ST.

ANNES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

ANGUCHETTYPALAYAM, PANRUTI 607 110

EC1352 - ANTENNAS AND WAVE PROPAGATION

QUESTION BANK

(FOR III B.E ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING)

AS PER ANNA UNIVERSITY (TRICHY) SYLLABUS

2008 REGULATION

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

ENGINEERING
Prepared By,

Mr.VIGNESHWARAN (AP/ECE)

UNIT 1
RADIADION PROPERTIES
1) What is magnetic vector potential?
The source for magnetic vector potential is current element. The
current having both magnitude and direction. Hence the potential in the case
of magnetic field is magnetic vector potential.
The expressions for magnetic vector potential (A)
A = /4 J/r dV (volts /metre)
2) What is a monopole antenna?
A monopole antenna consists of one half of a dipole (usually a short
vertical) antenna mounted above the earth or group (reflecting plane).
3) What is a quarter wave monopole?
One-quarter wavelength long .it is also called as Marconi antenna.
4) What is a hertz antenna?
Effective length or height of the antenna becomes half of the actual
length.
5) Define electric scalar potential.
The source for producing a electric potential is charge. The charge is
having magnitude only. Hence the potential in the case of electric charge is
electric scalar potential.
E= -V
Unit is weber/m
6) Write down the expressions for magnetic vector potential using three
standard current distributions.
i) for volume current
A = /4 J/r dV (volts /metre)
ii) for line current
A = /4 I/r dl (volts /metre)
iii) for surface

A = /4 K/r dS (volts /metre)

7) What is retarded current?

Since current flowing through a short dipole is assumed to be constant
throughout its length, the effect of this current is not felt instantaneously at a
Distant point P, but only after an interval equal to the time required for the wave
to propagate over a distance r. This current is called as retarded
current.
Expressions for retarded current
[I] = Im e jw(t- r/c) : r/c retardation current.
8) Define hertzian dipole?
Hertzian dipole is defined as a short linear conductor or short electric
dipole , whose length is very short compared to wavelength(l << ), and
current is assumed to be constant throughout its length.
9) Write down the expressions for radiated fields of a half wave dipole
antenna(/2) .
E =60 Im /r [( cos(/2 cos)/sin] H
= Im /2r [( cos(/2 cos)/sin]
10. State reciprocity principle.
If a current I1 at the terminals of antenna no.1 induces an emf E21 at the open
terminals of antenna no.2 and a current I2 at the terminals of antenna no.2
induces an emf E12 at the open terminals of antenna no.1 then E12= E21 provided
I1= I2
11. Define antenna .
An antenna is a structure that has been designed to radiate or receive
electromagnetic waves.

12. Define Radiation pattern

An antenna radiation pattern is defined as a mathematical function or a
graphical representation of the radiation properties of the antennas a function
of space coordinates.
The radiation properties include power flux density, radiation intensity, field
strength,directivity, phase or polarization.

13). What are the two types of radiation pattern.

Field pattern
If the radiation from the antenna is expressed in terms of the field
strength(either E or H ) then the radiation pattern is called as field pattern.
Power pattern
If the radiation from the antenna is expressed in terms of power per unit
area, then the resultant pattern is power pattern.
14) Define Induction field(near field)
The field which predominates at the points closer to the current element
where r is small is known as induction field. The near field is inversely
proportional to square of the distance(1/ r).
15) Write down expression for retarded vector potential.
Retarded vector potential [A] = /4 v ( Jm e jw(t- r/c) ) / r.
16) Write down the expression for radiation resistance of a hertzian dipole
Radiation resistance Rr = 80 ( L / ) ohms
17) Define retardation time
It is the time required for the wave to propagate over the distance r. It is
given by r/c where c is 3*108 m/s.
18) What is the radiation resistance of a current element whose overall
length is /50.
Radiation resistance Rr = 80 ( L / ) ohms
Given L = /50.
Ans = 0.316 ohms
19) Calculate the physical height of a halfwave dipole (/2) having
antenna Q of 30 and bandwidth of 10 MHz.
f = Q. BW
= c / f ; ans: 0.5 m
20) Calculate the bandwidth of a 50 cm long half wave diploe having a Q of
15.
Bandwidth = f / Q;
Height of a half wave dipole (/2) = 50 cm. f =
C/
ans : 20 MHz.

21) If the electric field strength(E) of a plane wave is 5

volts/metre,calculate the strength of a magnetic field(H)in free space.
E =5 v
= 120 = E

/ H

22). What is the Special feature of folded dipole antennas?

Folded dipole has got a versatile quality of providing any desired input
impedance by increasing the number of elements and selecting suitable
lengths of dipole.
23). What are the Advantages of folded dipole? AN.U.2003
The radiation pattern of a folded dipole and a conventional half wave is
same but the input impedance of the folded dipole is higher. It has low
directivity and bandwidth than simple dipole.

24). What is Application of folded dipole?

Folded dipole is used as a driven element in yagi-uda antenna. It has
built in impedance transforming properties, which makes it easier to match a
transmission line that feeds the antenna.
25. Compare half wave dipole & folded dipole? AN.U.2005
s.no
1.

Half wave dipole

Directivity is unidirectional

Folded dipole
Directivity is bi-directional, but
because of the distribution of
currents in the parts of folded
dipole, the input impendence is
higher.
Used as impedance matching
devices.
Broadness in bandwidth is less Broadness in bandwidth
than folded dipole.

