A new realization of an efficient broadband conformal magnetic current dipole antenna

In this paper we demonstrate an efficient conformal broadband dipole antenna made of a lossy magneto-dielectric material. A closed form expression of the radiation efficiency of such a dipole is given which is derived using Schelkunoff's electrically small antenna model and the duality principle. The efficiency equation includes both complex permeability (μ
_r
= μ'-j μ") and permittivity (ε
_r
= ε'-jε") of the magneto-dielectric. A prototypical antenna is fabricated using commercially available NiZn ferrite tiles. The measured performance is shown to be better than a non-conformal conventional whip antenna.