A Compact UHF Antenna Based on Hilbert Fractal Elements and a Serpentine Arrangement for Detecting Partial Discharg

Efforts to protect electric power systems from faults have commonly relied on the use of ultra-high frequency(UHF)antennas for detecting partial discharge(PD)as a common precursor to faults.However,the effectiveness of existing UHF antennas suffers from a number of challenges such as limited bandwidth,relatively large physical size,and low detection sensitivity.The present study addresses these issues by proposing a compact microstrip patch antenna with fixed dimensions of 100 mm×100 mm×1.6 mm.The results of computations yield an optimized antenna design consisting of 2nd-order Hilbert fractal units positioned within a four-layer serpentine arrangement with a fractal unit connection distance of 3.0 mm.Specifically,the optimized antenna design achieves a detection bandwidth for which the voltage standing wave ratio is less than 2 that is approximately 97.3%of the UHF frequency range(0.3–3 GHz).Finally,a prototype antenna is fabricated using standard printed circuit board technology,and the results of experiments demonstrate that the proposed antenna is capable of detecting PD signals at a distance of 8 m from the discharge source.

Assessment of the performance of the TOPGNSS and ANN-MB antennas for ionospheric measurements using low-cost u-blox GNSS receivers

Low-cost GNSS receivers have recently been gaining reliability as good candidates for ionospheric studies. In line with these gains are genuine concerns about improving the performance of these receivers. In this work, we present a comprehensive investigation of the performances of two antennas(the u-blox ANN-MB and the TOPGNSS TOP-106) used on a low-cost GNSS receiver known as the u-blox ZED-F9P. The two antennas were installed on two identical and co-located u-blox receivers. Data used from both receivers cover the period from January to June 2022. Results from the study indicate that the signal strengths are dominantly greater for the receiver with the TOPGNSS antenna than for the receiver with the ANN-MB antenna, implying that the TOPGNSS antenna is better than the ANN-MB antenna in terms of providing greater signal strengths. Summarily, the TOPGNSS antenna also performed better in minimizing the occurrence of cycle slips on phase TEC measurements. There are no conspicuous differences between the variances(computed as 5-min standard deviations) of phase TEC measurements for the two antennas, except for a period around May-June when the TOPGNSS gave a better performance in terms of minimizing the variances in phase TEC. Remarkably, the ANN-MB antenna gave a better performance than the TOPGNSS antenna in terms of minimizing the variances in pseudorange TEC for some satellite observations. For precise horizontal(North and East) positioning, the receiver with the TOPGNSS antenna gave better results, while the receiver with the ANN-MB antenna gave better vertical(Up) positioning. The errors for the receivers of both antennas are typically within about 5 m(the monthly mean was usually smaller than 1 m) in the horizontal direction and within about 10 m(the monthly mean was usually smaller than 4 m) in the vertical direction.

Physical design and recent experimental results of the new ICRF antenna on EAST

Two new ICRF antennas operating in the ion cyclotron radio frequency(ICRF) range have been developed for EAST to overcome the low coupling problem of the original antennas.The original ICRF antennas were limited in their power capacity due to insufficient coupling.The new antenna design takes into account both wave coupling and absorption processes through comprehensive wave coupling and absorption codes,with the dominant parallel wave number k∥of 7.5 m-1at dipole phasing.Through the use of these new ICRF antennas,we are able to achieve 3.8 MW output power and 360 s operation,respectively.The initial experimental results demonstrate the reliability of the antenna design method.

Prediction of Bandwidth of Metamaterial Antenna Using Pearson Kernel-Based Techniques

The use of metamaterial enhances the performance of a specific class of antennas known as metamaterial antennas.The radiation cost and quality factor of the antenna are influenced by the size of the antenna.Metamaterial antennas allow for the circumvention of the bandwidth restriction for small antennas.Antenna parameters have recently been predicted using machine learning algorithms in existing literature.Machine learning can take the place of the manual process of experimenting to find the ideal simulated antenna parameters.The accuracy of the prediction will be primarily dependent on the model that is used.In this paper,a novel method for forecasting the bandwidth of the metamaterial antenna is proposed,based on using the Pearson Kernel as a standard kernel.Along with these new approaches,this paper suggests a unique hypersphere-based normalization to normalize the values of the dataset attributes and a dimensionality reduction method based on the Pearson kernel to reduce the dimension.A novel algorithm for optimizing the parameters of Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)based on improved Bat Algorithm-based Optimization with Pearson Mutation(BAO-PM)is also presented in this work.The prediction results of the proposed work are better when compared to the existing models in the literature.

