Microstrip base station antennas for cellular communications

Four base-station antenna products using microstrip technology have been developed for use in cellular communications. The antennas operate in the 800-900-MHz range and are designed to work in a 60° sectored arrangement. The main product is a half-cylinder three-beam radome-enclosed antenna. There are three microstrip planar array panels within the half-cylindrical radome. Each microstrip planar array panel illuminates one 60° sector, and all three panels fit into the half-cylindrical structure to provide RF coverage over 180°. An electromechanical down-tilt actuator has also been designed into the structure to provide individual remote elevation adjustment to each panel. The antenna is in use in the Bell Cellular network. Its aesthetics and performance improvements in operations and maintenance have proven to be a big advantage in densely populated urban and suburban areas