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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2005

Front-Side Microstrip Line Feeding a Raised Antenna Patch

An improved design concept for a printed-circuit patch antenna and the transmission line that feeds the patch calls for (1) a microstrip transmission line on the front (radiative) side of a printed-circuit board based on a thin, high-permittivity dielectric substrate; (2) using the conductor covering the back side of the circuit board as a common ground plane for both the microstrip line and the antenna patch; (3) supporting the antenna patch in front of the circuit board on a much thicker, lower-permittivity dielectric spacer layer; and (4) connecting the microstrip transmission line to the patch by use of a thin wire or narrow ribbon that extends through the thickness of the spacer and is oriented perpendicularly to the circuit-board plane. The thickness of the substrate is typically chosen so that a microstrip transmission line of practical width has an impedance between 50 and 100 ohms. The advantages of this design concept are best understood in the context of the disadvantages of prior design concepts, as explained

Hodges, Richard↗
NASA NTRS2003

Multimode Broad-Band Patch Antennas

Microstrip patch antennas of a proposed type would be tunable over broad wavelength ranges. These antennas would be attractive for use in a variety of microwave communication systems in which there are requirements for transmission and/or reception at multiple, widely separated frequencies. Prior efforts to construct tunable microstrip patch antennas have involved integration of microstrip circuitry with, variously, ferrite films with magneticfield tuning, solid-state electronic tuning devices, or piezoelectric tuning actuators. Those efforts have been somewhat successful, but have yielded tuning ranges of 20 percent and smaller much smaller than needed in typical practical cases. Like prior microstrip patch antennas (both tunable and non-tunable), the proposed antennas would have instantaneous bandwidths of about 1 percent of their nominal or resonance frequencies. However, these would be tunable over much broader frequency ranges as much as several octaves, depending on specific designs. They could be fabricated relatively simply and inexpensively by use of conventional photolithography, and without need for integration with solid-state electronic or piezoelectric control devices. An antenna as proposed (see figure) would include a microstrip patch radiating element on a thin ferroelectric film on a semiconductor substrate with a ground-plane conductor on the underside of the substrate. The ferroelectric film could be, for example, SrTiO3 with a thickness of the order of 1 or 2 micrometers.

Romanofsky, Robert R.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Analysis of Stub Loaded Microstrip Patch Antennas

A microstrip patch antenna fed by a coaxial probe and reactively loaded by a open circuited microstrip line has been used previously to produce circular polarization and also as a building block for a series fed microstrip patch array. Rectangular and circular patch antennas loaded with a microstrip stub were previously analyzed using the generalized Thevenin theorem. In the Thevenin theorem approach, the mutual coupling between the patch current and the surface current on the stub was not taken into account. Also, the Thevenin theorem approach neglects continuity of current at the patch-stub junction. The approach in this present paper includes the coupling between the patch and stub currents as well as continuity at the patch-stub junction. The input impedance for a stub loaded microstrip patch is calculated by the general planar dielectric dyadic Green's function approach in the spectral domain, as was initiated much earlier and has been extensively expanded upon and utilized successfully throughout the literature for microstrip antenna configurations. Using the spectral domain dyadic Green s function derived earlier with the electric field integral equation (EFIE), the problem is formulated by using entire domain basis functions to represent the surface current densities on the patch, the loading stub and the attachment mode at the junction. Galerkin's procedure is used to reduce the EFIE to a matrix equation, which is then solved to obtain the amplitudes of the surface currents. These surface currents are then used for calculating the input impedance of stub loaded rectangular and circular microstrip patches. Numerical results are compared with measured results and with previous results calculated by the Thevenin's theorem approach.

Deshpande, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Analysis of Stub Loaded Microstrip Patch Antennas

A microstrip patch antenna fed by a coaxial probe and reactively loaded by a open circuited microstrip line has been used previously to produce circular polarization[ l] and also as a building block for a series fed microstrip patch array [2]. Rectangular and circular patch antennas loaded with a microstrip stub were previously analyzed using the generalized Thevenin theorem [2,3]. In the Thevenin theorem approach, the mutual coupling between the patch current and the surface current on the stub was not taken into account. Also, the Thevenin theorem approach neglects continuity of current at the patch-stub junction. The approach in this present paper includes the coupling between the patch and stub currents as well as continuity at the patch-stub junction.

