Abstract: A plate board type MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) array antenna including a board, a plurality of antenna elements manufactured on the board, and an isolation unit offsetting effects of electromagnetic waves radiated from the plurality of antenna elements on the other antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements. In a case where two antenna elements are used, the isolation unit may include at least one isolation element positioned within a space between the two antenna elements on the board and symmetric with respect to a center of a distance between the two antenna elements.

Abstract: A corner reflector antenna includes a ground plate having a main surface, a reflector including a rectangular first metal plate and a rectangular second metal plate which are perpendicularly provided on the main surface of the ground plate, the first and second metal plates being combined together to form a prescribed angle, a radiator including a rectangular third metal plate perpendicularly provided on the main surface, at a position where the angle is divided in half, the third metal plate including a first edge which is opposite the main surface, the first edge having a plurality of first cutouts, and a second edge which is opposite the reflector, the second edge having a second cutout extending toward the reflector, and a first feeding point and a second feeding point provided on respective sides of the second cutout on the third metal plate in the vicinity of the second edge.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame, a conveyor disposed movably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon, at least one first antenna, at least one second antenna, a radio frequency receiver, and a processor. The processor is programmed to associate information included in a first signal corresponding to a response from a radio frequency identification tag with a first item if the processor receives the first signal while at least a portion of the first item is within a first area that includes at least part of a second area into which the first antenna radiates radio frequency signals.

Abstract: A variable-directivity antenna according to the present invention includes at least three linear passive elements, which are arranged parallel to a Z-axis so as to surround a feed element. Each of those passive elements includes at least two element pieces, etc. that are arranged parallel to the Z-axis and switching elements, etc. of a first type. The passive element assembly further includes at least one switching element, etc. of a second type that makes two adjacent passive elements electrically continuous with each other when turned ON but electrically insulates them from each other when turned OFF. By turning ON and OFF the at least one switching element of the first type and the at least one switching element of the second type, the antenna can change its directivities.

Abstract: An antenna is mounted in a vehicle for receiving a radio wave of a specified wavelength, and an electronic device such as a meter device is mounted in the vehicle. The electronic device tends to generate radiation noise when being operated. To reduce reception of the radiation noise by the antenna, a passive conductor element is located between the antenna and the electronic device to reflect a part of the radiation noise. The passive element is away from the electronic device by a distance that is about multiple times of one-quarter of the specified wavelength and is about multiple times of one-half of the specified wavelength in length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna apparatus corresponding to a plurality of multi-bands, etc. and makes a plurality of radio communication frequencies easily changed or set. The present invention includes a passive element composed of a plurality of element units (elements 141, 142, 143) linked with a switching element (PIN diode) between the element units, and since the operating frequency of the passive element is switched by opening and closing the switching element and the passive element acts as a waveguide element, a radiation pattern can be acquired by the passive element and the effect of a human body is reduced on the radiant efficiency.

Abstract: An antenna and a wireless mobile communication device incorporating the antenna are provided The antenna includes a first conductor section electrically coupled to a first feeding point, a second conductor section electrically coupled to a second feeding point and a near-field radiation control structure adapted to control characteristics of near-field radiation generated by the antenna. Near-field radiation control structures include a parasitic element positioned adjacent the first conductor section and configured to control characteristics of near-field radiation generated by the first conductor section, and a s in the second conductor section configured to diffuse near-field radiation generated by the second conductor section into a plurality of directions.

Abstract: An array antenna with reflector(s) (AR) comprises i) an array (RS) of at least two feeds (S1-S5), including a central feed (S1), arranged and positioned so as to transmit and/or receive beams (F1-F5) in chosen directions, ii) beam-forming means responsible for controlling the amplitude and phase of each of the feeds by means of amplitude/phase laws applied to their ports and providing an appropriate amplification level, in order for each feed (S1-S5) to transmit a chosen radiation pattern (forming a beam and comprising a main lobe) intended to cover a chosen zone (Z1-Z5), and iii) at least one reflector (RC) provided with a surface (SU) specifically for reflecting the beams delivered by the feeds and/or intended for the latter, and shaped tree-dimensionally so as to reflect the beam delivered by each feed (S1-S5) by spreading its energy such that it covers the chosen associated zone, that the main lobe of the radiation pattern associated with the central feed (S1) defines a primary coverage (CP) fully includi

