A practical 50∶1 bandwidth PCB-LPDA antenna for MeerKAT RFI studies

Design details of a 50:1 bandwidth printed circuit board log periodic dipole array antenna for practical radio frequency interference measurement use are discussed. A feeding tab design optimization is incorporated, which obviates the need for a dummy cable on the opposite board to balance the feed cable structure. Computer simulated and measured realized gain and reflection coefficient results are shown from 50 MHz to 8 GHz. Although the antenna works well over its intended bandwidth of 150 MHz to 7.5 GHz, it can be used down to 70 MHz.