Moodlakatte Institute of Technology
IPCC BEC701 – Microwave Engineering and
Antenna Theory
LABORATORY MANUAL(2025-26)
VII SEMESTER B.E. (ECE)
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION
ENGINEERING
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Department Vision:
To excel as a leading branch of Engineering in Electronics and Communication to meet
the growing global, technological and industrial demands.
Department Mission:
1. Imparting quality technical teaching-cum-learning experience with the state-of-the-art
curriculum.
2. Enhancing research, consultancy and outreach activities of the Program.
3. Increasing the visibility of academic programs.
4. Fostering sustained interaction with the alumni, industries, R&D organizations, world
class universities and other stakeholders to stay very much relevant to the globalized
environment.
Programme Educational Objectives:
The graduate of Electronics and Communication Engineering should be able to
PEO1:Intensive and extensive engineering knowledge and skill to understand, analyse, design and
create novel products and solutions in the field of Electronics and Communication Engineering.
PEO2: Problem solving & Lifelong learningCapability to pursue career in industry or higher
studies with continuous learning.
PEO3: Entrepreneurship skills, leadership qualities, team spirit, multi-disciplinary approach,
character moulding and lifelong learning for a successful professional career.
PEO4: Professionalism professional and ethical attitude, effective communication skills, and sense
of responsibility towards society.
Dept of ECE, MITK I
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory Lab
B.E., VII Semester, Electronics & Communication Engineering 2022
Scheme
CIE
Course Code BEC701 (IPCC) Marks 25
Exam duration 2 hours
Course Objectives
Course objectives: This course will enable students to:
1. Describe the microwave properties and its transmission media.
2. Describe the microwave devices for several applications.
3. Understand the basic concepts of antenna theory.
4. Identify antenna types for specific applications.
S.No. Experiments
Measurement of frequency, guide wavelength, power and attenuation in a microwave
Test bench.
1
Measurement of VSWR and reflection coefficient and attenuation in a microwave test
bench setup.
2
3 To measure unknown impedance using Smith chart through test bench setup.
4 Study of characteristics of E plane Tee / H plane Tee.
5 Study of characteristics of Magic Tee.
Determination of resonance characteristics of microstrip ring resonator and
computation of Dielectric constant of the substrate.
6
7 Coupling and Isolation characteristics of microstrip directional coupler.
8 Determination of power division of microstrip power divider.
9 To plot a 2D and 3D radiation pattern of dipole Antenna (Use any simulation software)
Obtain the radiation pattern of a Yagi-Uda Antenna array and calculate its directivity.
10
Dept of ECE, MITK II
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Content beyond the syllabus
11 Obtain the bandwidth of a given Antenna.
Open ended experiment
To design and simulate a microwave patch antenna at a frequency of 2.5GHz using simulation
software like hfss/matlab.
12
CIE Rubrics – Practical Component (Per Experiment)
Criteria Marks Excellent Good Average Poor
Experiment 5 5 – Performs experiment 4 – Minor mistakes 2–3 – Several 0–1 – Unable to
Conduction independently, correct setup, but corrected mistakes, requires complete or
accurate readings, follows quickly repeated guidance incorrect setup
procedure without help
Record 3 3 – Complete, neat, includes 2 – Mostly 1 – Incomplete or 0 – Not
aim, apparatus, theory, complete, minor untidy submitted
procedure, observations, omissions or
calculations & result formatting issues
Viva-Voce 2 2 – Answers all questions 1 – Answers 0 – Unable to
confidently & demonstrates partially correct answer / incorrect
deep understanding with hints answers
Evaluation Process:
• Each experiment is evaluated out of 10 marks (5 + 3 + 2).
• Sum of marks for all experiments is scaled down to 15 marks for CIE practical work.
1. Laboratory Test (10 Marks)
(Conducted after completion of all experiments; duration 2–3 hours; evaluated for 50 marks, then
scaled to 10 marks)
Dept of ECE, MITK III
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Criteria Max Marks in Scaled Marks
Test Contribution
Write up 10 —
Execution , ,Observation, Calculations, 30 —
Result
Viva & Concept Understanding 10 —
Total 50 Scaled down to 10 marks
2. Final CIE Practical Marks Calculation
CIE Practical Marks=(Lab Work scaled to 15)+(Lab Test scaled to 10)
Passing Criteria:
Minimum:
40% of 25 marks = 10 marks in the Practical component. This is in addition to passing the theory CIE.
Dept of ECE, MITK IV
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXP. TITLE OF THE EXPERIMENT PAGE
NO.
NO.
Measurement of frequency, guide wavelength, power and attenuation in a
microwave Test bench.
1 2
Measurement of VSWR and reflection coefficient and attenuation in a
microwave test bench setup.
2 5
To measure unknown impedance using Smith chart through test bench
setup.
3 9
4 Study of characteristics of E plane Tee / H plane Tee. 12
5 Study of characteristics of Magic Tee. 14
Determination of resonance characteristics of microstrip ring resonator
and computation of Dielectric constant of the substrate.
