| 摘要 |
A radio comprises a radio electronics module and an antenna. The antenna comprises at least one active component that, when extended, converts radio signals to or from electrical signals. The active component comprises an electrically conductive Storable Tubular Extendible Member (STEM) structure 3 that is stored as a coil at 4, and unfurls to become elongate at 5 with an arcuate cross section. The STEM structure comprises a carbon fibre material electrically coupled to the electronics module. The carbon fibre material may be the main source or the sole source of electrical conductivity along the length of the active element. The STEM structure(s) may be deployed in monopole, dipole, crossed dipole or Yagi-Uda configurations. A ground plane of at least three carbon fibre STEM structures may be arranged radially with respect to a monopole antenna to enhance the antenna performance. In use, particularly for spacecraft, the outermost end of the coil is held in connection with the electronics module while the remainder of the coil unwinds to a fully extended position. |
