Low Profile Antenna Design for UHF SATCOM
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low profile antennas for UHF SATCOM and MUOS satellite communications are either too thick, leading to a noticeable protrusion on platforms or vehicles, or they compromise radiation efficiency when made thinner.
Innovation Solution
A low profile antenna design featuring a circular radiating plate, a dielectric spacer with conductive posts, and a quadrature feed network to produce circular polarization, while maintaining a thickness of about 1 inch and ensuring high radiation efficiency, with a dielectric spacer made of low dielectric constant material and additional dielectric blocks for mechanical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the antenna is made thinner to reduce profile, then the antenna thickness is reduced, but the radiation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple functional elements within the dielectric spacer thickness: conductive posts extending through the spacer, dielectric blocks positioned at specific locations, and the radiating plate at the top surface. This nesting allows the antenna to maintain a thin profile (approximately one wavelength at the highest operating frequency) while incorporating multiple components that collectively achieve circular polarization and high radiation efficiency without requiring additional vertical space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including the dielectric constant of the spacer material, the spacing between conductive posts, the dimensions and positioning of dielectric blocks, and the feed network configuration. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the antenna achieves circular polarization with axial ratio less than 3 dB and maintains high radiation efficiency despite the reduced thickness constraint
2Ease of operation
If conventional low profile antenna designs are used, then the antenna can be mounted on platforms, but the antenna either protrudes noticeably or compromises performance
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design integrates multiple functions into a single compact structure: the dielectric spacer serves as both the structural support and the electromagnetic resonant element, the conductive posts provide both mechanical support and current paths for circular polarization, and the dielectric blocks simultaneously provide mechanical reinforcement and electromagnetic field control. This multi-functionality allows the antenna to be mounted flush with platform surfaces while maintaining UHF SATCOM and MUOS performance requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves a high radiation efficiency and reduced size, making it suitable for applications where a thin, inconspicuous antenna is required without sacrificing performance, and is cost-effective due to fewer parts and materials.
Implementation Method 1
a top metal circular plate to radiate or receive electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
a feed network connected to each coaxial connector, wherein the feed network is configured to produce a circularly polarized radiated field
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and devices are disclosed for implementing a low profile antenna that can be mounted on various platforms or vehicles without significantly changing the appearance of the platform or vehicle. The disclosed technology can be used to construct low profile antennas to reduce the antenna thickness while maintaining high efficiency.