Slot-coupled patch antenna and phased-array antenna arrangement incorporating such an antenna

摘要

An antenna having the basic structure of a resonant slot antenna, but with a patch element (6) connected along one edge of the slot (2), and inclined at an angle relative to the ground plane (4), Coupling between a stripline feed (3) and the patch element (6) is achieved by means of the resonant slot (2), the feed element (3)/resonant slot (2)/patch element (6) transitions being impedance matched at the operative frequency. The antenna has a radiation characteristic consistent with conventional flat patch antennas, but provides a higher gain and greater bandwidth. In phased array applications, the inclination of the patch element (6) allows a smaller separation between adjacent antenna elements than is possible with conventional designs. The antenna is suitable for use in a missile-approach radar.