Abstract: The invention discloses an antenna system, which includes an array structure provided with a plurality of radiator elements being adapted to transmit and receive radiated electromagnetic waves. Each of the radiator elements are provided with at least two transverse interconnecting slots forming an aperture. An array feed network is operatively associated with each radiator element and is adapted to transmit a signal to and receive a signal from each radiator element and is further adapted to provide at least one common feed point for the array structure. A phase shifting unit operatively joins each radiator element to its associated feed point, the phase shifting unit being adapted to selectively adjust a phase of the electromagnetic waves associated with each radiator element. Operation of each phase shifting unit is regulated by control means for controlling the generation of a radiation pattern.

Abstract: An antenna comprises a conductive foil layer (16) which forms a ground plane, a conductive foil element (20) spaced from the ground plane, and a dielectric substrate (14) separating the foil element from the ground plane, the dielectric substrate being of an extruded plastics material having a cellular configuration in cross-section. More particularly, the dielectric substrate comprises one or more superimposed substrate sheets of extruded plastics material, with the or each substrate sheet comprising a pair of spaced, parallel skins (38) and webs (40) extending between and separating the skins. A method of applying the foil element to the dielectric substrate and of making the antenna and various component parts thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: An antenna comprises a metal sheet (12), an array of radiator elements (14) on the upper side of the metal sheet, and a stripline feed (20) for the radiator elements on the lower side of the metal sheet. The metal sheet is shaped to have first portions (12.1) which are at a low level, a second portion (12.2) which is at a high level, and intermediate portions (12.3) which join the second portion to the first portions, thereby forming a channel in the underside of the metal sheet, the channel being between a pair of the radiator elements. The stripline feed is in the channel, at a level which is higher than that of the upwardly facing surfaces of the first portions. The first portions form a ground plane for the radiator elements, and the second portion forms an upper ground plane for the stripline feed. The lower ground plane of the stripline feed is formed by a sheet of metal foil (24) which extends across the channel.

Abstract: An antenna comprises a metal sheet (12), an array of radiator elements (14) on the upper side of the metal sheet, and a stripline feed (20) for the radiator elements on the lower side of the metal sheet. The metal sheet is shaped to have first portions (12.1) which are at a low level, a second portion (12.2) which is at a high level, and intermediate portions (12.3) which join the second portion to the first portions, thereby forming a channel in the underside of the metal sheet, the channel being between a pair of the radiator elements. The stripline feed is in the channel, at a level which is higher than that of the upwardly facing surfaces of the first portions. The first portions form a ground plane for the radiator elements, and the second portion forms an upper ground plane for the stripline feed. The lower ground plane of the stripline feed is formed by a sheet of metal foil (24) which extends across the channel.

Abstract: An antenna comprises a conductive foil layer (16) which forms a ground plane, a conductive foil element (20) spaced from the ground plane, and a dielectric substrate (14) separating the foil element from the ground plane, the dielectric substrate being of an extruded plastics material having a cellular configuration in cross-section. More particularly, the dielectric substrate comprises one or more superimposed substrate sheets of extruded plastics material, with the or each substrate sheet comprising a pair of spaced, parallel skins (38) and webs (40) extending between and separating the skins. A method of applying the foil element to the dielectric substrate and of making the antenna and various component parts thereof are also disclosed.