Dual-Band Ultrawide Beamwidth Quadrifilar Helical Antenna Based on Current-Balanced Multibranch Method for GNSS

A dual-band ultra-wide beam quadrifilar helical antenna (QHA) for satellite positioning is proposed. The branching method is used to realize the dual-band operation of the QHA. A section of branching is incorporated between two spiral branches of disparate lengths, thereby ensuring that the QHAs operating at different frequencies exhibit analogous current distributions. This development facilitates the realization of radiation patterns with comparable beamwidths. The precise regulation of each operating frequency with the corresponding spiral branches is realized, and the corresponding rule of change of beamwidth is analyzed. By measuring the prototype experimental performances, the design approach and the principle are validated. The evaluation results indicate that the Half Power Beamwidth (HPBW) at 1.265 GHz exceeds 201°, and the Axial Ratio Beamwidth (ARBW) is greater than 186°. At 1.575 GHz, the QHA has a 214° HPBW and a 242° ARBW. This innovative QHA design exhibits a comparable ultra-wide beamwidth, and both the frequency and beamwidth can be tailored to meet specific design requirements. The operating frequency range encompasses the B1 and B3 bands of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). These features offer significant advantages in satellite positioning.