Patent Grant
11316276
This invention relates to antennas; and more particularly, to an antenna module that is optimized for wide band 5GNR frequencies (ex: 600 MHz to 6000 MHz) using a combined feeder extension of a serpentine RF coaxial cable and planar transmission line.
Optimal antenna performance is related to, among other things, the size of the ground plane associated with the corresponding antenna. The ideal size of the ground plane increases as the corresponding frequencies are lower. A method to electrically increase the size of the ground plane is known in the art by extending the transmission line. However, with spatial limitations inside an antenna housing, this method has limitations with optimal performance in the lower frequencies, for example the 600 MHz related to 5G. It would be beneficial in the art if the ground plane could be electrically increased without increasing the side of the antenna.
The disclosure concerns an antenna assembly comprising a substrate, an antenna radiator and a circuitous transmission line. The circuitous transmission line is configured to couple to a feed of the antenna radiator. Furthermore, the circuitous transmission line is secured to the substrate with a plurality of connectors such that the circuitous transmission line forms a serpentine shape. This serpentine shape results in an electrical length that is greater than a dimensional length therewith.
Other advantages and benefits may be appreciated from the appended detailed descriptions.
Other features, combinations, and embodiments will be appreciated by one having the ordinary level of skill in the art of antennas and accessories upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, and a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.
In a first embodiment, an antenna module is disclosed, the antenna module comprises a trifurcated antenna radiator, a circuitous transmission line, and a substrate. The trifurcated antenna radiator includes a monopole element, first tapered element and a second tapered element. The monopole element extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The first tapered element is coupled to the monopole element at the proximal end, and the first tapered element being configured to extend adjacent to the monopole element along a first side thereof. The second tapered element is coupled to the monopole element at the proximal end, and the second tapered element being configured to extend adjacent to the monopole element along a second side thereof, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. The circuitous transmission line is configured to couple to a feed of the trifurcated antenna radiator, and the circuitous transmission line is further configured to be secured to the substrate with a plurality of connectors for orienting the circuitous transmission line in a serpentine shape. The circuitous transmission line comprises an electrical length that is greater than a dimensional length associated therewith. The substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein each of the trifurcated antenna radiator and the circuitous transmission line is disposed on the first surface.
In the first embodiment the substrate of the antenna module may comprise a first longitudinal half and a second longitudinal half, wherein the circuitous transmission line is disposed on the first longitudinal half, and wherein the trifurcated antenna radiator is disposed on the second longitudinal half. While the terms “first longitudinal half” and “second longitudinal half” are provided, one with skill in the art will recognize that the word “half” is intended to be an approximation and not an exact measure; thus in some applications of the invention the “first longitudinal half” and “second longitudinal half” could be interchanged with “first longitudinal portion” and “second longitudinal portion”, respectively.
In some embodiments, the substrate may comprise a plurality of holes such that the antenna module may be coupled to an antenna housing.
In the first embodiment, the antenna module further comprises a ground element. The ground element is disposed on the second surface of the substrate in the first longitudinal half thereof. The ground element may be configured to capacitively couple with the circuitous transmission line through the substrate.
In the first embodiment, the antenna module may further comprise a first tapered slot and a second tapered slot. The first tapered slot is disposed between the first tapered element and the monopole element at the first side. The second tapered slot is disposed between the second tapered element and the monopole element at the second side.
Generally, each of the first and second tapered slots may comprise a variable thickness relative to the monopole element, wherein the variable thickness is configured to increase in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end.
In the first embodiment, the monopole element may comprise a meander line portion.
In some embodiments, the monopole element is characterized as having a triangular form including an apex and a base opposite the apex. The apex is disposed at the proximal end.
In the first embodiment, each of the tapered elements may be individually oriented in a direction away from the monopole element.
In a second embodiment, an antenna is disclosed. The antenna comprises a trifurcated antenna radiator that includes a monopole element, a first tapered element and a second tapered element. The monopole element extends from proximal end to a distal end. The first tapered element is coupled to the monopole element at the proximal end and further configured to be extended adjacent to the monopole element along a first side. The second tapered element is coupled to the monopole element at the proximal end, and the second tapered element is configured to extend adjacent to the monopole element along a second side thereof, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.
