Multiple feed port beam steering antenna

摘要

An antenna comprises a generally star-shaped conductive element for generating a radiation beam. Feeding ports A - D are provided on the conductive element for selective excitation by a signal. The feeding ports A- D are positioned such that excitation results in the deflection of the radiation beam so as to steer the radiation beam in the direction of deflection. Four triangular shaped arms 20 are connected to form a symmetrical shape about at least one axis. The antenna element may be formed as a solid conductive element or a hollow element where a conductive strip is formed at the periphery of the star-shape. The antenna element may be formed on a dielectric substrate with a conductive ground plane on the opposite surface. A feed port may be located at each respective apex 22 of the star-shaped element and at the centre point and/or along an axis of the antenna element. The antenna is particularly suitable for providing a cheap, compact beam steering antenna for use in wireless telecommunication applications.