An antenna system and vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an antenna system (10). The antenna system (10) comprises an antenna transducer (12) for communicating with a wireless communications network (14). The antenna system (10) has an antenna feed (16) configured for communicating a communications network signal between the antenna transducer (12) and the network connectivity device (18). The antenna system (10) has a wireless local area network (WLAN) system (20) configured to wirelessly communicate information between the network connectivity device (18) and another device (22).

Description

[0001] AN ANTENNA SYSTEM AND VEHICLE

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The disclosure herein generally relates to antenna systems, and particularly but not exclusively to antenna systems for vehicles having wireless network connectivity.

[0004] Background

[0005] A vehicle may have communications hardware (a “connectivity device” or “network connectivity device”) for connecting to a wireless communications network, and provide other devices at the vehicle access to the wireless communications network. Connectivity devices may be found in for example cars, buses, recreational vehicles, machinery and trucks. In an example, a car may have a connectivity device for connecting to a cellular network - for example a LTE, 4G or 5G cellular networks. The car’s connectivity device may:

[0006] • provide internet access for passengers

[0007] • enable navigation services

[0008] • enable entertainment services

[0009] • enable remote and mobile business operations.

[0010] Example manufacturers of connectivity devices include Cradlepoint, Sierra Wireless Peplink, Ford Motor Company and John Deere.

[0011] The connectivity device may be located interior of the vehicle - for example under a seat of the vehicle, in the boot (“trunk”) of the vehicle, or in the glovebox of the vehicle - for protection or another reason.

[0012] The connectivity device may provide an IEEE 802.11 network (“Wi-Fi network”), which may include a Wi-Fi hotspot for internet connectivity for other devices. A Wi-Fi network that extends significantly beyond the vehicle’s exterior may be desired by outdoor workers, farmers, emergency services, and militaries for example. Vehicles, however, generally interfere with Wi-Fi signals that pass between their interior and exterior. Consequently, the coverage of the Wi-Fi network generated by the connectivity device may not extend significantly beyond the vehicle’s exterior.

[0013] To avoid Wi-Fi signal interference by the vehicle and so extend Wi-Fi network coverage, a Wi-Fi antenna may be mounted exterior of the vehicle. The Wi-Fi antenna is additional to a cellular network antenna, although it may be in the same enclosure of the cellular network antenna. An antenna feed in the form of a coaxial cable connects the exterior Wi-Fi antenna to the connectivity device interior of the vehicle. This approach may be problematic, however, because the antenna feed attenuates the Wi-Fi signal communicated between the connectivity device and the exterior Wi-Fi antenna. This reduces the Wi-Fi network’s coverage. For example, a 4 m length of RG174 coaxial cable attenuates a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal by around 8 dB, and a 5 GHz Wi-Fi signal by around 13 dB. It may be difficult to reduce cable loss because cables with less attenuation are generally thicker and stiffer, which may generally make them undesirable for use in vehicles.

[0014] Summary

[0015] Disclosed herein is an antenna system for a network connectivity device. The antenna system comprises an antenna transducer for communicating with a communications network. The antenna system comprisesan antenna feed configured for communicating a communications network signal between the antenna transducer and the network connectivity device. The antenna system comprises a wireless local area network (WLAN) system configured to communicate information between the network connectivity device and another device.

[0016] An embodiment is an outdoor antenna system.

[0017] In an embodiment, the WLAN system is configurable as a wireless local area network client.

[0018] In an embodiment, the WLAN system is configurable as a wireless local area network access point.

[0019] In an embodiment, the WLAN system is configurable as a wireless local area network repeater.

[0020] In an embodiment, the WLAN system comprises a WLAN transceiver.

[0021] In an embodiment, the WLAN system comprises a WLAN system on a chip.

[0022] In an embodiment, the WLAN system supports a IEEE 802.11 (“Wi-Fi”) standard.

[0023] An embodiment is configured to supply electrical power to the WLAN system.

[0024] An embodiment comprises a bias-tee power-injector for supplying electrical power to the WLAN system. The bias-tee power-injector may be in communication with the antenna feed.

