A multipurpose flush-mounted antenna system for satellite-land mobile communications and positioning

An improved and compact design of an antenna system for full coverage of up to 15 degrees of elevation is presented. This system consists of a pair of antennas in microstrip technology (patch and ring), photoetched concentrically in the same substrate. A microstrip circuit is placed on the rear face. Its bandwidth, typical of microstrip radiators, makes it suitable for land-mobile communications. An interesting characteristic of this compact design is its versatility in supplying different coverage requirements including a positioning receiving output, if desired. The design problems and the experimental results both for the circuit elements and for the radiation pattern are discussed.<
>