Low-cost S-band antennas for mobile satellite systems

This paper presents the design of two low-cost multi-system omnidirectional antennas for mobile satellite communication systems. The antennas integrate the functionalities for the new S-band mobile satellite systems, the GPS and the GSM/UMTS bands. The first model includes an S-band Receive-Only radiating element for broadcasting applications and the second an S-band transmit-receive element for interactive services. The achieved structures are low-profile and can be easily installed in any car while maintaining its aesthetics or integrated in plastic structures of the vehicles. The main aspects of the antenna implementation are described together with the main results of the antennas.