Designing and comparative study of parameters affecting Helix performance at 1420MHz

The paper addresses a study of various parameters which effects the performance of a Helix antenna. A conducting wire in form of screw threads forms a Helix. Helix antenna is used in the field of space sciences due to its high directivity and gain. This paper optimizes the performance of a monofliar Helix antenna which is used as a feed at a frequency of 1420 MHz. The frequency of operation is 1420MHz with a wavelength of 0.211 meters. Theoretical simulations of helix are carried out using Numerical Electromagnetic Code, Version 2 software which is numeric code based on method of moments. Helix antenna is fabricated and optimized to a beam width of 80° so that it can fit into aerospace antenna communication systems. Radiation properties, including far-field patterns, gain, axial ratio, VSWR, return loss are computed for frequency of 1420 MHz. All theoretical studies of helix antenna are carried out using NEC-2 (Numerical Electromagnetic Code, Version 2.0) software, which is a numerical code based on the method of moments. The measurements conducted in paper were limited to far-field patterns only. A comparative study of variation in performance of Helix with respect to varying parameters is also carried out using simulation process and by comparing various results appropriate parameters are selected and thereby fabricated. The helix with low fabrication cost makes this antenna very attractive to mobile and satellite communications and aerospace applications.