Patent Application
20220359991
This invention relates to antennas; more particularly, a trifurcated antenna radiator.
Many MIMO or ARRAY systems tend to occupy a relatively large space due to the new B71 Band (600 MHz) that one North America carrier recently added to the cellular network offering. At the same time, other bands have been added in the higher portion of the sub-6 GHz FR1 spectrum, increasing the complexity of size reduction in MIMO systems.
There is a need for an improved antenna radiator which can have its size reduced while still being able to occupy a wide frequency spectrum.
The disclosure concerns a trifurcated antenna radiator. The trifurcated antenna radiator comprises a first radiator, a second radiator, and a third radiator. The first and second radiators are coupled to a negative terminal and the third radiator is coupled to a positive terminal. The first radiator includes a first arched element having a first end and a second end and a first apex therebetween. The second radiator includes second arched element having a third end and a fourth end and a second apex therebetween. The first and second radiators may be symmetrical or asymmetrically with respect to each other. The third radiator may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
The trifurcated antenna radiator provides for a smaller form factor while still operating in a relatively wide bandwidth. In some embodiments, space of reduction of 66% was achieved. Return Loss parameter for a working frequency from 600 MHz to 6000 MHz can average −5 dB or better while providing good VSWR covering 100% of the required bandwidth. Efficiency can average 50% or better across the band of interest while having good isolation with the worst being measured at −12 dB at 630 MHz. Envelope correlation coefficient was measured at a maximum of 0.4.
The same design as disclosed herein can be adapted to cover other frequencies for different communication standards like ISM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, or the like.
Other features, combinations, and embodiments will be appreciated by one having the ordinary level of skill in the art of antenna 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, 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.
For purposes herein, the term “arched element” means an element having an upwardly curve with an apex between two end points. The arched element may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
The “trifurcated antenna radiator” means an antenna radiator divided into three radiators.
Unless explicitly defined herein, terms are to be construed in accordance with the plain and ordinary meaning as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.
In one embodiment, a trifurcated antenna radiator is disclosed. The trifurcated antenna radiator comprises a substrate, a positive terminal, a negative terminal, a first radiator, a second radiator and a third radiator. The substrate comprises a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, a first longitudinal half disposed at the proximal end and a second longitudinal half disposed at the distal end, both the first and second longitudinal halves comprising a first side, a second side, and a central portion extending along the substrate. The positive terminal is disposed on the first longitudinal half at the central portion. The negative terminal is disposed on the first longitudinal half at the central portion between the positive terminal and the proximal end.
The first radiator is disposed on the first side and comprises a first arched element having a first end and a second end and a first apex therebetween. The first end is coupled to the negative terminal and the first apex being is disposed on the second longitudinal half, the first radiator further comprises a first terminal element coupled to the second end wherein at least a portion of the first terminal element is vertically disposed between the negative terminal and the proximal end.
The second radiator is disposed on the second side and comprises a second arched element having a third end and a fourth end and a second apex therebetween, the third end being coupled to the negative terminal and the second apex being disposed on the second longitudinal half. The second radiator further comprises a second terminal element coupled to the fourth end wherein at least a portion of the second terminal element is vertically disposed between the negative terminal and the proximal end.
The third radiator is coupled to the positive terminal and extends between the first and second radiators from the positive terminal to the distal end. The third radiator comprises a width wherein the width at the first longitudinal half is less than the width at the second longitudinal half.
In some embodiments, the first radiator and the second radiator may be symmetrical. In other embodiments, the first and second radiators may be asymmetrical.
In some embodiments, the third radiator may comprise a central monopole. The third radiator may be physically separate from the first and second radiators. The third radiator may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
In another embodiment, a trifurcated antenna radiator is disclosed. The trifurcated antenna radiator comprises a substrate, a positive terminal and negative terminal disposed on the substrate, and a first, second and third radiator disposed on the substrate. The substrate comprises a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, a first longitudinal half disposed at the proximal end and a second longitudinal half disposed at the distal end. Both the first and second longitudinal halves comprise a first side, a second side, and a central portion extending along the substrate. The positive terminal is disposed on the first longitudinal half. The negative terminal disposed on the first longitudinal half between the positive terminal and the proximal end. The first radiator is disposed on the first side, and comprises a first arched element having a first end and a second end and a first apex therebetween. The first end is coupled to the negative terminal. The second radiator is disposed on the second side, and comprises a second arched element having a third end and a fourth end and a second apex therebetween. The third end is coupled to the negative terminal. The third radiator is coupled to the positive terminal, and extends between the first and second radiators from the positive terminal to the distal end.
