Ag Anton Tijhuis

Fast Analysis of Large Antenna Arrays Using the Characteristic Basis Function Method and the Adaptive Cross Approximation Algorithm

The characteristic basis function method (CBFM) has been hybridized with the adaptive cross approximation (ACA) algorithm to construct a reduced matrix equation in a time-efficient manner and to solve electrically large antenna array problems in-core, with a solve time orders of magnitude less than those in the conventional methods. Various numerical examples are presented that demonstrate that the proposed method has a very good accuracy, computational efficiency and reduced memory storage requirement. Specifically, we analyze large 1-D and 2-D arrays of electrically interconnected tapered slot antennas (TSAs). The entire computational domain is subdivided into many smaller subdomains, each of which supports a set of characteristic basis functions (CBFs). We also present a novel scheme for generating the CBFs that do not conform to the edge condition at the truncated edge of each subdomain, and provide a minor overlap between the CBFs in adjacent subdomains. As a result, the CBFs preserve the continuity of the surface current across the subdomain interfaces, thereby circumventing the need to use separate ldquoconnectionrdquo basis functions.

An Eigencurrent Approach to the Analysis of Electrically Large 3-D Structures Using Linear Embedding via Green's Operators

We present an extension of the linear embedding via Greens operators (LEGO) procedure for efficiently dealing with 3-D electromagnetic composite structures. In LEGOs notion, we enclose the objects forming a structure within arbitrarily shaped domains (bricks), which (by invoking the equivalence principle) we characterize through scattering operators. In the 2-D instance, we then combined the bricks numerically, in a cascade of successive embedding steps, to build increasingly larger domains and obtain the scattering operator of the whole aggregate of objects. In the 3-D case, however, this process becomes quite soon impracticable, in that the resulting scattering matrices are too big to be stored and handled on most computers. To circumvent this hurdle, we propose a novel formulation of the electromagnetic problem based on an integral equation involving the total inverse scattering operator of the structure, which can be written analytically in terms of scattering operators of the bricks and transfer operators among them. We then solve this equation by the method of moments combined with the eigencurrent expansion method, which allows for a considerable reduction in size of the system matrix and thereby enables us to study very large structures.

An efficient MoM formulation for finite-by-infinite arrays of two-dimensional antennas arranged in a three-dimensional structure

In strongly coupled antenna arrays, the behavior of the elements near the edge can exhibit very large deviations with respect to the infinite periodic array solution. Insight into these truncation effects can be obtained by simulating finite-by-infinite arrays. This paper describes an efficient method-of-moments (MoM) scheme for simulating such arrays. This scheme is capable of handling arrays of two-dimensional metallic antennas placed perpendicularly to the array plane, in lossless media. This formulation relies on the free-space Greens function related to arrays infinite in one direction only, with linear phase excitation. After extraction of its singular part, this function is tabulated. Then, the elements of the MoM impedance matrix are computed in the space domain, with the help of a limited number of integration points. The computation time needed for establishing the MoM system of equations and for solving it is comparable to the time needed in the linear array case. An extension of this formulation is also developed to study infinite-by-infinite arrays and semi-infinite arrays. The latter solutions also provide standard current distributions, which are used to obtain a fast approximate solution of the MoM system of equations. Simulation results are shown for broadband arrays, made of tapered slot antennas consisting of metallic plates.

Multimode Equivalent Networks for the Design and Analysis of Frequency Selective Surfaces

A modular technique originally proposed for waveguide junctions, the multimode equivalent network approach based on the integral equation formulation (IEMEN), is extended to the analysis of multilayer frequency selective surfaces integrated with waveguide array antennas. This technique represents each layer and transition between layers in terms of a generalized impedance or admittance matrix, obtained directly from the solution of an integral equation with reduced kernel. Thanks to the adopted formulation, the integral equation needs to be solved only in a limited set of frequency points. The IEMEN method is validated by comparison with results available in literature.