26). Define radiation efficiency

Radiation efficiency=Max power gain/directivity

UNIT II
ANTENNA ARRAYS
1.What is a Loop antenna? AN.U.2003
The loop antenna is a radiating coil of any convenient cross section of one
or more turns, carrying radio frequency current. It may assume any shape likes
rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal and circular loop, most popular out of
these are square and circle.
2.What are the Applications of loop antenna?
1.They are seldom employed for transmission in radio communicating they
are used in such application; it is usually in receiving mode where antenna
efficiency is not important
2.They also use it for finding the direction.
3. What is meant by Broadband antenna?
Antenna which maintain certain required characteristics like gain,
front to back ratio, SWR, polarization, input impedance and radiation pattern over
wide range of frequencies are called wide band or broad band antenna. EG: Logperiodic
5. What is the Special feature of folded dipole antennas?
Folded dipole has got a versatile quality of providing any desired
input impedance by increasing the number of elements and selecting suitable
lengths of dipole.
6. What are the Advantages of folded dipole? AN.U.2003
The radiation pattern of a folded dipole and a conventional half wave is
same but the input impedance of the folded dipole is higher. It has low
directivity and bandwidth than simple dipole.
7. What is Application of folded dipole?
Folded dipole is used as a driven element in yagi-uda antenna. It has built
in impedance transforming properties, which makes it easier to match a
transmission line that feeds the antenna.

8. What are the disadvantages of loop antenna?

Only suitable for LF & MF except for a very small distance.
Transmission efficiency is poor & hence cannot be used for UHF
unless
design is changed.
Spurious induced voltages are produced, if nearby loop, wires &
conductors are present.
It is subjected to antenna effect & night effect, which are minimized
by balancing & using Adcock antenna for direction finding.
9. What is Adcock antenna? & how it eliminates the effects of loop antenna?
AN.U.2003
It consists of 2 spaced vertical antenna.In vertical polarization the action
is same as loop antenna. The horizontally polarized down coming sky waves
have no effect on this antenna due to its circuit arrangement. If the
horizontal wires are placed inside a metal tube shielded from the radio
waves, this antenna system becomes insensitive to horizontally polarize
down coming sky waves & thus it is free from polarization effect.
10. compare half wave dipole & folded dipole? AN.U.2005
s.no
1.

Half wave dipole

Directivity is unidirectional

Broadness in bandwidth is less

than folded dipole.

Folded dipole
Directivity is bi-directional, but
because of the distribution of
currents in the parts of folded
dipole, the input impendence is
higher.
Used as impedance matching
devices.
Broadness in bandwidth

11.What is a normal mode of helix antenna?

Radiation field is maximum in the direction normal to the helix axis &
wave is nearly or exactly circularly polarized wave . Mode is said to be normal
if the dimensions of helix is small compared with the wavelength.

12. What is a axial mode of helix antenna?

Radiation field is maximum in the end fire direction.(ie) along the
helix axis & polarization is circular or nearly circular.

13. How bandwidth & efficiency is increased? AN.U.2005

Efficiency is increased by increasing the dimension & current feed in
phase with helix axis.
Bandwidth is increased by providing phase shifter at regular intervals.
14.How the axial mode is improved?
When the helix circumference D & spacing S of order of one wavelegth.
Axial mode of radiation is produced by raising helix circunference (c/) of order
of one wavelength & spacing is approximately of /a.
15.Define radiation efficiency
Radiation efficiency=Max power gain/directivity
16.What is the error introduced in direction finding of loop antenna?
Antenna or Vertical effect
Night effect or Aeroplane effect or polarization error.
17. What is the radiation resistance of multi turn loop antenna? & how it
change the o/p power?
Rr = 31,200 (NA/ 2 ) 2
effective area.

N= number of turns , = wavelength, A=

18. What is the principle of pattern multiplication?

In case of isotropic antenna arrays the total field of the antenna array is
simply the vector sum of those of individual radiating sources.
In case of non isotropic, but similar sources I s the multiplication of the
individual source patterns and the pattern of an array of isotropic point
sources, each located at the phase centre of individual sources and having
relative amplitude and phase. Whereas the total phase pattern is the addition of
the phase patterns of the individual sources and tat of the array of isotropic
point sources
19. What is the general effect of earth on antennas?
Effect of earth modifies the following:
1.Currents flowing in reflecting surface.
2.Radiation pattern.

20. What is an array factor?

It is apparent that the total field of an array is equal to equal field of a
single element positioned at the origin multiplied by a factor which is widely
referred as array factor.
21. What are the disadvantages of binomial arrays?
1. As HPBW increases and hence directivity decreases.
2. For design of a large array, larger amp ratio of sources is required.
22. What is the disadvantage of a binomial array?
A major practical disadvantage of binomial array is the wide variations
between the amplitudes of the different elements of an array, especially for an
array with a large no of elements. This leads to very low efficiencies, and
makes this method not very desirable in practice.
23. What is a binomial array?
The coefficients of binomial expansion represent relative amplitudes of
the elements. Since the coefficients are determined from the binomial series,
expansion the array is known as binomial array.
24. What are the types of antenna arrays?
1.Broad side array
2.End fire array
3.Collinear array
4.Parasitic array
25. Define the length of an array
The length of an array is the length measured along the axis of the
array from the first element to the last element.

26. What is array factor or space factor?

The factor by which the antenna array increases the field strength over that
of a single element radiating the same total power is called array factor or space
factor.
27. Define antenna array.