Abstract: A wireless handset including an antenna array. The antenna array includes an active antenna element and two passive antenna elements. The active and passive antenna elements are arranged to form a triangle with a vertex. The vertex includes a vertex angle and the active antenna element is disposed at the vertex. The vertex angle is between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

Abstract: An imaging system operative in a frequency range starting from X band and including the terahertz region has a receiving antenna having a spheroidal reflector. One or more arrays of detectors disposed at the focus adjacent to the reflector of the receiving antenna provides for imaging targets within a range of a few meters around the second focus of the spheroidal reflector Images of targets such as of concealed objects under clothing are generated and displayed as is known in the art. A method for manufacturing reflectors of receiving antennae given a detection range and a focal range is provided.

Abstract: An example antenna system includes a parasitic element and a symmetrical element fed by a balanced RF signal source. The fed element is operable to couple with the parasitic element, thereby causing the parasitic element to resonate at a first frequency band. Thus, the fed element is operable to act as a balanced capacitive feed for the parasitic element. Also, the parasitic element is symmetrical with respect to a polarity of the fed element.

Abstract: Reconfiguration of parasitically controlled elements in a phased array is used to expand the range of operational functions. Embedded array elements can be frequency tuned, and bandwidth can be improved by using reconfiguration to broaden the bandwidth of the embedded elements. For high gain arrays, beam squint can be a limiting factor on instantaneous bandwidth. Reconfiguration can alleviate this problem by providing control of the element phase centers. Scan coverage can be improved and scan blindness alleviated by controlling the embedded antenna patterns of the elements as well as by providing control of the active impedance as the beam is scanned. Applying limited phase control to the elements themselves can alleviate some of the complexity of the feed manifold. A presently preferred method of designing reconfigurable antennas is to selectively place controlled parasitic elements in the aperture of each of the antenna elements in the phased array.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a low profile antenna according to the present invention comprises a balanced transmission line, electronic circuitry, and a parasitic element. The electronic circuitry is coupled to an interconnecting end of the transmission line and operable to direct electromagnetic energy through the transmission line to a terminating end. The parasitic element has a surface that is disposed at a predetermined distance from the terminating end and normal to the central axis such that the surface of the parasitic element covers an opening formed by the terminating end.

Abstract: An antenna having two frequency-selective surfaces is disclosed. The antenna includes a first frequency-selective surface (FSS) having multiple holes to form a mesh, a second FSS having a multiple holes to form a mesh, and a perfect electric conductor located between the first FSS and the second FSS.

Abstract: A center fed half-wave dipole antenna system includes first and second end brackets that are separated by a center bracket. The center bracket and each of the end brackets include a plurality of electrically isolated terminals allowing the center bracket to be coupled to each of the end brackets via a pair of dipole lines that may contain multiple dipole wires. As such, the antenna system is able to increase the effective length of the dipole antenna in a reduced amount of space, thus reducing the mounting area requirements of the antenna system.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) carried by the portable housing, a wireless transceiver carried by the PCB, and an antenna connected to the transceiver and carried by the PCB. The mobile wireless communications device may further include at least one director element for directing a beam pattern of the antenna. More particularly, the at least one director element may include an electrically conductive main branch carried by the portable housing, and an electrically conductive connector portion extending between the main branch and the PCB.

Abstract: An antenna adjusting method is disclosed wherein a frequency characteristic of an antenna device is adjusted by changing a shape of a reflecting conductor in the antenna device. The antenna device includes a radiator, which is formed by a metal or a metal and a dielectric material to radiate an electromagnetic wave, and a plate-shape reflecting conductor which forms a doubled wavelength of the electromagnetic wave by reflecting the electromagnetic wave radiated from the radiator.

Abstract: A reflector antenna includes a feed configured to always point during operation in a direction that opposes ingress of water into the feed, and a reflector having a truncated spherical reflecting surface, wherein a relative orientation of the reflector and the feed is adjustable. Another reflector antenna includes a feed configured to always point during operation in a direction that opposes ingress of water into the feed, and a reflector spaced apart from the feed by a focal length at least as great as a diameter of the reflector. Another reflector antenna includes a feed and a reflector having a truncated spherical reflecting surface, wherein the reflector is spaced apart from the feed by a focal length at least as great as a diameter of the reflector.

