Christos G. Christodoulou

Linear array geometry synthesis with minimum sidelobe level and null control using particle swarm optimization

This paper describes the synthesis method of linear array geometry with minimum sidelobe level and null control using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The PSO algorithm is a newly discovered, high-performance evolutionary algorithm capable of solving general N-dimensional, linear and nonlinear optimization problems. Compared to other evolutionary methods such as genetic algorithms and simulated annealing, the PSO algorithm is much easier to understand and implement and requires the least of mathematical preprocessing. The array geometry synthesis is first formulated as an optimization problem with the goal of sidelobe level (SLL) suppression and/or null placement in certain directions, and then solved by the PSO algorithm for the optimum element locations. Three design examples are presented that illustrate the use of the PSO algorithm, and the optimization goal in each example is easily achieved. The results of the PSO algorithm are validated by comparing with results obtained using the quadratic programming method (QPM).

Reconfigurable Antennas for Wireless and Space Applications

Reconfigurable antennas, with the ability to radiate more than one pattern at different frequencies and polarizations, are necessary in modern telecommunication systems. The requirements for increased functionality (e.g., direction finding, beam steering, radar, control, and command) within a confined volume place a greater burden on todays transmitting and receiving systems. Reconfigurable antennas are a solution to this problem. This paper discusses the different reconfigurable components that can be used in an antenna to modify its structure and function. These reconfiguration techniques are either based on the integration of radio-frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF-MEMS), PIN diodes, varactors, photoconductive elements, or on the physical alteration of the antenna radiating structure, or on the use of smart materials such as ferrites and liquid crystals. Various activation mechanisms that can be used in each different reconfigurable implementation to achieve optimum performance are presented and discussed. Several examples of reconfigurable antennas for both terrestrial and space applications are highlighted, such as cognitive radio, multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems, and satellite communication.

Design, fabrication, and measurements of an RF-MEMS-based self-similar reconfigurable antenna

Reconfigurability in an antenna system is a desired characteristic that has been the focus of much research in recent years. In this work, ohmic contact cantilever RF-MEMS switches are integrated with self-similar planar antennas to provide a reconfigurable antenna system that radiates similar patterns over a wide range of frequencies. The different issues encountered during the integration of the MEMS switches and the overall system design procedure are described herein. The final model radiates at three widely separated frequencies with very similar radiation patterns. The proposed concept can be extended to reconfigurable linear antenna arrays or to more complex antenna structures with large improvements in antenna performance.

Performance of radial-basis function networks for direction of arrival estimation with antenna arrays

The problem of direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of mobile users using linear antenna arrays is addressed. To reduce the computational complexity of superresolution algorithms, e.g. multiple signal classification (MUSIC), the DOA problem is approached as a mapping which can be modeled using a suitable artificial neural network trained with input output pairs. This paper discusses the application of a three-layer radial-basis function neural network (RBFNN), which can learn multiple source-direction findings of a six-element array. The network weights are modified using the normalized cumulative delta rule. The performance of this network is compared to that of the MUSIC algorithm for both uncorrelated and correlated signals. It is also shown that the RBFNN substantially reduced the CPU time for the DOA estimation computations.

A neural network-based smart antenna for multiple source tracking

This paper considers the problem of multiple-source tracking with neural network-based smart antennas for wireless terrestrial and satellite mobile communications. The neural multiple-source tracking (N-MUST) algorithm is based on an architecture of a family of radial basis function neural networks (RBFNN) to perform both detection and direction of arrival (DOA) estimation. The field of view of the antenna array is divided into spatial angular sectors, which are in turn assigned to a different pair of RBFNNs. When a network detects one or more sources in the first stage, the corresponding second stage network(s) are activated to perform the DOA estimation. Simulation results are performed to investigate the performance of the algorithm for various angular separations, with sources of random relative signal-to-noise ratio and when the system suffers from Doppler spread.

A New Reconfigurable Antenna Design for Cognitive Radio

This letter presents a new antenna design suitable for cognitive radio communication. It consists of two structures incorporated together into the same substrate. The first structure is an ultrawideband (UWB) antenna covering the spectrum from 3.1-11 GHz for channel sensing. The second structure is a frequency reconfigurable triangular-shaped patch for establishing communication with another RF device. The antenna reconfigurability is achieved via a rotational motion. A prototype antenna was fabricated and tested in order to validate the suggested method.

Implementation of a Cognitive Radio Front-End Using Rotatable Controlled Reconfigurable Antennas

This communication presents a new antenna system designed for cognitive radio applications. The antenna structure consists of a UWB antenna and a frequency reconfigurable antenna system. The UWB antenna scans the channel to discover “white space” frequency bands while tuning the reconfigurable section to communicate within these bands. The frequency agility is achieved via a rotational motion of the antenna patch. The rotation is controlled by a stepper motor mounted on the back of the antenna structure. The motors rotational motion is controlled by LABVIEW on a computer connected to the motor through its parallel port. The computers parallel port is connected to a NPN Darlington array that is used to drive the stepper motor. The antenna has been simulated with the driving motor being taken into consideration. A good agreement is found between the simulated and the measured antenna radiation properties.

Use of Weibull distribution for describing outdoor multipath fading

We introduce the Weibull distribution as an accurate and less complex description for the outdoor multipath fading channel than some of the existing models. Using the method of moments, we compare the Weibull distribution and other statistical models, such as the Rayleigh, Rice and Nakagami distributions, with experimental results taken in urban and suburban environments. Apart from introducing the Weibull distribution as a useful tool for describing outdoor multipath fading, we verify that, in many cases, the Rayleigh distribution is inadequate for describing the modern urban environment.

The Analysis of a Reconfigurable Antenna With a Rotating Feed Using Graph Models

This letter investigates a new reconfigurable antenna technique based on the rotation of a slot. The surface currents are redistributed for each slot position. The antenna is simulated, fabricated, and tested. The return loss frequency tuning matches the simulated data. The antenna radiation pattern remains unchanged for different slot positions. Finally, the process for automatic rotation and control of the slot is investigated using graph models.

A Printed Log-Periodic Koch-Dipole Array (LPKDA)

Koch-shaped dipoles are introduced for the first time in a wideband antenna design and evolve the traditional Euclidean log-periodic dipole array into the log-periodic Koch-dipole array (LPKDA). Antenna size can be reduced while maintaining its overall performance characteristics. Observations and characteristics of both antennas are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed LPKDA are validated through a fabricated proof-of-concept prototype that exhibited approximately 12% size reduction with minimal degradation in the impedance and pattern bandwidths. This is the first application of Koch prefractal elements in a miniaturized wideband antenna design.