Time-Domain Analysis and Design of Pulse Matching Tapered Slotline Antenna With Resistive and Reactive Loading Network

A pulse matching tapered post-wall slotline antenna based on the lumped resistive and reactive loading network is proposed, and its time-domain operation mechanism, design method, and performance are investigated. The loading network is composed of a series branch of a resistor and a parallel branch of an inductor and a resistor. The network can effectively assimilate the nonradiated low-frequency components and transmit the short pulse with little distortion for the short-pulse excited antenna, and thus this design is termed as pulse matching antenna (PMA). The time-domain analysis for the loading network and the entire structure demonstrates the pulse matching and pulse radiation characteristics of the loaded antenna. The PMA is fabricated and its performance in both the frequency and time domains is demonstrated. The proposed antenna exhibits a good match for a Gaussian pulse with a spectrum of up to 10 GHz, an average realized gain of 8.10 dBi from 6 to 10 GHz with a fluctuation less than 1.62 dB, and a radiation efficiency greater than 46.39% from 4 to 10 GHz. The proposed antenna is featured by pulse matching and short-duration pulse radiated field and is suitable for short-pulse and ultrawideband applications.