Shorted annular patches as flexible antennas for space applications

This paper presents a review of the most important features of the shorted annular patch antennas. These radiators have several mechanical and electrical advantages with respect to other microstrip geometries. In particular, the presence of the short in the central zone of the antenna provides increased radiation flexibility which permits to control the antenna beam aperture. In order to demonstrate the usefulness of SAP´s features examples of applications in space environment are provided.