Small broadband helical antennal

The invention provides methods and apparatuses for a helical antenna assembly that are constructed by placing a metallic tape strip diagonally onto non-metallic tape. The tape assembly is then rolled on a dielectric core. The metallic tape strip is coupled to an electrical connector and a center conductor that is located through the center of the dielectric core. The tape assembly may include oneor two tabs that are bent over the ends the dielectric core to prevent the tape assembly from separating from the dielectric core. The tabs may be pinned by eyelets that are affixed to the center conductor. The pitch of the conductive portion of the tape assembly is determined to provide desired electrical characteristics when the tape assembly is wrapped around the dielectric core. The conductive portion of the tape assembly may be trimmed to obtain desired electrical characteristics.