Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Disclosed is a broadband, miniaturized, slow-wave antenna for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals. The slow-wave antenna comprises a dielectric substrate with a traveling wave structure mounted on one surface, and a conductive surface member mounted on the opposite surface. The traveling wave structure, for example, is of the broadband planar type such as various types of spirals and includes conductive arms which are coupled to feed lines which are routed through the dielectric substrate and the conductive surface member for connection to a transmitter or receiver. The dielectric substrate is of a predetermined thickness which is, for example, less than 0.04.lambda..sub.1, where .lambda..sub.1 is the free space wavelength of the lowest frequency f.sub.1 of the operating frequency range of the slow-wave antenna. Also, the dielectric constant of the dielectric substrate and the conductivity of the surface member are specified, along with the thickness of the dielectric substrate to ensure that a slow-wave launched in the traveling wave structure is tightly bound to the traveling wave structure, but not so tightly bound as to hinder radiation at a radiation zone of the traveling wave structure, while minimizing any propagation loss. The slow-wave antenna has a reduced phase velocity, which reduces the diameter of the radiation zone and, consequently, reduces the diameter of the slow-wave antenna.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim