The exhibit hall will feature a NEW program this year: “Interactive Exhibition”. The Industrial Initiative Committee (IIC), a standing committee of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society chaired by Lars Jacob Foged, created the “Interactive Exhibition” program. The IIC conducted a survey of the attendees of the 2016 APS Symposium/URSI Meeting in Puerto Rico. The survey results indicated an interest in increased participation from industry in the symposium and exhibition. A majority indicated “increased number of exhibitors” and “hardware demonstrations” as desired features followed by “software demos and tutorials” as a means to improve the exhibition. In response to these suggestions, this year’s symposium organizing committee and the IIC are pleased to bring you the “Interactive Exhibition”. You will find hardware and software demonstrations in special stations as well as in participating exhibitor booths in the exhibit hall during exhibit hours. Following is the list of participating exhibitors. Please check the symposium website and mobile app for schedule information!
Title: Using a Portable Near-Field System to Measure High Frequency Antennas
Abstract: The 1x1 Spherical and Planar Near-Field System is beneficial for measuring high frequency, medium and high gain antennas (>15 dBi) with small apertures. This simple design is portable and easy to align. It can be quickly reconfigured to use both mm-Wave modules or traditional coaxially connected antennas, supporting payloads of up to 10 lb. (4.5 kg). The 5-axis test system interfaces with a wide variety of RF equipment and is ideal for characterizing small aperture antennas from 8.2 - 500 GHz. The system software runs on a measurement workstation and provides automatic setup of scans based on measurement parameters and desired output. Measured data can be processed for far-field or holographic back projected patterns, yielding complete characterization of the antenna's performance. A single data set provides complete characterization of the antenna's gain, side lobe structure, beam pointing and cross polarization. The 1x1 Portable Near-Field System can also be integrated with an mm-Wave VNA, providing a compact mm-Wave planar near-field test package. This demonstration will show how a Portable Near-Field System measures a slot array antenna easily, quickly and accurately.
Presenter: Jesus Aguilar, NSI-MI Technologies
Title: Design of High Gain Patch Antennas using Topology Optimization using FEKO and HyperStudy
Abstract: Patch antennas are still an ongoing topic of interest due to their advantages: low profile, low cost and ease of fabrication. One of the disadvantages of patch antenna is low directivity, which results in low range performance. In this demonstration, we will introduce an efficient and novel way to improve the directivity of patch antenna using topology optimization and design of experiments (DoE). Numerical simulations are done using Method of Moments (MoM) technique in product, FEKO. We use global response surface method (GRSM) for double objectives topology optimization using the product HyperStudy. This product demonstration will show use of topology optimization and DoE techniques for the systematic design of high directivity of low profile single element patch antennas. This demonstration will show the pertinent steps for design of a patch antenna for V2V applications at 5.9GHz using FEKO in conjunction with HyperStudy.
Presenter: Dr. Aseim Elfrgani, Altair
Title: 5G Performance Measurements
Abstract: This demonstration shows a simple 2-dimensional antenna pattern measurement for a 5G/millimeter wave (mmWave) antenna. In this demonstration, the antenna under test (AUT) is four (4) element patch antenna array working at 28 GHz. The patch antenna is fed with the 28GHz signal from a signal source and while the device is rotated in azimuth plane, the radiation pattern of the antenna array is measured with measurement antenna. The demonstration presents the challenges in millimeter wave communications and further emphasizes the tasks that lie ahead in order to perform accurate and confident measurements for 5G/mmWave antennas. Note this demonstration provides an example of this measurement technique in a 2-dimensional test system, but this approach may also be used to measure 3-dimensional antenna performance.
Presenter: Jari Vikstedt, ETS-Lindgren
Title: WIPL-D Advanced Higher Order EM Modeling: From Low Frequency to Multiscale Problems and Composite Scenarios
Abstract: The aim of the presentation is to demonstrate simulation of huge variety of different applications, multiscale problems and composite scenarios in WIPL-D software package. Usage of advanced sophisticated techniques, such as: max-ortho (higher order) basis function over quadrangle patches, independent selection of expansion orders along two major axes of these patches, adaptive choice of expansion orders depending on electrical size of patches (showing for the first time results for polynomial expansion orders from 1 to 128), and advanced matrix equilibration, together with CPU and GPU parallelization of all phases of simulation, enables WIPL-D to solve these problems without any solver hybridization, only by using MoM SIE based solver. Full wave analysis of electrically very large antenna placement and RCS problems of platforms up to 1000 λ long will be demonstrated using standard MoM augmented by Domain Decomposition technique.