Microstrip Patch Antenna with an Inverted T-Type Notch in the Partial Ground for Breast Cancer Detections

This study designs a microstrip patch antenna with an inverted T-type notch in the partial ground to detect tumorcells inside the human breast.The size of the current antenna is small enough(18mm×21mm×1.6mm)todistribute around the breast phantom.The operating frequency has been observed from6–14GHzwith a minimumreturn loss of−61.18 dB and themaximumgain of current proposed antenna is 5.8 dBiwhich is flexiblewith respectto the size of antenna.After the distribution of eight antennas around the breast phantom,the return loss curveswere observed in the presence and absence of tumor cells inside the breast phantom,and these observations showa sharp difference between the presence and absence of tumor cells.The simulated results show that this proposedantenna is suitable for early detection of cancerous cells inside the breast.

Effect of antenna helicity on discharge characteristics of helicon plasma under a divergent magnetic field

The characteristics of the blue core phenomenon observed in a divergent magnetic field helicon plasma are investigated using two different helical antennas, namely right-handed and lefthanded helical antennas. The mode transition, discharge image, spatial profiles of plasma density and electron temperature are diagnosed using a Langmuir probe, a Nikon D90 camera,an intensified charge-coupled device camera and an optical emission spectrometer, respectively.The results demonstrated that the blue core phenomenon appeared in the upstream region of the discharge tube at a fixed magnetic field under both helical antennas. However, it is more likely to appear in a right-handed helical antenna, in which the plasma density and ionization rate of the helicon plasma are higher. The spatial profiles of the plasma density and electron temperature are also different in both axial and radial directions for these two kinds of helical antenna. The wavelength calculated based on the dispersion relation of the bounded whistler wave is consistent with the order of magnitude of plasma length. It is proved that the helicon plasma is part of the wave mode discharge mechanism.

Array (Smart) Antennas Improve GSM Performance

As wireless data applications over cellular networks become more widespread, the pressure to increase capacity will become even more intense. Capacity in the 800 and 900 MHz bands, where bandwidth is restricted, is already becoming a limiting factor. This paper attempts to address how the application of smart antenna systems has brought about improvements in call quality and increased capacity through reduced Interference in Mobile Communication. The smart antenna may be in a variety of ways to improve the performance of a communications system. Perhaps most importantly is its capability to cancel co-channel interference. It helps in improving the system performance by increasing the channel capacity, spectrum efficiency, extending range coverage, speech quality, enabling tighter reuse of frequencies within a cellular network and economically, feasible increased signal gain, greater, reduced multipath reflection. It has been argued that Smart antennas and the Algorithms to control them are vital to a high-capacity communication system development.

A Multi-Token Sector Antenna Neighbor Discovery Protocol for Directional Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper,we propose a Multi-token Sector Antenna Neighbor Discovery(M-SAND)protocol to enhance the efficiency of neighbor discovery in asynchronous directional ad hoc networks.The central concept of our work involves maintaining multiple tokens across the network.To prevent mutual interference among multi-token holders,we introduce the time and space non-interference theorems.Furthermore,we propose a master-slave strategy between tokens.When the master token holder(MTH)performs the neighbor discovery,it decides which 1-hop neighbor is the next MTH and which 2-hop neighbors can be the new slave token holders(STHs).Using this approach,the MTH and multiple STHs can simultaneously discover their neighbors without causing interference with each other.Building on this foundation,we provide a comprehensive procedure for the M-SAND protocol.We also conduct theoretical analyses on the maximum number of STHs and the lower bound of multi-token generation probability.Finally,simulation results demonstrate the time efficiency of the M-SAND protocol.When compared to the QSAND protocol,which uses only one token,the total neighbor discovery time is reduced by 28% when 6beams and 112 nodes are employed.

Kinematic-mapping-model-guided analysis and optimization of 2-PSS&1-RR circular-rail parallel mechanism for fully steerable phased array antennas

This paper presents a systematic methodology for analyzing and optimizing an innovative antenna mount designed for phased array antennas, implemented through a novel 2-PSS&1-RR circular-rail parallel mechanism. Initially, a comparative motion analysis between the 3D model of the mount and its full-scale prototype is conducted to validate effectiveness. Given the inherent complexity, a kinematic mapping model is established between the mount and the crank-slider linkage, providing a guiding framework for subsequent analysis and optimization. Guided by this model, feasible inverse and forward solutions are derived, enabling precise identification of stiffness singularities. The concept of singularity distance is thus introduced to reflect the structural stiffness of the mount. Subsequently, also guided by the mapping model, a heuristic algorithm incorporating two backtracking procedures is developed to reduce the mount's mass. Additionally, a parametric finite-element model is employed to explore the relation between singularity distance and structural stiffness. The results indicate a significant reduction(about 16%) in the antenna mount's mass through the developed algorithm, while highlighting the singularity distance as an effective stiffness indicator for this type of antenna mount.

