Abstract: The invention provides for a broad band directional antenna (10) comprising a ground plane (12) having an axis (14) extending perpendicularly to the ground plane, an active radiator (13) which is axially spaced from the ground plane, a metamaterial ground plane assembly (16) and a conductive pillar (28.1) between the first conductive wall and the ground plane. The metamaterial ground plane assembly comprises a metamaterial ground plane (17), a first conductive wall (20) adjacent a periphery of the metamaterial ground plane, the first conductive wall having a bottom (22) and atop (24) and a second wall (26) comprising two mutually insulated conductive wall parts (26.1, 26.2) located spaced from and outside of the first conductive wall. The bottom of the first conductive wall is located between the ground plane and the metamaterial ground plane and the top of the first conductive wall is located beyond the active radiator.

Abstract: A broad band directional antenna 10 comprises a patch antenna 12 comprising a conductive and non-circular patch 14 and having a main axis 16 extending perpendicularly to the patch. The antenna further comprises at least one active radiator 18.1, 18.2 which is axially spaced from the patch 14 in a first direction A. A metamaterial ground plane assembly 20 is located between the patch antenna 12 and the at least one active radiator 18.1, 8.2. The patch antenna 12 comprises a conductive ground plane 22 which is axially spaced from the patch 14 in a second and opposite direction B.

Abstract: The invention provides for a broad band directional antenna (10) comprising a ground plane (12) having an axis (14) extending perpendicularly to the ground plane, an active radiator (13) which is axially spaced from the ground plane, a metamaterial ground plane assembly (16) and a conductive pillar (28.1) between the first conductive wall and the ground plane. The metamaterial ground plane assembly comprises a metamaterial ground plane (17), a first conductive wall (20) adjacent a periphery of the metamaterial ground plane, the first conductive wall having a bottom (22) and atop (24) and a second wall (26) comprising two mutually insulated conductive wall parts (26.1, 26.2) located spaced from and outside of the first conductive wall. The bottom of the first conductive wall is located between the ground plane and the metamaterial ground plane and the top of the first conductive wall is located beyond the active radiator.

Abstract: An antenna 10 comprises a single wire wound in a helix 12 comprising a plurality of turns 1, 2, 3, n, n+1, . . . p around a main axis 11 with immediately adjacent turns having an inter-turn spacing between them. The helix has a back end 14 and a front end 16 and the main axis defines a main beam direction. A transverse crosssectional area of the helix monotonously decreases from the back end 14 to the front end 16. The inter-turn spacing S1 . . . Sn . . . monotonously decreases from the backend 14 to the front end 16. A feed-point 13 is provided at the back end 14.

Abstract: A monitoring system 22 for a distributed antenna system (DAS) 10 is provided. The DAS comprises central transmitter 12 which is connected by a signal transmission network 14 to a plurality of distributed antenna devices (DAD) 16.1 to 16.n. The network comprises physical branches. Each of the DAD's is connected to a respective sub-branch 14.11 and comprises at least one antenna 18. The antenna is associated with a frequency band having a center frequency fc and an associated wavelength Ac. The monitoring system comprises a central monitoring unit (CMU) 24 which is coupled to the network 14. A monitoring device 28.1 is associated with at least one of the DAD's and permanently mounted a distance d<2?c away from the antenna of the DAD. The monitoring device comprises a controller 30, a transceiver 32 and an antenna 34.

Abstract: An antenna 10 comprises at least a first pair 12 of elongate radiating elements and a second pair 14 of elongate radiating elements. Each pair comprises a first element 12.1 and a second element 12.2. Each element has a feed end 12.11 and a distal end 12.12. The first and second elements of each of the at least first pair and second pair have their respective feed ends 12.11, 12.21 in juxtaposition relative to one another and extend in diverging relationship relative to one another in a direction from their feed ends towards their distal ends. The at least first and second pairs are electrically connected in parallel. In some embodiments the elements may diverge exponentially. The invention also relates to antennas which may be packaged in at least partially knock-down form to be assembled or deployed conveniently at a user site.

Abstract: A monitoring system 22 for a distributed antenna system (DAS) 10 is provided. The DAS comprises central transmitter 12 which is connected by a signal transmission network 14 to a plurality of distributed antenna devices (DAD) 16.1 to 16.n. The network comprises physical branches. Each of the DAD's is connected to a respective sub-branch 14.11 and comprises at least one antenna 18. The antenna is associated with a frequency band having a centre frequency fc and an associated wavelength Ac. The monitoring system comprises a central monitoring unit (CMU) 24 which is coupled to the network 14. A monitoring device 28.1 is associated with at least one of the DAD's and permanently mounted a distance d<2 ?c away from the antenna of the DAD. The monitoring device comprises a controller 30, a transceiver 32 and an antenna 34.

Abstract: An antenna 10 comprises at least a first pair 12 of elongate radiating elements and a second pair 14 of elongate radiating elements. Each pair comprises a first element 12.1 and a second element 12.2. Each element has a feed end 12.11 and a distal end 12.12. The first and second elements of each of the at least first pair and second pair have their respective feed ends 12.1 1, 12.21 in juxtaposition relative to one another and extend in diverging relationship relative to one another in a direction from their feed ends towards their distal ends. The at least first and second pairs are electrically connected in parallel. In some embodiments the elements may diverge exponentially. The invention also relates to antennas which may be packaged in at least partially knock-down form to be assembled or deployed conveniently at a user site.

Abstract: A monitoring system 22 for a distributed antenna system (DAS) 10 is provided. The DAS comprises central transmitter 12 which is connected by a signal transmission network 14 to a plurality of distributed antenna devices (DAD) 16.1 to 16.n. The network comprises physical branches. Each of the DAD's is connected to a respective sub-branch 14.11 and comprises at least one antenna 18. The antenna is associated with a frequency band having a center frequency fc and an associated wavelength Ac. The monitoring system comprises a central monitoring unit (CMU) 24 which is coupled to the network 14. A monitoring device 28.1 is associated with at least one of the DAD's and permanently mounted a distance d<2?c away from the antenna of the DAD. The monitoring device comprises a controller 30, a transceiver 32 and an antenna 34.