6 17
7 Coupling and Isolation characteristics of microstrip directional coupler. 19
8 Determination of power division of microstrip power divider. 22
To plot a 2D and 3D radiation pattern of dipole Antenna (Use any
simulation software)
9 25
Obtain the radiation pattern of a Yagi-Uda Antenna array and calculate its
directivity.
10 28
V
Dept of ECE, SMVITM
Page
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Experiment No. 1.
MEASUREMENT OF FREQUENCY, GUIDE WAVELENGTH, POWER
AND ATTENUATION IN A MICROWAVE TEST BENCH.
AIM:
To measurement of frequency, guide wavelength, power, vswr and attenuation in the microwave
test bench.
APPARATUS:
Klystron Tube 2K25, Klystron Power Supply, Klystron mount, Isolator, Frequency Meter, and
Variable Attenuator, Slotted Section, Tunable Probe, VSWR Meter, Waveguide Stand, Movable
Short Matched Termination, and oscilloscope.
THEORY:
A microwave test bench is used to study microwave propagation in waveguides and measure
parameters like frequency, guide wavelength, power, VSWR, and attenuation. Frequency is
determined using a waveguide frequency meter, while guide wavelength is found by measuring
the spacing between standing wave minima or maxima in the slotted section.
Power is measured with a microwave power meter, and VSWR is obtained using a tunable probe
and VSWR meter to assess impedance matching. Attenuation, indicating signal loss, is set and
measured using a variable attenuator. The setup uses a Klystron tube as the microwave source,
with an isolator for protection and matched terminations to absorb power.
For Dominant mode TE10 in rectangular waveguide, λ0, λc and λg are related as
λ0= free space wavelength λg= guide wavelength λc= cut off wavelength=2a, where a = broad
dimension of waveguide = 22.86 mm for X band.
BLOCK DIAGRAM:
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 2
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Fig.1.1: Set up for frequency and wavelength measurement
PROCEDURE:
A. Frequency Measurement
1. Connect components as per circuit diagram.
2. Variable attenuator → Minimum attenuation.
3. VSWR Meter:
o Range: 50 dB
o Input: Crystal (low impedance) o Meter
switch: Normal o Gain (Coarse & Fine):
Mid position
4. Klystron Power Supply (before ON):
o Beam Voltage knob → Fully
anticlockwise (min) o Repeller Voltage
knob → Fully clockwise (max
negative) o Mod switch: AM
o AM amplitude: Nearly full clockwise o
AM frequency: Mid position
5. Switch ON Klystron supply, CRO, and cooling fan.
6. Switch ON beam voltage and raise to ~300 V.
7. Slowly reduce (make less negative) repeller voltage until CRO shows a signal.
8. Maximize CRO deflection by fine-tuning AM amplitude, AM frequency, and klystron
mount plunger.
9. Adjust frequency meter knob until a “dip” appears on CRO → read frequency.
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 3
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
B. Guide Wavelength Measurement
1. Replace matched termination with movable short; detune frequency meter.
2. Move the probe along the slotted section to find two successive minima.
3. Record probe positions d₁ and d₂.
4. Calculate:
o λg = 2 × (d₂ − d₁) o λ₀ = 1 / √(1/λg² +
1/λc²) o f = c / λ₀
5. Compare with frequency meter reading.
Observations f=
d1= d2= λc=2a =
22.86 mm λo=c/f=
CONCLUSION:
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 4
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Experiment No. 2
VSWR AND REFLECTION COEFFICIENT
AIM:
To determine the Standing-Wave Ratio and Reflection Coefficient attenuation in a microwave test
bench setup.
APPARATUS:
Klystron Tube 2K25, Klystron Power Supply, Klystron mount, Isolator, Frequency Meter, and
Variable Attenuator, Slotted Section, Tunable Probe, VSWR Meter, Waveguide Stand, Movable
Short Matched Termination, and oscilloscope.
THEORY:
The electromagnetic field at any point of a transmission line (eg a wave guide) may be considered
as the sum of two travelling waves. The incident wave propagates from the generator, the reflected
wave propagates towards the generator .The reflected wave is set up by the reflection of the
incident wave from a discontinuity on the line or from a load impedance not equal to the
characteristic impedance of the line. The magnitude and phase of the reflected wave depends upon
the amplitude and phase of the reflecting impedance. The magnitude also depends on the
amplitude losses on the line. On a lossy line the reflected (and incident) wave will be attenuated.
If the line is uniform and infinitely long there would be no reflected wave. The same applies for a
line of finite length which is matched i.e. has a load equal to the characteristic impedance of the
line. The presence of two travelling waves gives rise to standing wave along the line. The electrical
(and mechanical) field varies periodically with distance. The maximum field strength is found
where the two waves add in phase and the minimum where the two waves add in opposite phase.
Figure above shows the voltage standing wave patterns for different load impedances. The distance
between two successive minima (or maxima) is half the wavelength on the transmission line. The
ratio between the electrical fields of the reflected
and incident wave is called the voltage reflection coefficient, being a vector, which means that is
phase varies along the transmission line. The voltage standing wave ratio VSWR on a
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 5
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
transmission line is defined as the ratio between maximum and minimum field strengths along the
line.