The electrical design of a membrane antenna for a lunar-based low-frequency radio telescope

Detecting primordial fluctuations from the cosmic dark ages requires extremely large low-frequency radio telescope arrays deployed on the far side of the Moon.The antenna of such an array must be lightweight,easily storable and transportable,deployable on a large scale,durable,and capable of good electrical performance.A membrane antenna is an excellent candidate to meet these criteria.We study the design of a low-frequency membrane antenna for a lunar-based low-frequency(<30 MHz)radio telescope constructed from polyimide film widely used in aerospace applications,owing to its excellent dielectric properties and high stability as a substrate material.We first design and optimize an antenna in free space through dipole deformation and coupling principles,then simulate an antenna on the lunar surface with a simple lunar soil model,yielding an efficiency greater than 90%in the range of 12-19 MHz and greater than 10%in the range of 5-35 MHz.The antenna inherits the omni-directional radiation pattern of a simple dipole antenna in the 5-30 MHz frequency band,giving a large field of view and allowing detection of the 21 cm global signal when used alone.A demonstration prototype is constructed,and its measured electrical property is found to be consistent with simulated results using|S11|measurements.This membrane antenna can potentially fulfill the requirements of a lunar low-frequency array,establishing a solid technical foundation for future large-scale arrays for exploring the cosmic dark ages.

A Combined Antenna Array Deployment with High Positioning Accuracy and Low Angular Measurement Error

In this paper,an antenna array composed of circular array and orthogonal linear array is proposed by using the design of long and short baseline“orthogonal linear array”and the circular array ambiguity resolution design of multi-group baseline clustering.The effectiveness of the antenna array in this paper is verified by sufficient simulation and experiment.After the system deviation correction work,it is found that in the L/S/C/X frequency bands,the ambiguity resolution probability is high,and the phase difference system error between each channel is basically the same.The angle measurement error is less than 0.5°,and the positioning error is less than 2.5 km.Notably,as the center frequency increases,calibration consistency improves,and the calibration frequency points become applicable over a wider frequency range.At a center frequency of 11.5 GHz,the calibration frequency point bandwidth extends to 1200 MHz.This combined antenna array deployment holds significant promise for a wide range of applications in contemporary wireless communication systems.

Optimization of the Physical Aperture of the Parabolic Reflector Antenna

In fields like astronomy and radar technology, high-gain antennas are required for long-distance communication. Due to its relatively large gain, the use of parabolic antennas has become very popular over time, because they can easily achieve gains of above 30 dB at microwave and higher frequencies. Today, most systems’ success depends on how well the antennas perform. These antennas are available in different types and sizes. Each antenna’s effective area usually has less than the actual physical area of the antenna surface. This means that the unused area of the antenna is massive, and a waste. The aim of the research is to show that the actual physical aperture of a parabolic antenna can be reduced as much as possible to equal the effective area, as given by the antenna formula, thereby saving manufacturing costs, improve the aesthetics. In other words, the focus of this work is to experimentally show that reflector antenna can be made of smaller sizes but better performance. Measurements were taken from different positions from a parabolic antenna, the signal level measured and compared with signal levels for optimal performance.

A Systematic Review of Computer Vision Techniques for Quality Control in End-of-Line Visual Inspection of Antenna Parts

The rapid evolution of wireless communication technologies has underscored the critical role of antennas in ensuring seamless connectivity.Antenna defects,ranging from manufacturing imperfections to environmental wear,pose significant challenges to the reliability and performance of communication systems.This review paper navigates the landscape of antenna defect detection,emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of various defect types and the associated challenges in visual detection.This review paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers,engineers,and practitioners engaged in the design and maintenance of communication systems.The insights presented here pave the way for enhanced reliability in antenna systems through targeted defect detection measures.In this study,a comprehensive literature analysis on computer vision algorithms that are employed in end-of-line visual inspection of antenna parts is presented.The PRISMA principles will be followed throughout the review,and its goals are to provide a summary of recent research,identify relevant computer vision techniques,and evaluate how effective these techniques are in discovering defects during inspections.It contains articles from scholarly journals as well as papers presented at conferences up until June 2023.This research utilized search phrases that were relevant,and papers were chosen based on whether or not they met certain inclusion and exclusion criteria.In this study,several different computer vision approaches,such as feature extraction and defect classification,are broken down and analyzed.Additionally,their applicability and performance are discussed.The review highlights the significance of utilizing a wide variety of datasets and measurement criteria.The findings of this study add to the existing body of knowledge and point researchers in the direction of promising new areas of investigation,such as real-time inspection systems and multispectral imaging.This review,on its whole,offers a complete study of computer vision approaches for quality control in antenna parts.It does so by providing helpful insights and drawing attention to areas that require additional exploration.

