A mechanically stable, low profile, omni-directional solar-cell integrated antenna for outdoor wireless sensor nodes

A novel mechanically stable, omnidirectional, low profile "solar-enabled" antenna is proposed and features very good radiation and matching characteristics suitable for the 2.4GHz wireless sensor network protocol. By using cheap, realizable fabrication process to achieve a compact integration, the proposed antenna integration concept could be a disruptive technology that would potentially enable truly autonomous, robust wireless sensor network in "rugged" outdoor environment.