Presenter: Branko Mrdakovic, WIPL-D
Title: Antenna Measurements in Seconds with Chambers on Your Desktop
Abstract: This demonstration will show how very-near-field (VNF) systems can accurately evaluate antenna performance in seconds. VNF measurements of radiated emissions are fast and easy to make. VNF test systems invented by EMSCAN are able to accurately measure radiated power and efficiency for antennas. This allows designers to easily and quickly check antenna and wireless device performance without always needing to resort to chambers and helping them to avoid the delays and set-up needed for far-field measurements in a chamber. When working on small devices like mobile phones or smart meters, a designer can get radiation patterns in "real-time". This speed makes it valuable in all stages of the design cycle including new product integration and quality assurance. The same hardware and technique can also be extended to larger antenna like base station antenna or radar arrays and provide measurements in the lab in minutes. You can bring your antennas for us to test. .
Presenter: Eduardo Lopez, EMSCAN
Title: Measured Antenna Models for Numerical Simulations in Antenna Placement Scenarios
Abstract: Electromagnetics solvers are important engineering tools in the characterization and optimization of antenna placement on large and complex platforms. The accuracy of the source representation has a strong influence on the simulation accuracy of the overall system. It is customary to use domain decomposition techniques based on the near-field description of the local domain in such cases. This allows a separate modeling of the antenna with a high level of detail. The source is subsequently used in the numerical simulation of the entire system. Due to the conclusiveness and high data reliability, measured antennas are attractive as accurate antenna models in numerical simulations.
The MVG commercial software INSIGHT, implementing the inverse source method, provides an accurate near-field representation of any radiating device in terms of equivalent electric and magnetic currents. The equivalent model of the measured device can be imported into commercial electromagnetics solvers in the form of a Huygens Box. This demonstration will show the pertinent steps for using real antennas in numerical simulations, and give practical application examples.
Presenter: Lars Jacob Foged, Microwave Vision Group
Title: Concept to Realization: Antenna Research Activities at AML, San Diego State University
Abstract: The research students at the Antenna and Microwave Lab (AML) at San Diego State University are engaged in research and development of novel antennas and arrays. The lab believes in “concept to realization” philosophy. The aim of the presentation is to demonstrate antenna research activities at the AML, which is equipped with necessary research facilities. The lab has full wave analysis tools (Ansys EM package, Altair FEKO, Ticra GRASP, AWR’s Microwave Office, ADS, and Keysight SystemVue), vector network analyzers from Anritsu and Keysight including a Keysight PNA till 110 GHz, LPKF milling machine and via-plating system, far-field and spherical near-field pattern testing to 50 GHz inside an anechoic chamber from Orbit/FR and a mini-compact range based pattern testing to 110 GHz also from Orbit/FR. The lab also has access to a Fortus 300mc system 3D printer. We would show videos of the antenna development at the lab and onsite measurement of S-parameters of different antennas and arrays. The different antennas for this demonstration include: 5G massive MIMO array antenna panel, inkjet printed antennas, 3D printed antenna, beamsteering antennas, anti-jamming antennas, portable and handheld unit antennas, reconfigurable and tunable antennas, and feed sources for reflector antennas.
Presenter: Professor Satish K. Sharma and his Ph.D. and MS graduate students
Title: Efficient Design of Antennas and Arrays including Feeds by Hybrid Multi-Solver Domain Decomposition Methods
Abstract: The demonstration shows the efficiency of hybrid multi-solver domain decomposition methods using WASP-NET software for the fast design and optimization of antennas and arrays together with feed-networks by live simulations of typical examples on a standard notebook: Corrugated horn together with dual-band/dual-polarization Boifot-OMT, shaped ADE dual-reflector antenna with OMT, shaped offset dual-reflector antenna with OMT, slot-array with feed-network for sum and difference patterns, and a phased Vivaldi-array fed by coax-to-slot-line transitions. Calculation speeds range from a couple of seconds up to a couple of minutes. Design wizards enable the convenient design of these antenna types. An efficient characteristic mode (CM) solver allows pre-investigating exploitable design potentials of antenna structures including feed-point and platform placement effects. CM demonstration examples are a patch array with microstrip feed-network and a mobile phone antenna including housing effects.