In the second embodiment the antenna may further comprise a first tapered slot disposed between the first tapered element and the monopole element at the first side.
Additionally, in the second embodiment the antenna may further comprise a second tapered slot disposed between the second tapered element and the monopole element at the second side.
In the second embodiment, the first and second tapered slots may comprise a variable thickness relative to the monopole element. The variable thickness is configured to increase in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end.
In the second embodiment, the antenna of monopole element may comprise a meander line portion.
In the second embodiment, the monopole element may be characterized as having a triangular form including an apex, and a base opposite the apex, wherein the apex is disposed at the proximal end.
In the second embodiment, the tapered elements may each be individually oriented in a direction away from the monopole element.
In the second embodiment, the antenna may further comprise a ground element disposed adjacent to the trifurcated antenna radiator.
In a third embodiment, an antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly comprises a substrate, an antenna radiator and a circuitous transmission line. The antenna radiator is disposed on the substrate; and the circuitous transmission line is configured to couple to a feed of the antenna radiator. Furthermore, the circuitous transmission line is configured to be secured to the substrate with a plurality of connectors for orienting the circuitous transmission line in a serpentine shape, wherein the circuitous transmission line comprises an electrical length that is greater than a dimensional length associated therewith.
In the third embodiment, the circuitous transmission line in the serpentine shape may comprise two or more windings.
Generally, all sections of circuitous transmission line may be adjoined to the substrate as to minimize capacitive effects with the antenna radiator.
In some embodiments, the antenna assembly may include an antenna detection resistor. The antenna detection resistor is designed to be compatible with routers and corresponding antenna detection systems.
A function of the antenna module is to optimize the antenna performance at lower frequencies of 5GNR bands by efficiently utilizing the limited space within an antenna housing. Certain embodiments of the invention are further differentiated by a novel trifurcated antenna radiator configured to improve antenna performance. These and other embodiments make use of a circuitous transmission line to mimic a ground plane extension.
Manufacturing
Generally, the ground plane is made of industry standard material such as FR4, Kapton or Pyralux with printed circuit design affixed thereto. Otherwise, the ground plane can be fabricated in accordance with the level and knowledge of one having skill in the art. Other examples without limitation include more specialized materials such as Duroid, Taconic, and LDS.
The transmission line is made from coaxial cable which may be obtained commercially, for example and without limitation, ACX1589-ND on Digi-Key (https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/amphenol-rf/135103-02-12-00/ACX1589-ND/2003922). Alternatively, the transmission line can be customized in accordance with the level and knowledge of one having skill in the art. The transmission line includes connectors for the purpose of coupling the radio with the antenna element. The connections can be any combinations of SMA, W.FL., UFL or any other connections known in the art. Furthermore, each connection can be either Male or Female depending on both the radio and antenna element that the transmission line would couple.
The antenna radiator may be fabricated by etching the antenna element pattern in a metal conductor bonded to an insulating dielectric substrate, such as a printed circuit board.
Each of the components of the antenna module and related system described herein may be manufactured and/or assembled in accordance with the conventional knowledge and level of a person having skill in the art.
For purposes herein the term “trifurcated” means a divide into three branches or forks.
The term “antenna radiator” means a conducting element of an antenna that is electrically connected to a radio receiver and/or a radio transmitter and which transmits and/or receives radio waves.
The term “circuitous” means a route, or routed in a path that is, longer than the most direct way.
The term “transmission line” means a device that couples a radio with an antenna.
The term “substrate” means a flat or nearly flat surface that contains a conducting portion and is part of the antenna.
The term “dimensional length” means the most direct distance between two end points.
Other terms not specifically defined herein should be construed in accordance with their plain and ordinary meaning as appreciated by one with skill in the art.
Now turning to the drawings,
This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/892,362, filed Aug. 27, 2019; the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7889139 | Hobson | Feb 2011 | B2 |
| 8847840 | Diaz | Sep 2014 | B1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 202550066 | Nov 2012 | CN |
| 206516764 | Sep 2017 | CN |
| 107335147 | Nov 2017 | CN |
| 2015211425 | Nov 2015 | JP |
| WO-2007136040 | Nov 2007 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210066809 A1 | Mar 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62892362 | Aug 2019 | US |
