Compact Cavity-Backed Discone Array

The expansion of wireless communication necessitates the development of powerful, versatile, and compact antenna technologies. Omniversional antenna arrays, capable of receiving and transmitting signals in all directions, are particularly vital in fields such as aviation communication systems. However, traditionally, these antennas require significant space and cause aerodynamic issues when mounted on moving vehicles like aircraft. Existing antenna technologies often fail to effectively balance between antenna size, aerodynamic considerations, and high-performance functionality. Large antennas provide robust reception and transmission capabilities, but their size interferes with the aerodynamics of vehicles on which they are mounted, increasing drag and fuel consumption. Conversely, embedded or smaller antennas may not provide the necessary reception or transmission capabilities.

Technology Description

This technology is a compact, shallow, cavity-backed discone antenna array designed for conformal omnidirectional antenna applications. The system features a group of discone antennas positioned in a ring array within a conical cavity. This cavity is sealed with an electrically transparent radome. Coaxial transmission lines feed each individual antenna element. The antenna array boasts excellent performance,as evident from simulation and experimental results, particularly in terms of reflection coefficient and omnidirectional gain radiation patterns that span frequencies from 960 to 1220 MHz. The uniqueness of this technology is its compactness coupled with its conformal nature, allowing installation onto tight spaces, such as the outer mold line of any aircraft. The use of the discone antenna array enhances performance across the specified frequency range. Its compactness ensures that it doesn’t protrude much from the aircraft body, minimizing aerodynamic interference.