Multiband circularly polarized antenna device

Abstract

A circularly polarized, multiband, and broadband antenna can communicate with a GPS system. The antenna may include a drive element, a first conductive parasitic element, a second conductive parasitic element, and a third conductive parasitic element electrically connected to the drive element, and a ground plane. The parasitic elements are provided with different lengths to provide wider band operation with multiple resonant frequencies. The radiation wave has a small propagation angle, and the propagation angle is at least 1-2 miles.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of May 15, 2020, application number 202080051566.0 (international application number PCT / US2020 / 033229), and invention name “Multi-band circularly polarized antenna device”.

[0002] Cross-application of related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 849,416, filed on May 17, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to an antenna for transmitting time-correlated acoustic sensor data. In particular, but not limited thereto, the present disclosure relates to a novel antenna device associated with an acoustic sensor system for remotely transmitting readings from an acoustic sensor from a pit box, typically located underground, to a remote receiver. Background Art

[0005] In order to alleviate the waste and expensive problems associated with the detection of water leaks, the present disclosure provides a uniquely configured antenna device (e.g., in a device that loosely resembles the shape of a hand, and therefore, may be referred to herein as a "hand antenna") for transmitting collected or recorded acoustic sensor data via signals generated by a sensor transmission unit (STU). Generally, with respect to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna device is connected to a sensor transmission unit, which in turn is connected to an acoustic sensor / recorder. The acoustic sensor detects acoustic signals associated with the flow of water through a water pipe or other conduit and provides recorded data to the transmission unit. The transmission unit formats the sensor data into data packets, including time of day (TOD) data and location data provided by, for example, a global positioning satellite (GPS). The data is then transmitted via an antenna using a radio frequency (RF) signal. The transmission unit typically transmits the formatted data to a central reading station or data collection unit (DCU), where the data is associated with similar data from other transmission units and acoustic recorders located elsewhere on the water network. In some cases, the radio frequency signal can be transmitted over relatively long distances, such as a mile or more. Therefore, the remote transmission unit may require a rugged antenna that can wirelessly transmit the sensor data the necessary distance with minimal data corruption or interference.

[0006] The amount of RF energy actually radiated into the air space, compared to the amount of RF energy that is expected to be radiated, is a function of many factors. These factors may include the voltage applied, the amount of current flowing through the antenna, the frequency of the signal applied to the antenna, the material from which the antenna is made, the geometry of such antenna, the angle of transmission, and the materials in the relatively close surrounding space of the antenna (such as within a sphere radius, measuring up to several wavelengths of the radio signal applied to such antenna). As the surrounding environment of the antenna changes, the antenna performance (i.e., the degree to which energy is radiated from it) will tend to change accordingly.

[0007] Therefore, various factors are considered in the design and successful deployment of integrated antenna systems in accordance with the present disclosure. Some of these conditions or factors may include: frequency of operation, transmitter output power, antenna gain, antenna polarization, antenna pattern, azimuth beamwidth, azimuth variation, government regulations for operating radio equipment, characteristic antenna impedance, maximum wave reflection coefficient, antenna geometry, antenna location, ability to achieve installation, expected service life, ability to operate under exposed environmental conditions (such as exposure to water due to any water absorption into the antenna system, with very little change in operating performance), UV resistance, shock and vibration resistance, and resistance to ambient temperature variations. In addition, cost and manufacturability factors associated with the large volume of such units are considered, for example, for use in a complete system with a large number of sensor locations throughout a water transport system, with reliability and repeatability of performance. One or more of the above parameters and conditions are considered to implement the exemplary embodiments described herein and described in detail below. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to one aspect, an antenna device for transmitting measured acoustic data is provided. The antenna device includes a substrate and a ground plane. The antenna further includes a driving element adjacent to the substrate and electrically connected to the ground plane. The driving element includes a feeding point for receiving an input current signal. The antenna device also includes a first parasitic element electrically connected to the driving element via a first shorting bar. The antenna device also includes a second parasitic element that is longer than the first parasitic element and electrically connected to the driving element via a second shorting bar. The antenna device also includes a third parasitic element that is shorter than the second parasitic element and electrically connected to the second parasitic element via a third shorting bar. The antenna device also includes a fourth parasitic element electrically separated from the first parasitic element, the second parasitic element, and the third parasitic element.

