Abstract: A miniaturized antenna system is characterized non-destructively through the use of a scanner that measures its near-field radiated power performance. When taking measurements, the scanner can be moved linearly along the x, y and z axis, as well as rotationally relative to the antenna. The data obtained from the characterization are processed to determine the far-field properties of the system and to optimize the system. Each antenna is excited using a probe station system while a scanning probe scans the space above the antenna to measure the near field signals. Upon completion of the scan, the near-field patterns are transformed into far-field patterns. Along with taking data, this system also allows for extensive graphing and analysis of both the near-field and far-field data. The details of the probe station as well as the procedures for setting up a test, conducting a test, and analyzing the resulting data are also described.

Abstract: A miniaturized antenna system is characterized non-destructively through the use of a scanner that measures its near-field radiated power performance. When taking measurements, the scanner can be moved linearly along the x, y and z axis, as well as rotationally relative to the antenna. The data obtained from the characterization are processed to determine the far-field properties of the system and to optimize the system. Each antenna is excited using a probe station system while a scanning probe scans the space above the antenna to measure the near field signals. Upon completion of the scan, the near-field patterns are transformed into far-field patterns. Along with taking data, this system also allows for extensive graphing and analysis of both the near-field and far-field data. The details of the probe station as well as the procedures for setting up a test, conducting a test, and analyzing the resulting data are also described.

Abstract: An antenna (10, 110, 210) comprising a ground layer (30, 130, 230), a feed layer (50, 150, 250), an antenna layer (40, 140, 240) and a transparent dielectric substrate (20, 120, 220) interposed between two of the layers (30 and 40, 140 and 150, 230 and 250). An electromagnetic field is produced between the ground layer (30, 130, 230) and the antenna layer (40, 140, 240) when the feed and ground layers (50 and 30, 150 and 130, 250 and 230) are exposed to a microwave frequency above 3,000 megahertz for transmission and when the antenna and ground layers (40 and 30, 140 and 130, 240 and 230) are exposed to a microwave frequency above 3,000 megahertz, for reception. The ground layer (30, 130, 230), feed layer (50, 150, 250) and antenna layer (40, 140, 240) are made of an optically transparent and electrically conductive material. About 30% of the visible light impinging on the antenna (10, 110, 210) passes through the antenna.