Antennas and Wave Propagation

The chapter concerns how electromagnetic waves are generated and transmitted using antennas. The objective is to give the reader some insights into the underlying physics that form the foundations of all wireless communication and are crucial for an understanding of the potential and challenges for advanced antenna systems (AAS). First, electromagnetic waves and their properties are introduced, followed by an overview of antennas and how they interact with the waves. Subsequently, wave propagation in real-world environments is treated, including key concepts such as path loss and multi-path propagation. Mathematical models for radio wave propagation and wireless transmission of signals are derived as a prerequisite for later discussions on antenna arrays, orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing transmission, and multi-antenna technologies. The chapter ends with a discussion on how properties and characteristics of antennas and propagation affect and interact with AAS technologies.