Analysis of the Effect of EBG on the Mutual Coupling for a two-PIFA Assembly.

yesSize constraints and mutual coupling on the performance of a two-element PIFA assembly are investigated for a design frequency of 2.4 GHz. A benchmark antenna assembly, employing a normal metallic ground plane is compared with an EBG modified ground plane. The height of the antenna elements over the EBG is optimised, and an isolation factor of 9.12 dB is achieved for a gap of 2.5 mm. Prototype structures have been constructed and measured for both cases

Compact Microstrip Antenna Design for Microwave Imaging

YesAn ultra-wideband microstrip antenna design is considered with respect to applications in breast cancer detection. The underlying design concept is based on ground penetrating radar (GPR). Simulated and measured prototype performance show excellent performance in the input impedance and radiation pattern over the target range from 4 GHz to 8 GHz. The 4 GHz to 8GHz frequency band for microwave imaging perform better in comparison with other microwave frequencies. The antenna also shows a reasonable uniform radiation performance in the broadside direction which contributes to the reduction of clutter levels, thus aiding the reconstruction quality of the final image

A Capacitively loaded Antenna for use in Mobile Handsets

YesA tuneable slotted patch antenna design is presented and verified for use in the DCS, PCS and UMTS bands. The tuning circuit consists of two varactor diodes with some passive components, and is integrated fully with the r radiator patch, with the varactors occupying different locations over the slot. The tuning does not require any further modification to the patch or feed geometry. Good agreement is observed between the predicted and observed impedance bandwidth, return loss, gain and radiation pattern, throughout the range 1.70 GHz-2.05 GHz

Optimum Design of Doherty RFPA for Mobile WiMAX Base Stations

YesRF power amplifiers in mobile WiMAX transceivers operate in an inherently nonlinear manner. It is possible to amplify the signal in the linear region, and avoid distortion, using output power back-off; however, this approach may suffer significant reduction in efficiency and power output. This paper investigates the use of Doherty techniques instead of back-off, to simultaneously achieve good efficiency and acceptable linearity. A 3.5 GHz Doherty RFPA has been designed and optimized using a large signal model simulation of the active device, and performance analysis under different drive levels. However, the Doherty EVM is generally poor for mobile WiMAX. Linearity may be improved by further digital pre-distortion, and a simple pre-distortion method using forward and reverse AM-AM and AM-PM modeling. Measurements on the realized amplifier show that this approach satisfies the EVM requirements for WiMAX base stations. It exhibits a PAE over 60%, and increases the maximum linear output power to 43 dBm, whilst improving the EVM

Calculation of the Spatial Envelope Correlation Between Two Antennas in Terms of the System Scattering Parameters Including Conducting Losses.

yesThe envelope correlation for a two-element antenna array may be calculated using the antenna radiation fields, or more simply from the scattering parameters of the system. The use of scattering parameters provides a major simplification over the direct use of field data. In this paper we propose a modification of the scattering parameter method which also includes the antenna losses. This approach has the advantage of simplifying the antenna design process, especially when low envelope correlations are needed. It also offers a better prediction of the spatial envelope correlation, and a good framework for understanding the effects of the mutual coupling. The accuracy of this proposed method is illustrated by two examples

Improvements in Multicarrier Modulation Systems using a Wavelet OFDM Scheme

yesThis paper investigates the performance of wavelet OFDM signals over a wireless communications link. The scheme is shown to be generally similar to Fourier based OFDM, but with some additional features, and improved characteristics. The sensitivity of both schemes to the nonlinear amplification in the transmitter is compared by monitoring the time domain output data and the adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) performance

Explanation of DC/RF Loci for Active Patch Antennas

YesA characteristic loop locus of dc power versus RF output power was observed as the frequency was varied around the optimum point of an operational active antenna. A new technique was introduced into the simulation, plotting the dependence of parameters such as supply current, efficiency or output power on internal impedance as seen by the naked transistor. It is now clear that the loop was formed as a consequence of the interaction of the transistor packaging elements with the patch impedances

Design of a Planar Inverted F-L Antenna (PIFLA) for Lower-band UWB Applications

YesThis paper examines the case for an ultrawideband planar inverted-F-L-antenna design intended for use in the lower sub-band. The antenna construction is based on the conventional inverted F, and inverted L as its feed element, and parasitic element, respectively. The optimized antenna size is 30×15×4mm3. The prototype antenna has a good return loss of -10 dB, and a 66.6% impedance bandwidth (2.8 GHz ¿ 5.6 GHz), the gain varies between 3.1 dBi and 4.5 dBi

A Frequency Tunable PIFA Design for Handset Applications.

yesA frequency tunable planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) is presented for use in the following bands: DCS, PCS, and UMTS. Initially, the tuning was achieved by placing a lumped capacitor, with values in the range of 1.5 to 4 pF, along the slot of the radiator. The final tuning circuit uses a varactor diode, and discrete lumped elements are fully integrated with the antenna. The antenna prototype is tunable over from 1850 MHz to 2200 MHz, with an associated volume of 21×13.5×5 mm3, making it suitable for potential integration in a commercial handset or mobile user terminal

Risk Factors and Outcome of Varicella-Zoster Virus Pneumonia in Pregnant Women

To determine the factors associated with an increased risk of developing varicella-zoster virus (VZV) pneumonia during pregnancy, a case-control analysis was done in which 18 pregnant women with VZV pneumonia were compared with 72 matched control subjects. VZV infection was identified clinically, and VZV pneumonia was diagnosed by dyspnea and findings on chest radiographs. Of 347 pregnant women with VZV infection, 18 (5.2%) had pneumonia treated with acyclovir, and none died. Mean gestational age at rash onset was 25.8 ± 8.8 weeks for patients with pneumonia and 17.7 ± 10.3 weeks for control subjects, which was not significant in the multivariable model. Women with VZV pneumonia were significantly more likely to be current smokers (odds ratio [OR], 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6–16.7) and to have \u3e100 skin lesions (OR, 15.9; 95% CI, 1.9–130.2). Pregnant women with VZV infection may be more likely to develop varicella pneumonia if they are smokers or manifest \u3e100 skin lesions