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Antenna Arrays

Q-par Angus has achieved a number of projects involving antenna patches and arrays, two such examples can be seen in the photographs. One was a switchable array providing high gain or low gain antenna options in one lightweight package. Another was a Dual GPS band (GALILEO and US networks) Multi-beam Array antenna, used for oceanographic applications, designed to fit on the underside of a light aircraft.
Switchable Array Back View Switchable Array Back View 
Switchable Array Section View Switchable Array Section View 
Switchable Array Side View Switchable Array Side View 
Individual Dual GPS Patch Individual Dual GPS Patch 
Dual GPS Patch Array Front Dual GPS Patch Array Front 
Dual GPS in test Chamber Dual GPS in test Chamber 
Open Complete Dual GPS Antenna Open Complete Dual GPS Antenna 
Completed Dual GPS Antenna Completed Dual GPS Antenna 

 

The Switchable Array allowed the user to hold the panel or mount it in a fixed position.  The antenna consisted of an array of elements to provide a Circularly Polarised High Gain radiation pattern, or could be switched, via a toggle switch, to a Low Gain Circularly Polarised single patch element at a lower frequency.   The main constraints of the design were size and weight, enabling the antenna to be hand-held.

The Array was made in-house using proprietary techniques, the PCB was larger than most processors can handle so our in-house capabilities were vital to the project.

 

The Dual GPS Band Antenna was a Dual-Band (GALILEO and US networks) Circularly Polarised Patch Antenna was built for EADS PARIS (PAssive Reflectometry and Interferometric System)  project. The successful trials of the antenna and system continue but the objective at this stage is to install the antenna on an aircraft early 2009.

An individual antenna element consisted of;

  • A connector cavity,
  • Distribution circuitry containing a 3dB 90 degree hybrid,
  • Two circular resonant patches separated by microwave grade foam,
  • Kapton protective overlay.

This antenna combined complexity of both design and manufacture.  The antenna patches were double tuned and provided steerable beams up to 50 degrees off boresight.  The antenna was designed to receive reflected GPS signals from the sea surface for sea height measurements and surface current analysis.   A view of the enclosure shows the confined working space within which the antenna and the associated amplifiers, calibration splitters, phased matched co-axial cables and heaters had to fit in.

The antenna enclosure was machined from solid aluminium and was designed to fit in the lower part of an aircraft fuselage for initial trials and testing.

These two projects show the capabilities of Q-par Angus for both simplified and complex patch antennas and arrays.

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