Multi-segmented dielectric resonator antenna

Abstract

A radiating antenna capable of generating or receiving radiation using a plurality of dielectric resonator segments disposed in a circular array is disclosed. The purpose of using multiple dielectric resonator segments within a single antenna system is to produce several beams each having a “boresight” (that is, a direction of maximum radiation on transmit, or a direction of maximum sensitivity on receive) in a different direction. Several such beams may be excited simultaneously to form a new beam in any arbitrary direction. The new beam may be incrementally or continuously steerable and may be steered through a complete 360 degree circle. When two segments are excited simultaneously, the antenna may have a narrower main lobe and/or a smaller backlobe than for a single segment alone. When receiving radio signals, electronic processing of such multiple beams may be used to find the direction of those signals, thus forming the basis of a radio direction finding device. Further, by forming a transmitting beam or resolving a receiving beam in the direction of the incoming radio signal, a “smart” or “intelligent” antenna may be constructed. Beamsteering and smart antenna technology may also be used to steer a sharp null in a particular direction to avoid transmitting there or to avoid receiving interfering signals from that direction. The dielectric resonator segments are mounted on a ground plane, are substantially cylindrical or trapezoidal segments in shape, and are fed by internal probes or external ground plane apertures.