antenna-theory.com

[david leech]

I like the site. Its just the right level for me — basic. I would like references, to other sites or to written material that talks in terms of "the basics" but applies them to UAV communications problems.

When an antenna designer/manufacturer tries to adress the typical operational problems confronting UAV comm antennas, what generic problems does s/he face? Can you refer me to books or papers that discuss these issues. (I have the antenna engineering handbook but I can't figure out what is "in my lane" and what isn't.

[Schubert]

The problems for comm antennas in general is:

1) get an antenna that covers the required bandwidth

2) ensure the direction of peak radiation is consistent with how it will be used

3) make sure hte polarization is correct for the application (i.e. if using gps, don't use a LHCP antenna)

4) Coupling - and this is the most difficult. Make sure this antenna operates properly in tx and rx mode with all the other onboard systems.

There aren't a lot of practical references out there, which is why I wrote this website in the first place.