Abstract: A broadband, high-gain, active antenna system is disclosed, which operates with a bi-directive reception pattern while in its standard configuration and with a directive reception pattern over several octaves of Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum when affixed with a tuned scatter-plate. As a standalone active antenna system the disclosed antenna probe element and the amplifier subassembly exhibit the bi-directional directive properties of a standard fixed length dipole, while the addition of a scatter-plate makes the antenna directive with separate frequency-dependant directive modes. The scatter-plate can be tuned such that these separate directive modes occur at convenient areas of the RF frequency spectrum. Other means of achieving directivity are disclosed using the antenna probe element and the amplifier subassembly.

Abstract: A broadband, high-gain, active antenna system is disclosed, which operates with a bi-directive reception pattern while in its standard configuration and with a directive reception pattern over several octaves of Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum when affixed with a tuned scatter-plate. As a standalone active antenna system the disclosed antenna probe element and the amplifier subassembly exhibit the bi-directional directive properties of a standard fixed length dipole, while the addition of a scatter-plate makes the antenna directive with separate frequency-dependant directive modes. The scatter-plate can be tuned such that these separate directive modes occur at convenient areas of the RF frequency spectrum. Other means of achieving directivity are disclosed using the antenna probe element and the amplifier subassembly.

Abstract: According to some aspects of this invention, a compact, broadband active receiving antenna uses one or more high transconductance transistors such as Field Effect Transistor(s) paired with another Transistor and arranged in a Cascode amplifier configuration. Some embodiments involve a single high transconductance transistor arranged with a high efficiency transformer in a nondissipative feedback loop to improve linearity and dynamic range. The devices have a high input resistance, low input capacitance, low noise and a very high second and third order Intercept Point. Since the gain is primarily a function of the amplifying electronics, it is not necessary to increase the directivity of the antenna to achieve higher gain.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for enabling receiving antennas to accommodate a wide operational bandwidth and excellent gain and sensitivity requirements despite a compact form-factor. According to some aspects of the invention, a compact, broadband active receiving antenna uses one or more high transconductance transistors such as Field Effect Transistor(s) each paired with another Transistor, each pair arranged in a Cascode amplifier configuration. Some aspects of the invention involve a single high transconductance transistor arranged with a high efficiency transformer in a nondissipative feedback loop. This couples the signal energy from the drain or collector of the transistor to the transistor's source or emitter to improve linearity and dynamic range. This novel architecture has the characteristics of having a high input resistance, low input capacitance, low noise and a very high second and third order Intercept Point.