Abstract: A low profile smart antenna includes an active antenna element carried by a dielectric substrate, and active antenna element has a T-shape. Passive antenna elements are carried by the dielectric substrate, and they have an inverted L-shaped portion laterally adjacent the active antenna element. Impedance elements are selectively connectable to the passive antenna elements for antenna beam steering.

Abstract: An antenna device can be designed using a micro-strip array antenna designing method while improving a F/B ratio, and resisting wind pressure load despite small size and lightweight. The antenna device includes an array antenna having a plurality of radiation elements arranged on one surface of a rectangular ground plate composed of a short side and a long side and a reflector having a conductive material whose cross section is nearly a half cylinder in a circular arc shape, in which a width between parallel linear end portions corresponding to an arc of the cross section is longer than the short side of the ground plate. The array antenna is disposed such that the other surface of the ground plate faces inner wall of a depression part of the reflector and the ground plate is disposed in the same plane as or in nearly the same plane as each of the linear end portions of the reflector.

Abstract: This invention relates to an antenna for GPS. The antenna of the invention comprises a ground metal plate, a parasitic metal plate, a radiation metal plate and at least one supporting element. The parasitic metal plate is disposed above the ground metal plate and connects to the ground metal plate. The radiation metal plate is an independent metal plate and is disposed above the ground metal plate. The parasitic metal plate cooperates with the radiation metal plate to induce a resonance mode. The supporting element is disposed on the ground metal plate and is used to support the radiation metal plate. Whereby, the problems of large size and limited receiving angle of signal according to a conventional circular polarization antenna for UPS could be improved.

Abstract: A method for making an antenna array includes forming a ground plane having spaced apart openings extending therethrough, and forming a first antenna board having a support section and spaced apart first legs extending outwardly from the support section. An antenna element is formed on each outwardly extending first leg. A second antenna board having a support section and at least one second leg extending outwardly from the support section is formed. An antenna element is formed on the at least one outwardly extending second leg. The outwardly extending first legs are inserted through a corresponding number of openings in the ground plane. Similarly, the at least one outwardly extending second leg is inserted through one of the openings in the ground plane. The first and second legs are inserted so that their respective support sections contact the ground plane.

Abstract: A panel antenna is provided having one or more radiating elements and a series of directors associated with each radiating element. Each series of directors is angled with respect to a direction of maximum radiation of the associated radiating element, in order to tilt the panel antenna beam. The directors may be dimensioned and/or arranged such that they couple weakly to radiation of a wavelength emitted by the associated radiating element. The directors may be dimensioned and/or arranged such that they are non-resonant at the wavelength emitted by the associated radiating element. The directors may be smaller than the length of an associated dipole radiating element.

Abstract: An antenna including a first monopole radiating element having a galvanic connection to an antenna feed and second and third monopole radiating elements having a capacitive connection to the antenna feed.

Abstract: A high-isolation multiple in, multiple out (MIMO) antenna array includes, in one configuration, a ground plane, and a plurality of antenna transmitting/receiving elements arranged near the periphery of the ground plane, wherein each of the antenna transmitting/receiving elements is resonant at a frequency f. Also, the array includes an isolation antenna element located on the ground plane, between the plurality of antenna transmitting/receiving elements. The isolation antenna element is also resonant at the same frequency f. The plurality of antenna transmitting/receiving elements and the resonant isolation antenna element are arranged on the ground plane arranged so as to achieve substantially greater than 15 dB isolation of the antenna transmitting/receiving elements. In some configurations, at least about 30 dB of isolation of the antenna transmitting/receiving elements can be achieved.

Abstract: A system 10 that includes a first satellite 14 at a first orbital slot B includes a first transponder 32 generating a first downlink signal at a first frequency and a second downlink signal at a second frequency. An outdoor unit 50 is directed toward the first satellite 14. The outdoor unit includes a support structure 80 and a reflector 64 coupled to the support structure 80 and reflecting the first downlink signal from a first satellite. A first reflector reflects the second downlink signal from the first satellite. A first feed 66 is coupled to the support structure and receives the first downlink signal. A reflector 72 having frequency selective surface 74 coupled to the support structure 80 reflects the second downlink signal and passes the first downlink signal therethrough. The second feed 70B is coupled to the support structure 80 and receives the second downlink signal reflected from the frequency selective surface 74.