[0009] In another aspect, the antenna device further includes a non-conductive first parasitic gap disposed between the first parasitic element and the driven element, a non-conductive second parasitic gap disposed between the second parasitic element and the driven element, and a non-conductive third parasitic gap disposed between the second parasitic element and the third parasitic element.

[0010] On the other hand, the electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna device are circularly polarized.

[0011] In another aspect, the first parasitic element and the second parasitic element are positioned on either side of the driving element.

[0012] In another aspect, the first parasitic element and the second parasitic element are positioned parallel to the driving element.

[0013] In another aspect, the antenna device further includes a secondary band element, wherein the secondary band element is an elongated conductive member extending parallel to the first parasitic element.

[0014] In another aspect, the secondary band element is separated from the first parasitic element by a fifth parasitic gap.

[0015] In another aspect, the first parasitic element, the second parasitic element, the third parasitic element, and the fourth parasitic element each have a different length such that the antenna device has a multi-resonant response to an input current signal received at the feed point.

[0016] In another aspect, the antenna apparatus is configured to have a multi-resonant response from 450 MHz to 470 MHz.

[0017] According to one aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising an antenna assembly, a communication assembly and a pit cover. The communication assembly comprises a sensor transmission unit communicatively connected to an acoustic sensor and the antenna assembly. The antenna assembly is mechanically coupled to the pit cover and positioned between the pit cover and the pipe. The pit cover is configured to provide a seal at the top of a valve chamber within the pipe. The acoustic sensor is physically coupled to a valve stem within the valve chamber.

[0018] In another aspect, the communication assembly is configured to transmit data collected by the sensor to a remote data collection unit via the antenna assembly.

[0019] In another aspect, an antenna device includes a substrate, a ground plane, and a driven element adjacent to the substrate and electrically connected to the ground plane. The driven element includes a feed point for receiving an input current signal. The antenna device also includes a first parasitic element electrically connected to the driven element via a first shorting bar, and a second parasitic element longer than the first parasitic element and electrically connected to the driven element via a second shorting bar. The antenna device also includes a third parasitic element shorter than the second parasitic element and electrically connected to the second parasitic element via a third shorting bar, and a fourth parasitic element electrically separated from the first parasitic element, the second parasitic element, and the third parasitic element.

[0020] In another aspect, an antenna assembly includes a non-conductive first parasitic gap disposed between a first parasitic element and a driven element, and a non-conductive second parasitic gap disposed between a second parasitic element and the driven element. The antenna assembly also includes a non-conductive third parasitic gap disposed between the second parasitic element and a third parasitic element.

[0021] In another aspect, the conduit is in electrical communication with a ground plane of the antenna assembly and is configured to produce a low radiation angle from the antenna assembly.

[0022] On the other hand, the electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna device are circularly polarized.

[0023] In another aspect, the first parasitic element and the second parasitic element are positioned on either side of the driving element in a parallel orientation.

[0024] In one aspect, an antenna assembly is provided, comprising a ground plane, a substrate, and a driven element adjacent to the substrate and electrically connected to the ground plane. The driven element comprises a feed point for receiving an input current signal. The substrate has an antenna device arranged thereon, and comprises a first parasitic element electrically connected to the driven element via a first shorting bar. The antenna device also comprises a second parasitic element longer than the first parasitic element and electrically connected to the driven element via a second shorting bar. The antenna device also comprises a third parasitic element shorter than the second parasitic element and electrically connected to the second parasitic element via a third shorting bar, and a fourth parasitic element electrically separated from the first parasitic element, the second parasitic element, and the third parasitic element. The first parasitic element, the second parasitic element, the third parasitic element, and the fourth parasitic element each have a different length so that the antenna device has a multi-resonant response to the input current signal received at the feed point.

