A cavity-backed thin combined slot-dipole antenna for mobile reception of satellite signals in automotive applications

In this paper, a novel combined slot-dipole antenna for mobile satellite signal reception is presented. The main features of this antenna are its compact size i.e. very thin dimensions in one direction, its simple geometry, and the ease fabrication which decreases manufacturing costs. Simulations are done for optimizing the radiation pattern in terms of a circular polarization and a good cross-polarization isolation. Antennas with different geometries are built and measured. A gain of 5 dBi and a 3 dB-beamwidth of 80deg are achieved at boresight direction with a left-hand circular polarization. Simulations and measurements show that by changing the dipole geometry the radiation pattern can be improved for an optimal pattern shape. This antenna is also an attractive candidate for antenna diversity applications where only a small mounting volume is available.