ρ = Er / Ei ,
S = Emax / Emin = (Ei + Er) / (Ei - Er)
ρ =(S – 1) / (S+1)
BLOCK DIAGRAM:
Fig.2.1: Set up for frequency and wavelength measurement
1. Set up the equipment as shown in the figure.
2. Keep the variable attenuator in minimum position.
3. Keep the control knob of VSWR meter as below Range - 40dB/50dB
4. Keep the control knob of the Klystron power supply as below.
Beam voltage - OFF
Mod switch - AM
Beam voltage knob - fully anti-clockwise
Repeller voltage knob - fully clockwise
AM amplitude knob - around fully clockwise
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 6
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
AM frequency - mid position
5. Switch ON the Klystron power supply, VSWR meter and cooling fan.
6. Switch ON the beam voltage and set beam voltage at 250V.
7. Rotate the reflector voltage knob to get deflection in VSWR meter.
8. Tune the output by turning the reflector voltage, amplitude and frequency of AM modulation.
9. Tune plunger of klystron mount and probe for maximum deflection in VSWR meter.
10.If required change the range dB switch variable attenuator position and gain control knob to
get deflection in the scale of VSWR meter.
A. Measurement of Low and Medium VSWR
1. Move the probe along the slotted section to get maximum deflection in VSWR meter.
2. Adjust the VSWR meter gain control knob or variable attenuator until the meter indicates1.0 on
normal VSWR scale.
3. Keep all the control knob as it is, move the probe to next minimum position. Read the VSWR
on scale.
4. Repeat the above step for change of S.S tuner probe depth and record the corresponding SWR.
5. If the VSWR is between 3.2 and 10, change the range dB switch to next higher position and
read SWR on second VSWR scale of 3 to 10.
B. Measurement of high VSWR (Double minimum method)
1. Get the depth of S.S tuner slightly more for maximum VSWR.
2. Move the probe along with slotted line until minimum is indicated.
3. Adjust the VSWR meter gain control knob and variable attenuator to obtain a reading of 3 dB
in the normal dB scale (0 to 10 dB) of VSWR meter.
4. Move the probe to the left on slotted line until full scale deflection is obtained on 0- 10 dB scale.
Note and record the probe position on slotted line let it be d1.
5. Repeat the step-3 and move the probe right along the slotted line until full scale deflection is
obtained on 0 – 10 dB normal dB scale. Let it be d2. 6. Repeat the S.S tuner and termination
by movable short.
7. Measure the distance between two successive minima positions of the probe, twice the
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 7
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
distance is guide wavelength λg.
8. Compute SWR from the following equation
VSWR (s) = λg/ (π(d1~ d2)).
OBSERVATIONS
1. Low VSWR =
2. High VSWR =
With variable short
d1=
d2=
With matched termination
d3=
d4=
Reflection coefficient= (S-1)/(S+1) =
CONCLUSION
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 8
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Experiment no. 3
IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT USING SMITH CHART
AIM:
To measure unknown impedance using the Smith chart.
APPARATUS:
Klystron Tube 2K25, Klystron Power Supply, Klystron mount, Isolator, Frequency Meter, and
Variable Attenuator, Slotted Section, Tunable Probe, VSWR Meter, Waveguide Stand, Movable
Short Matched Termination, and oscilloscope.
THEORY:
The impedance at any point on a transmission line can be written in the form R+jX.
This SWR can be calculated as S=(1+R)/(1-R), Where R is reflection coefficient =(Z-Z0)/(Z+Z0)
where Z0 is the characteristic impedance of the waveguide at the operating frequency. Z is the load
impedance. The unknown device is connected to the slotted section and the position of one minima
is determined. The unknown device is replaced by Movable short to the slotted section. Two
successive minima positions are noted. Twice the difference between the minima positions will be
guide wavelength. One of the minima is used as reference for impedance measurement. Find the
difference of reference minima and minima position obtained from unknown load. Let it
be ‘d’. Take a Smith chart, taking ‘l’ as center; draw a circle of radius equal to ‘S0’. Mark a point
on circumference of Smith chart towards load side at a distance equal to d/λg. Join the center with
this point. Find the point where it cuts the drawn circle. The coordinates of this point will show
the normalized impedance of the load.
BLOCK DIAGRAM:
Fig.3.1: Set up for Impedance measurement.
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 9
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
PROCEDURE:
1. Set up the equipment as shown in the figure.
2. Set the variable attenuator at minimum position.
3. Keep the control knobs of VSWR Meter as below
Range - 50 dB position
Input switch - Crystal Low Impedance
Meter switch - Normal position
Gain (Coarse – fine) - Mid position
4. Keep the control knobs of Klystron power supply as below
Beam voltage switch -‘OFF’
Mod switch - AM
Beam Voltage Knob - Fully anti-clockwise
Reflector voltage - Fully clockwise
AM – amplitude - Around fully clockwise
AM- Frequency Knob - Around Mid position
5. Switch ‘ON’ the Klystron power supply, VSWR meter and Cooling fan.
6. Switch ‘ON’ the Beam Voltage Switch position and set beam voltage at 300 V with the help of
beam voltage knob.
