Characterization of log periodic folded slot antenna array

This work studies the log-periodic folded-slot array (LPFSA) using Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques. The LPFSA impedance, gain and time-domain responses were analyzed and regression models were used to predict the antenna responses. The results indicate that the impedance of the central line and the boom length are the most influential factors in the frequency response of the antenna. These factors are responsible for the broad impedance and pattern bandwidth of the antenna. The gain of the antenna is between 7 and 8 dB for a scaling factor of .89 and between 9 and 10 dB for a scaling factor of 0.95. The VSWR was less than two on the bandwidth of the antenna between 3 and 11 GHz for optimal designs. Results also indicate that the log periodic antenna configuration is not suitable for time domain applications. The research also found a stability problem with the radiation pattern of the original LPFSA configuration and consequently a configuration was developed to correct this problem.