Characterization of bunny-ear antennas for wireless basestation applications

The bunny-ear antenna (BEA) which has use for wireless basestation applications, mobile satellite communications, and radar imaging is characterized in detail. Whether the BEA is used as an isolated antenna or in an array, it needs to be well understood. A design methodology for the BEA and examples are presented. To discuss the effects from removing metalization near the feed, antenna surface currents are examined. The antenna's input impedance is examined and compared to the well-known Vivaldi antenna. The performance parameters such as return loss, frequency dependence of beamwidth, and far-field patterns are also investigated and compared with those of the Vivaldi.