Ultra-wideband antenna for a ground penetrating radar

摘要

In this paper we have modeled a ultra-wideband 4×1 modified Vivaldi antenna array using the software HFSS for GPR applications. A one to four Wilkinson's power divider was designed to form the feed network for the antenna array. We have obtained ultra-wideband characteristics ranging from 1.19 GHz-9.62 GHz and multiband characteristics with frequency bands 9.92 GHz-12.33 GHz, 12.63 GHz-13.43 GHz, 13.71 GHz-14.58 GHz, 15.18 GHz-17.10 GHz and 18.40 GHz-20 GHz. We have obtained gain starting from the frequency 1 GHz which increases gradually with increase in frequency and reaches its peak of 15 dBi at the frequency 7.47 GHz. The Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) stays well below the value of 2 from a range of 1.13 GHz-9.67 GHz. Acquiring of ultra-wideband operating frequency band as well as multiband characteristics at very high frequency will facilitate implementation of a Ground Penetrating Radar system. Antenna parameters like return loss (S11) characteristics, gain, VSWR, directivity, E-plane, H-plane radiation patterns at different frequencies and current density on the radiating patch have been evaluated and results are analyzed.