Abstract: An antenna comprises a radially symmetric dielectric unit. A first conducting surface has one of a convex and a concave surface on a first radially interior surface of the dielectric unit. A second conducting surface extends radially outward from an axis of radial symmetry. The second conducting surface is oblique to the axis of radial symmetry. A non-conducting aperture on a radial exterior of the dielectric unit, wherein the first conducting surface and the second conducting surface define a dielectric volume extending radially toward and terminating in the non-conducting aperture.

Abstract: The disclosed principles provide novel antennas and corresponding methods of manufacturing thereof. In one aspect, an antenna according to the disclosed principles have a dielectric unit. The dielectric unit may be azimuthally uniform, radially symmetric, or symmetric. The dielectric unit may include a first conducting surface, a second conducting surface, and a non-conducting aperture. The first conducting surface may be located on a first radially interior surface of the dielectric unit and have both convex and concave surfaces. The second conducting surface, oblique to an axis of radial symmetry, may extend radially outward from the axis of radial symmetry. The non-conducting aperture may be located on the radial exterior of the dielectric unit. The first conducting surface and the second conducting surface may define a dielectric volume extending radially toward and terminating in the non-conducting aperture.

Abstract: The disclosed principles provide novel antennas and corresponding methods of manufacturing thereof. In one aspect, an antenna according to the disclosed principles have a dielectric unit. The dielectric unit may be azimuthally uniform, radially symmetric, or symmetric. The dielectric unit may include a first conducting surface, a second conducting surface, and a non-conducting aperture. The first conducting surface may be located on a first radially interior surface of the dielectric unit and have both convex and concave surfaces. The second conducting surface, oblique to an axis of radial symmetry, may extend radially outward from the axis of radial symmetry. The non-conducting aperture may be located on the radial exterior of the dielectric unit. The first conducting surface and the second conducting surface may define a dielectric volume extending radially toward and terminating in the non-conducting aperture.

Abstract: The invention is a dual and stagger-tuned 8-step FZP antenna for use in VSAT operations. The preferred embodiment achieves the desired antenna gain at the RX band (centered at 11.95 GHz) and the TX band (centered at 14.25 GHz). The flexible antenna is 1-meter diameter and less than 1-inch thick, allowing it to be folded to the size of a tissue box for easy storage and transportability.

Abstract: The invention is a dual and stagger-tuned 8-step FZP antenna for use in VSAT operations. The preferred embodiment achieves the desired antenna gain at the RX band (centered at 11.95 GHz) and the TX band (centered at 14.25 GHz). The flexible antenna is 1-meter diameter and less than 1-inch thick, allowing it to be folded to the size of a tissue box for easy storage and transportability.

Abstract: An RFID transponder is provided with an active backscatter amplifier that amplifies and re-transmits a received signal. The RFID transponder comprises an antenna and a circulator having a first port connected to the antenna. A modulator is connected to a second port of the circulator. An amplifier is connected to a third port of the circulator, with the amplifier connected to the modulator. An RF signal impinging upon the antenna passes through the circulator, the amplifier, and the modulator, and returns to the antenna through the circulator. The modulator further comprises an input coupled to the second port of the circulator and an output coupled to an input of the amplifier. The amplifier has an output coupled to the third port of the circulator. The modulator is adapted to modulate the RF signal using on-off keying.