Ten Fundamental Antenna-Theory Puzzles Solved by the Antenna Equation: A remarkable array of solutions

Abstract

XXXXX Describing the performance of antennas in the time domain has long been problematic. No standard definitions exist, for example, in the IEEE Standard Definitions of Terms for Antennas [1]. This makes it difficult for ultrawideband (UWB) antenna manufacturers to compare their antennas to each other. This contrasts sharply with the situation in the frequency domain, where one commonly uses gain or realized gain, as defined in [1]. With no accepted standards, UWB antenna development is hindered. To address this, the antenna equation has recently been developed. However, for it to become widely adopted, more examples of its usefulness are needed.In this article, 10 fundamental antenna-theory puzzles are solved using the antenna equation. Chief among these is how to combine gain with a meaningful phase and what the time domain analog of gain is. It is shown how to relate the antenna impulse response to realized gain. It is also explained how to use signal-flow graphs to simplify and solve complicated antenna problems. With these examples, we should finally be ready to adopt as standards new terms that emerge from the antenna equation.

Structured and Intuitive Phasor Transmission and Scattering Equations

“…The equations are intentionally arranged in a structured way that allows to visually follow the flow of electromagnetic energy through distinct parts of the communication channel. Unlike the recently proposed antenna equation [10], the present approach aims at symmetric arrangement with the TX and RX antennas characterized by the same quantity, in the best tradition of the well-established Friis' transmission equation. Besides, the notation of the involved phasor quantities utilizes a simple accent, the tilde (˜), which, thanks to its shape ("wave"), gives a hint that the particular quantity is based on power wave theory.…”