Abstract: A dipole array antenna is configured for improved cellular operation by avoidance of metallic contacts which can lead to generation of intermodulation products (IMP). Isolated rectangular dipole radiators 12-17 are electromagnetically excited by perpendicularly aligned non-contacting exciter resonators 40-45. The rectangular exciter resonators 40-45 are integrally formed with microstrip signal distribution feed 18 supported above a ground plane 22. A non-contact RF grounded termination for the outer conductor of coaxial input line 52 uses a quarter-wave microstrip line section 56 to provide a low impedance RF path to ground to avoid IMP. An RF-isolated DC grounding circuit for surge protection includes a parallel combination of quarter-wave line sections 62 and 66. Line section 66 provides an RF open circuit path to a DC grounding post 67. Line section 62 provides a parallel non-contact low impedance RF path to ground, avoiding IMP from flow of an RF current through pressure contact points at post 67.

Abstract: A dipole array antenna is configured for improved cellular operation by avoidance of metallic contacts which can lead to generation of intermodulation products (IMP). Isolated rectangular dipole radiators 12-17 are electromagnetically excited by perpendicularly aligned non-contacting exciter resonators 40-45. The rectangular exciter resonators 40-45 are integrally formed with microstrip signal distribution feed 18 supported above a ground plane 22. A non-contact RF grounded termination for the outer conductor of coaxial input line 52 uses a quarter-wave microstrip line section 56 to provide a low impedance RF path to ground to avoid IMP. An RF-isolated DC grounding circuit for surge protection includes a parallel combination of quarter-wave line sections 62 and 66. Line section 66 provides an RF open circuit path to a DC grounding post 67. Line section 62 provides a parallel non-contact low impedance RF path to ground, avoiding IMP from flow of an RF current through pressure contact points at post 67.

Abstract: A field monitor in the near field receives an antenna signal which approximates that which would be received by the monitor if located in the far field. In one aspect of the invention, the antenna signal is produced by an array of spaced apart receiving elements. In another aspect of the invention, the signal received from a near field sampling antenna is passed through a signal processor having the necessary characteristics to construct from the sample a signal corresponding to that which would have been received in the far field. Antenna element arrays are also used as plane wave sources permitting antenna testing with a radiating path length of one-eighth or one-quarter of the far field distance. Compact indoor antenna test ranges are also provided.

Abstract: A field monitor in the near field receives an antenna signal which approximates that which would be received by the monitor if located in the far field. In one aspect of the invention, the antenna signal is produced by an array of spaced apart receiving elements. In another aspect of the invention, the signal received from a near field sampling antenna is passed through a signal processor having the necessary characteristics to construct from the sample a signal corresponding to that which would have been received in the far field. Antenna element arrays are also used as plane wave sources permitting antenna testing with a radiating path length of one-eighth or one-quarter of the far field distance. Compact indoor antenna test ranges are also provided.