AN.U.2003

Antenna array is an arrangement of several individual antennas so spaced

and phased that their individual electric field contributions combine in one
preferred direction and cancel in all other directions to get greater directivity.
28. How to convert broad side array radiation pattern into unidirectional?
AN.U.2004
Bidirectional pattern of a broad side array can be converted into
unidirectional by installing an indentical array behind this array at a distance /4
and exciting it by current leading in phase by 90*.
29. What are the applications of arrays? AN.U.2005
Because of their physical size, their use is generally limited to HF
bands and higher but they are used in LF bands for point to point
communications. They are also used in overseas broadcasting stations in MF
and HF bands for repeated broad casting to some distant area.
30.Give the formula for beam width between first nulls(BWFN) of a broad side
array.
BWFN=115/(L/)
L=length of array =wave
length
31.Give the formula for BWFN of an end-fire array.
BWFN=115/(L/)
32.Give the formula for half power beam width of a broad side array.
BWFN=51/(L/)
L=length of array =wave
length.

33.Give the formula for HPBW of an end-fire array.

HPBW=52/(L/)
34.Give the formula for calculating directive gain of broad side array.
Directive gain=2L/(when the elements along with axis parallel to
array axis)
Directive gain=4L/(when the elements at right angles to array axis)

35.What is the formula for directive gain when the elements right angels to
array axis?
Directive gain=4L/
36. What is a collinear array? AN.U.2004
In this array the antennas are arranged co-axially and the elements are fed
with equal inphase currents. The radiation pattern of a collinear array
has circularly symmetry with its main lobe every where perpendicular to the
principle axis.
37. When will be the gain of the collinear array be maximum?
When the spacing between elements is of the order of 0.3 to 0.5.
38. Define antenna .
An antenna is a structure that has been designed to radiate or receive
electromagnetic waves.
39. Define Radiation pattern
An antenna radiation pattern is defined as a mathematical function or a
graphical representation of the radiation properties of the antennas a function of
space coordinates.
The radiation properties include power flux density, radiation intensity, field
strength,directivity, phase or polarization.
40. What are the two types of radiation pattern.
1) Field pattern
If the radiation from the antenna is expressed in terms of the field
strength(either E or H ) then the radiation pattern is called as field
pattern.
2) Power pattern
If the radiation from the antenna is expressed in terms of power per unit
area, then the resultant pattern is power pattern.
41. What is broadside array?
The simplest array consist of a number of dipoles of equal size,equally
spaced along a straight line with the dipole fed in the same phase from the same
sources. Such an arrangement is called broad side array.
42.What is an end-fire array?
In the end-fire array each element is fed with same magnitude but
different phase and this phase is progressive from left to right.

43.What is the direction of maximum radiation is maximum only in one

direction that is in the direction of array axis.
(180 & 360 (or) 0 degree)
44.What are the characteristics of an end-fire array and broad side array?
1.linear

2.Resonant

3.Narrow bandwidth

45.What is a collinear array? AN.U.2004

In this array the antennas are arranged co-axially and the elements are fed
with equal inphase currents. The radiation pattern of a collinear array has
circularly symmetry with its main lobe every where perpendicular to the
principle axis.
46. When will be the gain of the collinear array be maximum?
When the spacing between elements is of the order of 0.3 to 0.5.
47. What are stacked arrays?
When a number of BSAs of linear types, are arranged (stacked) one
above the other, a rectangular stack is formed. The directivity is given by
4hl
12.56* area of aperture
D=
=
2

48. Define HPBW.

HPBW is the angular width measured on the major lobe of radiation
pattern between points where the radiated power has fallen to half on its
maximum value. It is otherwise called as 3 db beamwidth.
49. State reciprocity principle.
If a current I1 at the terminals of antenna no.1 induces an emf E21 at the
open terminals of antenna no.2 and a current I2 at the terminals of antenna no.2
induces an emf E12 at the open terminals of antenna no.1 then E12= E21 provided
I1= I2
50.State image theory.
The image theory states that a given charge configuration above an
infinite grounded, perfect conducting plane may be replaced by the charge
configuration itself, its image and an equipotential surface in place of the
conducting plane.

UNIT III
ANTENNA TYPES
1). What are the Application of paraboloidal or parabolic reflector?
Parabolic reflector is used mainly for point to point microwave
communication system.
2). What are the Various types of feeds used for parabolic reflector.
1.end fire array feed.
2.horn antenna as feed
3.cassegrain feed
3). What are the types of horn antenna?
1.E-plane antenna
2.H-plane antenna
3.Pyramidal antenna.
4.Sectoral horn.
5.Conical horn.
6.Biconical horn.
4). What are the Advantages & disadvantages of cassegrain feed?
Adv:Reduction in spill over & minor lobe radiation
Ability to place the feed in a convenient lacation.
Capability for scanning or broadening of the beam by moving one of the
reflecting surface.
Disadv: 1.Some of the reflected wave is obstructed problematic
Especially with small dimension.
2.Dimension of the secondary reflector depends on the
distancee beween the horn feed & sub reflector, mouth of
the horn inturn on frequency. This can be avoided by using an
offset reflector.
5). What is primary & secondary radiator?
The antenna placed at the focus of a paraboloid is called feed radiator or
feed or primary radiator & its radiation is called primary pattern..The paraboloid
reflector is known as secondary radiator & pattern as secondary pattern or
antenna pattern.

6). What are the cassegrain feed mechanism?