Eigencurrent analysis of resonant behavior in finite antenna arrays

Resonant behavior in a finite array that appears as (modulated) impedance or current-amplitude oscillations may limit the array bandwidth substantially. Therefore, simulations should predict such behavior. Recently, a new approach has been developed, called the eigencurrent approach, which can predict resonant behavior in finite arrays. A study of line arrays of either E- or H-plane-oriented strips and rings in free space and in half-spaces confirms our conclusion in earlier research that resonant behavior is caused by the excitation of one of the eigencurrents. The eigenvalue (or characteristic impedance) of this eigencurrent becomes small in comparison to the eigenvalues of the other eigencurrents that can exist on the array geometry. We demonstrate that the excitation of this eigencurrent results in an edge-diffracted wave propagating along the surface of the array, which may turn into a standing wave. In that case, the amplitudes and phases of the element impedances show the same standing-wave pattern as those of the excited eigencurrent. We demonstrate that the phase velocity of this wave is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the free-space velocity of light. Finally, we throw light on the relation between the excitation of eigencurrents with a small eigenvalue and the behavior of super directive arrays

An efficient computation scheme for the free space Green's function of a two-dimensional semiinfinite phased array

A simple scheme is developed to compute the Greens function of a periodic semiinfinite array in free space. It is based on the spectral representation of the fields radiated by an infinite linear array of dipoles. Results related to successive linear arrays are added in the space domain. This summation can be accelerated tremendously by using an elementary extrapolation technique. The resulting formulation converges everywhere in the plane containing the array, and the number of terms required to achieve a given precision increases slowly away from this plane.

Ambient RF energy harvesting from DTV stations

In the framework of wireless power transmission and RF energy harvesting, the main objective is to design a harvester that collects ambient Radio Frequencies (RF) broadcasted from DTV (Digital TV) stations. This paper summarizes the main challenges experienced, when designing such a harvester. The distance and the free space path loss between the transmitting station and the harvesting location are calculated. Using Friis equation, the available power at the harvesting location is predicted. A novel broad-band Yagi-Uda antenna that covers the DTV broadcasting frequencies (470 MHz-810 MHz) is presented. The antenna design is based on integrating a wide-band strip dipole into a Yagi-Uda antenna. Moreover, The rectifier part, which converts the harvested RF power into DC is discussed, the simulated and measured input impedance and the output voltage of different commercial rectifiers are shown. A voltage multiplier is used to maximize the output voltage, and a matching network is presented to match the impedance of the multiplier to that of the antenna.

Application of Trapezoidal-Shaped Characteristic Basis Functions to Arrays of Electrically Interconnected Antenna Elements

This paper describes a novel technique for generating the characteristic basis functions (CBFs) used to represent the surface currents on finite arrays of electrically interconnected antenna elements. The CBFs are high-level basis functions, defined on subdomains in which the original problem is divided. They are initially generated on extended subdomains; next, an easy-to-implement windowing technique is applied to them to truncate the undesired singularities in the currents generated at the artificial edges of the subdomains. The envelope of the window is trapezoidal in shape and we deliberately introduce a certain amount of overlap between the supports of the CBFs to ensure the continuity of the currents across the common interface between the adjacent subdomains. The accuracy and effectiveness of this method is demonstrated for a moderate as well as a large size array of tapered slot antennas (TSAs).

Technical aspects of neurostimulation: Focus on equipment, electric field modeling, and stimulation protocols

Neuromodulation is a field of science, medicine, and bioengineering that encompasses implantable and non-implantable technologies for the purpose of improving quality of life and functioning of humans. Brain neuromodulation involves different neurostimulation techniques: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS), which are being used both to study their effects on cognitive brain functions and to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. The mechanisms of action of neurostimulation remain incompletely understood. Insight into the technical basis of neurostimulation might be a first step towards a more profound understanding of these mechanisms, which might lead to improved clinical outcome and therapeutic potential. This review provides an overview of the technical basis of neurostimulation focusing on the equipment, the present understanding of induced electric fields, and the stimulation protocols. The review is written from a technical perspective aimed at supporting the use of neurostimulation in clinical practice.

Analysis and Regularization of the Thin-Wire Integral Equation With Reduced Kernel

For the straight wire, modeled as a hollow tube, we establish a conditional equivalence relation between the integral equations with exact and reduced kernel. This relation allows us to examine the existence and uniqueness conditions for the integral equation with reduced kernel, based on a local argument. Further, we characterize the ill-posedness of integral equation with reduced kernel and we propose a regularization and filtering procedure to extend the range of this integral equation