Multiband printed quadrifilar helix antenna

Helix antennas are known for its good circular polarization that makes it suitable for satellite communications. However, the various existing standards imply different allocated frequencies.

This innovative antenna is an enhancement of the broadband printed quadrifilar helix antenna. It is still composed of 4 wires printed on a flexible dielectic substrate with a constant pitch. But small splits are made on the top of each wire. Thus, the proposed antenna MPQHA can cover several bands radiating an electromagnetic wave in a high quality circular polarization state over a wide coverage area with a transmission lobe which may be shaped as needed for a given application.

These performances suggest that the design is not only suitable for present mobile satellite communications systems, but also future generation of mobile satellite communications systems (Galileo)