Time domain modeling of nonlinear loads

A procedure is developed for analyzing the behavior of an antenna or scatterer when loaded with a nonlinear element. This procedure is used to model several types of nonlinearities, including arbitrary V-I relationships exhibited by diodes, square-law detectors and limiters, and time-varying loads. The treatment utilizes the framework of the thin-wire approximation to the electric field integral equation. Applications of this procedure include the analysis of nonlinear behavior resulting from large amplitude excitation, the influence of protective devices like spark gaps and electrical surge arresters, intermodulation resulting from inadvertent nonlinearities, pulse shaping through the use of diode loads, and spectrum spreading and modification using time-varying loads.