Abstract: The present invention relates to patch antennas and in particular relates to a feed mechanism therefor. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a patch antenna comprising a dielectric substrate having a patch element on a first side and a microstrip feed therefor on a second side and a reflector ground plane; wherein the microstrip feed is connected through the dielectric to the patch whereby the microstrip feed is parallel spaced apart from the patch and from a shielding grounded portion. The patches can be rectilinear or ellipsoidal, and can have one or more feeds. An impedance matching network can be disposed on the antenna dielectric. Preferably, this network is positioned on an opposite side of the dielectric to the patch and shielded by the ground plane. This type of feed arrangement can provide an optimum feed point location for any polarisation. In dual polarised mode, there is no compromise in either cross polar performance nor impedance matching to be performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integral antenna assemblies and in particular relates to an integral antenna assembly for microcellular base stations and fixed wireless access base stations. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided an integral antenna comprising a radome, a layered antenna and a reflector back plane, wherein the layered antenna has an outer surface and a rear surface; wherein the radome is attached directly to an outer surface of the antenna; and wherein the back plane provides a reflective cavity and encloses the feed network for the antenna and is attached to the rear surface of the antenna.