Non-Foster matching network for a small, bladetype monopole in the VHF band

In many applications, like in aeronautical control and communication systems, there are important requirements for the antenna engineer in terms of size and weight of the antennas. Active matching networks, with non-Foster elements, are an interesting way to face the design of an Electrically Small Antenna (ESA). Using the new sensitivity parameter Sens, a good location for a matching network (MN) is found in the structure itself of a blade-type small monopole. Then, comparative design between a passive reactive and an active non-Foster matching network is presented.