[0025] An embodiment is configured for power over ethemet (PoE). An embodiment comprises a DC power connector.

[0026] An embodiment comprises an automotive DC protection circuit.

[0027] An embodiment comprises a low voltage power-save circuit.

[0028] An embodiment comprises a global positioning system (GPS) power saver circuit.

[0029] An embodiment comprises at least one enclosure. The at least one enclosure may comprise a radome. The antenna transducer and the WLAN system may be disposed within the at least one enclosure.

[0030] In an embodiment, the communications network comprises a broadband communications network. The communications network may comprise a cellular communications network. The communications network may comprise a non-terrestrial network.

[0031] An embodiment comprises a processor.

[0032] An embodiment comprises another communication system. The other communication system may be for at least one of Cat-Mi and 5G RedCap.

[0033] Disclosed herein is a vehicle comprising the antenna system in accordance with the above disclosure.

[0034] Any of the various features of each of the above disclosures, and of the various features of the embodiments described below, can be combined as suitable and desired.

[0035] Brief description of the figures

[0036] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0037] Figures 1 to 4 shows schematic diagrams of various embodiments of an antenna system for a network connectivity device.

[0038] Description of embodiments

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an antenna system for a network connectivity device, the antenna system being generally indicated by the numeral 10. The antenna system 10 comprises an antenna transducer 12 for communicating with a wireless communications network 14. The antenna system 10 has an antenna feed 16 configured for communicating a communications network signal between the antenna transducer 12 and the network connectivity device 18. The antenna system 10 has a wireless local area network (WLAN) system 20 configured to wirelessly communicate information between the network connectivity device 18 and another device 22.

[0040] The other device 22 may be, for example, a smart device in the form of a smart phone or a tablet computer, or generally any suitable and desired device. The other device 22 may be interior or exterior of the vehicle.

[0041] In use, the antenna system 10 is exterior of a vehicle in the form of a car, and the network connectivity device 18 is interior of the vehicle. The antenna system 10 is fixed to the vehicle, for example fixed on a bulbar, a mirror, a rack, a bonnet, a roof or generally any suitable part of the vehicle. The antenna system 10 is optionally configured to be fixed to the vehicle, for example it may comprise a mounting bracket or thread. When fixed to the vehicle and exterior of it, the antenna system 10 may be exposed to weather, dust and tampering. The antenna system 10 is generally suitable for outdoor use, and optionally has an ingress protection rating of at least IP65. The antenna system 10 comprises at least one enclosure 26 in the form of a radome. The antenna transducer 12 and the WLAN system 20 are disposed within the at least one enclosure 26, which in this embodiment is generally cylindrical such that the antenna system has whip antenna configuration.

[0042] The wireless communications network 14 is a broadband communications network in the form of a 4G or 5G cellular network. The WLAN system 20 supports the IEEE 802.11 (“Wi-Fi”) standard, and can be configured to allow the use of common network communication protocols including TCP / IP via common wireless protocols that are implemented by the WLAN system 20 such as 802.1 In, 8012.1 lax, and 802.11. ah.

[0043] The WLAN system 20 is in the form of WLAN system on a chip (for example, ESP8266EX), and comprises at least one WLAN transceiver 28 and processor 30. Another embodiment has two or more WLAN transceivers. The WLAN system 20 has at least one configuration:

[0044] • as a local area network client, which can connect to an existing wireless network, for example an existing Wi-Fi network

[0045] • as a local area network access point, that is create a wireless network enabling other devices to connect and communicate.

[0046] • as a local area network repeater, in which the range of an existing Wi-Fi network provided by the connectivity device 18 is extended by relaying Wi-Fi signals. Generally, the WLAN system configuration is fixed, however another embodiment can be selectively reconfigured between at least two of the listed configurations. The processor can optionally be used to change the configuration of the WLAN system 20.

[0047] The WLAN system 20 has a wireless connection 24 between it and the connectivity device 18, however in other embodiments it has a wired connection between it and the connectivity device 18.

