Open Access
Advanced feeds for mm-wave antenna systems
(Springer, 2018) Teniente Vallinas, Jorge; Iriarte Galarregui, Juan Carlos; Ederra Urzainqui, Íñigo; Gonzalo García, Ramón; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoaren eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritzaren
Millimeter-wave antenna systems have traditionally required high performance feeds in order to fulfill its stringent requirements. Therefore, this goal has been achieved by corrugated horns. However, in the last years new applications mainly in the communication systems have driven the use of other types of antenna feed with slightly reduced performance but simpler manufacturing at mm-wave and submm-wave frequencies with improvements in cost reduction. These advanced profiles are usually based in smooth waveguide advanced profiles. Besides, the chapter describes different feed configurations based on metamaterial structures and several examples of metamaterial based or inspired antennas are considered. Then, this chapter covers the different alternatives currently used for mm-wave antenna feed: corrugated horns, spline horns, and metamaterial horns. At the end of each section, it includes some research successful results.
Open Access
3-D printed horn antennas and components performance for space and telecommunications
(IEEE, 2018) Teniente Vallinas, Jorge; Iriarte Galarregui, Juan Carlos; Caballero Nagore, Rubén; Valcázar Berdofe, Daniel; Goñi, Mikel; Martínez, Aitor; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoaren eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritzaren
In this work, a study of the performance of several antennas and components, manufactured using an accurate stereolithography 3D printer and resin for maximum accuracy and detail, is carried out. Electroless plating of the components to cover the pieces with a thick copper layer to improve their mechanical resistance is undertaken. Several SatCom horn antennas and components are designed, manufactured, and tested. A detailed study of a spline horn antenna and a filter is covered. These results are compared to the metallic lathe manufactured versions. Conclusions are derived from these tests, which are useful to improve additive manufactured components in future versions.
Open Access
Research on metamaterials for antenna applications
(2005) Gonzalo García, Ramón; Ederra Urzainqui, Íñigo; Iriarte Galarregui, Juan Carlos; Martínez Pascual, Beatriz; Sáenz Sáinz, Elena; Cantora Álvarez, Pablo; Maagt, Peter de; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa
During the last 20 years a lot of attention has been paid to apply Electromagnetic Band Gap (EBG) technology in different frequency ranges, from microwaves to optics. EBG technology is based on the use of periodic structures to prevent the electromagnetic propagation in certain frequency ranges, known as the bandgap [1]. In the last years the new and revolutionary field of Metamaterials is trying to be applied to similar applications. Although different, both technologies have some similitudes as it has been proven for different authors. For instance when working with EBG structures Left-Handed properties can be obtained in some frequency ranges. In this paper, research efforts focussed on applying EBG technology and the more recent Metamaterials, in particular, left-handed materials, to antenna subsystems at microwave and (sub)millimetre wave frequencies are introduced.
Open Access
New hexagonal CORPS-BFN for multibeam antenna applications
(IEEE, 2020) Biurrun Quel, Carlos; Montesano, Antonio; Ederra Urzainqui, Íñigo; Iriarte Galarregui, Juan Carlos; Río Bocio, Carlos del; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoaren eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritzaren; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación
This work presents a new topology of a Coherently Radiating Periodic Structure - Beam Forming Network (CORPS-BFN) and its application for multibeam systems. A unit cell, consisting of a transition from a coaxial input to an intersection of three strip-lines with an angular span of 120 degrees, is proposed and analysed. A periodical replication of the cell gives rise to a uniform layer, allowing a proper matching of the ports of the network. Stacked layers allow in-phase propagation and distribution of the energy through the structure, increasing the number of output ports with each layer.
Open Access
Broadband radar cross-section reduction using AMC technology
(IEEE, 2013) Iriarte Galarregui, Juan Carlos; Tellechea Pereda, Amagoia; Martínez de Falcón, José Luis; Ederra Urzainqui, Íñigo; Gonzalo García, Ramón; Maagt, Peter de; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa
This paper presents the design, fabrication and characterization of a planar broadband chessboard structure to reduce the radar cross-section (RCS) of an object. The chessboard like configuration is formed by combining two artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) cells. The bandwidth limitations intrinsic to AMC structures are overcome in this work by properly selecting the phase slope versus frequency of both AMC structures. 180 degrees phase difference has been obtained over more than 40% frequency bandwidth with a RCS reduction larger than 10dB. The influence of the incidence angle in the working bandwidth has been performed. A good agreement between simulations and measurements is achieved.
