Miniaturized Omni Directional Antenna System For Onboard Telemetry Applications

This paper presents a detailed study on a linearly polarized microstrip antenna that is miniaturized and conformal in design. The antenna is intended for use in the S band frequency range and is specifically designed for onboard telemetry systems in small aerospace vehicles. The study includes the design of the antenna as well as placement analyses on a cylindrical body, in single as well as two element configurations. The effects of mounting the antenna on a cylindrical body and the corresponding effects of mutual coupling that show up in the resultant radiation characteristics are thoroughly examined and reported. Further, the study highlights that an antenna configuration where the elements are placed diametrically opposite to each other provides an omni-directional coverage in the roll plane of the cylinder.