1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a complex antenna apparatus, and in particular to a complex antenna apparatus that simultaneously receives radio signals from satellites and base stations on earth.
2. Description of the Related Art
Referring to
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Generally speaking, there are two types of conventional circular polarization antennas, the cross dipole antenna and quadrifilar helix antenna. In addition to the conventional circular polarization antenna, an additional linear antenna is also needed for receiving the radio signals coming from both the satellites and base stations. Nevertheless, the number of antenna elements and the space required is increased.
Additionally, there are a few drawbacks when the cross dipole antenna or quadrifilar helix antenna is combined with a monopole linear antenna. Additional assembly steps are needed, artificial welding is difficult, and manufacturing costs and time are considerably increased.
Moreover, it is uneasy to tune the impedance match between the cross dipole antenna and monopole linear antenna to meet designer's requirement, thereby increasing the development time thereof. It is not easy to reduce the length or height of the quadrifilar helix, thus makes reduction of the total volume of the quadrifilar helix antenna and monopole linear antenna difficult.
Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a complex antenna apparatus to overcome the aforementioned problems. The complex antenna apparatus comprises a base, a circular polarization antenna and a capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna. The base includes a central through hole. The circular polarization antenna is disposed on the base and has a hollow feeding portion corresponding to the central through hole. The capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna is fixed on the base by inserting one end of the capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna into the central through hole.
Preferably, the capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna further comprises a monopole linear antenna and a conductive element covering the monopole linear antenna.
Preferably, the capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna further comprises a dielectric disposed between the conductive element and monopole linear antenna.
Preferably, the base further comprises a ground formed thereunder.
Preferably, the circular polarization antenna is circular or polygon.
Preferably, the complex antenna apparatus further comprises an RF module. The RF module is connected to the circular polarization antenna and capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna.
Preferably, the base further comprises a through hole. The circular polarization antenna and capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna are connected to the RF module passing through the through hole and central through hole of the base, respectively.
Preferably, the complex antenna apparatus further comprises a demodulator. The demodulator is connected to the RF module.
Preferably, the base is composed of ceramic or printed circuit board.
Preferably, the dielectric is composed of Teflon.
A detailed description is given in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Referring to
As shown in
The structure of the capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna 230 is described as follows. As shown in
According to the antenna characteristics, there is least electric current flowing through the central part of the circular polarization antenna 220 when the circular polarization antenna 220 is disposed on the base 210. The hollow feeding portion 221 formed on the center of the circular polarization antenna 220 does not adversely affect the capability thereof to receive the satellite signals. Thus, when the capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna 230 is disposed in the central through hole 211 of the base 210 via the hollow feeding portion 221 of the circular polarization antenna 220, the circular polarization antenna 220 and capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna 230 respectively have different electric current routes and do not interfere with each other.
Additionally, the base 210 is composed of ceramic and a ground 212 is formed thereunder. Meanwhile, an RF module 240 and a demodulator 250 are connected to the circular polarization antenna 220 and capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna 230.
Additionally, as shown in
In addition, the complex antenna apparatus 200 of the invention is not limited to employing the capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna 230 having the monopole linear antenna 231, dielectric 232 and conductive element 233. In other words, the monopole linear antenna 231 or other linear antennas can be directly disposed in the central through hole 211 of the base 210 to simultaneously receive the radio signals from the satellites and base stations with the circular polarization antenna 220.
Moreover, the circular polarization antenna 220 of the invention is not limited to a round shape. For example, the complex antenna apparatus 200′ has a rectangular circular polarization antenna 220′ as shown in
Specifically, the central through hole 211 is not limited to being formed in the center of the base 210. That is, even though the central through hole 211 is formed slightly away from the center of the base 210, the complex antenna apparatus 200 can accomplish the same purpose.
In conclusion, the complex antenna apparatus 200, 200′ have the following advantages. The development of the complex antenna apparatus 200, 200′ is simplified. The ideal dimensions of the complex, antenna apparatus can be readily determined by electromagnetic analysis software, such as IE3D or Ansoft, without complicated design or modification. Since the capacitance (inductance) cylinder loading monopole antenna is disposed in the hollow feeding portion of the circular polarization antenna, the height and total volume of the complex antenna apparatus are effectively reduced. The complex antenna apparatus presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance especially when the complex antenna apparatus is carried by a movable object (such as a vehicle) or a building. Because the complex antenna apparatus has fewer components, the manufacturing costs thereof are reduced. The base of the complex antenna apparatus is composed of ceramic, such that the dimensions thereof can be accurately controlled. The stability of the complex antenna apparatus is thereby enhanced. The complex assembly steps and artificial welding of the cross dipole antenna and quadrifilar helix circular polarization antenna are reduced.
While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.
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92109462 A | Apr 2003 | TW | national |
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20040222935 A1 | Nov 2004 | US |