[0048] The antenna system 10 is configured to supply electrical power to the WLAN system 20. For electrical power, the antenna system has at least one of

[0049] • a bias-tee DC power injector for receiving electrical power from the antenna feed 16 and supplying electrical power to the WLAN system 20, examples of which are available from ETL System, UK.

[0050] • a power over ethemet (PoE) capable ethernet port in power communication with the WLAN system 20

[0051] • a DC power connector

[0052] • a battery.

[0053] As part of the power supply architecture, the antenna system 10 can optionally comprise:

[0054] • an automotive DC protection circuit

[0055] • a low voltage power-save circuit

[0056] • a global positioning system (GPS) power saver circuit.

[0057] The antenna feed 16 generally comprises coaxial cable, for example RG174 coaxial cable.

[0058] The antenna system 10 can optionally comprise another communication system, for example at least one of Cat-Mi and 5G RedCap. The other communication systems can be used for out-of- band access via the WLAN system 20 to the network connectivity device 18 or another device.

[0059] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an antenna system 200 for a network connectivity device, where parts similar in form and / or function to those in figure 1 are similarly numbered. The antenna system 200 has a Power over Ethernet (“PoE”) receiver 32. The antenna system 200 may generally suit a new installation of a cellular network gateway in a vehicle, where there is a need to install an antenna feed 16 from the connectivity device 18. In addition to an antenna feed 16, another cable 25 - for example a twisted pair cable in the form of Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable - can extend between the PoE receiver 32 and the connectivity device 18 to communicate power and network data to the WLAN system 20. The cable 25 may be run next to the antenna feed. This may provide communication speed, reliability and extended Wi-Fi range.

[0060] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an antenna system 300 for a network connectivity device, where parts similar in form and / or function to those in figures 1 and 2 are similarly numbered. Antenna system 300 can replace an exterior wireless broadband network antenna connected to a connectivity device 18 already installed in a vehicle. The connectivity device 18 has a Wi-Fi antenna interior of the vehicle, while the antenna system 300 is exterior of the vehicle. Antenna system 300 provides additional functionality by wirelessly repeating Wi-Fi signals generated by the connectivity device 18. The WLAN system 20 of the antenna system 300 is configured as a wireless local area network repeater, in which the range of the existing Wi-Fi network provided by the connectivity device 18 is effectively extended. The antenna system 300 has a bias-tee power injector 34 connected to the antenna feed 16, which provides WLAN system 20 with DC power. The connectivity device 18 is shown to provide the DC power, however in another example the DC power is provided by a separate DC power supply and bias-tee power-injector.

[0061] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an antenna system 400 for a network connectivity device 18, where parts similar in form and / or function to those in figures 1 to 3 are similarly numbered. The antenna system 400 differs from antenna system 300, however, by a coaxial cable 402 that carries network data between the connectivity device 18 and the WLAN system 20.

[0062] Generally, any suitable and desired connectivity device 18 can be used, which may comprise a single unit or a plurality of units in power and / or signal communication. The connectivity device 18 can include at least one of:

[0063] • A Router / Modem: generally a cellular modem (LTE / 4G / 5G) that connects to mobile networks for data access. Some connectivity devices can also support Wi-Fi connectivity to leverage nearby Wi-Fi hotspots.

[0064] • Gateway: provides a gateway between the upstream network and users within the vehicle. It manages network traffic, ensuring that all devices connected via Wi-Fi can access the internet.

[0065] • Access Point: creates a local Wi-Fi network, allowing multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops to connect and share the network connection. • Switching: if the device has multiple Ethernet ports, it may include components that enable it to function as a switch, enabling wired devices to connect alongside wireless ones, often used for in-vehicle infotainment systems.

[0066] • Firewall: the device may include components that provide layer 3 or next generation firewall features.

[0067] Now that embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated that some embodiments may have some of the following advantages:

[0068] • The coverage and quality of the vehicle’s local area network may be improved.

[0069] • Installation may be relatively straightforward

[0070] • Performance of the antenna with respect to the broadband wireless communications network may be not be significantly reduced

[0071] • The use of a bias-tee power-injector may eliminate the need for separate antenna feed and power cables

[0072] • The Wi-Fi signal may not pass through the antenna feed or other cable.

