Kandregula, V R; Vassos, E; Loh, T H; Ahmed, Q Z; Khan, F A; Mistry, K; Lazaridis, P I (2026) Simulation Analysis of a PLPDA Mounted on a UAV Using Hybrid Solver Methods. IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, 74 (7). pp. 6731-6739. ISSN 0018-926X

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Evaluating the performance of an antenna post-deployment in the field presents a key challenge. This evaluation enables us to comprehend the diverse external factors that may degrade the antenna’s performance. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) can address this issue as they have the capability of carrying out in-situ antenna measurements. However, configuring the UAV in receiver (RX) mode proves challenging due to the requirement for a real-time spectrum analyzer with timestamps synchronized to the UAV’s global positioning system (GPS) timestamps. To overcome these challenges, we configured the UAV in RX mode, capable of computing the received signal power, with timestamps logged corresponding to each UAV waypoint. A MATLAB code was developed to synchronize the time stamps from the UAV GPS and real-time spectrum analyzer. In this paper, we propose the use of a printed-log periodic antenna (PLPDA) due to its aerodynamic profile and impressive −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 6300 MHz, making it suitable for measuring antennas operating across various frequency ranges. Furthermore, to calculate the forward gain of the antenna under test, an identical PLPDA is utilized at both the transmitter (TX) and RX. The test scenario involves two UAVs, with a DJI Matrice 600 pro hexacopter as the TX and the Alta X quadcopter as the RX. Azimuth plane measurements of the PLPDA with UAVs reveal an HPBW of 75◦ at 800 MHz and an HPBW of 70◦ at 3500 MHz. A comparison between the UAV measurements and simulation data demonstrates good agreement, validating the reliability of the measurements.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Electromagnetics > Wireless Communications
Divisions:	Electromagnetic & Electrochemical Technologies
Identification number/DOI:	10.1109/TAP.2026.3687022
Last Modified:	08 Oct 2026 14:35
URI:	https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/10558