In some embodiments, the first radiator and the second radiator may be symmetrical. In other embodiments, the first and second radiators may be asymmetrical.
In some embodiments, the third radiator may comprise a central monopole. The third radiator may be physically separate from the first and second radiators. The third radiator may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
In some embodiments, the positive terminal and the negative terminal may be disposed on the central portion.
In some embodiments, the first apex may be disposed on the second longitudinal half.
In some embodiments, the first radiator may further comprise a first terminal element coupled to the second end wherein at least a portion of the first terminal element is vertically disposed between the negative terminal and the proximal end.
In some embodiments, the second apex may be disposed on the second longitudinal half.
In some embodiments, the second radiator may further comprise a second terminal element coupled to the fourth end wherein at least a portion of the second terminal element is vertically disposed between the negative terminal and the proximal end.
In some embodiments, the third radiator may further comprise a width wherein the width at the first longitudinal half is less than the width at the second longitudinal half.
In another embodiment, a MIMO system is disclosed. The MIMO system comprises a plurality of substrate portions, wherein each of the plurality of substrate portions comprises a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, a first longitudinal half disposed at the proximal end and a second longitudinal half disposed at the distal end, and both the first and second longitudinal halves comprising a first side, a second side, and a central portion extending along the substrate. The MIMO system further comprises a plurality of positive terminals, wherein each of the positive terminals is disposed on one of the plurality of substrate portions on the first longitudinal half, a plurality of negative terminals, wherein each of the negative terminals is disposed on one of the plurality of substrate portions on the first longitudinal half between the positive terminal and the proximal end, and a plurality of trifurcated antenna radiators, wherein each of the plurality of trifurcated antenna radiators is disposed on one of the plurality of substrate portions. Each of the plurality of trifurcated antenna radiators comprises a first radiator disposed on the first side, the first radiator comprising a first arched element having a first end and a second end and a first apex therebetween, the first end being coupled to the negative terminal, a second radiator disposed on the second side, the second radiator comprising a second arched element having a third end and a fourth end and a second apex therebetween, the third end being coupled to the negative terminal, and a third radiator coupled to the positive terminal, the third radiator extending between the first and second radiators from the positive terminal to the distal end.
In some embodiments, the plurality of substrate portions may comprise a single substrate. In other embodiments, the plurality of substrate portions may comprise physically separate substrates.
In some embodiments, the first radiator and the second radiator may be symmetrical. In other embodiments, the first and second radiators may be asymmetrical.
In some embodiments, the third radiator may comprise a central monopole. The third radiator may be physically separate from the first and second radiators. The third radiator may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
In some embodiments, the positive terminal and the negative terminal may be disposed on the central portion.
In some embodiments, the first apex may be disposed on the second longitudinal half.
In some embodiments, the first radiator may further comprise a first terminal element coupled to the second end wherein at least a portion of the first terminal element is vertically disposed between the negative terminal and the proximal end.
In some embodiments, the second apex may be disposed on the second longitudinal half.
In some embodiments, the second radiator may further comprise a second terminal element coupled to the fourth end wherein at least a portion of the second terminal element is vertically disposed between the negative terminal and the proximal end.
In some embodiments, the third radiator may further comprise a width wherein the width at the first longitudinal half is less than the width at the second longitudinal half.
Generally, substrates are made of industry standard material such as ceramic, plastic polymer, or low-cost fiberglass. Examples may include FR4, Kapton or Pyralux with printed circuit design affixed thereto. Otherwise, they can be fabricated in accordance with the level and knowledge of one having skill in the art.
Radiators may be fabricated by etching an antenna element pattern in a metal trace bonded to an insulating dielectric substrate, such as a printed circuit board.