7. Adjust the reflector voltage knob to get some deflection in VSWR meter.
8. Maximize the deflection with AM amplitude and frequency control knob of power supply.
9. Tune the plunger of Klystron Mount for maximum deflection.
10.Tune the reflector voltage knob for maximum deflection.
11.Tune the probe for maximum deflection in VSWR meter.
12.Tune the frequency meter knob to get a ‘dip’ on the VSWR scale, and note down the frequency
directly from frequency meter.
13.Keep the depth of the pin of SS Tuner around 3-4 mm and lock it.
14.Move the probe along the slotted section to get maximum deflection.
15.Adjust VSWR meter gain control knob and variable attenuator until the meter indicates 1.0 on
the normal dB SWR scale.
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 10
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
16.Move the probe to next minima position and note down the SWR S0 on the scale. Also note
down the probe position, let it be ‘dx’.
17.Remove the SS Tuner and matched termination and place movable short at slotted section.
The plunger of short should be at zero.
18.Note the position of two successive minima position. Let it be d1 and d2. Hence λg = 2(d1 –
d2). d = dx – d1
19.Calculate d/λg.
20.Find out the normalized impedance as described in the theory section.
21.Repeat the same experiment for other frequency if required.
OBSERVATIONS d1 =
mm. d2 = mm λg =
2(d1 – d2) = mm.
SWR = S0 = d = d/λg =
Normalized impedance =
CONCLUSION
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 11
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Experiment no. 4
E PLANE TEE / H PLANE TEE
AIM:
Study of characteristics of E plane Tee / H plane Tee
APPARATUS:
Klystron Tube 2K25, Klystron Power Supply, Klystron mount, Isolator, Frequency Meter, and
Variable Attenuator, Slotted Section, Tunable Probe, VSWR Meter, Waveguide Stand, Movable
Short Matched Termination, and oscilloscope, E-plane Tee, H-plane Tee.
THEORY
E - plane tee are series type T - junction and consists of three section of wave guide joined together
in order to divide or compare power levels. The signal entering the first port of this T - junction
will be equally dividing at second and third ports of the same magnitude but in opposite phase.
H - Plane Tee are shunt type T - junction for use in conjunction with VSWR meters, frequency -
meters and other detector devices. Like in E-plane tee, the signal fed through first port of H - plane
Tee will be equally divided in magnitude at second and third ports but in same phase.
BLOCK DIAGRAM
Fig4.1: Setup for studying characteristics of E-plane/H-plane Tee
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 12
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
PROCEDURE
1. Measure the output current in the test set up and note it as I1 after adjusting the reflector voltage
to the maximum output.
TEE-JUNCTION:
1. Insert the tee junction before detector mount.
2. Measure the output current at the other ports and note it as I2&I3.
3. Observe.
Incase of E-Tee junction
I2=I3but out ofphase i.e(I2=-I3)
Incase of H-Tee junction
I2=I3 in phase i.e(I2=I3)
4. Vary the frequency of oscillation and repeat step3.
Observations
Conclusion:
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 13
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Experiment No. 5
STUDY OF MAGIC TEE
AIM: To study the characteristics of Magic TEE.
APPARATUS: Microwave source, Isolator, Variable attenuator, frequency meter, slotted line,
tunable probe, magic tee, matched termination, waveguide stand, Detector mount, VSWR meter,
BNC probes.
THEORY:
The Magic Tee is a four port device & it is a combination of the E & H plane Tee. If the power is
fed into arm3 (H-arm), the electric field divides equally between arm1 and 2 with same phase, and
no electric field exists in arm 4. If the power is fed in arm 4 (E- arm), it divides equally into arm 1
and 2 but out of phase with no power to arm 3. Further, if the power is fed from arm 1 and 2, it is
added in arm 3 (H- arm), and it is subtracted in E-arm, i.e., arm 4.The basic parameters to be
measured for magic Tee are defined below:
A. Isolation: - The isolation between E and H arms is defined as the ratio of the power supplied
by the generator connected to the E-arm (port4) to the power detected at H-arm (port3)
when side arms 1 and 2 are terminated in matched load.
Hence, Isolation 3-4 = 10log10P4/ P3
B. Coupling Coefficient :- It is defined as Cij = 10–α/20
Where α is attenuation / isolation in db when i is input arm and j is output arm.
Thus α=10logPi/Pj
Where Pi is the power delivered to arm i and Pj is power detected at j arm.
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 14
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
BLOCK DIAGRAM
Fig 5.1. Setup for studying the characteristics of Magic Tee
PROCEDURE:
Measurement of Isolation and Coupling Coefficient
1. Set the equipments as shown in fig.
2. Remove the tunable probe and magic Tee from the slotted line and connect the detector mount
to the slotted line.
3. Energize the microwave source for particular operation of frequency and Tune the detector for
max output.
4. Set any reference level of power on VSWR meter with the help of variable attenuator; gain
control knob of VSWR meter and note down the reading (let it be P3).
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 15
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
5. Without changing the position of variable attenuator and gain control knob of VSWR meter,
carefully place the magic Tee after slotted line keeping H-arm to slotted line, detector to E-arm
and matched termination to arm1 and 2. note down the reading of VSWR meter (let it be P4).
