Information Technology
Low-Profile, Ultrawide Band Antenna
WARF: P130215US01
Inventors: Nader Behdad, Seyed Mohamad Amin Momeni Hasan Abadi
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing the smallest-known antenna of its kind for ultrawide band applications like military vehicles and wireless communications.
Overview
Monopole antennas are a type of radio antenna consisting of a straight, rod-shaped conductor often mounted perpendicularly over a conductive surface (a ‘ground plane’) such as the earth. This type of antenna radiates equal power in all azimuthal directions and is ideal for many applications.
However, size is a problem. This is because monopole antennas must be tall enough, compared to the wavelength, to receive radio waves efficiently. At low frequencies, this presents a challenge since the wavelength of radio waves can be very large. Such bulky antennas can protrude up to 40 feet from the top of a military vehicle or a ship and are very conspicuous. There is a real demand for new designs that are more compact but achieve the same performance.
However, size is a problem. This is because monopole antennas must be tall enough, compared to the wavelength, to receive radio waves efficiently. At low frequencies, this presents a challenge since the wavelength of radio waves can be very large. Such bulky antennas can protrude up to 40 feet from the top of a military vehicle or a ship and are very conspicuous. There is a real demand for new designs that are more compact but achieve the same performance.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed an electrically small ultrawide band antenna that radiates in every direction like a monopole. The unique structure of the antenna relies on the placement and shape of the arms and slot. It is composed of a top-loaded, multifolded planar structure placed vertically on a ground plane. The structure is loaded with a top hat conductor that is short circuited to the ground plane at two locations.
Applications
- Military-based applications including military vehicles, ships and aircrafts
- Mobile wireless communication devices
- Base station antennas for consumer wireless applications
Key Benefits
- Improves upon the ‘gold standard’ Goubau design
- Eliminates security issues associated with large antennas on military vehicles
- Improves antenna performance at a significantly smaller size requirement
- Reduces manufacturing cost of the antenna
Additional Information
Related Technologies
For current licensing status, please contact Michael Carey at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9867