Abstract: A microstrip antenna (10) comprises a planar antenna radiating element (12) having at least a first major surface and a ground plane having a first major surface (16), a second major surface (18), and a third major surface (20) substantially parallel to each other. A dielectric material (14) is positioned between the planar antenna radiating element and the ground plane. The microstrip antenna further includes a first gap (36) between the first major surface (18) of the ground plane and the second major surface (16) of the ground plane and a second gap (72) between the second major surface (16) of the ground plane and the third major surface (20) of the ground plane, wherein the first and second gaps create an increased impedance bandwidth and a lower operating frequency antenna.

Abstract: An antenna-integrated strip line cable with which it is possible to improve the performance of a high-frequency appliance such as a portable telephone without making the appliance larger. An antenna-integrated strip line cable 1 is made up of a transmission line part 2, an antenna part 3 and a counterpoise 4. The transmission line part 2 is made up of two conductors 21, 22 disposed in parallel, insulators 23, 24 having plasticity or flexibility disposed between these two conductors 21, 22, and a central conductor 25 disposed between the insulators 23, 24 centrally in the width direction thereof. Wide-pattern impedance matching circuits 26a, 26b are provided in the central conductor 25. The antenna part 3 has portions of the insulator 24 and the central conductor 25 extending from the transmission line part 2. The counterpoise 4 has portions of the insulator 23 and the conductor 21 extending from the transmission line part 2.

Abstract: A surface mounting antenna in which easy formation of a radiation electrode can be achieved by forming it on the surface of a substrate, and also the antenna can be downsized by bending the radiation electrode. A communication apparatus using the above antenna is also disclosed. A ground terminal and a feeding terminal are separately disposed on one lateral surface. A loading capacitor electrode is formed on another lateral surface opposedly facing the surface on which the ground terminal and the feeding terminal are disposed. A stripline radiation electrode is further formed on the obverse surface of the substrate and is connected at the respective ends to the ground terminal and the loading capacitor electrode. A feeding electrode for connecting the matching portion of the radiation electrode and the feeding terminal is disposed on the obverse surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An antenna structure has a radiating element and a ground plane. The ground plane has a central region relatively closely spaced apart from the radiating element and a peripheral region extending away from the central region. At least the peripheral region of the ground plane has a sheet resistivity that increases as radial distance from the central region increases. Though physically small, the ground plane simulates an infinite ground plane, and the antenna structure reduces multipath signals caused by reflection from the earth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optically controlled phase shifters are described.

Abstract: An antenna (100) has a connector (200) having a ground lead (102) and a signal lead (114). A dielectric (112) captures and embeds the connector (200) forming a connector substrate assembly (120) having a first side (122) and a second opposite side (124). A first conductive material (104) is affixed to the first side (122) of the connector substrate assembly (120) and coupling to the ground lead (102) and a second conductive material (110) is affixed to the second opposite side (124) of the connector substrate assembly (112) coupling the signal lead (114).

Abstract: A GPS/radio antenna for receiving a GPS satellite signal and a DGPS radio signal. The GPS/radio antenna includes a GPS antenna using a microstrip antenna element for receiving the GPS signal having GPS location determination information, a radio antenna for receiving a DGPS radio signal in the FM broadcast frequency range having DGPS corrections, an enclosure, and a cable. The GPS/radio antenna may be included in a GPS/DGPS receiver system also including a receiver unit with an FM DGPS receiver for demodulating the DGPS radio signal and providing DGPS corrections, and a differential-ready GPS receiver for providing a differentially-corrected GPS location.

Abstract: A multi-beam antenna for receiving microwaves emanating from at least first and second satellites comprising: a reflector which has a cylindro-paraboloidal shape (2) arranged substantially in the vertical plane and capable of focusing the incident microwaves on a substantially horizontal focal straight line (D) constructed from the foci (F1 to F5) of the reflector, at least first and second linear networks (R1, R2) being distributed substantially horizontally in the focal plane of the reflector, in order to receive and process, according to first and second laws of amplitude and time-lag, the incident microwaves emanating from first and second directions corresponding to the first and second satellites.

