Design and Modelling of a Modified High Gain Printed Vivaldi Antenna for EMC Measurements

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the design, modeling, and analysis of a small size 180 x 165 x 1.6 mm3 printed broadband Vivaldi antenna for electromagnetic compatibility measurements. The proposed antenna is intended to be utilized as a reference antenna for emission and immunity tests inside the EMC Chamber through the band (0.8-5.5 GHz). Exponentially tapered slots were created based on mathematical equations to form an end-fire radiation antenna. Furthermore, microstrip and slot line stubs were employed to tune the impedance bandwidth. This antenna could be considered a 2-D Horn antenna with a size reduction of 64% and 67% since both antennas, Vivaldi and Horn are based on the same principle. Two rectangular slots were engraved near the feeding point to reshape and enhance the gain at lower frequency bands. Furthermore, the realized gain has been improved by approximately 3.5 dB and reached up to 10.7 dBi by introducing a pair of triangular reversal slots at the top edges of the structure. Moreover, this antenna has specifications that make it a suitable candidate to work as a reference antenna inside the EMC chamber compared to the classical Horn antenna offered for sale (PowerLOG (R) PRO 30800 and TBMA4).