Research Facilities

Electromagnetic Simulation

The AHFR centre employ various methods for the analysis of radiating devices implemented in bespoke software codes. The commercial package CST Microwave Studio™ is used in conjunction with evolutionary optimisers to effect novel antenna design shapes to meet high performance goals. We use high-resolution human body voxel models to analyse electromagnetic effects in body-centric communications and microwave imaging applications.

Rapid Manufacturing

Once a provisional analysis is researched in the models, prototype devices are fabricated to complete the performance validation of the design. The group has a full range of mechanical and electronic workshop tools at its disposal to create the components. In the case of planar devices, the LPKF Circuit Board Plotter ProtoMat M60™ system ensures that researchers can produce their concepts quickly and efficiently.

Antenna Measurements

Farfield Antenna Radiation Patterns (500 MHz – 40 GHz)

Our measurement chamber is equipped with an Inn-Co CT 0800-P turntable with ± 0.1° positional accuracy. Measurements are conducted with Broad-Band Horn Antenna reference standards from Schwarzbeck - Mess Elektronik. The system is optimised with anechoic microwave absorber for far-field pattern measurements of omni-directional antennas. Controlled with proprietary software, processed results are automatically made available in Excel spreadsheets for plotting.

Test Equipment

The AHFR laboratory is equipped with three vector network analysers (Rohde & Schwarz Vector Network Analyzers : ZVA [0 - 24 GHz], ZVA [0 - 40 GHz] and ZVB [0 - 8 GHz]), an ultra-high performance oscilloscope (Agilent DSO81204A Infiniium) and a range of measurement accessories for fast and accurate analysis of prototype devices. These provide both frequency and time domain data which are essential for qualifying antennas for future applications.