Abstract: In order to perform feeding to an inverted F antenna having a plate conductor of an approximately rectangular shape for forming a radiation conductor and a ground conductor arranged in parallel with the plate conductor, a strip conductor plate connected to a feeder line is provided on the ground conductor via a dielectric substrate. Hence, the feeding from the feeder line to the inverted F antenna 37 is performed by an electric field coupling of the plate conductor and the strip conductor plate. The inverted F antenna and a resonator are integrated by coupling means to carry out an impedance matching, and the inverted F antenna and the resonator 62 constitute a band pass filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna including a relatively thin substantially planar electrically conductive first layer substantially lying in a first plane, and a relatively thin substantially planar electrically conductive second layer substantially lying in a second plane. The first and second layers are disposed such that the first and second planes are substantially parallel and such that they are separated by a distance d. The second layer is smaller than and overlies the first layer and defines a first region extending between the second layer and a portion of the first layer underlying the second layer. The antenna further includes a first dielectric medium having a relatively high dielectric constant and disposed in the first region, and a second dielectric medium having a relatively low dielectric constant and disposed in a second region extending between the first layer and portions of the second plane overlying the first layer and excluding the first region.

Abstract: A stacked, shorted double C-patch antenna (100) has gap-coupled parasitic elements (102a, 106a, 102b, 106b) and one directly fed antenna element (104a). A second fed element (104b) is conductively fed from the directly fed element. The antenna has a truncated ground plane (108) and a bandwidth that is equal to or greater than approximately 70 MHz at a frequency of approximately 850 MHz. The directly fed antenna element is conductively coupled to a transmitter and to a receiver of a communications device, such as a cellular telephone.

Abstract: A radio pager for receiving a paging signal with a half-size microstrip antenna. A pair of electrical conductive elements sandwich a printed circuit board on which elements constituting pager circuitry are mounted. The conductive elements and conductive connecting pins fastening them constitute an electromagnetic shield case for the circuitry elements, reducing the radiation of unnecessary electromagnetic waves to the outside from the circuitry mounted on the printed circuit board, particularly a local oscillation circuit. Since the antenna has an earth plate thereof connected to one of the conductive plates with respect to high frequency, the conductive plate plays the role of an earth plate at the same time. As a result, a microstrip base plate is miniaturized while the space available for parts is increased.

Abstract: An antenna having: a beam forming network; an array of antenna elements; and a parallel plate region coupling the array of antenna elements and the beam forming network formed on a common, folded dielectric substrate. The beam forming network includes strip conductor circuitry separated from a ground plane conductor by a portion of the substrate. The array of antenna elements comprising strip conductor circuitry separate from a ground plane conductor by a second portion of the substrate. The parallel plate region is disposed about a folded region of the substrate and includes a pair of conductive plates separated by the folded region of the substrate. With such arrangement, a compact antenna is provided using the folded substrate. Also, spurious radiation (which has been found to radiate when strip conductor circuitry is disposed about the folded region to couple the array of antenna elements and the beam forming network) is confined by the parallel plate region.

Abstract: In an annular microstrip antenna element, an annular radiant conductor plate is mounted on a ground conductor plate via a dielectric layer. A coaxial transmission line is provided, whose external conductor is connected to the ground conductor plate, and whose central conductor is connected to the radiant conductor plate, via a feeding point, with a pair of microstrip lines. The pair of microstrip lines extend from the feeding point to two connecting points on the radiant conductor plate, forming an angle between them like a V shape. By varying the angle, it is possible to adjust the input impedance of the annular microstrip antenna element at the feeding point, so that impedance matching with the coaxial transmission line is achieved. In a radial line antenna system comprising a plurality of the antenna elements, the antenna elements are mounted on concentric circles with a constant space between the adjacent antenna elements, thereby reducing undesirable electromagnetic coupling.