[0025] In one aspect, the antenna apparatus is configured to have a multi-resonant response from 450 MHz to 470 MHz.

[0026] In one aspect, the antenna device includes a non-conductive first parasitic gap disposed between a first parasitic element and a driven element, and a non-conductive second parasitic gap disposed between a second parasitic element and the driven element. The antenna device also includes a non-conductive third parasitic gap disposed between the second parasitic element and a third parasitic element.

[0027] In one aspect, the electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna arrangement are circularly polarized.

[0028] The antenna according to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments radiates at low horizontal angles in a valve manifold conduit made of metal or non-metallic materials. According to further embodiments, the antenna is multi-band and ultra-wideband, operating in the FCC licensed frequency range of 450 MHz to 470 MHz. According to these and other embodiments, the antenna operates with GPS signals to provide relevant time data and location data.

[0029] According to a further aspect, the exemplary antenna complies with IP67 (e.g., the antenna is protected from dust and is protected from immersion in water at a depth of between 15 cm and 1.0 meter for at least 30 minutes). In addition, the antenna according to the exemplary embodiment can operate in temperatures from -40°C to +80°C and can radiate at least 2 miles. According to another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, the antenna is approximately 5.75 inches in diameter and can be mounted below and attached to a valve block cover in a water distribution network.

[0030] Other objects and features are either explicitly disclosed or will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a system diagram showing components of an exemplary overall leak detection system deploying an antenna assembly according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating exemplary communication components according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pit cover in which an antenna apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is deployed;

[0034] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are top and bottom views of an antenna device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5 is a top view of an antenna pattern illustrating representative sizes for various antenna pattern elements according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0036] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 11 is a system diagram illustrating an exemplary environment in which antennas according to one or more embodiments may be deployed. As shown, system 100 includes a communication assembly 101 that includes a sensor transmission unit (STU) 105 communicatively connected to an acoustic sensor / recorder 110 and a pit lid / antenna 115. Pit lid / antenna 115 includes an antenna (not shown), which will be described in more detail below, and provides a seal at the top of a valve chamber 120. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, communication assembly 101 is deployed within valve chamber 120, which in turn is connected to water pipe 125. Acoustic sensor 110 is magnetically attached to valve stem 121 within valve chamber 120.

[0038] In one embodiment, the pit cover / antenna 115 is also configured to receive signals from one or more global positioning system satellites. The signals can be processed by the communication component 101 and can provide location, date and time information to the system.

[0039] The data collection unit (DCU) 130 (which is located one or more miles away from the valve chamber 120) initiates the data collection process by sending an RF signal to the STU 105 at a predetermined time. For example, the data collection program may be initiated in the early morning hours when the ambient noise in the area surrounding the valve chamber 120 and thus the pit cover / antenna 115 is minimal. Upon receiving the data collection request from the DCU 130, the STU 105 transmits the acoustic data collected by the acoustic sensor 110 to the DCU 130 via the RF signal from the antenna. The data from the STU 105 is then correlated with other such data from other STUs (e.g., in the water distribution network) and provided to the end user 140 via the network control computer (NCC) 145 for analysis and processing.

[0040] The STU 105 may format data, such as sensor data received from the acoustic sensor 110, into data packets. In addition to the sensor data, the data packets may also include time of day (TOD) data and location data, which may be provided by GPS satellites.

[0041] Figure 2 Yes Figure 11 is a detailed schematic diagram of a more detailed view of various exemplary components of the communication assembly 101. As shown, an acoustic sensor 110 is attached to the top of the valve stem 121 of the valve 122, which can also collect and record data at specific intervals for a predetermined length of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve 122 controls the flow of water through the water pipe 125. The data cable 140 is connected between the STU 105 and the acoustic sensor 110 and provides a communication path for data and instructions to flow between the two units. The antenna cable 150 is connected between the STU 105 and the antenna 160 located in the pit cover 115. The pit cover 115 is made of any suitable material, including non-metallic materials (such as plastic) and metallic materials (such as cast iron or steel).

