Folded dipole antenna, coaxial to microstrip transition, and retaining element

摘要

A dual polarized folded dipole antenna comprising: a first unit configured for transmitting and/or receiving signals in a first polarization direction; and a second unit configured for transmitting and/or receiving signals in a second polarization direction. Each unit includes an integrally formed feed section a radiator input section, and radiating section. The feed section is a microstrip feed section, and the radiator input section includes a balun transformer.The antenna has a coaxial to microstrip transition comprising a microstrip transmission line on a first side of the ground plane; and a coaxial transmission line on a second side of the ground plane opposite to the first side of the ground plane. A conductive ground transition body is in conductive engagement with the sleeve of the coaxial line; and a ground locking member applies a force to the ground transition body so as to force the ground transition body into conductive engagement with the ground plane. A conductive line transition body is provided in conductive engagement with the central conductor, and a line locking member apples a force to the line transition body so as to force the line transition body into conductive engagement with the microstrip line.Adjacent dipole ends are retained together by electrically insulating retaining elements. Each element comprises a body portion having a pair of sockets on opposite side of the body portion; and a pair of resilient members which each obstruct a respective socket and resiliently flex, when in use, to admit an end of a dipole into the socket.