The Effect of Metallic Towers on Radiation Pattern

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to study the effect of the metallic parts of the Radio Frequency systems configuration design (tower, antenna supports) on the radiation pattern. Nowdays, Wireless and mobile communication systems grows and became a main part for our live. so antenna system design became very important. As it’s known that all Radio Frequency systems need antennas and the antennas should be mounted to a tower, mast or support to radiate and cover the needed area. Towers should be made of a metal which will make effect and distortion of the radiation pattern because that the radiation pattern of antennas induced current on the metallic parts which affect it to radiate, the output signal will be the summation of all these radiated signals. This thesis based on simulation of Radio Frequency system base station with five different type of tower material (Vacuum, Polystyrene, Iron, Copper and Aluminum). The simulation done with Ansoft HFSS 15 which is one of the most great radio system simulation software. The simulation done with a tower with square shape. The best material depends on the area of covering interest. If the need to have circular coverage area then the best tower should be of polystyrene which cannot be very high approximately 15m of height. If the need to have directional coverage area then the best tower should be of copper or aluminum but for cost it could be made of iron.