[0042] Figure 3 310 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary pit cover or valve cover 300 according to at least one embodiment. As shown, the pipe 310 includes an upper portion having an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The pipe 310 is made of steel, cast iron, PVC, or other suitable material to prevent water or other foreign materials from entering the interior cavity 315. In addition, according to one embodiment, the pipe 310 encloses the valve chamber (e.g., Figure 1 The present invention provides a valve chamber 120 with a water valve (not shown) at one end of the pipe 310, and a pit cover 320 is arranged at the opposite end of the pipe 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the pit cover 320 is made of plastic or other material that does not reflect RF signals. The pit cover 320 provides a water tight seal for the chamber 315 so that the accumulated water on the top of the pit cover 320 does not penetrate the pit cover into the chamber 315.

[0043] Further references Figure 3 , the antenna device 330 is located directly below the pit cover 320. Therefore, the antenna device 330 is arranged at a certain distance below the top of the pipe 310, which is at least equal to the thickness of the pit cover 320, and the antenna device is protected from water and other contaminants present outside the chamber 315. The top surface of the antenna device 330 includes an antenna pattern 340, and the lower surface includes a ground plane, both of which will be described in more detail below. The antenna pattern 340 and the ground plane 350 are separated by a support 355. The antenna feed point 360 connects the antenna pattern layer 340 and the ground plane 350 to the top portion of the data connector 370. When the antenna device 330 is deployed in a water leak detection system (such as Figure 1 When the water leakage detection system shown in FIG. 1 is used, the bottom portion of the data connector 370 is communicatively connected to the antenna cable (eg, Figure 1 The antenna cable 150 in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The antenna assembly 330 can be configured to be resistant to water and / or other penetrations. For example, the antenna assembly 330 can be IP67 compliant (e.g., the antenna assembly 330 is protected from dust and is protected from immersion in water at a depth of between 15 cm and 10.0 meters for at least 30 minutes). In addition, the antenna assembly 330 can be configured to operate at temperatures from -40°C to +80°C and can radiate at least 2 miles. In one embodiment, the antenna assembly is approximately 5.75 inches in diameter and can be mounted below and attached to a valve group cover (such as the pit cover 115 described above) in a water distribution network.

[0045] Figure 4A 4 is an isometric view of the top side of an antenna device 400 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the antenna device 400 can be deployed as Figure 3 The antenna device 330 in FIG. Figure 4A As shown, the top side of the antenna device 400 includes an antenna pattern 410, which can be made of any suitable radiating material (such as copper, etc.) and can be printed, etched or formed by some other technique. As shown, the antenna pattern 410 includes a feed point 420 located near the center of the circular antenna pattern 410. The feed point 420 is electrically connected to the driving element 425 and is further electrically connected to a data source or signal source, such as Figure 3 The data connector 370 of FIG. 4 is provided on the antenna 410. The driven element 425 is an elongated rectangular conductive element positioned at the approximate center of the antenna pattern 410. The first conductive parasitic element 430 and the second conductive parasitic element 440 are located on opposite sides of the driven element 425 and extend parallel to the driven element 425, respectively.

[0046] The first parasitic gap 435 and the first parasitic slot 436 separate the majority of the driving element 425 from the first parasitic element 430, which extends parallel to the driving element 425 but is shorter than the driving element. Similarly, the second parasitic gap 445 and the second parasitic slot 446 separate the majority of the driving element 425 from the second parasitic element 440, which is also parallel to the driving element 425 and is shorter than the driving element. In fact, however, the entire length of the driving element 425 is separated from the first parasitic element 430 by a relatively thin conductive first shorting bar 437, which is electrically connected between the driving element 425 and the first parasitic element 430 and defines the first parasitic gap 435 adjacent to one side thereof and the first parasitic slot 436 on a second side thereof. Similarly, but with a relatively thin conductive second shorting bar 447 electrically connected between the driven element 425 and the second parasitic element 440 and defining a second parasitic gap 445 adjacent one side thereof and a second parasitic slot 446 on a second side thereof, the entire length of the driven element 425 is separated from the second parasitic element 440 .

