US 5,926,150 A · Compact broadband antenna for field generation applications

Abstract

A compact, broadband antenna derived from the inverted-F antenna configuration is disclosed. The tapered inverted-F antenna (TIFA) is able to generate high intensity electric fields with a physically small package size, making it particular useful for electromagnetic compatibility testing applications. This antenna derives its broadband characteristics from the combination of a number of unique features. The TIFA utilizes radiating elements that are broadband planar frames or planar sheets. The planar frames provide extended performance at low frequencies and may also include an interior lattice structure of various configurations. The novel use of triangular or "bowtie" elements for the feed and shunt elements of the TIFA provides extended performance at high frequencies. When suitably configured and properly matched to a log-periodic dipole array, the antenna is capable of providing high intensity electric fields with a very wide useful bandwidth. The invention may be configured in either an unbalanced or a balanced configuration.

Claims45

Dependent claims

A compact broadband antenna, comprising:

(a) an electrically conductive ground plane;
(b) a first radiating means for radiating and receiving electromagnetic radiation, having a first edge and an opposing second edge, positioned parallel to the ground plane;
(c) a second radiating means for radiating and receiving electromagnetic radiation having a triangular shape and having a base and an opposing apex, the second radiating means base being connected to the first edge and the second radiating means apex being connected to the ground plane;
(d) a third radiating means for radiating and receiving electromagnetic radiation having a triangular shape and having a base and an opposing apex, the third radiating means base being connected to the first radiating means between the first and second edge.

1 more element

A compact broadband antenna, comprising:

(a) a first radiating means for radiating and receiving electromagnetic radiation, having a first edge and an opposing second edge;
(b) a second radiating means for radiating and receiving electromagnetic radiation, having a first edge and an opposing second edge and being positioned in a parallel relationship with the first radiating means;
(c) a third radiating means and a fourth radiating means for radiating and receiving electromagnetic radiation, each having a triangular shape and each having a base and an opposing apex, the apex of the third radiating means being connected to the apex of the fourth radiating means, the third radiating means base being connected to the first radiating means first edge, and the fourth radiating means base being connected to the second radiating means first edge;
(d) a fifth radiating means and a sixth radiating means for radiating and receiving electromagnetic radiation, each having a triangular shape and each having a base and an opposing apex, the apex of the fifth radiating means being opposite to the apex of the sixth radiating means, the fifth radiating means base being connected to the first radiating means between the first radiating means first edge and second edge, and the sixth radiating means base being connected to the second radiating means between the second radiating means first edge and second edge.

1 more element

A compact broadband antenna, comprising:

(a) a first rectangular shaped planar electromagnetic radiator having a first edge and an opposing second edge;
(b) a first triangular shaped planar electromagnetic radiator having a base and an opposing apex, positioned perpendicular to the first rectangular radiator, with the base of the first triangular radiator connected to the first edge of the first rectangular radiator;
(c) a third triangular shaped planar electromagnetic radiator having a base and an opposing apex, positioned perpendicular to the first rectangular radiator and parallel to the first triangular radiator, with the base of the third triangular radiator connected to the first rectangular radiator between the first edge and the opposing second edge of the first rectangular radiator;
(d) a second rectangular shaped planar electromagnetic radiator having the same dimensions as the first rectangular radiator and having a first edge and an opposing second edge, the second rectangular radiator being spaced apart from, parallel to, and coextensive with the first rectangular radiator;
(e) a second triangular shaped planar electromagnetic radiator having the same dimensions as the first triangular radiator and having a base and an opposing apex, being positioned perpendicular to the second rectangular radiator, with the base of the second triangular radiator connected to the first edge of the second rectangular radiator;
(f) a fourth triangular shaped planar electromagnetic radiator having the same dimensions as the third triangular radiator and having a base and an opposing apex, being positioned perpendicular to the second rectangular radiator and parallel to the second triangular radiator, with the base of the fourth triangular radiator connected to the second rectangular radiator between the first edge and the opposing second edge of the second rectangular radiator, the distance between the fourth triangular radiator and the second triangle radiator being equal to the distance between the third triangular radiator and the first triangular radiator;
(g) the second rectangular radiator being positioned opposite the first rectangular radiator with the first triangular radiator being coplanar with the second triangular radiator and the apex of the first triangular radiator being connected to the apex of the second triangular radiator, and with the third triangular radiator being coplanar with the fourth triangular radiator and the apex of the third triangular radiator being opposite the apex of the fourth triangular radiator;
and
(h) a feed connection comprising a first connecting point connected to the apex of the third triangular radiator and a second connecting point connected to the apex or the fourth triangular radiator.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Compact broadband antenna for field generation applications

Life of this patent

Compact broadband antenna for field generation applications

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims45