Abstract: A direction finding system utilizing a single monopole/crossed slot antenna in combination with associated electronic circuitry. Each of the four ports of the antenna are connected to amplitude varying elements whose outputs are combined by a power combiner. A microcontroller stores the signal. The microcontroller also generates the signals which control the amplitude variation supplied by each of the amplitude varying elements. Two configurations of the amplitude varying elements are provided by predetermined settings within the microcontroller. The two settings are selected to configure the antenna on two distinct reception patterns, each with a predetermined angular offset from a reference direction. In operation the antenna will be configured for a first reception pattern. The signals received will be detected, quantified, and stored by the microcontroller which subsequently reconfigures the antenna for a second reception pattern.

Abstract: A microstrap patch antenna with a substantially omni-directional radiation pattern includes an upper hemisphere microstrip patch radiator working against a ground plane and a lower hemisphere microstrip patch radiator working against a ground plane, the ground planes being oriented in close proximity and spaced apart from each other. One of the radiators is excited in left hand circular polarization and the other in right hand circular polarization such that their fields add constructively across their ground planes to achieve an omni-directional radiation pattern.