US 7,609,226 B1
Antenna system with base configuration for passive inter-modulation (PIM) mitigation
Jonathan P. MacGahan, Ivyland, Pa. (US); and R. Mark Clark, Langhorne, Pa. (US)
Assigned to Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, Md. (US)
Filed on Aug. 20, 2007, as Appl. No. 11/841,225.
Int. Cl. H01Q 1/36 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 343—895  [343/846] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An antenna system comprising:
an antenna element configured to radiate signals, receive signals, or radiate and receive signals;
a base plate having a front surface facing the antenna element and a rear surface facing away from the antenna element, the front surface of the base plate having an uncovered area, the uncovered area of the base plate having no exposed conductive mechanical joints, wherein the uncovered area of the base plate is planar having no protrusions;
a ground plane having a front surface facing the antenna element and a rear surface facing away from the antenna element, the front surface of the ground plane having an uncovered area, wherein the uncovered area of the ground plane is planar having no protrusions; and
a capacitive coupling between the base plate and the ground plane formed by an overlap region between the base plate and ground plane, the ground plane capacitively coupled to the base plate in the overlap region.