Abstract: A low cost, reduced complexity antenna fabrication scheme employs a section of a thin, lightweight flex circuit decal, rather than a wire, as the antenna's radiation element. In order to support and contour the flex circuit decal in a three-dimensional (e.g., helical) shape, the flex circuit is attached to a support core that conforms with the intended three-dimensional shape of the antenna. To reduce the hardware and assembly complexity of using an electro-mechanical connector to interface the antenna radiator and its associated feed, the signal coupling interface for the antenna is effected by electromagnetically coupling of a segment of the flex circuit to a section of transmission line spatially located in close proximity to the antenna.

Abstract: A gain-optimized, compact helical antenna array comprises an array of tapered pitch angle helical antenna elements. By tapered pitch angle is meant that the pitch angle increases from the base end of the antenna element to the distal end, in a manner that optimizes the gain of each helical element relative to helix length for a given physical size of the winding. Each helical winding is coupled to a signal distribution network, through which the antenna's radiation pattern is controllably defined. The antenna elements have a spatially aperiodic distribution, that reduces grating lobes, by minimizing the number of antenna elements which share the same azimuth. A radial line orthogonal to the boresight axis will intercept a minimum number of helical antenna elements of the array.

Abstract: A slot antenna is disclosed for use in RF broadcasting. The antenna includes an elongated longitudinally extending hollow mast surrounding a longitudinal axis. An array of longitudinally spaced slots are formed in the mast for radiating electromagnetic energy therefrom. A coupler bar is associated with each slot. Each coupler bar is located within the mast between the ends of the associated slot for coupling electromagnetic energy from within the mast and developing with the slot a slot-coupler reactance. Tuning means is associated with each slot. Each tuning means is longitudinally spaced from the associated slot. Each tuning means extends inwardly from the mast toward the longitudinal axis for tuning the antenna to reduce the slot-coupler reactance.