[0047] The conductive third parasitic element 450 is located on the opposite side of the second parasitic element 440, i.e., on the side opposite to the driving element 425. The third parasitic element 450 extends parallel to the second parasitic element 440, but is shorter than the second parasitic element. The third shorting bar 457 electrically connects the second parasitic element 440 with the third parasitic element 450, and defines a non-conductive third parasitic gap 455 and a third parasitic slot 456 on both sides thereof.

[0048] The secondary band element 460 is an elongated conductive member extending parallel to the first parasitic element 430 and separated from the first parasitic element 430 by a fifth parasitic gap 465. The fourth shorting bar 467 provides a thin electrical connection between the first parasitic element 430 and the secondary band element 460. The fourth conductive parasitic element 470, which is electrically separated from the other conductive parasitic elements and the driving element 425, is positioned adjacent to the narrow side of the first parasitic element 430 and is separated from it by a fourth parasitic gap 475. All conductive elements of the antenna pattern 410 are formed on the top of the substrate 480 and can be formed by a process such as etching or printing with conductive ink. Copper strips attached to the substrate can also be used to form conductive parasitic elements and driving elements. The substrate 480 can be a dielectric substrate. The material of the substrate 480 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) made of glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin (FR4), bismaleimide-triazine (BT) resin, sheet molding compound (SMC) or any other non-conductive or insulating material. In one embodiment, substrate 480 is frequency stable within a desired output frequency range (eg, 450 MHz - 470 MHz).

[0049] according to Figure 4A In one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the parasitic elements each have a different length, which results in a multi-resonant response to the input current signal received at the feed point 420. For example, for Figure 5 The parasitic elements of different lengths shown present multiple resonances that allow for minimum return loss over the FCC licensed frequency range of 450 MHz to 470 MHz. However, in some embodiments, the multiple resonance frequency can be as low as 430 MHz. The multiple resonances are close in frequency, which results in a wide bandwidth aggregate response.

[0050] refer to Figure 4B As shown, a plurality of standoff elements 485 are attached to the underside of the substrate 480, which separate the antenna assembly 410 from the ground plane 490. The ground plane connector points 495 provide electrical connections between the antenna assembly 310 and the ground plane 490 at each base, respectively. The feed-through connector 482 is attached to the underside of the ground plane 490 and connects the feed point 420 on the antenna assembly 410 to the drive signal, such as Figure 2 A connection is provided between the antenna cables 150 in the.

[0051] Figure 5 is a plan view of an antenna device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, Figure 5 The above reference shows Figure 4A The dimensions of the antenna elements of the antenna device described. For example, as shown, the driven element 425 is centered on the circular substrate and has a length of approximately 1.9 inches relative to the drive member or feed point 420, and a width of approximately 0.5 inches, i.e., 0.25 inches on either side of the center. In addition, the width of each parasitic element, gap, and slot is approximately 0.50 inches and has a specific length, which is indicative of the radiation characteristics of the antenna (described further below). In addition, the center of each conductive parasitic element is 1.0 or 2.0 inches from the center of the driven element 425. For example, the second parasitic element and the third parasitic element are positioned at 1.0 and 2.0 inches, respectively, on one side of the driven element 425, and the first parasitic element and the secondary band element are positioned at 1.0 and 2.0 inches, respectively, on the opposite side of the driven element 425. Further dimensions and relative positions of each antenna element according to this embodiment of the present disclosure are as follows: Figure 5 This is evident in the review.

[0052] Figure 4A The shorting bars (e.g., 437, 447, 457, and 467) shown increase the overall bandwidth of the antenna device. The respective lengths of the conductive elements (e.g., 425, 430, 440, 450, and 460) help indicate overlapping resonances to achieve an overall desired wide bandwidth. According to the illustrated embodiment, the overall bandwidth is large enough to accommodate manufacturing variability and material instabilities of the antenna device.