Abstract: A satellite system 10 having a first satellite 14 at a first orbital slot B has a first transponder 32 and a second generating a first downlink signal 44B at a first frequency and a second downlink signal 44C at a second frequency. An outdoor unit is directed toward the first satellite 14 and includes a support structure, a reflector 64 coupled to the support structure and reflecting the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal. A first feed 66B is coupled to the support structure and receives the first downlink signal. A second feed 70A is coupled to the support structure and receives the second downlink signal. A secondary reflector 72 reflects the second downlink signal to the second feed 70.

Abstract: An antenna device includes a first elliptic reflective surface, a first antenna and a second antenna. The first elliptic reflective surface has a first focus and a second focus. The first antenna is disposed on the first focus, and the second antenna is disposed on the second focus. The first antenna transmits a first signal and a second signal, and the second antenna receives the first signal and the second signal. The first signal is transmitted directly to the second antenna from the first antenna. The second signal is reflected by the first elliptic reflective surface and transmitted to the second antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wireless products adapted to be positioned in a normal or resting position, that also include an antenna composed of a set of elements arranged in a plane in a radially symmetrical configuration providing a reduction in the susceptibility of reflected waves having the potential to cancel or weaken a main wave or signal, the plane positioned with respect to the normal position to direct a main communication line with a second wireless device into the plane and provide reception of a main and/or secondary signal at a plurality of phases. One exemplary product is a wireless conferencing device configured to rest on a tabletop, the antenna array oriented in a horizontal plane. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: An antenna device includes a dielectric layer, an electrical ground layer carried on one side of the dielectric layer, and an antenna arrangement carried on another side of the dielectric layer. This arrangement includes two parasitic microstrip elements and a microstrip signal element. The signal element is structured to radiate an electromagnetic signal in response to application of a corresponding electrical communication signal. The parasitic antenna elements extend along opposing longitudinal sides of the signal element and each includes an adjustable component operatively connected between two microstrips. The adjustable component is structured to selectively adjust operable length of a selected one of the parasitic antenna elements to change a maximum radiation direction of the antenna device.

Abstract: An RF transponder comprises a transponder integrated circuit, an antenna connected to the transponder integrated circuit, and at least one parasitic element adapted to interact electrically with the antenna and thereby affect antenna impedance. The orientation of the parasitic element with respect to the antenna is selected to achieve a desired operational frequency band for the RF transponder. Specifically, the spacing between the antenna and the parasitic element is selected to achieve the desired operational frequency band. For example, a first selected spacing may enable an operational frequency band suitable for a first geographic region (e.g., the United States), a second selected spacing may enable an operational frequency band suitable for a second geographic region (e.g., Europe), and a third selected spacing may enable an operational frequency band suitable for a third geographic region (e.g., Japan).

Abstract: An example antenna system includes a parasitic element and a symmetrical element fed by a balanced RF signal source. The fed element is operable to couple with the parasitic element, thereby causing the parasitic element to resonate at a first frequency band. Thus, the fed element is operable to act as a balanced capacitive feed for the parasitic element. Also, the parasitic element is symmetrical with respect to a polarity of the fed element.

Abstract: When configuring a film antenna for receiving a circular polarized wave, at least one loop antenna is formed on a transparent plastic film and, at the same time, a non-powered element constituted by a wire-shaped conductor independent from the antenna conductor configuring the loop is arranged near this loop antenna. The non-powered element arranged on the side of the loop antenna is configured by a first part and a second part. The first part is made close to the loop antenna in a substantially parallel state. When a monopole antenna is used in place of the loop antenna, by combining this with a wire-shaped conductor orthogonal to this, it becomes possible to receive a circular polarized wave by a configuration providing a power transfer part between the two. It is also possible to configure a composite antenna by mounting another antenna on the transparent plastic film. This antenna can be used as an antenna of a navigation system.

Abstract: A beam switching antenna system and method and apparatus for controlling the same is provided, by which optimal antenna characteristics can be maintained according to a peripheral environment, the necessary time and power consumption of searching an optimal beam-direction can be reduced, and electromagnetic waves of a beam generated from an antenna can be minimized. The beam switching antenna system includes an antenna element for transmitting and receiving a beam; a dielectric body surrounding said antenna element; at least one conductive reflector facing a lateral outside of said dielectric body; and a ground switch circuit connected to said at least one conductive reflector. The ground switch circuit includes a reference voltage source generating a reference voltage; a ground line connected to the reference voltage source; an electrical switching device connected between the ground line and the conductive reflector; and a controller for controlling the electrical switching device.