[0073] Variations and / or modifications may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. For example:

[0074] • The vehicle can be any suitable and desired vehicle, examples of which include but are not limited to: o road vehicles, such as private and fleet vehicles, police cars, trucks, and buses o farm vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, and utility vehicles o off road vehicles, such as four-wheel drives (“4x4s”) and all-terrain vehicles (“ATVs”) o excavation vehicles, such as bulldozers and diggers o mining vehicles, such as haul trucks o railroad vehicles, such as locomotives, passenger cars and freight cars

[0075] • The connectivity device can generally be any suitable and desired connectivity device that, for example, leverages an external antenna and provides Wi-Fi, examples of which include but are not limited to: o a cellular network gateway, such as a 4G cellular network gateway and a 5G cellular network gateway o a non-terrestrial network (NTN) gateway. o a WiMAX gateway or modem o a Wi-Fi gateway or modem. • Generally, any suitable and desired wireless local area network type may be used, for example Wi-Fi, HiperLAN and HomeRF. Class 1 BlueTooth may also be used as a form of wireless local area network.

[0076] • Wireless local area network connectivity can be provided to generally any suitable and desired device, examples of which include but are not limited to: o smart devices such as smart phones, tablet computers o other vehicles.

[0077] • The antenna system may have a configuration other than a whip configuration, for example a fin configuration.

[0078] • The WLAN system can take any suitable and desired form, for example it may have an enclosure in which are disposed separate circuit boards for the WLAN processor and WLAN transceiver.

[0079] The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Reference to a feature disclosed herein does not mean that all embodiments must include the feature.

[0080] Prior art, if any, described herein is not to be taken as an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction.

[0081] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises" or “comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, that is to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

Claims1. An antenna system for a network connectivity device, the antenna system comprising: an antenna transducer for communicating with a communications network; an antenna feed configured for communicating a communications network signal between the antenna transducer and a network connectivity device; a wireless local area network (WLAN) system configured to communicate information between the network connectivity device and another device.

2. An antenna system defined by claim 1 that is an outdoor antenna system.

3. An antenna system defined by either one of claim 1 and claim 2 wherein the WLAN system is configurable as a wireless local area network client.

4. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the WLAN system is configurable as a wireless local area network access point.

5. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the WLAN system is configurable as a wireless local area network repeater.

6. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the WLAN system comprises a WLAN transceiver.

7. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the WLAN system comprises a WLAN system on a chip.

8. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the WLAN system supports an IEEE 802.11 (“Wi-Fi”) standard.

9. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims configured to supply electrical power to the WLAN system.

10. An antenna system defined by claim 9 comprising a bias-tee power-injector for supplying electrical power to the WLAN system.

11. An antenna system defined by claim 10 wherein the bias-tee power-injector is in communication with the antenna feed.

12. An antenna system defined by any one of the claims 9 to 11 configured for power over ethernet (PoE).

13. An antenna system defined by any one of the claims 9 to 12 comprising a DC power connector.

14. An antenna system defined by any one of the claims 9 to 13 comprising an automotive DC protection circuit.

15. An antenna system defined by any one of the claims 9 to 14 comprising a low voltage power-save circuit.

16. An antenna system defined by any one of the claims 9 to 15 comprising a global positioning system (GPS) power saver circuit.

17. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one enclosure.

18. An antenna system defined by claim 17 wherein the at least one enclosure comprises a radome.

19. An antenna system defined by either one of claim 17 and claim 18 where in the antenna transducer and the WLAN system are disposed within the at least one enclosure.

20. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the communications network comprises a broadband communications network.

21. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the communications network comprises a cellular communications network.

22. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the communications network comprises a non-terrestrial network.

23. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a processor.

24. An antenna system defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising another communication system.

25. An antenna system defined by claim 24 wherein the other communication system is for at least one of Cat-Mi and 5G RedCap.

26. A vehicle comprising the antenna system defined by any one of the claims 1 to 25 outside and the network connectivity device inside.

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