The Design and Analysis of a Conformal Spiral Antenna Structure for an Ultra-Wide-Band Radar System

Abstract

This thesis explores the design, simulation, and analysis of two conformal spiral antenna structures that are used for an ultra-wide-band (UWB) bistatic radar. The radar antenna system operates over a frequency range from 0.9 GHz to 6.5 GHz. The UWB spiral antenna was initially derived for a planar substrate, then conformed to the spherical embodiment. A microstrip tapered balun feed structure was designed to provide a balanced signal from the radar to the antennas. This work focuses on how well the newly designed antenna system compares to the radar kit's pro- vided planar bow-tie antennas. In particular, the comparisons between simulations and prototype measurements are presented. It is shown that a spiral antenna and structure can be conformed to a 127.0 mm diameter sphere and have little e ect on the radar's performance when compared to a larger planar bow-tie antenna design.