HFSS Monopole Antenna Simulation Report
Executive Summary
This report presents the analysis of a dual monopole antenna system simulated in ANSYS HFSS. The
simulation investigates the electromagnetic characteristics of two identical monopole antennas
positioned 10 meters apart, with comprehensive analysis of their S-parameters, gain patterns, and
radiation characteristics.
Simulation Setup and Geometry
Antenna Specifications
Monopole Height: 0.25 meters
Monopole Radius: 0.001 meters (1 mm)
Ground Plane: 1m × 1m square plate
Ground Plate Thickness: 0.001 meters (1 mm)
Inter-antenna Distance: 10 meters
Air Box Dimensions: 12m × 2m × 0.6m
Design Configuration
The simulation consists of two identical quarter-wave monopole antennas mounted on separate ground
planes. The monopoles are positioned facing each other with a 10-meter separation distance. The air box
provides adequate boundary conditions for far-field radiation pattern calculations.
S-Parameter Analysis
S11 Parameter (Return Loss)
The S11 parameter plot reveals the input impedance characteristics of the first monopole:
Resonant Frequency: Approximately 0.9 GHz
Minimum Return Loss: Below -30 dB at resonance
Bandwidth (10 dB return loss): Approximately 0.85 GHz to 0.95 GHz
Fractional Bandwidth: ~11.8%
The deep null in S11 indicates excellent impedance matching at the design frequency, confirming proper
quarter-wave monopole operation.
S21 Parameter (Transmission/Coupling)
The S21 parameter demonstrates the coupling between the two monopoles:
Peak Coupling: Approximately -60 dB at 0.9 GHz
Coupling Variation: Ranges from -100 dB to -60 dB across the frequency band
Isolation: Generally good isolation (>60 dB) between antennas
The relatively low coupling coefficient indicates minimal mutual interference between the two monopoles
due to the 10-meter separation distance.
Gain Pattern Analysis
Rectangular Plot (Gain Plot 1)
The gain pattern in rectangular coordinates shows:
Peak Gain: Approximately 8 dBi
Gain Variation: Multiple curves representing different phi angles
Theta Range: 0° to 180°
Pattern Characteristics: Typical monopole radiation pattern with maximum gain in the horizontal
plane
Polar Plot (Gain Plot 2)
The 3D polar gain pattern reveals:
Radiation Pattern: Omnidirectional in the horizontal plane (typical for monopoles)
Maximum Gain: Concentrated in the horizontal direction
Null Regions: Minimal radiation along the monopole axis (vertical direction)
Color Coding: Red regions indicate maximum gain, green regions show moderate gain
Technical Analysis
Antenna Performance
1. Impedance Matching: Excellent matching achieved at 0.9 GHz with return loss below -30 dB
2. Radiation Efficiency: High efficiency indicated by strong gain patterns
3. Bandwidth: Adequate bandwidth for narrowband applications
4. Isolation: Good isolation between antennas due to spatial separation
Design Validation
The simulation results confirm proper monopole antenna operation:
Quarter-wave resonance at the design frequency
Characteristic omnidirectional horizontal radiation pattern
Appropriate gain levels for monopole antennas
Minimal mutual coupling between elements
Frequency Response Characteristics
The frequency sweep analysis (0.5 GHz to 1.5 GHz) demonstrates:
Clear resonant behavior at 0.9 GHz
Broadband characteristics suitable for the intended application
Stable radiation patterns across the frequency range
Conclusions and Recommendations
Key Findings
1. The monopole antennas demonstrate excellent performance at the design frequency of 0.9 GHz
2. The 10-meter separation provides adequate isolation between elements
3. The ground plane dimensions are sufficient for proper monopole operation
4. The radiation patterns are consistent with theoretical monopole antenna behavior
Recommendations
1. Optimization: Consider slight height adjustments to fine-tune the resonant frequency
2. Bandwidth Enhancement: Investigate techniques to broaden the impedance bandwidth if required
3. Mutual Coupling: The current separation is adequate, but closer spacing studies could be beneficial
for array applications
4. Ground Plane Effects: The 1m × 1m ground plane provides good performance for this configuration
Simulation Parameters Summary
Parameter Value Unit
Monopole Height 0.25 m
Monopole Radius 0.001 m
Ground Plane 1×1 m²
Ground Thickness 0.001 m
Antenna Separation 10 m
Air Box 12 × 2 × 0.6 m³
Resonant Frequency ~0.9 GHz
Peak Gain ~8 dBi
Return Loss <-30 dB
This simulation successfully demonstrates the electromagnetic behavior of the dual monopole antenna
system and validates the design parameters for the intended application.
