Gaussian Pattern Antenna

Description

Provides a mathematical model approximating antenna gain using a Gaussian function shape. This pattern is configured in the XML definition via pattern="gaussian" within an <antenna> element. It uses parameters defined in child elements <azscale> and <elscale>, which are intended to control the angular width of the beam in azimuth and elevation, respectively.

Assumptions

• Assumes that a Gaussian shape is an appropriate mathematical approximation for the desired antenna pattern.
• Assumes the <azscale> and <elscale> parameters directly and correctly control the effective beamwidth as intended by the underlying formula.
• Assumes the pattern is separable in azimuth and elevation (i.e., the 2D pattern can be represented as the product of two independent 1D patterns).
• Assumes the pattern shape itself is independent of the operating frequency (wavelength). The simulation's core physics might still use wavelength for propagation loss, but the shape defined here does not inherently depend on it.

Limitations

• Mathematical Model: This is a purely mathematical construct and does not necessarily represent the complex patterns of a real-world antenna, which can include sidelobes, nulls, and other effects not captured by a simple Gaussian function.
• Wavelength Independence: The pattern shape defined by this model does not change with the simulated frequency (wavelength), which is often not physically accurate for real antennas.
• Potential Efficiency Factor Issue: There is a potential inconsistency where the overall antenna efficiency factor (_loss_factor, set via the <efficiency> tag) might not be applied correctly within the getGain method of this specific antenna type. This requires verification.
• Angle Calculation Method: This model calculates gain based on the vector difference between the look direction and the antenna's reference pointing direction (angle - refangle), processing azimuth and elevation components. This differs from some other models that might use a scalar angle calculation.

Related Components

• Antenna Base Class (Inherits from this base)
• antenna_factory.h::Gaussian (Class definition)
• antenna_factory.cpp::Gaussian::getGain (Gain calculation logic)
• <azscale>, <elscale> XML elements (Configuration parameters)
• <efficiency> XML element (Related property, potential issue)

Validation Status

• Needs Verification: The mathematical correctness of the implemented Gaussian formula, the precise relationship between the scale parameters and standard beamwidth definitions (e.g., 3dB beamwidth), and the application (or lack thereof) of the efficiency factor need explicit validation.
• Key Areas for Validation:
  • Verify the mathematical formula used in Gaussian::getGain against standard Gaussian beam equations.
  • Test the relationship between <azscale>/<elscale> values and the resulting angular pattern width. Does it match expected beamwidth behavior?
  • Confirm whether the _loss_factor from the <efficiency> tag is correctly applied to the gain calculated by this model. If not, this is a bug.
  • Compare the output gain values against expected theoretical values for various look angles relative to the reference direction.
• Priority: Medium (Depends on how frequently this model is used, but the potential efficiency bug warrants attention).