Compact dipole for low frequency band UWB applications

This paper presents a compact Ultra Wide Band (UWB) antenna designed to operate at lower than 1 GHz frequencies. Based on a particular physical interpretation of the antenna working mode illustrated by an equivalent wide band circuit model, specific developments have been carried out to miniaturize the antenna and to keep the wide band behaviour with slightly altered radiation efficiency. Time domain descriptors have been used to estimate the antenna ability to transmit short electromagnetic pulse. Antenna prototypes have been specifically designed to be used in a hand-held UWB system that enables a real-time positioning of multiple disaster victims such as avalanches, earthquakes, or burning buildings.