Monopole Antenna Factor Calibration Using a Universal Artificial Antenna

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the antenna factor of a monopole antenna, such as the equivalent capacitance substitution method (ECSM), require a specific artificial antenna matching the monopole antenna and are limited in correcting the effective height if the antenna is not mounted directly on the ground, leading to measurement uncertainties.

Innovation Solution

A method using a universal artificial antenna and a calibration adapter, along with a matching device and network analyzer, to determine the antenna factor through multiple measurement setups based on scattering parameters, allowing for the calculation of capacitances and correction factors without requiring a matching artificial antenna.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the equivalent capacitance substitution method (ECSM) is used to determine the antenna factor, then the monopole antenna can be calibrated using an artificial antenna with a capacitor, but the method requires the artificial antenna to match the monopole antenna exactly and the capacitance to be known in advance, leading to measurement uncertainties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna factor determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a universal artificial antenna that can be used with different monopole antennas without requiring exact matching. The artificial antenna is combined with a matching device that adapts to different antenna configurations, allowing a single universal setup to work for multiple antenna types and heights, thereby reducing measurement uncertainties and simplifying the calibration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a matching device as an intermediary component between the universal artificial antenna and the monopole antenna under test. This matching device includes adjustable elements that can be tuned to compensate for differences in antenna characteristics, enabling accurate measurements without requiring the artificial antenna to match the monopole antenna exactly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the equivalent capacitance substitution method is used, then the monopole antenna can be calibrated, but the ability to correct effective height is limited when the antenna is not mounted directly on the ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective height correction accuracyVSAvoidapplicability to different mounting positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a matching device with adjustable elements that can be dynamically tuned to accommodate different antenna heights and mounting positions. The adjustable components allow the system to adapt to various configurations, enabling accurate effective height correction whether the monopole antenna is mounted directly on the ground or at a distance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If a universal artificial antenna is used with a matching device and multiple measurement setups, then measurement uncertainties are reduced and calibration is simplified, but the measurement process becomes more complex with multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna factor determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurements to characterize the universal artificial antenna and matching device before actual calibration. By pre-determining the scattering parameters and capacitance values of the universal components, the system can quickly calibrate different monopole antennas without repeating all measurements for each antenna type, thereby reducing overall measurement time while maintaining high precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces measurement uncertainties and enables accurate determination of the antenna factor for monopole antennas at various heights and positions, using a single universal artificial antenna, thereby simplifying calibration and improving accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a scattering parameter associated with the universal artificial antenna in the second measurement setup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering parameter measurement:

Implementation Method 2

determining a coupling capacitance of the universal artificial antenna in a first measurement setup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4703740A1Method and measurement arrangement for determining an antenna factor of a monopole antenna
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4703740A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4703740A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4703740A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining an antenna factor of a monopole antenna (42). A universal artificial antenna (14) is provided and its coupling capacitance is determined. A matching device (30) is connected with the universal artificial antenna (14), wherein a scattering parameter associated with the universal artificial antenna (14) is measured. A calibration adapter (16) replaces the universal artificial antenna (14), wherein a scattering parameter associated with the calibration adapter (16) is measured. An input capacitance of the matching device (30) is determined. A monopole antenna (42) is connected with the matching device (30) and the universal artificial antenna (14), wherein a scattering parameter associated with the universal artificial antenna (14) and a scattering parameter associated with the calibration adapter (16) are measured. The calibration adapter (16) replaces the universal artificial antenna (14). A capacitance of the monopole antenna (42) is calculated. The antenna factor is determined based on the capacitance of the monopole antenna (42), the coupling capacitance of the universal artificial antenna (14) and the input capacitance of the matching device (30). A measurement arrangement is shown.