Example apparatuses and methods relating to antennas are provided. An example apparatus in the form of an antenna assembly includes a first conductor structurally formed into a plurality of first conductor structural waves and a second conductor structurally formed into a plurality of second conductor structural waves. The first conductor and second conductor may be helically wound to form a bifilar helix structure having a proximal end and a distal end. The first conductor and the second conductor may be operatively coupled at the proximal end of the bifilar helix structure to form a signal feed point, and the first conductor and the second conductor are operatively coupled at the distal end of the bifilar helix structure to form a load point.

An antenna (100) having an antenna structure is provided. The antenna structure is formed of a first section (102) and a second section (104). The first section is formed of a rolled conductive strip forming a helical coil having non-overlapping successive turns, and the second section (104) is formed of a wire spring coil having non-overlapping successive turns. The antenna (100) provides multi-band capability.

An antenna system is provided. The antenna system includes a base structure, a transmission line, a ground plane, and a backfire antenna element. The transmission line extends from the base structure and is coupled to the base structure at a first end of the transmission line. The ground plane is coupled to the transmission line at a second end of the transmission line. The backfire antenna element extends between the ground plane and the base structure. The backfire antenna element is coupled to the second end of the TEM line.

A radio frequency (RF) communications system includes a local RF communications device and an RF antenna including a conical RF launch structure coupled to the local RF communications device, and an elongate electrical conductor having a proximal end coupled to the conical RF launch structure and a distal end spaced apart from the conical RF launch structure to define an elongate RF coverage pattern. The elongate conductor may be a coaxial cable. At least one remote RF communications device, within the elongate RF coverage pattern, wirelessly communicates with the local RF communications device.

Novel and advantageous antennas are provided. A multi-functional antenna can morph in order to change geometrical shape and thereby change its antenna radiation characteristics. Such characteristics can include radiation pattern, bandwidth, beamwidth, operational frequency, and directivity. The antenna can therefore be multifunctional such that one single antenna can serve multiple applications.

A microwave helix antenna with a coaxial interface having controlled transmission properties is disclosed. In one aspect, dielectric beads surround a center conductor and are varied in number, thickness and spacing to achieve desired transmission properties.

An antenna system comprises a substrate, an antenna positioned on the substrate, and a circuit component positioned on the substrate. The antenna is positioned on a first surface of the substrate and operable to emit a radiation pattern. The circuit component is positioned on the substrate in a null region of the radiation pattern. The thickness of portions of the substrate are modified to achieve a desired performance characteristic of the antenna.