Abstract: A planar inverted-F antenna structure (204) is parasitically coupled to a conductor loop (214) at an open end (208) of the main radiator of the inverted-F antenna. The conductor loop is grounded (216).

Abstract: A corner reflector antenna includes a ground plate having a main surface, a reflector including a rectangular first metal plate and a rectangular second metal plate which are perpendicularly provided on the main surface of the ground plate, the first and second metal plates being combined together to form a prescribed angle, a radiator including a rectangular third metal plate perpendicularly provided on the main surface, at a position where the angle is divided in half, the third metal plate including a first edge which is opposite the main surface, the first edge having a plurality of first cutouts, and a second edge which is opposite the reflector, the second edge having a second cutout extending toward the reflector, and a first feeding point and a second feeding point provided on respective sides of the second cutout on the third metal plate in the vicinity of the second edge.

Abstract: An antenna directivity enhancer to enhance the directivity of an antenna is disclosed. The enhancer has a 3-dimensional structure in a predefined 3-dimensional shape when operating to enhance the directivity of an antenna. The 3-dimensional structure can be flexibly collapsible into 2-dimensional flat surfaces, with at least two of the surfaces not required to have any space between them when the structure is collapsed. The direction where the directivity is enhanced can be changed as desired. The enhancer can include just one reflecting surface, or at least two reflecting surfaces. In yet another embodiment, the enhancer includes a curved surface when the enhancer is in its predefined 3-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a CDMA receiver to a transmitter when an adaptive antenna is utilized to receive transmitted data, wherein a receiving antenna system is adapted between a 360° reception angle pattern (i.e., an omni-directional pattern) and a fixed reception angle (i.e., a directional pattern) by permitting the receiver to identify a pilot signal having the largest magnitude. The receiver minimizes interference from other pilot signals by steering antenna pattern nulls toward other transmitters. As a result, the time required for the receiver to acquire a valid pilot signal is significantly reduced.

Abstract: Linear elements 101a to 101d are conductors, which have the element length equivalent to half a wavelength, have been placed so that they may draw a diamond shape. Delay elements 102a and 102b are bent conductors, which have a total length equivalent to one fourth wavelength and a length L2 equivalent to one eighth. The linear elements 101a and 101c are connected one another via the delay element 102a, while the linear elements 101b and 101d are connected one another via the delay element 102b. A feeding section 103 is connected to each of the ends of the linear elements 101a and 101b for feeding power to them. Between the tips of the linear elements 101c and 101d, a gap with a length L3 is left. A reflector 104 has been placed at a distance h from a diamond-shape antenna with delay elements along the ?Z axis, the distance h being equivalent to 0.42 wavelength.

Abstract: A smart antenna includes a ground plane, an active antenna element adjacent the ground plane, and passive antenna elements adjacent the ground plane. The passive antenna elements have different sizes for defining different resonant frequencies for increasing a bandwidth of the smart antenna. Dielectric layers having different dielectric constants may also be used for coating the passive antenna elements for defining different resonant frequencies. Impedance elements are connected to the ground plane and are selectively connectable to the passive antenna elements for antenna beam steering.

Abstract: An antenna assembly includes a common reflector and multiple monopole type antenna elements positioned on a ground plane and fed with a switch assembly. The switch assembly is capable of feeding individual antennas as well as combining multiple antennas for improved radiation pattern coverage. Multiple antenna elements are placed around the common reflector to cover sectors of space around the antenna assembly to provide transmission and reception of radio frequency (RF) signals for mobile communication devices in a wireless network. The ground plane can be grounded or capacitively coupled to an existing circuit board or metal surface, allowing for reduced ground plane dimensions.

