Conformal and Small Antenna Designs

Select antennas are described that can be used effectively on conformal surfaces. Most of these antennas are compact, are electrically and physically small, and can be easily integrated into conical and cylindrical bodies. Edge-slot, microstrip, and dielectric rod radiator design techniques are employed in the development of these antennas. Critical design parameters, modes of radiation, empirical data, and theoretical considerations are discussed. The intrinsic properties and characteristics of selected dielectric materials are considered.