Case Study: Antenna Research Group achieves efficient design procedures for wideband, low-profile antennas with Altair's FEKO

Developing Efficient Design Procedures for Wideband, Low-profile Antennas Using Altair FEKO Electromagnetic Simulation Technology

The Antenna Research Group at the University of Colorado‑Boulder faced the challenge of evaluating underside placement of HF–VHF vehicle antennas to reduce visual signature while quantifying the increased near‑ground propagation losses. Analytical models proved inadequate for the short‑range (less than 50 m) and low‑height scenarios across 20–200 MHz, so the team turned to Altair’s FEKO electromagnetic simulation technology to study realistic vehicle geometries, mutual coupling and ground effects.

Altair implemented validated FEKO/CADFEKO full‑wave simulations (including Sommerfeld ground integrals) to assess omni‑directionality (WoW), efficiency and propagation loss for multiple grounds and antenna positions. The studies showed that, although bottom‑mounted sources suffer reduced efficiency, propagation loss for bottom vs. top/rear placements is comparable at most frequencies below 100 MHz for distances under ~10 m, and useful performance trends were established across 20–200 MHz and <50 m. By using Altair FEKO, ARG obtained a repeatable numerical procedure that validated analytical methods and enabled practical design tradeoffs—such as metallic screening—to improve bottom‑mount performance.

Antenna Research Group

Dejan S. Filipovic

Director