Antennas for Commercial Applications

From around 1994, there was a programme to diversify some of the defence antenna technologies into commercial antenna products.  This included point-to-point flat panels and omnis in the 2.3-2.5 GHz frequency range and a large range of DECT and ISM antennas in the 1.85-1.99 GHz frequency range.  For DECT, I was involved in the design of low value (in the $40 - $80 price range) antennas assembled with lower skilled labour.  Manufacturing processes with a minimum of assembly steps and production line testing were developed by me.  Some 400 000 of these antennas were successfully delivered.

Dual polarized base station antennas, antennas for indoor distribution and other components (filters, diplexers, splitters, etc.) were developed for the GSM market.  Many of these antennas and components are still manufactured today.  The required investment in new R & D for GSM (900/1800/UMTS) base station antennas with remote electrical tilt was excessive and these products were terminated for commercial reasons.