An examination of structural design tolerance of HF log-periodic dipole arrays

Stringent structural tolerances are normally applied in the design, manufacture, and erection of HF log-periodic dipole arrays (LPDAs). Model based parameter estimation and Prony´s method were used to evaluate trends in input impedance and radiation patterns for various types of antenna deformation. These techniques significantly reduced the computational overheads during an examination of the validity of recommended design tolerances on the performance of HF LPDAs. It was found that these design tolerances can be greatly relaxed without affecting the practical operation of these LPDAs