Patent ID: 6307520
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
In a boxed-in slot antenna for radiation having a free-space wavelength .lambda., a waveguide wavelength .lambda..sub.g, and an electric half-wavelength .lambda..sub.e /2, said antenna having:(a) a conductive ground plane having a slot formed therein, said slot having a length L at least substantially equal to said electric half wavelength, said slot also having a width w which is less than said length L, said slot further having a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinal edges; and(b) a conductive box structure which is conductively secured to said conductive ground plane and which is configured to cause said slot antenna to radiate from only a single side of said conductive ground plane;the improvement comprising:a folded, space-saving configuration for said conductive box structure, said conductive box structure in turn comprising:(b-1) a main conductive plane which is substantially parallel to said ground plane and which is spaced a distance d therefrom, said distance d being substantially less than one-quarter of said waveguide wavelength .lambda..sub.g ;(b-2) first and second conductive structures which are substantially parallel to each other and which are spaced apart a distance g which is at least substantially equal to L, said first and second conductive structures being substantially perpendicular to said conductive ground plane and said main conductive plane and also being substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said slot; and(b-3) third and fourth conductive structures which are substantially parallel to each other and which are spaced apart a distance a, said third and fourth conductive structures being substantially perpendicular to said conductive ground plane and said main conductive plane and also being substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said slot; wherein:said first, second, third and fourth conductive structures form conductive paths between said conductive ground plane and said main conductive plane; andwhen viewed in plan, said first, second, third and fourth conductive structures bound said slot; whereby:said folded, space-saving configuration for said conductive box structure is formed.