6. Determine the isolation between port3 and 4 as P3–P4 in db.
7. Determine the coupling coefficient from equation given.
8. The same experiment may be repeated for other ports also.
9. Repeat the same for other frequencies.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
P3=
P4=
Calculate Isolation and coupling coefficient using
Isolation 3-4 = 10 log10P4/ P3 α=10logPi/Pj
RESULT:- Measured values for Isolation and coupling coefficient are
I=
α=
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 16
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Experiment No. 6
RING RESONATOR
AIM:
Resonance characteristics of microstrip ring resonator and computation of dielectric constant of
the substrate.
APPARATUS:
Microwave signal source (2.2 -3 GHZ), VSWR meter, Detector, Attenuator pad (3dB), SMA/BNC
connector fitted cables, Microstrip ring resonator
BLOCK DIAGRAM:
Fig.6.1: Test setup for measuring the resonant response of the resonator
PROCEDURE:
1. Assemble the set up as shown in Fig.4.1.
2. Set the frequency of the source to 2.2GHz. Connect P to Q directly. Increase the power
output of the source till the VSWR meter shows a reading of about 45dB.
3. Next insert the ring resonator between P and Q.
You may notice that the power output suddenly drops. The VSWR meter may not even show any
indication. That is because the ring resonator offers large attenuation away from resonance.
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 17
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Vary the frequency of the source slowly from 2.3GHz to 2.8GHz and observe the frequency at
which the VSWR meter reading shows a sharp peak. If no peak is observed increase the power
output of the source and vary the frequency again. Note the frequency at which the VSWR meter
shows a peak. This is the (first order) resonant frequency fr of the resonator.
TABULAR COLUMN:
Table 6.1 Measured data for the calculation of resonant frequency
Frequency( GHz) VSWR (dB) Normalized VSWR (dB)
2.3
:
:
2.8
CONCLUSION:
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 18
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Experiment No. 7
DIRECTIONAL COUPLER
AIM: To measure the coupling and isolation characteristics of a microstrip Directional Coupler.
APPARATUS: Microwave signal source (2.2 - 3 GHZ), VSWR meter, Detector Attenuator pads
- 3dB, 6dB, l0dB, Matched loads (50 Ω) - 2, SMA/BNC connector fitted cables, Directional
couplers: Microstrip branch line coupler, microstrip parallel coupled coupler
BLOCK DIAGRAM:
Fig7.1: Test setup for measurement of coupling and isolation of couplers.
PROCEDURE:
1. Assemble the set up as shown in Fig.2.
2. To Measure the coupling
(a) First reference power level by connecting the cable end at P to Q directly. Set the frequency
of the source to 2.3 GHz. Increase the RF power output of the source until the VSWR meter shows
a reading in the 50dB range (55 dB). Record the frequency (in GHz) in column 1 and VSWR meter
reading as P1i dB (minus value) in column 2 of Table 2.1. Increase the frequency of the source in
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 19
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
steps of 0.1GHz up to 2.8 GHz and note the corresponding readings of the VSWR meter. Column
2 now gives the reference input power at different frequencies.
(b) Next insert the coupler (branch line or parallel coupled) between P and Q with input port
(say port l) connected to P and the coupled port (port 3) to Q. Terminate ports 2 and of the coupler
in
50 Ω matched loads. Record the readings of the VSWR meter at the above frequencies as P3s dB
(minus value) in column 3 of Table 2.1.
3. To measure the Isolation
The value of isolation is generally much greater than coupling. Therefore, choose a higher
reference values so that with the device connected, the meter needle does not go below 70dB. (a)
Connect the cable end at P to Q directly Set the frequency of the source to 2.3 GHz. Increase the
RF power output of the source till the VSWR meter shows reading in the 40dB range (say 48dB).
Record the frequency (in GHZ) in column 1 and the VSWR meter readings as P1i dB (minus value)
in column 2 of Table 2.2. Increase the frequency of the source in steps of 0.1GHz up to 2.8GHz
and note the corresponding readings of the VSWR meter. Column 2 now gives the reference input
power at different frequencies.
(b) Connect the isolated port (port 4) to Q. Terminate ports 2 and 3 in matched loads. Record the
readings of the VSWR meter at the same frequencies as P4s dB (minus value) in column 3 of the
Table 2.2.
TABULAR COLUMN:
Table 7.1: Measured data and calculation of coupling
VSWR meter Coupling C
Freq readings (dB)= P1i-P3S
(GHz) P1i (dB) P3s (dB)
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 20
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
2.3
2.8
Table 7.2: Measured data and calculation of isolation
VSWR meter readings Isolation Isol.
Freq (GHz) P1i (dB) P4s (dB) (dB)= P1i-P4S
2.3
2.8
CONCLUSION:
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 21
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Experiment No. 8
POWER DIVISION AND ISOLATION
AIM: To measure the power division and isolation characteristics of a microstrip 3dB power
divider
APPARATUS: Microwave signal source (2.2-3GHz), VSWR meter, Coaxial detector, Attenuator
pads (6dB, l0dB), Matched load, SMA/BNC connector fitted cables, Microstrip 3dB power divider
BLOCK DIAGRAM:
Fig.3.1: Test setup for measurement of power division and isolation of microstrip power
divider
PROCEDURE:
1. Assemble the setup as shown in Fig.3.1.
2. Measure the reference power level
Connect the cable end at P to Q directly (Refer Fig.3.1.).
