Annular dielectric resonator-based antenna for multi-frequency GNSS applications: details on the engineered surface insert

This paper focuses on an engineered surface used in a novel compact antenna concept for multi-frequency Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) application and possibly L-band satellite communications. The antenna covers frequencies from 1.15 to 1.62 GHz and can be used as either a dual-band or wideband antenna. It is based on an annular ring dielectric resonator (DR) with a conformal cylindrical engineered surface inserted against the DR inner diameter. The antenna is excited using 4 ports fed in quadrature to maximize the circular polarization bandwidth and beamwidth. The engineered surface contributes to the antenna gain and impedance bandwidth enhancements and affects the undesired coupling between the feeding ports. It has been separately investigated to better understand its impact on the overall antenna performance. Some results of that study are provided in this paper.