Design and optimization of UWB antennas by a powerful CAD tool: PULSE KIT

In this paper, we discuss the assessment and optimization of UWB antennas for two proposed schemes, based on their unique requirements. One is impulse radio that adopts impulses with transient bandwidths covering the entire UWB band, and the other is multi-band OFDM where the UWB band is divided into several OFDM sub-bands. Firstly, some special requirements for the design of UWB antennas are briefly reviewed. Next, the assessment and optimization of a UWB antenna system is presented. Then, a CAD tool, PULSE KIT, is introduced to conduct the optimization. Lastly, as an example, a planar diamond antenna is optimized, and its performance in a UWB radio system are investigated.