Microstrip Leaky-Wave Antenna for Radar Applications

The work in this article focuses on developing and improving the performance of new leaky-wave antenna configurations that can be adapted for use in radar systems. The study focused on the W-band, where we demonstrated the possibility of modifying resonant frequencies and reducing the number of patches required. The antenna was designed using HFSS, based on the finite element method. It we designed enabled us to observe the influence of the number of patches on the radiation pattern, and also to achieve low levels of minor’s lobes. and good directivity at the operating frequency. These patches are arranged in the shape of an inverted T. The interest of this study is to meet the requirements of radar antennas dedicated to detection.

New Antenna Array Beamforming Techniques Based on Hybrid Convolution/Genetic Algorithm for 5G and Beyond Communications

Side lobe level reduction(SLL)of antenna arrays significantly enhances the signal-to-interference ratio and improves the quality of service(QOS)in recent and future wireless communication systems starting from 5G up to 7G.Furthermore,it improves the array gain and directivity,increasing the detection range and angular resolution of radar systems.This study proposes two highly efficient SLL reduction techniques.These techniques are based on the hybridization between either the single convolution or the double convolution algorithms and the genetic algorithm(GA)to develop the Conv/GA andDConv/GA,respectively.The convolution process determines the element’s excitations while the GA optimizes the element spacing.For M elements linear antenna array(LAA),the convolution of the excitation coefficients vector by itself provides a new vector of excitations of length N=(2M−1).This new vector is divided into three different sets of excitations including the odd excitations,even excitations,and middle excitations of lengths M,M−1,andM,respectively.When the same element spacing as the original LAA is used,it is noticed that the odd and even excitations provide a much lower SLL than that of the LAA but with amuch wider half-power beamwidth(HPBW).While the middle excitations give the same HPBWas the original LAA with a relatively higher SLL.Tomitigate the increased HPBWof the odd and even excitations,the element spacing is optimized using the GA.Thereby,the synthesized arrays have the same HPBW as the original LAA with a two-fold reduction in the SLL.Furthermore,for extreme SLL reduction,the DConv/GA is introduced.In this technique,the same procedure of the aforementioned Conv/GA technique is performed on the resultant even and odd excitation vectors.It provides a relatively wider HPBWthan the original LAA with about quad-fold reduction in the SLL.

Designing a Dual-Feed Circular Polarization Antenna

This paper describes a novel dual-feed circularly polarized antenna,and the dual feeding mode is realized by grooving on the antenna radiator.The antenna utilizes air dielectric material to meet the requirements of low weight and cost.Test results demonstrate that the antenna exhibits capacitive loading between the metal antenna patch and the ground floor,allowing for adjustment of the working frequency of the dual-feed circularly polarized microstrip antenna.Specifically,the original center frequency of 2.264 GHz was reduced to 1.582 GHz,facilitating antenna miniaturization and broad bandwidth.With a return loss(S11)below-10 dB,a bandwidth of 72 MHz(1.552-1.624 GHz)was obtained.Additionally,the dual-feed microstrip antenna incorporates a 90°bridge,resulting in circular polarization gains of 2.26 dBi at 1.561 GHz and 2.45 dBi at 1.575 GHz.Overall,the antenna design offers a large working bandwidth and excellent circular polarization characteristics,making it suitable for a wide range of applications in satellite navigation and positioning terminals.

维生素C辅助阿奇霉素序贯疗法治疗儿童肺炎支原体肺炎的疗效

目的:探讨维生素C辅助阿奇霉素序贯疗法治疗儿童肺炎支原体肺炎(MPP)疗效及其对免疫功能的影响。方法:选取106例MPP患儿为研究对象,按照治疗方式不同分为观察组和对照组,每组各53例。观察组患者采用维生素C辅助阿奇霉素序贯疗法治疗;对照组采用阿奇霉素治疗,疗程均为7 d。比较两组患儿临床疗效、症状缓解时间、肺功能、免疫功能及不良反应发生情况。结果:观察组患儿临床总有效率高于对照组(98.11%vs.86.79%,P<0.05)。治疗后,观察组患儿高热、咳嗽、肺啰音、胸片缓解时间短于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗前,两组患儿用力呼气肺活量占预计值百分比(FVC)、第1秒用力呼气肺活量(FEVl)、FEVl/FVC无统计学差异(P>0.05);治疗后,两组患儿FVC、FEVl、FEVl/FVC均升高,且观察组高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗前,两组患儿外周血免疫球蛋白IgA、IgM、IgG水平无统计学差异(P>0.05);治疗后,两组患儿外周血IgA、IgG水平均升高,且观察组高于对照组(P<0.05);IgM水平均降低,且观察组低于对照组(P<0.05)。两组患儿治疗期间不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:阿奇霉素序贯疗法联合维生素C治疗儿童肺炎支原体肺炎能够提高疗效和免疫功能,值得临床推广。