Abstract: A communication system for transferring data through the air over a relatively short fixed distance comprises a transmitting antenna comprising a leaky coaxial cable for radiating electromagnetic energy modulated with data to be transferred; and a non-linear fixed beam array antenna for receiving the modulated electromagnetic energy from the leaky coaxial cable. The fixed beam array antenna is juxtaposed with the transmitting antenna such that said transmitting antenna extends at least partially through the near-field region of the fixed beam array antenna. The fixed beam array antenna comprises four conductive patch elements comprising two inner patch elements and two outer patch elements juxtaposed linearly on a substantially flat substrate, wherein each of the patch elements is arranged to transduce electromagnetic energy with corresponding electric signals.

Abstract: An integral type flat antenna provided with a converter function includes an antenna element having a feeding point and an integrally formed multilayered substrate for supporting the antenna element thereon. The multilayered substrate includes a grounding plane layer on which the antenna element is mounted, a first insulating layer provided below the grounding plane layer, a second insulating layer positioned below the first insulating layer and provided with a frequency conversion circuit for carrying out a converter function on frequency of received signals, the frequency conversion circuit having a signal input portion which is positioned at one end of the second insulating layer, and a conducting layer provided between the first and second insulating layers for connecting the feeding point of the antenna element to the signal input section of the frequency conversion circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of receiving right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized signals for use in a parabolic reflector antenna comprises a first dielectric plate with a square shape, a square patch antenna prepared in a center of the first dielectric plate, a ground plate located under the first dielectric plate, a cross slot prepared in the ground plate, a second dielectric plate, a signal reception feedline prepared on a bottom surface of the second dielectric plate, a set of two output feedlines prepared on the bottom surface of the second dielectric plate, and a switching circuit enabling the signal reception feedline to receive either the right-handed circularly polarized signal or the left-handed circularly polarized signal. The inventive apparatus is smaller, cheaper, and easier to manufacture than conventional polarizers incorporated in parabolic reflector antennae.

Abstract: A surface-mount antenna using a dielectric base of a relatively low dielectric constant to obtain a wide frequency band and a small size. There is also disclosed a communication device using such a surface-mount antenna. The antenna comprises a dielectric base provided with at least one hole extending through the base between two opposite end surfaces of the base. A radiating electrode is formed in the hole. One end of the radiating electrode is connected with a grounding electrode which is formed at one end surface of the dielectric base. The other end of the radiating electrode is connected with a feeding terminal via a capacitor.

Abstract: An energy transmission arrangement is formed as a subarray panel which emits a microwave energy signal to a target location on the basis of a pilot signal received from the target location. The subarray panel includes a transmission antenna divided into a subarray having a plurality of antenna elements for transmission of the energy signal. The subarray panel further includes pilot signal receiving antennas and thus each subarray panel may function independently and may thus be made lighter and more compact.

Abstract: A microstrip antenna for radiating circularly polarized electromagnetic waves comprising a cluster array (20) of at least four microstrip radiator elements (22a-22d), each of which is provided with dual orthogonal coplanar feeds in phase quadrature relation achieved by connection to an asymmetric T-junction power divider (30) impedance notched at resonance. The dual fed circularly polarized reference element is positioned with its axis at a 45.degree. angle with respect to the unit cell axis. The other three dual fed elements in the unit cell are positioned and fed with a coplanar feed structure with sequential rotation and phasing to enhance the axial ratio and impedance matching performance over a wide bandwidth. The centers of the radiator elements are disposed at the corners of a square with each side of a length d in the range of 0.7 to 0.

Abstract: A dual frequency array antenna comprises an upper layer including an array of antennas operating at a first frequency, a first ground layer disposed below the upper layer at a predetermined distance and a dielectric material disposed between the first ground layer and the upper layer. An array of slot radiator apertures are provided in the first ground layer. The apertures are spaced from the array of antennas and radiate at a second frequency. An array of feed lines is disposed at a predetermined distance below the first ground layer with one of the feed lines below each one of the apertures. A second ground plane layer is disposed at a predetermined distance below the array of feed lines. The two frequencies are, for example, from two distinct microwave bands.