Each of the components of the antenna 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.
While various details, features, combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.
A first radiator (140) is coupled to the negative terminal (130) and is disposed on the first side (115) of the substrate (110). The first radiator comprises a first arched element (141) having a first end (142), a second end (143), and a first apex (144) disposed on the first arched element between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are each disposed on the first side and are further disposed on the first longitudinal half (113). The first side is coupled to the negative terminal. In some embodiments, the first apex is disposed on the second longitudinal half (114). In other embodiments, the first apex is disposed on the first longitudinal half. Coupled to the second end of the first arched element is a first terminal element (145). In some embodiments, the first terminal element is disposed on the first side and extends towards the second side (116) such that at least a portion of the first terminal element is disposed vertically under the negative terminal. As shown, the first radiator is disposed on the first side and no portion of the first radiator is disposed on the second side. The first radiator is characterized as being a negative resonator due to be coupled with the negative terminal.
A second radiator (150) is coupled to the negative terminal (130) and is disposed on the second side (116) of the substrate (110). The second radiator comprises a second arched element (151) having a third end (152), a fourth end (153), and a second apex (154) disposed on the second arched element between the third and fourth ends. The third and fourth ends are each disposed on the second side (116) and are further disposed on the first longitudinal half (113). The third end is coupled to the negative terminal. In some embodiments, the second apex is disposed on the second longitudinal half (114). In other embodiments, the second apex is disposed on the first longitudinal half. Coupled to the fourth end of the second arched element is a second terminal element (155). In some embodiments, the second terminal element is disposed on the second side and extends towards the first side (115) such that at least a portion of the second terminal element is disposed vertically under the negative terminal. As shown, the second radiator is disposed on the second side and no portion of the second radiator is disposed on the first side. The second radiator is characterized as being a negative resonator due to be coupled with the negative terminal. The first and second radiators are shown being symmetrical with respect to each other. In other embodiments, the first and second radiators may be asymmetrical with respect to each other.
A third radiator (160) is coupled to the positive terminal (120) and extends towards the distal end (112) where a portion of the third radiator is disposed between the first and second radiators (140; 150), and more specifically the first and second arched elements (144; 154). The third radiator is disposed on both the first longitudinal half (114) and the second longitudinal half (115). The third radiator generally comprises varying width (161) such that the largest width of the third radiator on the first longitudinal half is less than the largest width of the third radiator on the second longitudinal half. The third radiator may occupy the second longitudinal half at each of the first side (115), central portion (117), and first side (116). The third radiator is shown having an asymmetrical topology. Other shaped topologies may also be used as can be appreciated by one having skill in the art. The third radiator can be characterized as a central monopole and comprises a positive polarization due to being coupled with the positive terminal.
The first and second radiators (140; 150) each comprise a first ached element (141) and second arched element (151), respectively. The first arched element comprises a first apex (144) and the second arched element comprises a second apex (154). The first apex and second apex are each disposed above and to a side of the positive terminal and negative terminal.
The second radiator (150) comprises a second arched element (151). The second arched element is coupled to the negative terminal (130) at a third end (152) and extends above the negative terminal towards a second apex (154), wherein the second arched element extends downwards towards a fourth end (153) past the negative terminal. Coupled to the fourth end is a second terminal element (155). In some embodiments, the second terminal end extends towards the first radiator such that a portion of the second terminal element is disposed vertically under the negative terminal. The negative terminal can be configured to solder with an outer conductor of an RF cable.
The second radiator (150) comprises a second arched element (151). The second arched element is coupled to the negative terminal (130) at a third end (152) and extends above the negative terminal towards a second apex (154), wherein the second arched element extends downwards towards a fourth end (153) past the negative terminal. Coupled to the fourth end is a second terminal element (155). In some embodiments, the second terminal end extends towards the first radiator such that a portion of the second terminal element is disposed vertically under the negative terminal. The negative terminal can be configured to solder with an outer conductor of an RF cable.
This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/185,180, filed May 6, 2021; this application further claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/316,260, filed Mar. 3, 2022; the entire contents of which both are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63316260 | Mar 2022 | US | |
| 63185180 | May 2021 | US |
