Experiments and Simulations of a Compact UWB Pulse Generator Coupled to an Exponential Flared TEM-Horn Antenna

摘要

This article presents the design of an exponential flared TEM-horn connected to a UWB pulse generator. The objective of the study was to design a compact ultra wide band (UWB) high power radiating system. The system consists of a primary energy source, a custom-made pulsed power generator from FID Technology GmbH, and an antenna structure. The primary energy source used is three standard 12 V lead-acid batteries coupled in series that delivers a power of around 1 kW at 36 V to the pulsed power unit. The pulsed power unit generates voltage pulses with amplitudes close to 100 kV at a peak current level of 1 kA into a matched load of 100 Ohm. The rise time of the voltage pulse is less than 1 ns, and the maximum pulse repetition frequency of the unit is 1 kHz. In an attempt to maximize the efficiency and the radiated energy out from this pulsed power system a system, specific antenna was designed. The antenna is a high directivity exponential flared TEM-horn antenna designed for high voltage operation. The antenna is able to radiate the energy from the pulse power generator in a wide band of frequencies with high directivity. Spatial constraints limit the antenna's dimensions. The radiated electrical field is measured with a free-field D-dot sensor connected to a high bandwidth oscilloscope. The electric field simulated with Flomerics MicroStripes V7 is compared to the measured signal from the experimental work.