Microstrip base station antenna made of honeycomb composites

Abstract

This paper describes the advantages of using honeycomb composite technology in the design of cheap, flat-panel base station antennas. To demonstrate this technology, antenna elements with dual polarization for use in the in the 890 to 960 MHz frequency band are designed and manufactured. CAD and CAM techniques are used to achieve the design objectives. The antenna has a strong self-supporting construction that is capable of withstanding heavy winds, heavy rains and extreme temperature variations. The design methodology can easily be applied to antenna arrays operating in different frequency bands of mobile communications (from 450 to 1800 MHz). A paramount advantage of using the honeycomb composite technology is the potential for developing base station arrays with large-scale integration of antenna elements and beamforming networks. Such integrated arrays can be achieved in a planar configuration, which disguises the presence of base stations.