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Online Computer Simulation Tools for Dipole Antenna Radiation Patterns

Abstract

Interactive computer simulation tools are an essential component of a modern pedagogy for electrical and computer engineering. Simulation tools offer dynamic, interactive, self-paced learning that is available at the convenience of the student. At the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, all senior level undergraduate students studying electrical engineering are required to take a course on electromagnetic waves to satisfy their degree requirements. The final laboratory exercise associated with this course requires students to measure, record, and analyze a series of dipole antenna radiation patterns for various antenna configurations. A common conceptual challenge for students to overcome when dealing with radiation patterns is the full effect of how the three dimensional field changes based on the antenna’s configuration parameters.

To counteract this issue, our university developed a collection of four dipole antenna radiation pattern simulation tools specifically tailored for the course. Comparable simulation tools that fit the needs of the course cannot be found online. The simulation tools display patterns for: a single dipole, an array of dipoles, a dipole above an infinite flat ground plane, and a dipole inside of a 90 infinite corner reflector. Students use the simulators to complete a pre-laboratory study to improve their understanding of the material, and to better utilize laboratory experimentation time. The online simulations supplement traditional lectures and laboratory experience by providing a deeper understanding of the concepts using online learning resources.

The simulation tools were first incorporated into the course during the spring 2006 term, and will next be used during the spring 2007 term. Although a comprehensive study into the effectiveness of the simulators has not been completed, the initial feedback from students has been favourable. These tools are now available online at the university’s website to members of the Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance (MSDN AA). The simulators were developed using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 using the C# programming language.

Introduction

The visualization of electromagnetic radiation can be remarkably difficult for undergraduate students in electrical engineering programs. This is particularly true for students studying electromagnetic phenomena for the first time. Introductory courses on antenna theory pose a significant challenge for undergraduate students. In some situations, students may not have access to a safe lab environment and the equipment necessary to experiment with antenna radiation patterns. Thus, good visualization tools are desirable for use in an introductory course on antenna theory.

Current textbooks are limited in that they only possess the ability to display static images of antenna patterns at a limited number of fixed parameters. To examine the effects of parameter changes, students must perform a series of long and tedious calculations just to plot a single

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Neale, A., & Shirtliff, J., & Bishop, W., & Santillan Rios, C. (2007, June), Online Computer Simulation Tools For Dipole Antenna Radiation Patterns Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--2071