General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.

General Dynamics Mission System, Inc

Sayuj Haridas

Arthur Densmore

Steven Alexander

Jerry Brooks

A configurable antenna for a software defined radio including a first antenna unit having a first antenna element for receiving a first electromagnetic signal in a first frequency band wherein the first frequency band corresponds to a first mode of operation of a software defined radio, an interface unit having a first connector to couple the first electromagnetic signal from the first antenna unit and a second connector to couple the first electromagnetic signal to the software defined radio, an enclosure configured to receive the interface unit within an internal cavity, and a retention bracket configured to mechanically retain the interface unit within the enclosure, the retention bracket having at least one hole for allowing the first connector to conductively contact the antenna unit.

Field replaceable multi-element antenna design for software defined radio

The dual frequency antenna element has electromagnetically resonant structure with plural attached current conductors each communicating on a different frequency band and producing a circularly polarized radiation pattern with respect to a propagation direction. A pattern shaper element fashioned using first and second conductive discs is positioned within the radiation pattern in alignment with the propagation direction. The discs are secured in a first spaced relation to each other and in a second spaced relation to the dual frequency antenna element. The respective disc surface areas, and the first and second spaced relations are cooperatively configured to passively modify the radiation pattern of the dual frequency antenna element to produce dual frequency band coverage of approximately 60 degrees centered about the longitudinal axis while substantially blocking coverage at 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis.

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Fairfax Station, VA, United States of America

Sayuj Haridas