Below is an interview with one of the academic speakers, Harold Thieba, giving insight on his presentation of the simulation of a microstrip patch antenna array, for 5G communications which he will present at 3DEXPERIENCE Modeling and Simulation Virtual Conference (ModSim). Registration is now open for ModSim which will take place on November 17-18, 2020. This global conference will inspire users to design and innovate the next generation of products by offering learning opportunities through user presentations on industry applications, product and technology updates.
What is the title of your presentation?
The title of my presentation is Microstrip Patch Antenna Array. The purpose of designing this type of antenna was to create a very narrow signal (pencil beam) for applications such as point-to-point communication, and to investigate how different configurations of the 4×4 array would affect its beam width, shape, and direction. During my presentation I go through the various steps and stages I had to overcome to design and simulate a small 4×4 patch array antenna. I explain how CST Studio Suite 2019 helped me to create my design and how its different simulation options allowed me to test the antenna array’s performance; measuring parameters such as directivity, antenna gain, and efficiency.
Please describe why you chose this topic for your project.
The main reason I chose this topic for my project is because I have a strong interest in communication and antenna theory. However, the rapid growth in wireless communications and traffic will bring crucial responsibility to antennas as they will be expected to provide wireless communication between devices whilst minimizing interference [1]. I therefore wanted to explore how these devices which we use every day and take for granted are designed.
What are three main takeaways the ModSim audience can expect at the conclusion of your presentation?
I believe that my presentation is relevant to the audience because, 5G will be the key for achieving the full potential of IoT. The next generation of communications will operate with the mm wave frequencies where beamforming will be used. Three takeaways the audience will have at the end of the presentation are: how a patch antenna array can be made, how its directivity can be enhanced, why patch antenna arrays may be desired in certain situations.
What do you see are the benefits of someone listening to your presentation at ModSim?
Someone listening to my presentation will be introduced to how a patch antenna array can be made, and how its directivity and efficiency can be increased using the appropriate impedance matching techniques.
What were the advantages of using simulation in your project?
Simulation provided huge benefits for my project, as it enabled me to see which of my designs needed improvement and which designs were good. Simulation allowed me to test different configurations of a coaxial-fed antenna array to see its beam was affected.
Why did you choose SIMULIA over other simulation products?
CST Studio Suite 2019 was recommended to me by my project supervisor as the optimal software for my project. I believe he was correct as the software was very flexible and allowed me to do everything I required for my project.
Do you feel that learning simulation skills in University will provide you with an advantage in your career? Please explain.
I believe that learning simulation skills at university has been a huge benefit to me, and that it will definitely be an advantage during my career, as I will have the experience and confidence to create specific designs and to test them.
Born in Dakar, Senegal and then moving to the UK when he was 7, Harold Thieba always had an interest in aircraft and military technology. He attended primary and secondary school in Oxfordshire where he studied history, government and politics, and French. But his passion for engineering couldn’t be quelled, even when he thought his mathematics skills were not up to par. In 2016 he completed a foundation in Electronic and Communications Engineering at the University of Kent. He then transferred to Loughborough University to study Electronic and Electrical Engineering and graduated in 2020. He plans to work in the telecommunications sector or in the aviation industry, since those are where his interests lie.
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