Abstract: The radar module comprises a vertical layered block of a planar array antenna, a signal delay section, and a transmitter-receiver section. The planar array antenna comprises: four antenna portions different in beam direction; and a selective connection section for selectively connecting each antenna portion with the signal delay section. Reducing the number of parts, saving the production cost and miniaturizing the apparatus is achieved by an arrangement in which a single transmitter-receiver section is in common use with a plurality of antenna portions. The signal delay section comprises a spiral dielectric line with a metal layer covering around a dielectric of rectangular section to achieve ensuring the delay time and reducing the package area.

Abstract: A module (1') adapted for insertion into a data processor (2). The module includes an interface (40) for electrically coupling the module to the data processor, a modem (42) that is bidirectionally coupled to the interface, an RF energy transmitter (44) having an input coupled to an output of the modem, an RF energy receiver (46) having an output coupled to an input of the modem, and a partially shorted, dual C-patch antenna (20) that is electrically coupled to an output of the RF energy transmitter and to an input of the RF energy receiver. The partially shorted, dual C-patch antenna is comprised of a truncated ground plane (22), a layer of dielectric material (28) having a first surface overlying the ground plane and an opposing second surface, and an electrically conductive layer (30) overlying the second opposing surface of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A GPS/radio antenna for receiving a GPS satellite signal and a DGPS radio signal. The GPS/radio antenna includes a GPS antenna using a microstrip antenna element for receiving the GPS signal having GPS location determination information, a radio antenna for receiving a DGPS radio signal in the FM broadcast frequency range having DGPS corrections, an enclosure, and a cable. The GPS/radio antenna may be included in a GPS/DGPS receiver system also including a receiver unit with an FM DGPS receiver for demodulating the DGPS radio signal and providing DGPS corrections, and a differential-ready GPS receiver for providing a differentially-corrected GPS location.

Abstract: An antenna (10) is set forth which may be used in, among other devices, a communications device, particularly a portable communications device. The antenna (10) includes a dielectric substrate (25) having first and second opposed sides. A ground plane (20) is disposed at the second side of the dielectric substrate and is in electrical contact therewith. An electrically conductive patch element (30) is supported by the first side of the dielectric substrate (25). The patch element (30) includes a feed point (40) at which RF energy is supplied to or received from the patch element (30). A plated aperture (70) is disposed through and electrically connected to the patch element (30) and extends into the dielectric substrate (25). The plated aperture (70) is electrically insulated from the ground plane (20) and offset from the feed point (40). The addition of the plated aperture (70) to the antenna (10) increases the electrical length of the antenna through reactive loading.

Abstract: Terrestrial antennas (10A, 10B, 10C and 10D) which are capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals directly to and from satellites in low Earth orbit are disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the invention employs circularly polarized, dual-frequency printed circuit antenna elements (136) measuring only a fraction of an inch in diameter. One embodiment (10A) includes an elevation array and an azimuth array which both reside on a trapezoidal, semi-conical housing that resembles a flattened pyramid. Both the top and the curved exterior of the pyramid support circular, slotted, printed circuit patches on their surfaces which bound individual radiating antenna elements (18). Since the entire antenna is only a few inches in diameter and is less than two inches high, it can be incorporated as an integral element of a telephone (T) or can be mounted at the end of a collapsible mast (CM).

Abstract: The invention concerns a linearly or circularly polarized antenna, comprising a dielectric substrate and a conductive element fixed on the dielectric substrate and being delimited at its periphery by an edge which confers to this element a double planar symmetry along two perpendicular axes. In one embodiment, the conductive element includes an excitation point located on a first axis and a first pair of slots which extends along the second of the axes from the periphery towards the center of the conductive element. In another embodiment, the conductive element includes an excitation point which is located on a third axis by bisecting the angle formed between the first and second axis and having two pair of slots which extend respectively along the first and second axis, from the periphery towards the center of the conductive element.

