Abstract: There is provided an antenna element for use in an ultra wideband network, the antenna element comprising a radiating element, for radiating signals over a range of frequencies in response to a signal received at a feed point; and a frequency shaping device located near the feed point of the radiating element for acting as a broad-banding device for the radiating element. A plurality of antenna elements may be formed into an antenna array.

Abstract: A parasitic antenna element (20) comprises first and second switches: one at the base (PIN diode 22) and one approximately half way along the parasitic element (PIN diode 28). The lower half of the parasitic element is realized as a coplanar waveguide with a central conductor (32). This not only provides a convenient method for biasing the second PIN diode (28), but the outer conductors (24, 26) provide shielding and reduce coupling of the RF energy into the bias circuitry. The first switch located near the base of the antenna element is provided for selectively coupling the antenna element to a ground plane for quenching a first current mode. The second switch located along the antenna element selectively partitions the antenna element into first and second portions, thereby quenching higher order current modes.

Abstract: There is provided an antenna arrangement for use in an ultra-wideband network, the antenna arrangement comprising an active element; and a plurality of passive elements arranged around the active element; each passive element being controllable to selectively reflect or transmit radio signals emitted by the active element so as to create a desired beam pattern from the active element.

Abstract: There is provided an antenna arrangement for use in an ultra-wideband network, the antenna arrangement comprising an active element; and a plurality of passive elements arranged around the active element; each passive element being controllable to selectively reflect or transmit radio signals emitted by the active element so as to create a desired beam pattern from the active element.

Abstract: An antenna arrangement for use in an ultra-wideband network comprises a plurality of active monopoles. Each monopole is oriented substantially perpendicular to a ground plane, and arranged in a row along a transmission axis. Each monopole has an active portion for emitting radio signals and switch means for selectively changing the length of the active portion. Control means are provided for controlling the plurality of switch means such that, in a first configuration, the lengths of the active portion of the monopoles increase from a first end of the row towards the opposite end of the row, thereby causing radio signals to be emitted by the antenna arrangement substantially in a first direction along the transmission axis from the opposite end of the row towards the first end of the row.

Abstract: There is provided an antenna for use in an ultra-wideband device, wherein the antenna is used as an RF radiator and as a heat sink. There is also provided a device for use in an ultra wideband network, the device comprising a component, for example an integrated circuit package, that generates unwanted heat as part of its normal operation, the device further comprising an antenna as described above placed in thermal contact with the component. The antenna may be electrically connected to one or more pins of the component. Alternatively, the antenna may be capacitively connected to the component. There is also provided a heat sink for a wireless communications device, the heat sink being shaped such that it can operate as an antenna for radio frequencies.