An antenna system can generate RF radiation fields having dual simultaneous polarization
states and having substantially rotationally symmetric radiation patterns. The
antenna system generates RF radiation patterns where the beamwidths of respective
RF fields for respective radiating elements are substantially equal and are relatively
large despite the compact, physical size of the antenna system. The antenna system
can include one or more patch radiators and a non-resonant patch separated from
each other by an air dielectric and by relatively small spacer elements. The patch
radiators and non-resonant patch can have predefined shapes for increasing polarization
discrimination. The lower patch radiators can be mounted to a printed circuit board
that can include an RF feed network and a ground plane which defines a plurality
of symmetrically, shaped slots. The slots within the ground plane of the printed
circuit board can be excited by stubs that are part of the feed network of the
printed circuit board. The slots, in turn, can establish a transverse magnetic
mode of RF radiation in a cavity which is disposed adjacent to the ground plane
of the printed circuit board and a ground plane of the antenna system. The feed
network of the printed circuit board can be aligned with portions of the cavity
such that the portions of the cavity function as a heat sink for absorbing or receiving
thermal energy produced by the feed network.
