The quadrifilar helix antenna and its application to wide angle phase-steered arrays

Date
2007-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The quadrifilar helix antenna has frequently been employed to provide the wide angle, circularly polarized radiation pattern which is preferable for mobile satellite communications. A detailed study of this antenna and its varieties is presented. When used as an element in wide angle scanning arrays for aeronautical satellite tracking applications, the additional requirement of a low profile with light weight applies. This further complicates the realization of good circular polarization close to the horizon. A top disk is incorporated into various antenna structures in an effort to improve the radiation performance when used within a closely spaced array while reducing the height of the radiating element. The array performance of these elements are investigated which hints at a supported traveling mode aiding the ability to accomplish the wide angle beam steering. Subsequent study of leakywave antennas initiated the study and implementation of leaky-wave structures in phased arrays of quadrifilar helix elements.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die vierledige heliksantenna word dikwels gebruik vir toepassings wat ’n wye, sirkulêr gepolariseerde stralingspatroon benodig. ’n Verskeidenheid van hierdie antennas is noukeurig bestudeer en hul toepaslikheid vir mobiele sattelietkommunikasie ondersoek. Wanneer hierdie antennas in fase gestuurde skikkings gebruik word, word dit ook vereis dat die eenhede liggewig is met ’n lae profiel. Dit bemoeilik die verkryging van goeie sirkulêre polarisasie naby die horison aansienlik. In ’n poging om die wyehoek straling met kort antennas te verbeter, is ’n oorhoofse skyf tot verskillende heliksstrukture toegevoeg. In nou gespasieerde skikkings maak hierdie skywe ’n positiewe bydrae to wyehoekstralingeienskappe. Die invloed van lekmodusse wat binne die struktuur voortplant is ondersoek en gebruik in skikkings waarvan die bundel naby aan die horison gestuur word.
Description
Thesis (MScIng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Keywords
Antenna arrays, Antennas (Electronics), Theses -- Electronic engineering, Dissertations -- Electronic engineering
Citation