Presenter: Fritz Arndt, University of Bremen and MiG – Microwave Innovation Group
These “in booth” demonstrations will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 11-13, from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm each day
Title: Design of High Gain Patch Antennas using Topology Optimization using FEKO and HyperStudy
Abstract: Patch antennas are still an ongoing topic of interest due to their advantages: low profile, low cost and ease of fabrication. One of the disadvantages of patch antenna is low directivity, which results in low range performance. In this demonstration, we will introduce an efficient and novel way to improve the directivity of patch antenna using topology optimization and design of experiments (DoE). Numerical simulations are done using Method of Moments (MoM) technique in product, FEKO. We use global response surface method (GRSM) for double objectives topology optimization using the product HyperStudy. This product demonstration will show use of topology optimization and DoE techniques for the systematic design of high directivity of low profile single element patch antennas. This demonstration will show the pertinent steps for design of a patch antenna for V2V applications at 5.9GHz using FEKO in conjunction with HyperStudy.
Presenter: Dr. Aseim Elfrgani, Altair
Title: Automating OTA Compliance Reports
Abstract: In this demonstration, we will show a live example of automating an LTE OTA Compliance Report using Quarry ReportsTM. The report will contain sections for TRP, TIS, ICRS, and 3D Radiation patterns using data automatically extracted from a folder full of raw far field chamber data. This method provides fast, accurate, repeatable results while allowing you to track your data within the report for ease of validation or auditing of report results.
Presenter: Amy Brown, Data Quarry Inc.
Title: 24 GHz Radar Module: Live Simulation, Virtual Reality Experience and Radar Demonstration
Abstract: The demonstration starts with a live simulation of an antenna system for a 24 GHz radar module using the EMPIRE XPU simulation software. The radar module contains one Tx and two Rx antenna arrays as well as all associated RF electronics. The simulation is followed by a virtual reality experience where the 24 GHz radar module and other 3D EM designs can be inspected using a VR headset. The last part of the demonstration will feature a live demonstration of the functional radar module showing multiple target detection with distance and angular information.
Presenter: Winfried Simon and Marta Martinez Vazquez, IMST GmbH
Title: Tunable Antenna for LTE (4G) Handsets (Live Demonstration of Recovering from Detuning)
Abstract: The demonstration features a tunable antenna operating in the 2.3-2.7 GHz global roaming band. Antenna uses bare-die SPST solid-state relays controlled by DC voltages and has a total of 16 tuning states. The first act demonstrates how the antenna is tuned by combination of switch states. The second act is a live demonstration of how the antenna recovers from detuning through measurement of VSWR and the control algorithm.
Presenter: Tayfun Özdemir, Virtual EM Inc.
Title: WIPL-D Advanced Higher Order EM Modeling: From Low Frequency to Multiscale Problems and Composite Scenarios
Abstract: The aim of the presentation is to demonstrate simulation of huge variety of different applications, multiscale problems and composite scenarios in WIPL-D software package. Usage of advanced sophisticated techniques, such as: max-ortho (higher order) basis function over quadrangle patches, independent selection of expansion orders along two major axes of these patches, adaptive choice of expansion orders depending on electrical size of patches (showing for the first time results for polynomial expansion orders from 1 to 128), and advanced matrix equilibration, together with CPU and GPU parallelization of all phases of simulation, enables WIPL-D to solve these problems without any solver hybridization, only by using MoM SIE based solver. Full wave analysis of electrically very large antenna placement and RCS problems of platforms up to 1000 λ long will be demonstrated using standard MoM augmented by Domain Decomposition technique.
Presenter: Branko Mrdakovic, WIPL-D