嵌套加强的LQ550高强冷弯薄壁C型钢连续檩条受力性能研究

为提高LQ550级高强冷弯薄壁C型钢连续檩条的承载能力,采用在支座处嵌套的方法来加强连续檩条。对未加强和采用两种嵌套方式加强的檩条共7组试件进行三点受弯试验,得到了试件的承载性能和破坏形态,试验结果表明加强后的试件出现跨中局部屈曲和嵌套端部局部屈曲两种破坏形态。采用ABAQUS软件建立了非线性有限元模型对嵌套加强的檩条进行数值模拟,有限元分析得到的承载力和破坏形态与试验结果吻合良好,验证了有限元模型的准确性。基于验证的有限元模型,分析了两种嵌套方式和不同嵌套长度对檩条承载力的提升,且表明嵌套檩条的长度宜取为连续檩条跨度的1/5~1/4。

血清PCT、CRP及IL-4水平预测小儿支原体肺炎病情严重程度的价值

目的:探讨血清降钙素原(PCT)、C反应蛋白(CRP)及白细胞介素-4(IL-4)水平预测支原体肺炎患儿病情严重程度的价值。方法:选取2019年1月—2023年1月淮安市第二人民医院儿科收治的102例支原体肺炎患儿作为研究对象,根据病情将患儿分为轻症组59例和重症组43例。比较两组临床资料及基质细胞衍生因子(CXCL12)、γ干扰素(IFN-γ)、硫化氢(H_(2)S)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、PCT、CRP及IL-4水平,多因素分析采取非条件logistic逐步回归分析,采用ROC曲线分析PCT、CRP及IL-4水平对重症支原体肺炎的预测价值。结果:两组性别、年龄、病程及CXCL12、IFN-γ、H_(2)S、SOD、MMP-9水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);重症组PCT、CRP、IL-4水平显著高于轻症组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。logistic逐步回归分析结果显示,PCT、CRP及IL-4为重症支原体肺炎独立危险因素(P<0.05)。ROC分析显示,PCT、CRP及IL-4预测重症支原体肺炎的曲线下面积分别为0.896、0.851、0.787。结论:血清PCT、CRP及IL-4水平均参与支气管肺炎患儿的病情进展,且可作为重症支气管肺炎的诊断指标。

D-二聚体与C反应蛋白对Stanford A型主动脉夹层动脉瘤患者术后远期预后的预测价值

目的分析D-二聚体(D-D)与C反应蛋白(CRP)在Stanford A型主动脉夹层动脉瘤(ADA)患者术后远期预后中的预测价值。方法选取76例胸痛患者为研究对象,所有患者均行心脏超声或主动脉CT血管成像检查,将45例Stanford A型ADA患者纳入观察组,均行手术治疗;非Stanford A型ADA的31例患者纳入对照组。对比2组发生胸痛72 h内的D-D与CRP水平。术后对观察组随访3年,按临床结局分成死亡组(n=10)与存活组(n=35),对比2组D-D与CRP水平;另绘制受试者工作曲线(ROC),分析D-D、CRP单独与联合预测Stanford A型ADA患者的远期预后临床价值。结果观察组的D-D[(1.31±0.35)mg/L]与CRP[(16.59±2.34)mg/L]水平高于对照组[(0.68±0.13)mg/L、(7.53±1.26)mg/L],差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);ADA患者中死亡组的D-D[(1.78±0.49)mg/L]与CRP[(30.46±4.77)mg/L]水平高于存活组[(1.03±0.26)mg/L、(13.59±2.36)mg/L],差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ROC结果显示,D-D与CRP联合检测预测Stanford A型ADA患者远期预后的曲线下面积(AUC)[0.909(95%CI:0.823~0.994)]高于D-D与CRP单独预测[0.806(95%CI:0.680~0.931)、0.840(95%CI:0.727~0.953)]。结论Stanford A型ADA患者血清内的D-D与CRP水平呈高表达,且表达水平越高,患者预后越差,两项指标联合可有效预测患者的远期预后,临床应用价值较高。