Set the frequency of the source to 2.3 GHz. Increase the RF power output of the source till the
VSWR meter shows a reading in the 50dB range (say 55dB). Note this reading as 55dB. Increase
the frequency of the source in steps of 0.l GHz up to 2.8GHz and note the corresponding readings
of the VSWR meter. Record the frequencies in column 1 and the VSWR meter readings as P1i dB
in column 2 of Table below.
3.To measure the power division property.
Insert the power divider between P and Q with input port (port l connected to P and coupled port
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 22
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
2 to Q). Terminate port 3 in a matched load. Set the frequency of the source to 2.3GHz. Record the
reading of the VSWR meter as P2s dB in column 3 of Table. Next, interchange connections at port
2 and port 3. Record the reading of the VSWR meter as P3s dB in column 4 of Table. Increase the
frequency in steps of 0.1 GHZ and repeat the above measurements up to 2.8GHz.
For every frequency setting, note P2s dB and P3s dB and record at columns 3 and 4 of Table 3.1.
4.To measure the isolation property.
Remove the power from the set-up. Measure the reference power level again at the same
frequencies by following the procedure given at Sl. No. 2 above, since the values of isolation are
much higher, you can keep the reference level slightly higher.
(a) Set the frequency of the source to 2.3 GHZ. Increase the RF power output of the source till the
VSWR meter shows reading in the 40dB range (say 48dB). Record the frequency (in GHz) in
column 1 and the VSWR meter readings as P2s dB in column 2 of' Table 3.2. Increase the
frequency of the source in steps of 0.1GHz up to 2.8GHz and note the corresponding readings of
the VSWR meter in column 2.
Insert the power divider between P and Q with port 2 as the input port connected to P and port 3 to
Q. Terminate port 1 in a matched load. Record the readings of the VSWR meter at the same
frequencies as P3s dB in Table 3.2.
5.Determination of Power Division
Power division (loss) from port 1 to port 2 = P1i (dB) – P2s (dB) = -20 log10|S21|. Denote this
loss as S21(dB) and enter the reading in Table 3.1.
Power division (loss) from port 1 to port 3 = P1i (dB) - P3s (dB) = - 20 log10|S31|. Denote this
loss as S31 (dB) and enter the reading in Table 3.1.
6.Determination of Isolation
Isolation (dB) = P2i (dB) - P3s (dB) = - 20 log10|S32|. Denote this as S32 (dB) and enter the
reading in Table 3.2.
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 23
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
TABULAR COLUMN:
Table 8.1: Measured data and calculation of power division
VSWR meter Power Power
Freq Readings division division
(GHz) P1i (dB) P2s (dB) P3s (dB) Port1 to 2 Port1 to 3
S21(dB) S31(dB)
2.3
2.8
Table 8.2: Measured data and calculation of isolation
VSWR meter readings Isolation Port
Freq (GHz) 2 to 3
P2i (dB) P3s (dB) S32(dB)
2.3
2.8
CONCLUSION:
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 24
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Experiment No. 9
3D radiation pattern of dipole Antenna
Aim
To plot a 2D and 3D radiation pattern of dipole Antenna (Use any simulation software)
Apparatus required
PC, MATLAB
Theory
The half-wave dipole antenna is one of the simplest and most widely used antenna types in communication
systems. It consists of a conductive element whose total length L is approximately half the wavelength λ of
the operating frequency. When excited by an alternating current, the dipole produces a sinusoidal current
distribution along its length, which in turn radiates electromagnetic waves. The far-field radiation pattern
of a thin, center-fed linear dipole is derived from the vector potential solution of Maxwell’s equations and
can be expressed for the θ-component of the electric field as:
Eθ(θ) [cos( (πL/λ) cosθ ) – cos(πL/λ)] / sinθ
In the case of a half-wave dipole, L = 0.5λ, and the equation becomes:
Eθ(θ) [cos( (π/2) cosθ ) – cos(π/2)] / sinθ
This function describes how the radiated field varies with the polar angle θ, showing maximum radiation in
the plane perpendicular to the dipole (θ = 90°) and nulls along the axis (θ = 0°, 180°). In three dimensions,
the resulting radiation pattern resembles a toroid (doughnut shape) around the dipole axis. The MATLAB
program uses this equation to compute the normalized magnitude of the far-field, then plots the 2D E-plane
pattern using polarplot and the full 3D radiation pattern by converting spherical coordinates to Cartesian
coordinates and displaying the result with surf. This theoretical formulation and visualization help in
understanding the directional properties and practical applications of dipole antennas.
(Note
1. This code requires MATLAB with the Antenna Toolbox installed.
2. The default dipole is a half-wave dipole (length = λ/2) centered at the origin and oriented along
the z-axis.
3. You can modify the dipole properties (length, width, etc.) by setting properties of the
dipole object d .
