feedback AntennaLab 57-200-USB, Operator'S Manual, Page: 12 / 31

Chapter 1
BoufoobMbc!
OPERATOR’S MANUAL Introduction to
BoufoobMbc
57-200-USB 1-1
1 Introduction to BoufoobMbc
Understanding antennas is often thought of as a 'black art'. The theoretical study of
antennas can be mathematically demanding, requiring knowledge of electric field theory,
spherical geometry, calculus and other advanced mathematical concepts.
However, even armed with these mathematical tools, analysing the performance of
antennas in real, practical situations relies heavily on experience, as it is very difficult to
include all of the vagaries of an antenna's electrical and physical surroundings in
theoretical calculations.
Don't worry! The work done with
BoufoobMbc
is essentially non-mathematical in its
approach to the subject. The practical aspects and effects associated with antennas are
stressed and the software that is supplied along with
BoufoobMbc
takes care of the high-
level mathematics. The unique blend of hardware and software experimentation leads to a
practical understanding of antenna performance that would be difficult to achieve with
either hardware or software alone.
The 57-200
BoufoobMbc
System comprises hardware, software and courseware, which
together form an integrated learning environment for the study of antenna principles.
BoufoobMbc is designed to explore antenna parameters, and operates between 1.2 and
1.8 GHz. Some background knowledge is necessary in order to make proper use of the
system. The system is complementary to another Feedback product, the ASD512 Antenna
Systems Demonstrator, which deals with the basic concepts of voltage and current in
radiating elements. The 57-200 takes these ideas and puts them into practice, introducing
the user to the concept of computer-based antenna measurements. The 57-200 is
designed to be used at almost any teaching level and, when operated in a low-reflection
environment, is capable of producing data suitable for research and development.
The following parameters can be measured:
•
Directivity and gain, displayed as polar diagrams.
•
Bandwidth, displayed as graphs of amplitude against frequency.
•
Matching, displayed as graphs of return loss against frequency.
A directional coupler is provided for the return loss measurements.
Data may be recorded for archive or for playback on another computer not connected to
the 57-200 hardware.