Abstract: An antenna which includes a monoconical antenna feed assembly, where the feed assembly has a base and an apex, a ground plane adjacent to the monoconical antenna feed assembly near the apex, and an antenna reflector coupled to the ground plane, where the antenna reflector at least partially surrounds the monoconical antenna feed assembly. The monoconical feed point is used to drive a reflector antenna. The broadband characteristics of the monoconical image vertical antenna (typical ground plane geometry) are used as the feed point for the reflector to give modest amount of gain while maintaining larger than previously developed bandwidths.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus, which can increase capacity in a cellular communication system or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), such as an 802.11 network, operates in conjunction with a mobile subscriber unit or client station. At least one antenna element is active and located within multiple passive antenna elements. The passive antenna elements are coupled to selectable impedance components for phase control of re-radiated RF signals. Various techniques for determining the phase of each antenna element are supported to enable the antenna apparatus to direct an antenna beam pattern toward a base station or access point with maximum gain, and, consequently, maximum signal-to-noise ratio. By directionally receiving and transmitting signals, multipath fading is greatly reduced as well as intercell interference.

Abstract: A system for tracking entities at a work site includes an antenna having a scanned boresight. A controller may be configured to determine a relative angle between a reference associated with the antenna and a source of radiation based on a relationship between boresight orientation and relative power values of a signal received by the antenna from the source of radiation for two or more boresight orientations of the antenna.

Abstract: A directional antenna array is provided that includes a driven element and a first parasitic element separated from the driven element with the first parasitic element and/or the driven element having a width that is greater than about one-half a percent (0.5%) of an free-space wavelength of the directional antenna array. Alternatively or in conjunction, the directional antenna array includes a balun structure that is configured to couple the driven element to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source and an electromagnetic sink, and the balun structure includes a dipole structure, a first feed point extending from the dipole structure and a second feed point extending from the first parasitic element.

Abstract: A directive antenna operable in multiple frequency bands includes an active antenna element and at least one passive antenna element parasitically coupled to the active antenna element. The passive antenna element(s) have length and spacing substantially optimized to operate at (i) a fundamental frequency associated with the active antenna element and (ii) a higher resonant frequency related to the fundamental frequency. Spatial-harmonic current-distributions of the passive antenna elements are used to create the multiple frequency bands of operation. The directive antenna also includes devices operatively coupled to the passive antenna element(s) to steer an antenna beam formed by applying a signal at the fundamental resonant frequency, higher resonant frequency, or both to the active antenna element to operate in the multiple frequency bands.

Abstract: Planar monopole antennas. A planar monopole antenna for communicating radio signals within a specific frequency range includes a substrate, a ground, a first sleeve, a second sleeve and a radiator. The radiator and the ground are formed on the substrate. The first and second sleeves project from a side of the ground in a first direction, wherein the first sleeve has a first length, and the second sleeve has a second length in the first direction. The side of the ground defines a third length. The radiator has a fourth length in the first direction, substantially equal to the sum of the first, second, and third lengths.

Abstract: An accessory is provided for use with an existing antenna on a wireless device to improve directionality and/or signal strength. The accessory includes a conductive surface that is coupled to the existing antenna using a clip disposed on an arm that supports the reflector. The conductive surface is disposed at a quarter wavelength spacing from the existing antenna. Alternatively, the reflective surface may be made sufficiently large to reflect received wireless signals in regard to a plurality of existing antennas that are spaced apart, e.g., internal and external antennas. The reflector can optionally be curved to achieve a desired directional characteristic for the wireless signals reflected by the accessory. Also, a director can be included on the accessory to provide improved gain and directionality for the wireless signals, relative to the existing antenna system.

Abstract: A smart antenna includes a ground plane, an active antenna element adjacent the ground plane and having a radio frequency (RF) input associated therewith, and passive antenna elements adjacent the ground plane. Impedance elements are connected to the ground plane and are selectively connectable to the passive antenna elements for antenna beam steering. Tuning elements are adjacent the passive antenna elements for tuning thereof so that an input impedance of the RF input of the active antenna element remains relatively constant during the antenna beam steering.

Abstract: The invention provides for a planar antenna assembly supported on a substrate. The antenna includes a monopole element, at least one grounded parasitic element located proximate the monopole element, wherein each grounded parasitic element is grounded to a planar ground plane and incorporates a conductive profile shaped so that the separation between the parasitic element and the monopole adjacent it, varies along the length of the parasitic element. In one embodiment, the separation between the monopole and the parasitic element is provided by a stepped or angled edge on the or each grounded parasitic element, and the profile faces and extends away from monopole element. The antenna may include two grounded parasitic elements located on opposite sides of the monopole element and the, or each, grounded parasitic element may include a foot extending towards a base part of the monopole element which is adjacent the ground plane.