Development of Antenna Training Aids Using Electromagnetic Visualisation and other Techniques
Development of Antenna Training Aids Using Electromagnetic Visualisation and other Techniques
Author(s): Alan Nott
No pages: 7
Year: 1998
Article ID: 1-3-4
Keywords: antennas, command systems, communications systems
Format: Electronic (PDF)
Abstract: This paper discusses the evolution of antenna training aids under development at the Australian Army's Army Technology and Engineering Agency (ATEA) for the Australian Army School of Signals, and HMAS Cerberus Frequency Management School. The training aids rely heavily on the ability to produce high-quality rendered images of antenna radiation patterns using electromagnetic visualisation techniques developed at ATEA. Adjustment of parameters such as frequency, antenna height, slope, configuration, ground type and viewing angle controls the selection and display of the appropriate antenna pattern image. Interactive operation coupled with the high quality images results in an aid that provides excellent insight into the intricacies of antenna radiation patterns. Current extensions to this capability include traditional graph-based display of pattern data, and of antenna footprint maps using a simple ionospheric predictor.