Compact mobile antennas for mobile satellite communications

This paper describes two types of compact mobile antennas for a multi-beam satellite communication system. One of them is conically shaped beam antennas. Quadrifilar helix and microstrip antenna are discussed, and they can be extremely simple and inexpensive antennas, although their beamwidths are narrow. The other one is an electronically controlled beam-steerable antenna with a simple tracking system. This antenna is applicable as a mobile antenna to cover a wide elevation angle.