Optimization of ground plane for improved GPS antenna performance

Author

Milligan, T. ; Kelly, P.K.

Author_Institution

Lockheed Martin Astronaut., Denver, CO, USA

Volume

2

fYear

1996

fDate

21-26 July 1996

Firstpage

1250

Abstract

A method has been identified for broadening the pattern of patch antennas. The intended application is for Global Positioning Satellite, GPS, signal reception; therefore, a very broad circularly polarized pattern is required. The patch antenna was chosen for its simplicity in design as well as its low weight. However, the patch antenna performance is strongly coupled to the structure on which it is mounted. Measured and predicted results (of the antenna (designed for 1227 and 1575 MHz) are shown which establish the performance of the patch on different size ground planes. From this information a new ground plane is constructed to improve the pattern performance.

Keywords

Global Positioning System; antenna radiation patterns; antenna testing; microstrip antennas; receiving antennas; satellite antennas; 1227 MHz; 1575 MHz; GPS antenna performance; GPS signal reception; Global Positioning Satellite; UHF; antenna pattern broadening; antenna pattern performance; circularly polarized pattern; dual frequency antenna; ground plane optimization; ground plane size; measured results; patch antennas; predicted results; Aluminum; Antenna measurements; Extraterrestrial measurements; Feeds; Frequency; Global Positioning System; Patch antennas; Polarization; Satellites; Size measurement;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, 1996. AP-S. Digest

Conference_Location

Baltimore, MD, USA

Print_ISBN

0-7803-3216-4

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/APS.1996.549823

Filename

549823