Harsh-environment communications antennae and method for providing such antennae

Abstract

Communications antennae suitable for operating in harsh environmental conditions and methods for providing such antennae are disclosed. Exemplary implementations of the communications antenna may provide an ability to transmit and receive radio frequency signals while being exposed to formidable conditions for many years. Such conditions may include one or more of shallow and deep ocean, radioactive, ultraviolet, ultra cold, ultra-high pressure, and/or other harsh environments. The antenna may be ruggedized to withstand attacks by marine mammals and fish, encounters with fishing equipment including nets and lines, entanglement with marine debris, abrasion (e.g., by coral, sand, rock, and/or other objects), collision with maritime vessels and submersibles, and/or other unpredictable events. The efficient radio frequency design and efficient form factor may provide users with a small, unobtrusive device with a capacity for extensive integration in the radio frequency domain.