[0053] According to one or more further exemplary embodiments, the connection between the conductive portion of the antenna pattern and the ground plane is centered between the first parasitic element (430) and the second parasitic element (440). The open parasitic slots (e.g., 436, 446, 456) affect the overall tuning and bandwidth. The fourth parasitic element (470) affects the radiation pattern, for example, providing circular polarization of the radiated signal, and also affects the overall tuning. In some embodiments, the polarization of the conductive elements (e.g., 425, 430, 440, 450, and 460) affects the radiation pattern to produce circular polarization of the radiated signal. For example, the conductive elements can be a combination of horizontal polarization and vertical polarization to produce circular polarization of the radiated signal. The combination of elements, including the ground plane and the conduit (e.g., Figure 3 310) in size, which helps the antenna emit a low radiation angle and pattern. For example, a pipe (such as Figure 3310 in) may affect the operation of the antenna, such as by providing a larger effective ground plane for the antenna. Size, material type, ground depth, etc. may affect the impact of the pipeline on the antenna. In one embodiment, the radiation pattern emitted from the antenna is an orthogonal polarization radiation pattern that provides strong above-ground radiation in all directions. Each of these parameters (e.g., the number, size, and position of elements) can also be adjusted for other frequencies. In some embodiments, the antenna can be configured to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals over relatively long distances (e.g., more than a mile).

[0054] Pit covers (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2 115) has a loading effect on the antenna. Therefore, in the configuration provided in the various exemplary embodiments disclosed, due to this loading effect, the antenna pattern is tuned to above or higher than the desired frequency range (450 MHz to 470 MHz). In addition, this design can be adjusted for multiple frequency bands and bandwidths.

[0055] The abstract and summary are provided to help the reader quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. They are submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. The summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description. The summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the claimed subject matter.

[0056] When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to indicate that there are one or more elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements besides the listed elements.

[0057] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of various aspects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0058] Not all depicted components shown or described are required. In addition, some embodiments and examples may include additional components. The arrangement and type of components may be varied without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims set forth herein. Additional, different or fewer components may be provided, and components may be combined. Alternatively or additionally, a component may be implemented by multiple components.

[0059] The above description illustrates various aspects of the present invention by way of example and not limitation. This description enables those skilled in the art to make and use aspects of the present invention, and describes several embodiments, modifications, variations, substitutions and uses of aspects of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the present invention are not limited to the arrangement of construction details and components set forth in the specification or shown in the accompanying drawings in their application. Various aspects of the present invention can have other embodiments and be practiced or executed in a variety of ways. In addition, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive.

Claims

1. A communication system, comprising: Antenna assembly; a communications assembly including a sensor transmission unit communicatively coupled to the acoustic sensor and antenna assembly; and a pit cover, wherein the antenna assembly is mechanically coupled to the pit cover and positioned between the pit cover and the conduit; wherein the pit cover is configured to provide a seal at a top of a valve chamber within the conduit, and Wherein, the acoustic sensor is physically coupled to a valve stem within the valve chamber.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The communication assembly is configured to transmit data collected by the sensor to a remote data collection unit via the antenna assembly.

3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The antenna device comprises: substrate; Ground plane; a driving element adjacent to the substrate and electrically connected to the ground plane, the driving element including a feed point for receiving an input current signal; a first parasitic element electrically connected to the driving element via a first shorting bar; a second parasitic element that is longer than the first parasitic element and is electrically connected to the driving element via a second shorting bar; a third parasitic element that is shorter than the second parasitic element and is electrically connected to the second parasitic element via a third shorting bar; and A fourth parasitic element is electrically separated from the first parasitic element, the second parasitic element and the third parasitic element.

4. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein: The antenna assembly further comprises: a non-conductive first parasitic gap disposed between the first parasitic element and the driven element; a non-conductive second parasitic gap disposed between the second parasitic element and the driven element; and A non-conductive third parasitic gap is disposed between the second parasitic element and the third parasitic element.

5. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein: The conduit is in electronic communication with a ground plane of the antenna assembly, and wherein the conduit and ground plane are configured to produce a low radiation angle from the antenna assembly.

6. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein: The electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna device are circularly polarized.

7. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein: The first parasitic element and the second parasitic element are positioned on either side of the driving element in a parallel orientation.

8. A communication system comprising: Antenna assembly; a communications assembly including a sensor transmission unit communicatively coupled to the acoustic sensor and antenna assembly; and a pit cover, wherein the antenna assembly is mechanically coupled to the pit cover and positioned between the pit cover and the conduit; wherein the pit cover is configured to provide a seal at a top of a valve chamber within the conduit, and Wherein, the acoustic sensor is physically coupled to a valve stem within the valve chamber.

9. The communication system according to claim 8, wherein: The communication assembly is configured to transmit data collected by the sensor to a remote data collection unit via the antenna assembly.

10. The communication system according to claim 8, wherein: The antenna device comprises: substrate; Ground plane; a driving element adjacent to the substrate and electrically connected to the ground plane, the driving element including a feed point for receiving an input current signal; a first parasitic element electrically connected to the driving element via a first shorting bar; a second parasitic element that is longer than the first parasitic element and is electrically connected to the driving element via a second shorting bar; a third parasitic element that is shorter than the second parasitic element and is electrically connected to the second parasitic element via a third shorting bar; and A fourth parasitic element is electrically separated from the first parasitic element, the second parasitic element and the third parasitic element.

11. The communication system according to claim 10, wherein: The antenna assembly further comprises: a non-conductive first parasitic gap disposed between the first parasitic element and the driven element; a non-conductive second parasitic gap disposed between the second parasitic element and the driven element; and A non-conductive third parasitic gap is disposed between the second parasitic element and the third parasitic element.

12. The communication system according to claim 10, wherein: The conduit is in electronic communication with a ground plane of the antenna assembly, and wherein the conduit and ground plane are configured to produce a low radiation angle from the antenna assembly.

13. The communication system according to claim 12, wherein: The electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna device are circularly polarized.

14. The communication system according to claim 10, wherein: The first parasitic element and the second parasitic element are positioned on either side of the driving element in a parallel orientation.

15. A communication system comprising: Antenna assembly; a communications assembly including a sensor transmission unit communicatively coupled to the acoustic sensor and antenna assembly; and a pit cover, wherein the antenna assembly is mechanically coupled to the pit cover and positioned between the pit cover and the conduit; wherein the pit cover is configured to provide a seal at a top of a valve chamber within the conduit, and Wherein, the acoustic sensor is magnetically coupled to a valve stem within the valve chamber.

16. The communication system according to claim 15, wherein: The communication assembly is configured to transmit data collected by the sensor to a remote data collection unit via the antenna assembly.

17. The communication system according to claim 15, wherein: The antenna device comprises: substrate; Ground plane; a driving element adjacent to the substrate and electrically connected to the ground plane, the driving element including a feed point for receiving an input current signal; a first parasitic element electrically connected to the driving element via a first shorting bar; a second parasitic element that is longer than the first parasitic element and is electrically connected to the driving element via a second shorting bar; a third parasitic element that is shorter than the second parasitic element and is electrically connected to the second parasitic element via a third shorting bar; and A fourth parasitic element is electrically separated from the first parasitic element, the second parasitic element and the third parasitic element.

18. The communication system according to claim 17, wherein: The antenna assembly further comprises: a non-conductive first parasitic gap disposed between the first parasitic element and the driven element; a non-conductive second parasitic gap disposed between the second parasitic element and the driven element; and A non-conductive third parasitic gap is disposed between the second parasitic element and the third parasitic element.

19. The communication system according to claim 18, wherein: The conduit is in electronic communication with a ground plane of the antenna assembly, and wherein the conduit and ground plane are configured to produce a low radiation angle from the antenna assembly.

20. The communication system according to claim 19, wherein: The electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna device are circularly polarized.

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