Embargo
Experimental validation of a Ku-band dual circularly polarized metasurface antenna
(IEEE, 2018) Tellechea Pereda, Amagoia; Caminita, Francesco; Martini, Enrica; Ederra Urzainqui, Íñigo; Teniente Vallinas, Jorge; Iriarte Galarregui, Juan Carlos; Gonzalo García, Ramón; Maci, Stefano; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica
The experimental validation of a Ku-band dual circularly polarized (CP) broadside-beam metasurface (MTS) antenna is presented. A radially modulated anisotropic single layer MTS has been synthesised employing sub-wavelength elliptical slotted metallic patches printed on top of a thin Arlon grounded substrate. In the structure, two decoupled phasematched transverse magnetic and transverse electric surface waves (SWs) are excited, which interact with the modulated surface leading to a CP broadside radiation. Two different orthomode transducers have been designed to excite the SWs with orthogonal polarization and equal amplitude. The first feeding system is composed of a metallic stepped septum inside an airfilled square waveguide. A conical section is included to match the output port of the square waveguide with the terminal, dielectric filled circular waveguide. The second feed is much more compact and efficient and it is composed of a circular waveguide completely filled by a dielectric. Depending on the input port excited on the feeds, two TE11 modes are excited with ±90° phase shift, which determine the right-hand or left-hand sense of the broadside beam generated by the MTS. Manufacturing details of the MTS and excitations are given and the measurements are compared with the simulation results. Finally, conclusions are drawn.
Open Access
A water content continuous monitoring of grapevine xylem tissue using a portable low-power cost-effective FMCW radar
(IEEE, 2019) Quemada Mayoral, Carlos; García González, Cebrián; Iriarte Galarregui, Juan Carlos; Marín Ederra, Diana; Gastón Beraza, Diego; Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; Gonzalo García, Ramón; Maestrojuán Biurrun, Itziar; Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Ederra Urzainqui, Íñigo; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoaren eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritzaren; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua, PI025 VITHZ; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua, 0011-1365-2016-000084 RAFF
This paper presents the real-time monitoring of a grapevine’s water content that flows up through the xylem tissue by means of a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar. The application of an optimization process, based on the super-resolution multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm, has enabled the reduction of the bandwidth required to discern the xylem water content, and thus the operating frequency, achieving a depth resolution of at least 3 mm. This design advantage has resulted in a significant step forward towards a real life application, allowing the use of fully-integrated off-the-shelf components in order to implement a completely portable low-power cost-effective radar at 23.1 GHz with a 3.4 GHz bandwidth. The sensor performance has been evaluated by means of three different experiments: irrigation cycles, day/night cycles and comparison between irrigation cycles at different temperatures. From the experimental results, it is possible to assert that the contactless sensor presented in this work is very sensitive to changes in the plant’s water content, differentiating between daytime and nighttime. In addition, it has been proved that temperature has a noticeable influence over the evapotranspiration, observing negative drying slopes of 5.62 mV/cycle and 6.28 mV/cycle at 23ºC and 26ºC respectively.
Open Access
Terahertz time domain spectroscopy allows contactless monitoring of grapevine water status
(Frontiers Media, 2015) Santesteban García, Gonzaga; Palacios Horcajada, Inés; Miranda Jiménez, Carlos; Iriarte Galarregui, Juan Carlos; Royo Díaz, José Bernardo; Gonzalo García, Ramón; Producción Agraria; Nekazaritza Ekoizpena; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua, IIM14244.RI1
Agriculture is the sector with the greatest water consumption, since food production is frequently based on crop irrigation. Proper irrigation management requires reliable information on plant water status, but all the plant-based methods to determine it suffer from several inconveniences, mainly caused by the necessity of destructive sampling or of alteration of the plant organ due to contact installation. The aim of this work is to test if terahertz (THz) time domain reflectance measurements made on the grapevine trunk allows contactless monitoring of plant status. The experiments were performed on a potted 14-years-old plant, using a general purpose THz emitter receiver head. Trunk THz time-domain reflection signal proved to be very sensitive to changes in plant water availability, as its pattern follows the trend of soil water content and trunk growth variations. Therefore, it could be used to contactless monitor plant water status. Apart from that, THz reflection signal was observed to respond to light conditions which, according to a specifically designed girdling experiment, was caused by changes in the phloem. This latter results opens a promising field of research for contactless monitoring of phloem activity.
Open Access
Surface waves of finite size electromagnetic band gap woodpile structures
(EMW Publishing, 2011) Ederra Urzainqui, Íñigo; Iriarte Galarregui, Juan Carlos; Gonzalo García, Ramón; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa
This paper studies the surface modes at the interface of finite size Electromagnetic Band Gap (EBG) woodpile structures. The impact of different types of woodpile terminations on the properties of these surface modes is analyzed. For all the studied terminations there exist surface modes which must be taken into account when designing components based on this EBG structure.
Open Access
EBG superstrate antenna for WAAS bands
(2008) Osés de León, Ángel; Iriarte Galarregui, Juan Carlos; Ederra Urzainqui, Íñigo; Gonzalo García, Ramón; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa
Multiband antennas can simplify considerably the complexity of receivers and transmitters, reducing the size and the mass of the conventional configurations. On the other hand, applications with high directivity requirements need array designs to comply with the directivity specifications using conventional technology. EBG superstrate designs have been satisfactory applied to single band applications using a single EBG superstrate layer. The number of number of radiating elements of conventional technology designs are considerably reduced when using EBG technology. Dual band configurations have also been designed in a single layer, but when working frequencies are too close a second EBG layer is needed. A dual layer EBG superstrate which can easily be adjusted to the desired operational frequencies is presented. The design has been realized to comply with the navigation antenna requirements of Wide Area Augmentation system (WAAS) application in L1 and L2 bands.