In this feed system, primary radiator is put at the opening of vertex of
paraboloid reflector B. the secondary feed of the cssegrain system is a
hyperboloid reflector whose focus F coincides with focus of the paraboiloid
reflector .
7). What is biconical antenna?
The biconical antenna is a double cone antenna which is
dtiven by potential, charge or an alternating magnetic field at the
vertex. In this antenna , both the cones face in opposite direction
8). What is backlobe radiation?
Some radiation from the primary radiator occur in the
forward direction in addition to the desired parallel beam. This is
known as backlobe radiation.
9). Define spill over.
Some of the desired rays are not captured by the reflector
antenna and this constitute spill over.
10). How spherical waves are generated?
When a voltage V is applied at the input terminals of a
biconical antenna. It will produce outgoing spherical waves . the
biconical antenna acts as a guide for the spherical waves.

11). What is the difference between slot antenna and its complementry
dipole antenna?
1) Polarization are different ie., the electric fields associated with the slot
antenna are identical with the magnetic field of the complementry
dipole antenna.
2) The electric field be vertically polarized for the slot and
horizontally polarized for the dipole.
3) Radiation from the back side of the conducting plane of the slot
antenna has the opposite polarity from that of the complementary
antenna.

12). State hygenes principle.

Hygenes principle states that each point ona primary wave
front can be considered to be a new source of asecondary spherical wave
and tbat a secondary wave front can be constructed as the envelop this
secondary waves.
13). What is yagi uda antenna?
It is an array of a driven element, a reflector and one or more
directors.
14). What do u meant by parasitic elements?
The passive elements which are not connected directly to the transmission
line but are electrically coupled are called as parasitic elements.
15). What do you meant by driven elements?
Driven element is an active element where the power from the
transmitter is fed or which feeds the received power to the receiver.
16). What is the purpose of using more directors in yagi uda antenna?
The purpose of using more directors in yagi uda antenna is to increase the
gain.

17). Why folded dipole antenna is used in yagi uda antenna?

The folded dipole has high input impedance.If the distance between the
driven and the parasitic element is decreased, it will load the driven element ,
so input impedance of driven element reduces.But this will be compensated
i.e., raised by the folded dipole.
18). What is beam antenna?
If three elements array i.e., one reflector,one driven element and one
director are used, then such type of yagi uda antenna is referred to as beam
antenna.
19). Write short notes on horn antenna.
A wave guide is capable of radiating radiation into open space
provided the same is excited at one end and opened at the other end.This
type of antenna is called flared out or opened out waveguide.

20). What are the uses of horn antenna?

a) They are used at microwave frequencies. b)
Power gain is high.
21). What is aperture?
In parabolic reflectors,the open mouth of the parabola is known as the
aperture.
22). What is a Loop antenna? AN.U.2003
The loop antenna is a radiating coil of any convenient cross section of one
or more turns, carrying radio frequency current. It may assume any shape likes
rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal and circular loop, most popular out of
these are square and circle.
23). What are the Applications of loop antenna?
1.They are seldom employed for transmission in radio communicating
they are used in such application; it is usually in receiving mode where antenna
efficiency is not important
2.They also use it for finding the direction.
24). What is meant by Broadband antenna?
Antenna which maintain certain required characteristics like gain,
front to back ratio, SWR, polarization, input impedance and radiation pattern
over wide range of frequencies are called wide band or broad band antenna. EG:
Log-periodic
25). What are the disadvantages of loop antenna?
Only suitable for LF & MF except for a very small distance.
Transmission efficiency is poor & hence cannot be used for UHF
unless
design is changed.
Spurious induced voltages are produced, if nearby loop, wires &
conductors are present.
It is subjected to antenna effect & night effect, which are minimized by
balancing & using Adcock antenna for direction finding.
26). What is a normal mode of helix antenna?
Radiation field is maximum in the direction normal to the helix axis &
wave is nearly or exactly circularly polarized wave . Mode is said to be
normal if the dimensions of helix is small compared with the wavelength.

27). What is a axial mode of helix antenna?

Radiation field is maximum in the end fire direction.(ie) along the helix
axis & polarization is circular or nearly circular.
28). How bandwidth & efficiency is increased? AN.U.2005
Efficiency is increased by increasing the dimension & current feed in
phase with helix axis.
Bandwidth is increased by providing phase shifter at regular intervals.
29). How the axial mode is improved?
When the helix circumference D & spacing S of order of one
wavelegth. Axial mode of radiation is produced by raising helix
circunference (c/) of order of one wavelength & spacing is approximately of
/a.
30). What is the error introduced in direction finding of loop antenna?
Antenna or Vertical effect
Night effect or Aeroplane effect or polarization error.
31). What is the radiation resistance of multi turn loop antenna? & how it
change the o/p power?
Rr = 31,200 (NA/ 2 ) 2
effective area.

N= number of turns , = wavelength, A=

32). What are the Advantages &disadvantages of rhombic antenna?

Adv:
1. An end to end receiving array of a number of rhombics can be
designed to form a multi unit steer able antenna (MUSA)
system which is used for long distance short-wave reception of
horizontal polarized down coming waves
2. The input impedance & radiation pattern do not change over a
considerable frequencies range as compared to resonant dipole.
3. Highly directional
4. Vertical angle of radiation is low & hence these are suitable for
long distance ionosphere propagation (F layer).
Disadv: large space for installation
Half the power is wasted in the terminal resistors.
Transmission efficiency is poor. (Lager number of Minor lobes) It is
overcome by using one or more rhombics antenna

33). What are the types of horn antenna?

