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Thesis
Polarization diverse tracking antenna with high sensitivity
Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs
  • Michael Pace
Publication Date
2-9-2010
Abstract

The design of an S-band aperture coupled microstrip antenna array for use on airborne telemetry platforms is presented. The High Sensitivity Diverse Tracking Antenna (HSDTA) is capable of receiving both left and right hand circular polarizations and has RF auto-tracking capability. Novel placement of RF terminations throughout the design allows for HSDTA to be installed in multiple configurations aboard different airborne platforms while maintaining consistent mechanical mobility and high sensitivity. The HSDTA was successfully simulated, fabricated, and deployed. Measured RF performance, including the operational bandwidth, gain, and sensitivity, are discussed and compared to the simulation. The HSDTA was designed to withstand the environmental conditions present while flying at altitude. The system has been successfully used to collect telemetry while deployed on an airborne platform flying over the South Pacific at 35000 ft.

Keywords
  • Microstrip antennas,
  • Aerospace telemetry.
Sponsors
Ktech Corporation
Document Type
Thesis
Language
English
Degree Name
Electrical Engineering
Level of Degree
Masters
Department Name
Electrical and Computer Engineering
First Committee Member (Chair)
Gilmore, Mark
Second Committee Member
Schamiloglu, Edl
Citation Information
Michael Pace. "Polarization diverse tracking antenna with high sensitivity" (2010)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michael-pace/12/