Abstract: The microstrip antenna includes a conductive ground plane and a number of conductive broken loops which extend from a first end to an opposed second end. The first ends of each of the broken loops are connected to a feedline conductor for transmitting and receiving signals. In addition, the second end of each broken loop is spaced apart from the respective first end of the broken loop to define the broken loop. Further, a layer of dielectric material, such as a printed circuit board, can be disposed between the ground plane and a plurality of broken loops. Thus, by appropriately selecting the respective lengths of the broken loops, the frequency range over which the microstrip antenna transmits and receives signals can be tuned. In addition, the microstrip antenna is relatively thin so as to be disposed flush with the surface of a mounting platform within a relatively shallow cavity.

Abstract: A PCMCIA antenna for wireless communications is provided which provides the performance of a 1/2 wave antenna used for wireless communication, both transmission and receiving, on PCMCIA and other platforms for wireless data communications. The antenna comprises a housing which is adapted to be secured and supported by the host device and comprises a housing including housing members which are ultrasonically welded together. A flexible circuit board is provided in the housing which serves as the lower radiating element. A coaxial cable extends into the housing and has its braid soldered to the lower radiating element so that the same serves as a counterpoise for the antenna. The center wire of the coaxial cable is connected by a flexible trace to a flexible printed circuit board which is encased in an insulated sheath which forms the upper radiating element.

Abstract: A microstrip antenna (4) has a radiation electrode (2) and a ground electrode (3) which are formed on upper and lower surfaces of a dielectric substrate (1) respectively. A feeding terminal electrode (2c) of the radiation electrode (2) is formed on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate (1), which is provided with the ground electrode (3), and is insulated from the ground electrode (3). A feeding point (2a) of the radiation electrode (2) is connected with the feeding terminal electrode (2c) by a through-hole electrode (2b). The feeding terminal electrode (2c) is formed in the same plane as the ground electrode (3). In another embodiment of the invention, a through-hole electrode (12b) extends from a feeding point (12a) to the plane of the ground electrode (13).

Abstract: An antenna radiator comprising a rectangular conductive cap disposed over a top of a dielectric, the cap having an extension over a side of the dielectric, apparatus for feeding energy to the radiator adjacent an end of the extension remote from the cap, and a ground plane spaced from and parallel to the cap, below the dielectric.

Abstract: A laminar patch antenna comprises a ground plane element with a cross shaped aperture sandwiched between two dielectric layers with a patch radiator on one dielectric layer and a transmission line circuit on the other dielectric layer. The transmission line circuit has linear conductors overlying respective sectors between slots of the aperture, the conductors providing a feedline and stub projection with lines of similar type overlying opposite sectors of the cross and conductors of different type overlying adjacent sectors of the cross.

Abstract: The microwave impedance across an aperture in a conductive shield member of a transmission structure is varied as a microwave signal transits the aperture. The impedance is changed by positioning a variable impedance device across the aperture. A slit divides the shield member into two portions to facilitate the application of a modulating signal (56) across the device.

Abstract: In a resonator in which a ground plane and a patch sandwich a dielectric, a slot in the patch concentrates emanation of radiation from the slot. Shorting conductors form the ends of the resonator. A dielectric cover over the slot matches the dielectric constant of the substrate to that of free space. Quarter-wave chokes at the ends of the resonator suppress currents in the ground plane.

Abstract: An antenna module capable of finely adjusting the resonant frequency and having an antenna element exclusively used for radio transmission and reception to provide a broad frequency band characteristic. This antenna module is composed of a dielectric substrate molded in a predetermined shape, a grounding conductor in the form of sheet provided on one surface of the dielectric substrate, and antenna element conductor in the form of sheet provided on the opposite surface to the above one surface and having end portion being almost V-shaped end folded, and an adjusting member inserted into the almost V-shaped folded end portion.

Abstract: A wide bandwidth, shorted, dual C-patch antenna includes a truncated ground plane, a layer of dielectric material having a first surface overlying the ground plane and an opposing second surface, and an electrically conductive layer overlying the second opposing surface of the dielectric layer. The electrically conductive layer is differentiated into a plurality of antenna elements including a driven antenna element and at least one non-driven, parasitic antenna element. Each of the antenna elements is in the shape of a parallelogram and has one of a rectangular and a non-rectangular (e.g., parabolic, triangular, pentagonal) aperture having a length that extends along a first edge of the electrically conductive layer and a width that extends towards an oppositely disposed second edge. The length has a value that is equal to approximately 20% to approximately 35% of a length of the first edge.