1.E-plane antenna
2.H-plane antenna
3.Pyramidal antenna.
34). What are the Applications of rhombic antenna?
1.HF transmission
2.HF reception
3.Point to point communication
35). What are the Disadvantages of limiting factor of traveling wave
antenna?
The limiting factor of traveling wave antenna is the misalignment of
the lobes that takes place as the frequency is changed.
36) What are the Advantages of traveling wave antenna?
Traveling wave antennas input impedance is mostly resistive and
relatively independent of frequency. Thus these antennas can operate over
fairly broad frequency band.
37). What are the Type of long wire antenna
1.Horizontal V
2.Horizontal rhombic
3.Vertical V
4.Vertical rhombic
5.Vertical inverted V
6.Half rhombic
7.Single horizontal wire
38). What are the Applications of log-periodic antenna
1.used mainly in HF communications
2.used for television reception where only one log-periodic design will
suffice for all the channels even upto UHF band.
39). What is the Applications of yagi-uda antenna
1. High frequency communications
2. Television reception
40). What is an Log-periodic antenna?
Log-periodic antenna is a broadband antenna. It has a number of dipoles
of different lengths. The performance of the system is periodic as a function of
frequency that results the name. It is also known as frequency independent
antenna.

41). What is meant by Frequency independent antennas?

A frequency independent antenna is defined as the antenna for which the
impedance pattern and directivity remains constant as function of frequency.
42). Define rhombic antenna.
An antenna which consists of four straight wires, arranged in the
shape of diamond , suspended horizontally above the surface of earth is called
as rhombic antenna. It is otherwise called as diamond antenna or traveling
wave antenna
43). What are the three different regions in log periodic antenna and how they
are differenciated?
1) In active region-L < (/2)
2) Active region -L = (/2)
3) In active reflective region L > (/2)
44). What is the Applications of yagi-uda antenna
1. High frequency communications
2. Television reception
45). What is an Log-periodic antenna?
Log-periodic antenna is a broadband antenna. It has a number of dipoles
of different lengths. The performance of the system is periodic as a function of
frequency that results the name. It is also known as frequency independent
antenna.
46). What are the Applications of log-periodic antenna?
1.used mainly in HF communications
2.used for television reception where only one log-periodic design will
suffice for all the channels even upto UHF band.
47). What are the types of long wire antenna?
1.Horizontal V
2.Horizontal rhombic
3.Vertical V
4.Vertical rhombic
5.Vertical inverted V
6.Half rhombic
7.Single horizontal wire

48). What are the Advantages of V antenna?

1.Its directivity is high

2.Side lobe level is small
49). What are the Advantages of traveling wave antenna?
Traveling wave antennas input impedance is mostly resistive and
relatively independent of frequency. Thus these antennas can operate over
fairly broad frequency band.
50). What are the Disadvantages of limiting factor of traveling wave
antenna?
The limiting factor of traveling wave antenna is the misalignment of the
lobes that takes place as the frequency is changed.
51). What are the Applications of rhombic antenna
1.HF transmission
2.HF reception
52). What is meant by Frequency independent antennas?
A frequency independent antenna is defined as the antenna for which the
impedance pattern and directivity remains constant as function of frequency.

UNIT IV
WAVE PROPAGATION
1. Define ground wave and its properties.
The ground wave or surface wave or Nortons surface wave is the wave
that is guided along the surface of the earth. It is of importance at the broadcast
of lower frequencies. Surface wave permits the propagation around the
curvature of the earth.
2. What are the conditions for the existence of ground wave propagation?
Ground wave propagation exist when the transmitting and receiving
antennas are close to the surface of earth and are supported at its lower edge by
the presence of earth.
3. How the ground waves are produced?
Vertical antennas usually produce the ground waves and it is
vertically polarised. Any horizontal component of electric field in contact
with the earth is short circuited by the earth. The ground wave propagation
along the surface of the wave, induce charges in the earth, which travel with the
wave and hence constitute a current. While carrying this current, the earth
behaves just like a leaky capacitor and therefore the earth can be represented
as a shunt resistance with a capacitor.
4. What are the reasons for ground attenuation?
1.Diffraction
2.Tlit in the wave front.
5. What are sky waves?
Sky waves are those that reach the receiving point after reflection from
the ionised region in the upper region known as ionosphere-situated between
50Km to 400Km above the earths surface. Sky wave propagation
is practically important at medium and higher frequencies.
6. Define space wave propagation.
In this mode of propagation, the electro magnetic waves from the
transmitting antenna reach the receiving point either directly or after
reflections from ground in the earths troposphere region. Troposphere is
that region of the atmosphere, which extends up to 16Km from the earths
surface. Space waves consist of 2 components, the direct and the reflected
one.7. What are the various layers of ionosphere?
1.D layer (vanishes during night)
2.E layer.
3.F1 and F2 (these layers combine together as a single layer, F during
night)

