A Dual-Band Conformal Antenna for GNSS Applications in Small Cylindrical Structures

A nonplanar circularly polarized dual-band antenna for global navigation satellite system is presented. The shape of the antenna is conformal to the surface of a cylinder such that the antenna can be completely integrated within the body of a cylindrical carrier without protruding components. In order to enable multiconstellation satellite navigation, the antenna is resonant at the Galileo E5a/b and E1 including GPS and Glonass bands. The far-field patterns of the simulated and manufactured antenna show a wide angular coverage over the upper hemisphere. The antenna design concept would enable the integration of antenna arrays on safety-critical small aeronautical platforms, where array signal processing with structurally integrated antennas is preferred due to drag and other safety considerations.