Abstract: An antenna adapted for surface mounting has a dielectric substrate on which are attached at least one primary grounding electrode and a connector electrode which together serve as a capacitor, at least one secondary grounding electrode formed adjacent to but insulated from the connector electrode, and a radiative member disposed thereover for emitting electromagnetic radiation. The resonant frequency of this antenna can be adjusted by trimming either its connector electrode or one of the secondary grounding electrode.

Abstract: An integrated multi-layered microwave circuit includes a substrate which is constituted by dielectric layers and conductive layers laminated alternately. The conductive layer disposed at one major surface of the substrate forms a micro strip line which constitutes an antenna portion. The conductive layer disposed at the other major surface of the substrate forms a circuit pattern including a grounding line and a power source line, and then the circuit pattern forms a communication portion together with discrete parts incorporated in the circuit pattern. One of the intermediate conductive layers of the substrate constitutes a grounding layer and the other thereof constitutes a power source layer. In the substrate, a feeding via hole, a via hole for a power source, and a grounding via hole are formed so as to penetrate the substrate.

Abstract: An antenna system for a navigation satellite receiver tuned to dual-frequency transmissions from orbiting navigation satellites. Respective L1 and L2 microwave patch antennas are mounted flat and adjacent to one another on a common ceramic substrate and have their centers grounded to a groundplane on the opposite side of the substrate with vias. Each patch antenna is connected to a respective near-by low-noise amplifier. The low-noise amplifiers are both connected to a signal combiner and a final radio frequency amplifier for down feed to a navigation satellite receiver. A direct current signal from the navigation satellite receiver is used on the down-feed to selectively control which one of the two low-noise amplifiers is to operate. Thus one coaxial down-feed supplies power to the low-noise amplifiers and provides for the selection between the L1 and L2 carrier frequencies on the down-feed.

Abstract: A communications satellite payload provides for efficient communications between user devices, such as hand held cellular telephones, and terrestrial gateways that may be connected to world-wide public telephone and telegraph (PTTs) networks. The satellite payload simultaneously supports a plurality of independent antenna beams, for example 12 or 16 beams, on both the uplink and downlink for user devices employing full duplex communications. The satellite payload furthermore supports an identical number of full duplex channels between a terrestrial gateway and the satellite. The communications satellite payload is carried by one satellite of a plurality of such satellites in a low earth orbit (LEO) constellation to provide worldwide communications. Downlink beam forming occurs prior to final amplification of transmitted signals, thereby reducing losses within the beam forming equipment.

Abstract: An integrated retroreflective data communication display for visual and electromagnetic communication is described. The display may be configured as an integrated retroreflective electronic license plate, with printed visual information, similar to the information printed on traditional license plates, on retroreflective sheeting. An antenna network is integrated within the license plate for electromagnetic communication and may be connected to external electronic modules. The display may also be configured as an integrated retroreflective electronic road sign, also providing visual and electromagnetic information in a unitary structure.

Abstract: A first spiral-mode microstrip (SMM) antenna has an antenna element situated over and spaced from a parallel ground plane. The antenna element is a frequency-independent planar structure having a plurality of spiraling arms extending outwardly in a plane from a central portion, the arms having respective feed points to excite the spiral modes. Of particular significance, a shorting mechanism connects one or more arms to the ground plane element for influencing the shape of the electromagnetic radiation pattern. A second embodiment of the SMM antenna is constructed as the first, but has a center feed and an off-center feed, and further comprises shorting mechanisms situated well within the periphery of the antenna element. A third embodiment of the SMM antenna is constructed similar to the first, but has a concentric gap situated within the arms so that there is, in effect, a first antenna element having a first plurality of arms and a second concentric antenna element having a second plurality of arms.

