The 8506674-501 from CAES is a Microwave-Band Sinuous Antenna that operates from 2 to 18 GHz. Sinuous Antennas provide RF performance similar to comparably-sized planar spiral antennas, while also supporting reception of multiple signal polarization. This dual-circular polarized antenna provides a gain of 0 dBi and has a VSWR of less than 3:1. It has a beamwidth of 70° and an axial ratio of 3 dB. The antenna includes an integrated solid-state RF switch and a quadrature coupler assembly with a single RF output that provides either right-hand circular polarization or left-hand circular polarization. The integrated quadrature coupler properly sums the antenna's inherently linear outputs to create a circularly polarized antenna. Polarization selection is determined by a DC bias on the RF center conductor, which is coupled to the internal RF switch and provides for high-speed, polarization switching.
The 8506674-501 provides high sensitivity and reception of all possible signal polarization. It requires a DC supply of ±12 V and consumes 10 mA of current. The antenna has been designed for the military airborne environment including supersonic flights and is available with a wide range of radomes and protective fairings. It is available in an enclosure that is 2 inches in diameter and can be used in aircraft self-protective systems, polarization-diverse receiver systems, and a wideband signal interception.
