Microstrip line fed microstrip end-fire antenna

摘要

An end fire microstrip antenna which is particularly suitable for low- profile applications comprises a dielectric substrate having a first surface and an opposite surface. A driven element, a microstrip fedline and a plurality of (parasitic) director elements are provided on the first surface. These elements extend in the same plane and are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal or end-fire direction of the antenna. Likewise, the director elements are spaced apart from each other in arrow extending in the end-fire direction. The antenna further comprises a ground plane provided on the second surface. The driven element comprises a conductive strip connected at one end to the microstrip feedline and open-circuit at its opposite end. It has at least one undulation in such same plane. The undulation has at least one limb extending transversely to the end-fire direction. A conductive reflector element may be provided behind the driven element. The director elements may comprise dipoles or patches and may be equal in width and uniformly spaced. Alternatively, the width and/or spacing may vary according to the distance from the driven element. A plurality of the antennas may be assembled as an array and operated to provide a single beam or a plurality of individual beams.