The design of log-periodic dipole antennas

A mathematical analysis of the logarithmically periodic dipole class of frequency independent antennas, which takes into account the mutual coupling between dipole elements, is described. A high speed digital computer (ILLIAC) is used to calculate the input impedance gain, and bandwidth, as well as the input current and voltage of the several elements. The results from this mathematical model are shown to be in good agreement with measurements. A step by step procedure, which enables one to design a log-periodic dipole antenna over a wide range of the parameters of input impedance, bandwidth, gain, and antenna size is presented.