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 25
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
4. The frequency can be changed to see how the pattern varies with frequency.)
Program
% Simple MATLAB code for 2D & 3D radiation pattern of a half-wave dipole
clear; clc; close all;
% Parameters
L = 0.5; % dipole length in wavelengths theta
= linspace(0, pi, 360); % polar angle
% Radiation pattern formula for thin linear dipole num
= cos((pi*L)*cos(theta)) - cos(pi*L);
den = sin(theta); E =
num ./ (den + eps);
E = abs(E) / max(abs(E)); % normalize
% ----- 2D Pattern ----- figure;
polarplot(theta, E, 'LineWidth', 2);
title('2D Radiation Pattern (Half-Wave Dipole)');
% ----- 3D Pattern -----
[TH, PH] = meshgrid(theta, linspace(0, 2*pi, 360));
num3 = cos((pi*L)*cos(TH)) - cos(pi*L); den3 =
sin(TH);
E3 = abs(num3 ./ (den3 + eps));
E3 = E3 / max(E3(:));
% Convert to Cartesian coordinates
X = E3 .* sin(TH) .* cos(PH);
Y = E3 .* sin(TH) .* sin(PH);
Z = E3 .* cos(TH);
figure;
surf(X, Y, Z, E3, 'EdgeColor', 'none'); colormap(jet);
colorbar;
title('3D Radiation Pattern (Half-Wave Dipole)'); axis
equal;
xlabel('X'); ylabel('Y'); zlabel('Z');
view(40, 30);
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 26
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Result
Fig9.1 2D and 3D radiation pattern of dipole antenna
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 27
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Experiment No. 10
RADIATION PATTERNS, DIRECTIVITY AND GAIN OF YAGI UDA
ANTENNA
AIM:
Measurement of directivity and gain of Yagi antennas.
APPARATUS:
Microwave signal source (2.2 – 3 GHz), VSWR meter, Coaxial detector N(m) to SMA Adapter,
attenuator pad (3 dB), Antenna stands, Planar antennas: Yagi antennas, microstrip dipole antennas.
BLOCK DIAGRAM:
Fig.9.1: Test setup for measurement of directivity of an antenna.
PROCEDURE:
1.Assemble the set up as shown in Fig. Mount the two (identical) Yagi antennas on the two stands.
‘Do not switch ‘ON’ the signal source or the VSWR meter until you read the instructions given at
SL Nos. 2 and 3 below.
[In general, when the two antennas are not identical, the antenna whose pattern is to be measured
must be mounted on the stand which has provision for rotation as a function of angle. You may
consider this as the receiving antenna. The other antenna on the fixed stand will then be the
transmitting antenna.]
2.Procedure for switching ‘ON’ the Microwave Signal Source
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 28
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
(a)Before switching ‘ON’ the signal source, rotate the RF power level knob on the front panel anti-
clockwise to minimum position (lowest power output). Connect a 3dB attenuator pad at the RF
output port as shown in the diagram.
The RF power should not be switched ‘ON ' without a load (attenuator pad or antenna) connected
to avoid damage to the RF circuits inside the source.
(b)Switch on the signal source in the following sequence:
First Power Switch to ‘ON’ position and then RF Power Switch to ‘ON’ position.
Set modulation switch to AM and modulation frequency to the 1 KHz preset position (click at
extreme left).
Before making any change in the setup, i.e., changing cable connections, device or attenuator,
ensure that there is at least a 3dB attenuator pad at the RF output port of the source.
Alternatively, you can switch ‘OFF’ the RF power while making any changes.
3. Procedure for switching ‘ON’ the VSWR meter
The VSWR meter is to be used in conjunction with the coaxial detector. Keep the Range Switch in
the 40dB position and the Variable Gain Knob to maximum.
The choice of 40dB range initially, is to avoid the meter needle from kicking in case the input
power is high.
Switch ‘ON’ the VSWR meter. Then change the Range setting to 50dB, 60dB till the meter needle
is within the reading range. You can vary the source RF power to get reading in one of these ranges.
4. Keep the receiving antenna in the far zone of the transmitting antenna. That is, the distance R
between the two antennas must satisfy the relation R> 2D2/λo, where D is the maximum-size
of the antenna(s), and λo is the free space wavelength. Calculate this value for the given
antennas and make sure that the distance between the antennas is greater than this R.
5. Set the frequency of the source near 2.4GHz and vary frequency around this value to get
maximum reading on the VSWR meter. This is the reference value at the peak of the-beam
6. Next rotate the antenna clockwise in steps of 5° at a time till 900 (or till the meter reading falls
to -70dB). Record the angles in column 1 and VSWR meter readings as 'minus' dB in column
2 of Table.
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 29
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
7. Return to 0° position. The VSWR meter needle should return to the reference level
8. Repeat measurements by rotating the antenna anticlockwise in steps of 5° till -90° (or till the
meter reading falls to -70dB). Record the angle and VSWR meter readings at every step in
columns 5 and 6, respectively.
This completes the measurement in the E-plane.'
