New printed half-wavelength quadrifilar helix antennafor GPS marine applications

Abstract

The authors present a new printed half-wavelength quadrifilar helix antenna using infinite microstrip feeding baluns. This new volute antenna allows low cost, ease of mass production, and substantially improved elevation pattern coverage and circular polarisation properties. Experimental results show that the printed volute antenna has a 3 dB beamwidth of >145° and a front-back ratio of >20 dB.