Printed Direction Finding Antenna Array Based on a Center-End Feed Dipole-Like Radiator

The article analyses a dipole-like radiator with a central-end feed. On the base of the method of induced electromotive forces and mirror images, expressions for the description of the input impedance of the radiator above ground have been obtained. According to the results of calculations the graphs of dependences of real and imaginary parts of the complex input impedance of the dipole-like radiator with center-end feed on the height above the ground are plotted, which can be used in the future for the formation of the initial antenna topology. Electrodynamic models of printed antenna arrays with sum and difference radiation patterns based on a center-end fed dipole-like radiator are presented. Using the simulation results, a prototype antenna with difference radiation pattern has been designed and synthesized. The presented prototype is characterized by a high matching degree between the experimental and simulated characteristics. The proposed antenna with a differential radiation pattern can be used in radiolocation equipment, radio monitoring and radio control system.