Displaying three dimensional antenna patterns on personal computers

The authors describe a program, 3D, which has been developed to display three-dimensional antenna patterns on IBM personal computers and compatibles. With 3D, personal computers are now capable of displaying complex patterns in high-resolution graphics within reasonable time constraints. The program displays any antenna pattern that is expressed in a spherical coordinate equation and eliminates hidden lines regardless of pattern orientation. The use of several hidden line algorithms optimizes the time necessary to view patterns with different levels of three-dimensional accuracy. Examples illustrating this approach are presented.<>