Bailey, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Actuator for Reconfigurable Patch Antenna Demonstrated

A microstrip patch antenna with two contact actuators along the radiating edges for frequency reconfiguration was demonstrated at K-band frequencies. The layout of the antenna is shown in the following figure. This antenna has the following advantages over conventional semiconductor varactor-diode-tuned patch antennas: 1. By eliminating the semiconductor diode and its nonlinear I-V characteristics, the antenna minimizes intermodulation signal distortion. This is particularly important in digital wireless systems, which are sensitive to intersymbol interference caused by intermodulation products. 2. Because the MEMS actuator is an electrostatic device, it does not draw any current during operation and, hence, requires a negligible amount of power for actuation. This is an important advantage for hand-held, battery-operated, portable wireless systems since the battery does not need to be charged frequently. 3. The MEMS actuator does not require any special epitaxial layers as in the case of diodes and, hence, is cost effective.

Simons, Rainee N.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Multilayer Patch Antenna Surrounded by a Metallic Wall

A multilayer patch antenna, similar to a Yagi antenna, surrounded by a metallic wall has been devised to satisfy requirements to fit within a specified size and shape and to generate a beam with a half-power angular width of <=40 deg. This antenna provides a gain of about 14 dB; in contrast, the gain of a typical single-patch antenna lies between 5 and 6 dB. This antenna can be considered an alternative to a two-dimensional array of patch antenna elements, or to a horn or helical antenna. Unlike a two-dimensional array of patches, this antenna can function without need for a power-division network (unless circular polarization is needed). The profile of this antenna is lower than that of a horn or a helical antenna designed for the same frequency. The primary disadvantage of this antenna, relative to a horn or a helical antenna, is that its footprint is slightly larger.

Zawadzki, Mark↗
NASA NTRS2001

Multi-Mode Broadband Patch Antenna

A multi-mode broad band patch antenna is provided that allows for the same aperture to be used at independent frequencies such as reception at 19 GHz and transmission at 29 GHz. Furthermore, the multi-mode broadband patch antenna provides a ferroelectric film that allows for tuning capability of the multi-mode broadband patch antenna over a relatively large tuning range. The alternative use of a semiconductor substrate permits reduced control voltages since the semiconductor functions as a counter electrode.

Romanofsky, Robert R.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Arbitrarily shaped dual-stacked patch antennas: A hybrid FEM simulation

A dual-stacked patch antenna is analyzed using a hybrid finite element - boundary integral (FE-BI) method. The metallic patches of the antenna are modeled as perfectly electric conducting (PEC) plates stacked on top of two different dielectric layers. The antenna patches may be of any shape and the lower patch is fed by a coaxial cable from underneath the ground plane or by an aperture coupled microstrip line. The ability of the hybrid FEM technique for the stacked patch antenna characterization will be stressed, and the EM coupling mechanism is also discussed with the aid of the computed near field patterns around the patches.

Gong, Jian↗
NASA NTRS2012

Metal Patch Antenna

Disclosed herein is a patch antenna comprises a planar conductive patch attached to a ground plane by a support member, and a probe connector in electrical communication with the conductive patch arranged to conduct electromagnetic energy to or from the conductive patch, wherein the conductive patch is disposed essentially parallel to the ground plane and is separated from the ground plane by a spacing distance; wherein the support member comprises a plurality of sides disposed about a central axis oriented perpendicular to the conductive patch and the ground plane; wherein the conductive patch is solely supported above the ground plane by the support member; and wherein the support member provides electrical communication between the planer conductive patch and the ground plane.

Chamberlain, Neil F.↗
NASA NTRS2001

High-Efficiency Wide-Band Suspended Patch Antenna Array Demonstrated

A four-element, suspended patch antenna array that has a parasitic patch layer on top and is electromagnetically coupled to an inverted microstrip feed for linear polarization was demonstrated at K-band frequencies. The layout of the array is shown in the following figure. The antenna has the following advantages over conventional microstrip antennas: 1. The inverted microstrip has lower losses, which result in higher gain and efficiency. 2. The inverted microstrip is easier to fabricate, because the strip width is wider for a given characteristic impedance. 3. A conventional proximity-coupled patch antenna requires a substrate for the feed and a superstrate for the patch. However, the inverted microstrip-fed patch antenna makes use of a single substrate and, hence, is lightweight and inexpensive. 4. Electromagnetic coupling results in a wider bandwidth.

Simons, Rainee N.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Coplanar Waveguide Aperture Coupled Patch Antennas with Ground Plane/Substrate of Finite Extent

Coplanar waveguide (CPW)/aperture coupled microstrip patch antennas constructed with ground coplanar waveguide (GCPW), finite coplanar waveguide (FCPW) and channelized coplanar waveguide (CCPW) are demonstrated. The measured characteristics show that the CCPW/aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna has the largest bandwidth, whereas the GCPW/aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna has the best front-to-back ratio.

