Abstract: A switched beam antenna system is provided. The antenna system includes a plurality of feed elements arranged radially about a center point. A feed switch provides equidistant signal paths between each antenna element and a transceiver. The production of an antenna beam in a desired direction is achieved by controlling a switch to selectively operate a feed element associated with a beam coverage area that encompasses the desired steering angle.

Abstract: A switched beam antenna system is provided. The antenna system includes a plurality of feed elements arranged radially about a center point. A feed switch provides equidistant signal paths between each antenna element and a transceiver. The production of an antenna beam in a desired direction is achieved by controlling a switch to selectively operate a feed element associated with a beam coverage area that encompasses the desired steering angle.

Abstract: An electrically-small, cavity-backed slot antenna includes an electrically conductive sheet having an elongated slot contained within the perimeter of the sheet backed by a cavity formed in an electrically conductive housing connected to the sheet. A dielectric layer composed of material having a dielectric constant of ten or greater is coupled to the conductive sheet and overlies the slot so as to effect a reduction of the resonant frequency of the antenna which permits the antenna to be characterized as electrically small. Transmission conductors are electrically coupled to the conductive sheet across the slot and adapted to carry r.f. energy either to or from the sheet depending upon whether the antenna is being used in a transmit or receive mode. For fine tuning the resonant frequency of the antenna, a pair of capacitive elements are mounted across the slot and electrically coupled to the conductive sheet on opposite sides of the slot and at symmetrical loctaions therealong.