations.
The above image shows the difference between the Cassegrain and Gregorian configurations. The main difference is the position and shape of the sub-reflector. There are various factors (like main reflector size, feed angle, strut size, feed blockage etc.) that influence which one of these reflector configurations are preferable for a specific application.
Comparing length and width dimentions between the Cassegrain, Gregorian and prime-focus reflectors for a 40 dB gain design in Antenna Magus using a 45 degree 10 dB beamwidth horn feed in all three cases.
Note that the dual-reflector configurations both have much shorter physical lengths when compared to the single parabolic reflector. In the case shown, The Gregorian requires a primary reflector that is 11% wider than the Cassegrain to achieve the required gain. This is due to the aperture blockage.
The Gregorian reflector can be designed in Antenna Magus for gains from 30 to 50 dBi, and the positioning and dimensions of the feed horn are included. The radiation patterns shown below are for a Gregorian designed for an overall gain of 40 dBi, using a 10 dB feed beamwidth of 60 degrees.
Typical 3D radiation pattern at the centre frequency.
Typical normalised radiation pattern at the centre frequency.
Pattern fed Gregorian Axisymmetrical dual reflector
Image of the Pattern fed Gregorian Axisymmetrical dual reflector.
The Pattern-fed Gregorian dual-reflector antenna facilitates design and investigation of the Gregorian reflector independently from the feed antenna structure. This approach is useful at stages in a design when the physical feed details are not important, or where a feed pattern other than that of a pyramidal horn is of interest.
A detailed overview if the Horn-fed Gregorian dual-reflector antenna also included in the database can be found here.
Circular disc monopole
Wireless communication systems have significantly increased the demand for low cost, ultra-broadband antennas that are capable of supporting high data speeds and multiband operation.
A planar monopole antenna that meets this requirement is the Circular disc monopole (CDM). By replacing the wire of a basic monopole with a circular conducting disk, a CDM with extraordinary impedance bandwidth (1:8 or more) can be achieved.
The performance graphs below show the 3D patterns vs frequency and the typical ultra-wideband reflection coefficient performance vs normalized frequency.
Triangular edge-fed patch
Modern communication systems as found in GPS and WLAN applications may not require large performance bandwidth, but rather compact, low-cost antennas like those included in the Antenna Magus Wi-Fi family. The Triangular edge-fed patch can be designed for a specific substrate and a wide impedance range of 50 to 800 Ω.
Typical 3D radiation pattern of the Triangular edge-fed patch at the center frequency.
|S11| of a Triangular edge-fed patch designed in Antenna Magus for 300 Ω at 10 GHz.
Transitions
Microstrip to CPW transition
Image of the Microstrip to CPW transition.
The Microstrip to CPW transition makes use of a gounded-CPW (also known as conductor-backed CPW or CBCPW) section to provide an efficient transformation between a CPW line and a microstrip line. The transition effectively acts as a mode and impedance transformer between the 2 transmission line sections.
Typical reflection coefficient vs frequency.
New: Friis transmission equation calculator
Diagram of the Friis equation calculator.
The Friis transmission equation is probably one of the most popular equations used by antenna engineers when considering the system level requirements or expected performance for a communications link. The equation relates the power received by an antenna to the power radiated by another antenna, located a specified distance away (in free space).
This handy Antenna Magus calculator can quickly solve for any of the parameters in the system, given values for the other parameters. The modified form of the equation used in this calculator allows for antenna mismatch to be taken into consideration.