8. Describe D region of ionosphere.

It is the lower most region and is located in the height range of
50-90 Km.
This layer is present only during daytime and vanishes during
night.
It is ionised by photo- ionisation NO (Nitrogen oxide), which
prevails in that height.
Ionisation density is maximum at noon and its electron density is
ranging from 1014 to 1016per cubic centimetre.
Its critical frequency is about 100KHz.
It is also known as absorbing layer for short wave signals.
9. Why the D region vanishes during night?
D region vanishes during night because at night, the
recombination rate
is highest. This is due to the fact that the degree of ionisation depends on the
altitude of the sun and on sunset the recombination increases resulting in
vanishing of the region all together.
10. What is sporadic E-region?
Sporadic E layer is an anomalous ionisation layer, whose presence is
unpredictable .It may appear anywhere in the height range of 90Km to
130Km with normal E layer. Occurrence of this layer increases with
geomagnetic latitude.
11. Define virtual height.
Virtual height is defined as the height that would be reached by a short
pulse of energy showing the same delay, as does the actual pulse reflected
from the layer but travelling with the velocity of light. Since the interchange of
energy takes place between the wave and the electrons of the
ionosphere, the velocity of propagation is reduced. Hence the virtual height is
always less than the true height of reflection

12. Define critical frequency.

Critical frequency is the highest frequency, which can be reflected by a
particular layer at vertical incidence.
fc = 9Nm
where, fc is the critical frequency,Nm is the max. electron density.
13. What are the factors that determine the absorption of energy by electrons
from radio waves in ionosphere?
1.Gec pressure.
2.Velocity of the electrons.
3.Number of electrons.

14. Define skip distance.

The skip distance is defined as the minimum distance from the
transmitter at which a sky wave of given frequency will be returned to earth
by the ionosphere.
15. Define MUF.
MUF (Maximum Usable Frequency) is the frequency, which makes a
given receiving point correspond to a distance from a transmitter equal to the skip
distance for that frequency. The maximum possible frequency for which
reflection takes place for a given distance of propagation is known as MUF.
MUF= fc/ Cos
where, is the angle of incidence.
16. What are the types of fading in ionosphere?
1.Interference fading.
2.Selective fading.
3.Absorption fading.
4.Skip fading.
5.Polarisation fading.
17. Define gyro-frequency.
The average velocity of electrons is inversely proportional to frequency,
hence at higher frequencies, the electrons vibrate in paths that are narrow ellipses
but as the frequency is lowered the amplitude of vibration
increases and the minor axis of the ellipse becomes larger. This continues until a
frequency is lowered to a point where the cyclotron resonance occurs and he
electrons follow a spiral path and the velocity increases. This cyclotron
resonance occurs at a frequency known as gyro frequency,1400
KHz (approx).
18. What is diversity reception and what are its types?
Diversity reception is used for reducing fading. There are two types of
diversity reception-Space diversity and frequency diversity.
19. What is frequency diversity reception?
The signals at different frequencies do not fade out at the same time.
This fact is used in frequency diversity system. The same antenna is used for
the receiver that works with simultaneous transmission at two or more
frequencies.
20. What are the applications of diversity reception system?
It is used in data transmission such as,
1.telegraph transmission.
2.voice transmission using PCM techniques.

21. What are the disadvantages of diversity reception system?

1.The audio output will have a slight phase difference when compared to
other receiving systems.
2.The diversity reception is restricted in voice communication.
22. Define OTF or OWF (Optimum Working Frequency)
OTF-Optimum traffic frequency is the frequency used for ionospheric
transmission .It is chosen about 1.5% less than MUF.
23. What is duct propagation?
When the frequency is high, the region where the variation of
dielectric constant or refractive index is usually high, traps the energy and
causes it to travel along the earths surface as happens in a wave guide. This
happens near the ground often within the 50 m of the troposphere. The
higher frequencies or microwaves are thus continually refracted in the duct and
reflected by the ground so that they propagate around the curvature for beyond
the line of sight, even up to 1000Km.This special refraction of EM waves is
called super refraction and the process is known as duct propagation.
24.What is fading?
Intensity variation with time is defined as fading. The space wave
signals received at a considerable distance from a transmitter will often fade.
This is due to changing tropospheric conditions.

25. Name some ionospheric abnormalities.

1.Ionospheric storms.
2.Sun spot cycle.
3.Tides and waves in ionosphere.
4.Fadings.
5.Sudden ionospheric disturbances(SID)
26. Calculate the basic transmission loss in free space for d=10 km =20000.
Ls= (4d)/
= 39.44
27. A pulse of a given frequency transmitted upward is received back after a
period of 5ms. Find the virtual height of the reflecting layer.
h=CT/2= 750km

UNIT V
ANTENNA MEASUREMENTS
1. What do you meant by antenna measurements?
The process of analyzing and calculating all the charecteristics of the
antenna.
2. What are the classifications of antenna measurements?
1.Impedance measurement
2.Pattern measurement
3. Define Impedance measurement.
Impedance measurements are done only for the signals whose radio
frequencies are below 30 MHZ & above 1000 MHZ.
4. Define Gain Measurement.
Gain Measurement is defined as the ratio of the total power of output
received to the total power of input transmitted.
Gp = W2 / W1
Gp(db) = W2(db) - W1(db)
5. What is Phase measurement?
The phase of an antenna is a relative quantity & is periodically
defined in multiples of 360 degree.The phase for the shortest distance can be
easily determined.
6. What is antenna efficiency measurement?
Antenna efficiency measurement is defined as the ratio of directivity(D) to
the aperture area(A) & they are named as antenna radiation
efficiency or antenna aperture efficiency.
7. What is polarization ratio?
The ratio of maximum to minimum field intensity is called as
polarization ratio or ellipticity.
8. What are the types of fields in antenna measurements?
1.Near Field.
2.Far Field.
9. Define Near Field.
When the antenna is placed in a particular location then the field gets
radiated due to the input power received from the transmitter antenna within the
limit then it is called as near field.