Simons, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Actuator-Based, Polarization Reconfigurable Patch Antenna Demonstrated

A nearly square patch antenna with a contact actuator along a radiating edge for polarization reconfiguration was demonstrated at Ka-band frequencies at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The layout of the antenna is shown in the following sketch. This antenna has the following advantages: 1) It can be dynamically reconfigured to receive and transmit a linearly polarized signal or a circularly polarized signal. This feature allows the substitution of multiple antennas on a satellite by a single antenna, thereby resulting in significant cost savings. 2) In our approach, the polarization is switched between the two states without affecting the frequency of operation; thus, valuable frequency spectrum is conserved. 3) The ability to switch polarization also helps mitigate propagation effects due to adverse weather on the performance of a satellite-to-ground link. Hence, polarization reconfigurability enhances link reliability.

Simons, Rainee N.↗
NASA NTRS2022

All-Metal Dual Band Circular Polarized UHF Patch Antenna

An all-metal circularly polarized UHF antenna element is presented. The patch antenna gives a wideband impedance and axial ratio bandwidth of 24% over the 0.3-0.38 GHz frequency band with 90% efficiency. The main advantage is the use of a single feed point to generate circular polarization (CP). The antenna can be used to set up a dual-band (0.3-0.32 GHz and 0.36-0.38 GHz) communication link, with an axial ratio better than 3 dB and a realized CP gain better than 8 dBiC and 10 dBiC, respectively. The interaction between the cavity walls and the patch element, results in near-field coupling and improves the impedance bandwidth as well as the axial ratio bandwidth of the antenna. Being a high gain, high aperture efficiency, low profile, light weight, and single feed point radiating element, this single patch antenna is an excellent candidate for future antenna array.

Chahat, Nacer↗
NASA NTRS2000

Suspended Patch Antenna Array With Electromagnetically Coupled Inverted Microstrip Feed

The paper demonstrates a four-element suspended patch antenna array, with a parasitic patch layer and an electromagnetically coupled inverted microstrip feed, for linear polarization at K-Band frequencies. This antenna has the following advantages over conventional microstrip antennas: First, the inverted microstrip has lower attenuation than conventional microstrip; hence, conductor loss associated with the antenna corporate feed is lower resulting in higher gain and efficiency. Second, conventional proximity coupled patch antennas require a substrate for the feed and a superstrate for the patch. However, the inverted microstrip fed patch antenna makes use of a single substrate, and hence, is lightweight and low cost. Third, electromagnetic coupling results in wider bandwidth. Details regarding the design and fabrication will be presented as well as measured results including return loss, radiation patterns and cross-polarization levels.

Simons, Rainee N.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Microstrip patch antenna receiving array operating in the Ku band

Microstrip patch antennas were first investigated from the idea that it would be highly advantageous to fabricate radiating elements (antennas) on the same dielectric substrate as RF circuitry and transmission lines. Other advantages were soon discovered to be its lightweight, low profile, conformability to shaped surfaces, and low manufacturing costs. Unfortunately, these same patches continually exhibit narrow bandwidths, wide beamwidths, and low antenna gain. This thesis will present the design and experimental results of a microstrip patch antenna receiving array operating in the Ku band. An antenna array will be designed in an attempt to improve its performance over a single patch. Most Ku band information signals are either wide band television images or narrow band data and voice channels. An attempt to improve the gain of the array by introducing parasitic patches on top of the array will also be presented in this thesis.

Walcher, Douglas A.↗
NASA NTRS1997

FDTD Analysis of U-Slot Rectangular Patch Antenna

The U-slot rectangular patch antenna (Figure I) has been found experimentally to provide impedance and gain bandwidths of about 300 without the need of stacked or coplanar parasitic elements [1,2]. In this paper, simulation results of the U-slot patch using FDTD analysis are presented. Comparison with measured results are given.

Luk, K. M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A 10 GHz Y-Ba-Cu-O/GaAs hybrid oscillator proximity coupled to a circular microstrip patch antenna

A 10 GHz hybrid YBCO/GaAs microwave oscillator proximity coupled to a circular microstrip antenna has been designed, fabricated, and characterized. The oscillator was a reflection mode type using a GaAs MESFET as the active element. The feedline, transmission lines, RF chokes, and bias lines were all fabricated from YBCO superconducting thin films on a 1 cm x 1 cm lanthanum aluminate substrate. The output feedline of the oscillator was wire bonded to a superconducting feedline on a second 1 cm x 1 cm lanthanum aluminate substrate, which was in turn proximity coupled to a circular microstrip patch antenna. Antenna patterns from this active patch antenna and the performance of the oscillator measured at 77 K are reported. The oscillator had a maximum output power of 11.5 dBm at 77 K, which corresponded to an efficiency of 10 percent. In addition, the efficiency of the microstrip patch antenna together with its high temperature superconducting feedline was measured from 85 K to 30 K and was found to be 71 percent at 77 K, increasing to a maximum of 87.4 percent at 30 K.

Rohrer, Norman J.↗