Key Accomplishments

Creating Custom Antennas Through STL Files

Representation of the Tallysman antenna in Matlab.

Matlab features a function which imports the STL file of a 2-dimensional object as an antenna. Measuring the dimensions of the Tallysman antenna, a file was created to simulate it which is then imported to Matlab for testing and research.

Plotting Gain Patterns For Standard Antennas

Gain pattern for a simple circular patch antenna.

 Later on in our project, we will control the gain pattern to accept and attenuate different incoming signals. By having a higher gain for desired signals and a much lower gain for unwanted signals there will greater signal to noise ration. 

In the case of an antenna operating under snow pack, many indirect signals (also referred to as multi-path) are reflected along the ground. The GPS snow antenna will ideally reject these signals while accepting direct signals from satellites in the sky.

Measuring Dielectric Permittivity

A brass plate over the top of the antenna while attached to an LCR meter.

In order to create a more accurate model of the Tallysman antenna, the permittivity of the dielectric material in the antenna is needed. To determine the permittivity, two brass plates are used to create a makeshift capacitor. Using the basic equation for capacitance: 

C =  ( ε_r ε_o A ) / d

a measurement of capacitance can be used to determine the dielectric constant. Using the plates, a measurement for air was taken spaced at the same thickness of the dielectric.