Abstract: Three embodiments of a tunable ferroelectric transmitting system are included. Each embodiment includes a tunable oscillator and a tunable antenna. Two embodiments include a negative resistance diode, the frequency of oscillation being controlled by a single crystal tunable ferroelectric resonator. The third embodiment uses a transistor. The tunable antenna is made of a single crystal tunable ferroeletric resonator. All conducting depositions are made of films of a high Tc superconducting material.

Abstract: A ferroelectric phase shifting antenna array consists of a plurality of lrally spaced antenna patches which have respective ferroelectric components abutting an edge of each patch at a near central location on the edge to provide impedance matching. DC control power lines are connected to the center voltage null position of the resonant mode of the antenna patch. An Rf source is connected to the other ends of the ferroelectric components through quarter wave coupled lines which provides simultaneous impedance matching and DC isolation.

Abstract: An antenna is provided on a circuit board which has an elongated stub, having an end connected through a dielectric to a ground plane. The ground plane/stub combination forms a resonant cavity. The stub has a electrically conductive sail for increasing the omnidirectionality and sensitivity of the antenna.

Abstract: A layered antenna having a linear array of radiating elements (11) is disclosed. Each radiating element comprises an aperture with one or more probes (16,18) which extend into the area defined by the apertures in two groundplanes parallel spaced from the probes and feed network (14) therefor. There is provided a reflecting backplane (28) which serves to reflect signals directed towards the backplane back toward the probes whereby the output signal in the primary radiating direction is reinforced. Flanges (30,32) depend from the apertured groundplane closest to the reflecting groundplane to isolate the radiating elements and thereby reduce coupling effects.

Abstract: A combination antenna for aircraft and the like capable of transmitting and receiving VHF signals and receiving GPS signals comprising a VHF monopole antenna assembly and a GPS patch antenna assembly located within a common aerodynamically shaped dielectric housing. Separate connectors connect coaxial cables to the two assemblies and assembly elements are provided to suppress cross coupling of signal harmonics and noise from the transmitted VHF signals to enhance isolation of the received signals for the GPS and VHF functions. No adding or separation of the VHF and GPS signal information is required and the low patch antenna profile enables a low and aerodynamically shaped antenna for the beneficial use on small aircraft.

Abstract: A slot radiator and a patch radiator are formed in a single antenna which is connected to a handheld, wireless telephone. The antenna can be pivoted to operational positions and excited to radiate linearly-polarized signals or circularly-polarized signals whose radiation patterns are respectively directed azimuthally and elevationally.

Abstract: An antenna array for use in space includes an optical solar reflector (OSR)-like structure (310, 510), with sheet of transparent dielectric material (320, 520) and a metallic mirror (322, 522) formed on the sheet. In order to allow the individual antenna elements to radiate electromagnetic energy, the metallic mirror contains apertures (330, 530) which, in one embodiment, define the antenna elements, and which, in another embodiment, are registered with the antenna elements of the array. Where the mirror exists, insolation is reflected, and the heat gain from insolation is minimized. At the locations of the apertures in the mirror, insolation passes through the OSR-like structure, which may tend to increase the temperature of the structure. According to the invention, the apertures are covered with a thin layer (370, 570) of semiconductor material such as germanium or silicon, which does not affect the electromagnetic energy flow.

Abstract: Multi-beam antennas with relatively large effective apertures for high antenna gain are provided for tower or pole mounting for cellular and other uses. Low wind resistance is achieved by use of thin cylindrical radiating units and thin cylindrical tuned reflector units. Each radiating unit includes separately excited upper and lower radiators, each including a microstrip pattern of a phase reversed series of half-wave transmission line sections on a substrate enclosed in a fiberglass tube radome. Each tuned reflector unit includes a resonant stack of electrically isolated metal rods enclosed in a fiberglass radome. In one embodiment, four cylindrical radiating units, each including upper and lower radiators, are laterally spaced in front of upper and lower reflector configurations, each including seven laterally spaced tuned reflector units.