Body-worn 67:1 bandwidth antenna using 3 overlapping dipole elements

We present a novel tightly coupled dipole array (TCDA) that achieves 67:1 bandwidth over the 30 MHz to 2 GHz frequency range. The design is extremely simple, and consists of 3 overlapping dipoles that are fed at 3 different locations to ensure uniform current flow. The overlapping dipoles are “printed” on a 0.3 mm-thick polymer substrate (ε
_r
=3), and “sandwiched” between two layers of flexible polymer (ε
_r
=3), each 2 cm thick. The TCDA occupies 1.4 m × 0.09 m, and is intended for on-body operation (e.g., placed along the arms). For example, the proposed antenna could be integrated into military uniforms to enhance quality of service in the SINCGARS, Air and Marine, UHF, UHF-Public Safety, and L bands.