Antenna Theory: Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition by Constantine A. Balanis
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Book Reviews of Antenna Theory: Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition
Book Review: agree w/ scissor & paste [ EE grad student (physics & matl eng background)]
Summary: 2 Stars
Obviously from the other reviewers this book has collected a lot of very good antenna information. However, reading this book as a student new to the subject, I regularly found myself mislead or just simply lost. I know this can be a result of the subject matter (always a potential when diving into EM fields and their applications), but I believe it was more due to how the book is written and laid out.
I regularly found that the organization and connection/discussion of the information left much to be desired. The motivation for many of the issues is very unclear, usually non-existent.
Also, Balanis regularly changes nomenclature or coordinate systems (again, without motivation or warning. This leads the cut&paste feel and, as a student newer to this field, is very confusing). An example is the patch antenna development. For the rectangular patch, Balanis has x direction normal to the patch surface (very non-standard for the literature) but then he returns to the standard z direction normal to the patch for the circular patch.
In summary, Balanis is probably a good reference, but confusing for use as a text.
(Can any other reviewers recommend other good teaching books on antennas??)
Book Review: Great Collection of Antenna Literature
Summary: 4 Stars
This book presents a great overview of many different types of antennas, as well as some theory behind them. It would be nice if it had coplanar waveguide fed antennas, along with more generalized theory. Overall, though, it is a great collection of work that has been done with antennas so far, along with graphs and radiation patterns of both numerical calculation methods and actual antenna measurements.Book Review: The Antenna Bible
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is one of the best in antenna design I have ever come across. It has everything regarding all antenna designs, and it is concise. The accompanied Matlab files are useful to better understand the theory.
I used is as a reference while I was working on radiation patterns for antennas that are used in wireless (cell phone) communications.
Book Review: scissors and paste
Summary: 2 Stars
The author has done a good job of scouring the antenna literature and summarizing all of the equations in one place. The problem is the lack of any discussion about what the equations mean. I am reminded of the definition of a college education given by Prof. McWhorter of Stanford, "the process of the professors notes becoming the student's notes without having passed through the mind of either."
If you are an experienced antenna designer, this book will be of help. If you want to learn from scratch, try the 50 year old book by Kraus.
Book Review: A delightful read
Summary: 5 Stars
This is quite possibly one of the biggest books on antennas ever written. The information is presented in a clear and concise manner, and you can easily find what you need. There is all sorts of information on new antennas and the derivations for many equations are presented clearly. There is enough material to give all other books page envy, and therefore, it earns a rating of 5 stars.