10. Define Far Field.

When the antenna is placed in a particular location then the field gets
radiated due to the input power received from the transmitter antenna beyond
the limit then it is called as near field.
11. Define Polarization measurement.
The polarization of electromagnetic field may be measured at one
frequency as tha function of the space angles i.e. polarangle & azimuth angle
angle at one angular position as a function of frequency.
Measurement of polarization characteristics are specially desired where the
dominant radiation is circularly or elliptically polarized.
12. What are the methods of polarization?
1.Linear component method.
2.Circular component.
3. Polarization pattern method.
13. What are the methods of directivity measurements?
1.Orange slice method.
2.Conical cut method.
14.Define directivity Measurement.
The ratio of maximum radiation intensity to the particular radiation
intensity.
15.Define group velocity.
The ratio of square of the velocity of light(C2) to the wave
velocity(Vp).
Vg = C 2 / Vp
16.What is antenna aperture efficiency?
It is related to the directive gain of large aperture antennas of all types.
D = A [4A/ 2]
A = D 2 / 4A
17. What do you meant by orange slice method?
For discrete values of the radiation pattern is measured by radiation
intensity ^ & each pattern is multiplied continuously by sin ^ weighting
factor and then integrated.then all the integrated values are added.
18. What do you meant by Conical cut method?
For discrete values of the radiation pattern is measured by radiation
intensity ^ & each pattern is multiplied continuously by sin ^ weighting factor
and then integrated.then all the integrated values are multiplied.

UNIT I: ANTENNA FUNDAMENTALS

PART A ( 2 Marks)
1. Define an antenna.
2. What is meant by radiation pattern?
3. Define Radiation intensity
4. Define Beam efficiency
5. Define Directivity
6. What are the different types of aperture?
7. Define different types of aperture
8. Define Aperture efficiency
9. What is meant by effective height?
10. What are the field zone?
11.What is meant by Polarization?
12. What is meant by front to back ratio?
13. Define antenna efficiency
14. What is radiation resistance ?
15. What is meant by antenna beamwidth?
16. What is meant by reciprocity theorem?
17.What is meant by isotropic radiator?
18. Define gain
19. Define self impedance
20. Define mutual impedance
21. What is meant by cross field.?
22. Define axial ratio
23. What is meant by Beam Area.?
24. What is duality of antenna?
25. What is point source?
26. What is meant by array?
27. What is meant by uniform linear array?
28.What are the types of array?
30.What is Broad side array?
31.Define End fire array
32. What is collinear array?
33. What is the condition on phase for the end fire array with increased directivity.?
34. Define array factor.
35. Define beam width of major lobe?
36. List out the expression of beam width for broad side array and end fire array.
PART B
1. With neat sketch, explain the operation of helical antenna? (16)
2. Obtain the expression for the field and the radiation pattern produced by a 2 element array
of infinitesimal with distance of separation 1/2 and currents of unequal magnitude and phase shift
180 degree?
(16)
3. Derive the expression for far field components of a small loop antenna. (16)
4. Derive the expression for electric field of a broadside array of n sources and also find the
maximum direction minimum direction and half power point direction? (16)

5. Design a 4 element broadside array of 1/2 spacing between elements, the pattern is to be
optimum with a side lobe level 19.1 db. Find main lobe maximum? (16)
6. Explain pattern multiplication
(8)
7. Derive the expression for electric field of an end fire of n sources and also find the
maximum
direction minimum direction and half power point direction? (16)
8. Write short notes a radiation resistance?
(8)
9. Calculate the maximum effective aperture of a 1/2 antenna? (8)
10. Derive the maxima directions, minima directions, and half power point direction for an
array
of two point sources with equal amplitude and opposite phase? (16)
11. Explain the various types of amplitude distributions in details? (16)
UNIT II: RADIATION FIELDS OF WIRE ANTENNAS
PART A (2 Marks)
1. What is a Short Dipole?
2. How radiations are created from a short Dipole?
3. Why a short dipole is also called an elemental dipole?
4. What is a Infinitesimal Dipole?
5. Why a short dipole is called a oscillating dipole?
6. What do you understand by retarded current?
7. Define induction field
8. Define Radiation field
9. At what distance from the dipole is the induction field equal to the radiation field?
10. Define Radiation Resistance
11. Give the expression for the effective aperture of a short dipole
12. What is a dipole antenna?
13. What is a half wave dipole?
14. Give the expression for the effective aperture of a Half wave Dipole
15. What is the radiation resistance of a half wave dipole
16. What is a loop antenna?
17. Give an expression of radiation resistance of a small loop
18. How to increase the radiation resistance of a loop antenna?
19. What are the types of loop antennas?
20. What are Electrically Small loop antennas?
21. What are Electrically large loop antennas?
22. List out the uses of loop antenna
23. What is capacitance hat?
24. Define top loading
25. Define retardation time
PART B
1. Derive the expression for the radiated field from a short dipole?
(16)
2. Starting from first principles obtain the expression for the power radiated
by a half wave dipole?
(16)