9. For the H-Plane Pattern: Now turn both the antennas by 90 and mount them for vertical
polarization. Align the antennas for maximum reading on the VSWR meter. Follow the same
procedure as given above in steps 6 to 8 and tabulate the readings in Table in the respective
columns
This completes the measurement in the H-plane.
10. Normalize all the readings by taking the reference value as 0dB. [For example, if the corrected
reference value is -49.5dB, then add 49.5dB to all the readings of column 3 and 7 and enter the
normalized values in the respective adjacent columns. Plot the E- and H- plane patterns on a
polar plot showing normalized values in dB versus the angle.
11. For both the pattern locate the -3dB points on either side of the peak (0dB) or note the angle
between them. This gives the -3dB beam widths ∆𝜃𝐸° and ∆𝜃𝐻°, in the E- and H- planes,
respectively.
12. The pattern directivity D can be calculated using the approximate formula as given below
𝐷 = 32,400/∆𝜃E0 ∆𝜃H0
𝑂𝑟
𝐷(𝑑𝐵i) = 10 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 32,400/∆𝜃E0 ∆𝜃H0
TABULAR COLUMN:
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 30
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Frequency = Hz
Table 9.1: Measured data for E – Plane pattern:
Relative power level Angle Relative power level
(degrees)
Angle VSWR Normalized VSWR Normalized
(degrees) value (dB) value (dB)
Meter Meter
reading(dB) reading(dB)
0 x(ref) 0 0 0
5 : -5 :
10 : -10 :
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 31
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
Table 7.2: Measured data for H – Plane pattern:
Relative power level Angle Relative power level
Angle VSWR Normalized (degrees) VSWR Normalized
(degrees) value (dB) value (dB)
Meter Meter
reading(dB) reading(dB)
0 x(ref) 0 0 0
5 : -5 :
10 : -10 :
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 32
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
GAIN OF AN ANTENNA PROCEDURE:
Measurement of Absolute Gain of an Antenna using Two Identical Antennas
1. Measure RF power input to the transmit antenna. First we set the transmitter power level.
Connect all the three attenuator pads. (3dB+6dB+l0dB) at the source output and then connect
the detector and VSWR meter.
2. Switch ‘QN’ the RF power with source in AM l KHz modulation and frequency 2.4GHz. Set
the VSWR image switch to 40dB range and variable gain knob to maximum.
Increase the RF power so that the VSWR meter shows reading in the 40dB range. This is the
reference power level. If the needle is at 46dB, then note this reference reading as Pref (dB) =
46dB. Do not vary RF power setting on the source throughout the gain measurement.
3. Now, switch ‘OFF’ the RF power output without disturbing the power level setting of the
source. Disconnect the detector and VSWR meter from the source.
4. Connect the equipment as in the experimental arrangement shown in Fig. Mount the two
identical Yagi antennas on the two antenna stands. The distance between the two antennas must
satisfy the far zone criterion.
5. Align the two antennas for the same polarization (say vertical). Start with a minimum distance
R that satisfies the far zone criterion.
6. Switch ‘ON’ the RF power. If the VSWR meter does not show any reading, increase the
transmit power by removing one or two of the attenuator pads. The VSWR meter gives the
received power level Prec (dB) at distance R.
7. Record R (cm), Pref (dB) (minus), value of attenuator pad(s) removed as A(dB)(plus) and the
received power level Prec (dB) (minus) in columns l , 2, 4 and 6, respectively.
8. Increase the distance R by 10cm at a time and record the VSWR meter readings. Do not change
the RF power level setting at the source. You may remove the attenuator pads to increase the
power to the transmit antenna. Record Prec (dB) and A (dB) four different values of R in Table.
9. The experiment can be repeated at other frequencies to obtain gain versus frequency plot.
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 33
BEC701 Microwave Engineering and Antenna Theory lab
10. The power input Pr (dB) to the transmit antenna is calculated by adding the value of the
attenuator pad(s) removed to the corrected reference value P ref (dB).
For example, if Pr (dB) = -49.5dB and one l0dB pad has been removed, then Pr (dB) = (-49.5 + l0)
dB = -39.5 dB.
Record Pr (dB) in column 5 of Table below
11. For each value of R calculate (Pt - Pr) dB and enter at column 8. Calculate the power ratio (Pt/
Pr) using the formula
𝑃𝑡 /Pr= 𝑎𝑛𝑡i𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑃t (𝑑𝐵) − 𝑃r (𝑑𝐵)/10)
12. Calculate √(𝑃𝑡/𝑃𝑟) and enter at column 9 of Table.
13. Plot a graph with R (cm) along the x-axis and the power ratio √(𝑃𝑡/𝑃𝑟), along the y- axis.
14. From the graph, find the slope which is equal to 4𝜋/𝜆0𝐺.Determine 𝜆0 (in cm) from the
frequency setting of the source and then calculate the gain G. In decibels, the absolute gain is
10log10G.
TABULAR COLUMN:
Frequency= Hz
Transmitted power = Pt = W.
Table 9.3: Absolute gain measurement – measured data
R (cm) Pr (Pt – Pr) Sqrt(Pt / Pr)
(dB) (dB)
:
:
CONCLUSION:
Dept of ECE, MITK Page 34