Patch antenna using non-conductive thermo-formed frame

摘要

A patch antenna's resonators (116, 118) are supported by a non-conductive frame (124). The frame supports the resonators without making holes in the resonators and thereby avoids the problem of creating unwanted electric field polarizations. Additionally, the frame grasps the resonators in areas of low current density and thereby avoids creating additional disturbances in the radiation pattern. In one embodiment of the invention, the frame includes a perimeter lip (164) that snaps over the edges of the feedboard (130) and thereby attaches the frame to the feedboard.