Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) system having omnidirectional functionality, such that the antenna is functional in a generally isotropic manner. The system in one embodiment includes a supporting substrate, a circuit coupled to the substrate, and an antenna coupled to the circuit, the antenna having multiple lobes, wherein responses from the lobes are demodulated and combined at baseband. The circuit can be positioned over a physical area of a portion of the antenna, the antenna acting as a virtual ground plane for the circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a slot defined by electrically conductive material, an electrically conductive element extending generally transversely to the slot in the region of a first end thereof, and a balun portion communicating with the first end of the slot, the balun portion having a high impedance and being configured to provide a selected degree of absorption of electromagnetic energy.