Patent ID: 7688265

Claim:
A dual polarized antenna comprising: first and second active elements, the first active element having a direction of polarization that is orthogonal to a direction of polarization of the second active element, the first and second active elements intersecting one another in order to form a cross-shaped region; a balun and a ground plane coupled to each of the first and second active elements, the balun being coupled to each of the first and second active elements proximate the cross-shaped region, the balun being operable to generate electro-magnetic energy from the first and second active elements along a direction of propagation, at least one generally flat parasitic element having a surface that is disposed at a predetermined distance from the first and second active elements and normal to the direction of propagation; and a dielectric layer in between the first and second active elements and the at least one parasitic element; wherein the at least one parasitic element and the dielectric layer match the impedance of the first and second active elements to free space.