The goal of this project is to design and implement a moldable antenna concept for 20 and 30 GHz personal communications. Using the concepts of a solid body antenna and PLASTEK componentry, a compact, rugged, high-performance, low-cost antenna assembly can be demonstrated. These technologies are diverse, permitting pencil beam or monopulse patterns, polarization diversity, etc. Specific objectives include study of dual-frequency feed implementations, generation of circular polarization, development of a baseline design, fabrication and test of a deliverable breadboard assembly, and generation of a technical report summarizing activities. The hardware evaluation will quantify accuracy of the design process and demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting established performance goals. Near-term benefits include the low cost implementation of a novel antenna system for personal communication with long-term potential integration of the transmitter and receiver into the antenna system.These techniques offer a wide range of potential applications, both commercial and military. They can be employed in most any system requiring compact, high-performance, low-cost components such as in personal satellite communications and police radar front ends. Military applications include terminal homing sensors and portable communication systems.dielectric waveguide, dielectric collimator, solid body antenna, injection molded antenna, ruggedized components, miniature componentsSTATUS: Phase I Only
