Ring-Shape Helical Positioning Antenna With Tight Coupling Folded Arm in Drone

This research proposes a compact, low-profile, lightweight quadrifilar and low-cost helix antenna for Global Navigation Satellite System positioning applications. It is achieved mass production and deployed in drones. This antenna is especially suitable for lightweight equipment requirements scenarios. The tight coupling and multiple-branch are introduced in the design to overcome the challenge from the bandwidth and geometry size. With four folded arms on the periphery of the ring shape holder, the L₁ band (1575.42 MHz ± 1.023 MHz) and L₂ band (1227.60 MHz ± 1.023 MHz) are covered. This design balances the electric performance and the stability of the antenna. The antenna with 10 mm in height, 42 mm in diameter, and 10 g in weight. The tested active gain reaches 30.3 dBi in the L₁ band, and 34.2 dBi in the L₂ band, which satisfies the high-accuracy positioning requirements. The dynamic positioning accuracy tests demonstrated the antenna's performance and reliability.