Low-profile wearable UHF antenna for portable radios and radar applications

A low profile, electrically small wideband array antenna suitable for the portable radio and radar applications has been developed. The availability of low-loss high-permittivity ceramic materials ensures that the antenna element can be designed to cover lower UHF band in 300-1000 MHz, with only about tenth of the longest wavelength in length, while providing very stable radiation characteristics. The eight-element linear array has been tested over the same frequency range, which includes a multi-function box to conduct SAR imaging or implement beamforming. The antenna element can be inserted into the manpack or integrated with the tactical vest for personal radios or short-range radars.