Conformal switched beam antenna

A cylindrical switched beam antenna making use of Kapton film and aperture-coupling is presented. The use of four elements controlled via a high frequency switching stage is proposed. Using very simple bias circuitry, switching can be achieved to provide four-way coverage at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°. Elements consist of an aperture-coupled patch making use of thin film technology to provide an air substrate for increased efficiency and therefore gain. Four direction beam switching is performed using only three switches integrated into the structure. Simulated results of a single element are presented, followed by measured results of the fully fabricated structure