3. Derive the expression for power radiated and find the radiation resistance
of a half wave dipole?
(16)
4. Derive the radian resistance, Directivity and effective aperture of a half wave dipole? (8)
5. Derive the fields radiated from a quarter wave monopole antenna?
(8)
6. Find the radiation resistance of elementary dipole with linear current Distribution? (8)
7. Derive the radian resistance, Directivity and effective aperture of a Hertzian dipole? (8)
8. Derive the power radiated and radiation resistance of current element. (8)
9. Explain in detail assumed current distribution for wire antennas
(8)
10. Write in brief about the use of capacitance hat and loading coil for short antennas. (8)
UNIT III:TRAVELING WAVE (WIDE BAND) ANTENNAS
PART A ( 2 Marks)
1. Name and draw a frequency independent antenna
2. What is Yagi - Uda antenna?
3. What do you mean by parasitic element?
4. What do you mean by driven elements?
5. What is the purpose of using more directors in Yagi - Uda antenna?
6. Why folded dipole antenna is used in Yagi antenna?
7. What is beam antenna?
8. Which antenna is referred to super gain or super directive antenna?
9. What is a frequency independent antenna?
10. Why log periodic antenna is named so far?
11. What is the condition for an antenna to be frequency independent?
12. What is LPDA?
13. What are the different regions in log periodic antenna and how are they differentiated?
14. Give the expression for design ratio, spacing factor and frequency ration of log periodic
antenna.
15. What are the applications of log periodic antenna?
16.What are the application of Rhombic antenna?
17. Define rhombic antenna.
18. What are the two types of rhombic antenna de
19. What are the limitations of rhombic antenna?
20. What do you mean by self-impedance?
21. What is mutual impedance?
22. What is the effect of decreasing angle a?
23. Define a raveling wave antenna?
24. What is the advantage of traveling wave antenna?
25. What is beverage or wave antenna?
26. What is the type of radiation pattern produced when a wave travels in a wire? Draw the
pattern.
PART B
1. Explain the radiation from a travelling wave on a wire ?
(8)
2. What is Yagi-uda Antenna ?Explain the construction and operation of
Yagi-uda Antenna .Also explain its general characteristics ?

(16)

3. Explain the construction, operation and design for a rhombic antenna ?

(16)
4. Explain the geometry of a log periodic antenna ?Give the design equations and
uses of log periodic antenna ?
(16)
5.Discuss in details about : (a)Self impedance(b)Mutual impedance ?
(8)
UNIT IV:APERTURE AND LENS ANTENNAS
PART A
1. State Huygens Principle
2. What is Slot Antenna?
3. Which antenna is complementary to the slot dipole?
4. How will you find the directivity of a large rectangular broadside array?
5. What is the relationship between the terminal impedance of slot and dipole antenna?
6. What is the difference between slot antenna and its complementary dipole antenna?
7. Define lens antenna
8. What are the different types of lens antenna?
9. What is a dielectric lens antenna?
10. What are the drawbacks of lens antenna?
11. What are the field components that are radiated from open end of a coaxial line?
12. What are the advantages of stepped dielectric lens antenna?
13. What is biconical antenna?
14. What is Lunenburg lens?
15. What are the advantages of lens antenna
16. Mention the uses of lens antenna
17. How spherical waves are generated?
18. Define the characteristic impedance of biconical antenna?
19. Bring out the expressions for voltage across the feed points of the biconical antenna and
current flowing through the surface of the cone?
20. What do you meant by sect oral horn?
21. What do you meant by pyramidal horn?
22. What is back lobe radiation?
23.What are the various feeds used in reflectors?
24.What are the different types of horn antennas?
25.Define refractive index of lens antenna?
26.What are secondary antennas? Give examples?
PART B
1. Explain the different types of lens antenna
(8)
2. Explain the radiation from a rectangular aperture
(16)
3. Explain the radiation from an elemental area of a plane wave
(16)
4. Describe the parabolic reflector used at micro frequencies
(16)
5. Write short notes on Lunenburg lens
(16)
6. Discuss about spherical waves and biconical antenna
(16)
7. Derive the various field components radiated from circular aperture
and also find beam width and effective area
(16)
8. Derive the field components radiated from a thin slot antenna in an
Infinite cylinder
(8)

9. Show the relationship between dipole and slot impedances?

10. Explain the radiation from the open end of a coaxial cable?

(8)
(8)

UNIT V: PROPAGATION
PART A ( 2 Marks)
1. Define Sky wave.
2. Define Troposphere wave.
3. Define Ground wave.
4. What are the types of Ground wave?
5. What is meant by Space Wave?
6. What is meant by Surface Wave?
7. What is meant by fading?
8. What is the type of fading?
9. What is inverse and multi path fading?
10. What is meant by diversity reception?
11. Define Space diversity Reception.
12 .Define frequency diversity Reception.
13. Define polarization diversity reception.
14. What is meant by Faradays rotation?
15. What are the factors that affect the propagation of radio waves?
16. Define gyro frequency.
17. Define critical frequency.
18. Define Magneto-Ions Splitting.
19. Define LUHF.
20. Define Refractive index.
21. Define maximum Usable Frequency.
22. Define skip distance.
23. Define Optimum frequency?
24. What is wave impedance?
25. Define wave velocity and Group velocity?
PART B
1. Explain in details about ionosphere
(8)
2. Explain space wave propagation and sky wave propagation
(16)
3. Explain the ground wave propagation
(8)
4. Discuss the effects of earths magnetic field on ionosphere radio wave
Propagation
(8)
5. Describe the troposphere and explain how ducts can be used for
Microwave propagation
(8)
6. Explain in details, the diversity reception methods
(8)
7. Explain the advantages of Troposphere wave propagation and sky
wave propagation
(16)
8. Deduce an expression for the critical frequency of an ionized region in
terms of its maximum ionization density
(8)
9. Derive an expression for the refractive index of the ionosphere in
terms of the electron number density and frequency
(8)