Small, But Mighty: Shrinking Aerials To Expand Functionality
THE PROBLEM:
As we move into an age of broadening 5G usage, antennas continue to be one of the most essential elements of electronic communication. A number of antenna designs are used depending on the application. One design in particular, the axial mode helical antenna (AM-HA), is widely used for radar, satellite, drones, and many other applications; however, they are limited by their large size. While numerous methods have been proposed to decrease the profile of AM-HAs, these design changes have always been detrimental to signal quality and strength.
THE SOLUTION:
Researchers at The University of Alabama have developed a multi-layered, miniaturized axial-mode helical antenna capable of achieving the same effectiveness and capabilities of larger antennas, but in a compact design. The proposed antenna features a ferrite-dielectric composite structure comprising a ferrite layer, a dielectric layer, and a radiator with the conductor placed in proximity to the composite structure. Distinguishing characteristics of the technology are its reduced antenna profile and ability to achieve reasonable antenna gain despite high magnetic loss tangent, as well as higher realized gain in upper frequency and wider 3-dB bandwidth. The novel invention is suitable for very high frequency and ultra-high frequency applications, making it beneficial to many fields such as telecommunications, military, automotive, and aerospace.
Invented Ferrite-core and Ferrite-core/Dielectric-shell
Standard AM-HA
BENEFITS:
- Reduced antenna profile
- Allows reasonable antenna gain despite high magnetic loss tangent
- Higher realized gain in upper frequency & wider 3-dB bandwidth
- More applicable applications
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