Structured slot antenna with isolation element

Abstract

The disclosed technology provides an antenna structure located in a metal housing of a computing device. A first open slot radiating structure radiates at a radiation wavelength and is located on a surface of the metal housing of the computing device. A second open slot radiating structure radiates at the radiation wavelength and is located on the surface of the metal housing of the computing device. At least one closed slot radiator element is located between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure on the surface of the metal housing of the computing device. The closed slot radiator element is approximately half the length of the radiation wavelength.

Description

[0001] background

[0002] As the size of displays on computing devices such as tablets and smartphones increases, the size of the bezels generally decreases. Therefore, antennas that are traditionally placed in the bezel may be moved to the edge of the computing device. When antennas are moved to the edge of the computing device, slot antennas may be used in place of other antenna structures. Traditional isolation elements may not provide adequate isolation for slot antennas.

[0003] Overview

[0004] In at least one implementation, the disclosed technology provides an antenna structure located on a metal housing of a computing device. A first open slot radiating structure radiates at a radiation wavelength and is located on a surface of the metal housing of the computing device. A second open slot radiating structure radiates at the radiation wavelength and is located on the surface of the metal housing of the computing device. At least one closed slot radiator element is located between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure on the surface of the metal housing of the computing device. The closed slot radiator element is approximately half the length of the radiation wavelength.

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] Other implementations are also described and illustrated herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 An example structured slot antenna located on an edge of a computing device is illustrated.

[0008] Figure 2 An example structured slot antenna located on a back surface of a computing device is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 3 An example structured slot antenna is illustrated in which each of the two open slot radiating structures is capacitively fed by a radiator.

[0010] Figure 4 An example structured slot antenna is illustrated where each of the two open slot radiating structures is directly fed by a coaxial cable.

[0011] Figure 5 Another example structured slot antenna is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 6Another example structured slot antenna is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 7 Example operations for isolating a first open-slot radiating structure from a second open-slot radiating structure are illustrated.

[0014] Figure 8 An example computing device supporting a structured slot antenna is illustrated.

[0015] Detailed Description

[0016] Figure 1 An example structured slot antenna located on an edge 116 of a computing device 102 is illustrated. The edge 116 of the computing device is a surface 118 of the computing device that has a smaller surface area than an orthogonal surface. The structured slot antenna includes a first open slot radiating structure 104 and a second open slot radiating structure 106. A closed slot radiator element 108 is located between the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106. For example, the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure are positioned along a long axis that is parallel to the edge of the computing device 102. The closed slot radiator element 108 is also located on the long axis between the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106.

[0017] The first open-slot radiating structure 104, the second open-slot radiating structure 106, and the closed-slot radiator element 108 are slots cut into a metal housing of the computing device 102. In some implementations, the first open-slot radiating structure 104, the second open-slot radiating structure 106, and the closed-slot radiator element 108 are filled with a dielectric such as plastic. In another implementation, the first open-slot radiating structure 104, the second open-slot radiating structure 106, and the closed-slot radiator element 108 are located behind a thin layer of plastic.

[0018] The metal housing of the computing device 102 acts as a ground plane, and therefore, slot antenna elements such as the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106 may be formed by removing a portion of the metal housing of the computing device 102. The first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106 are each an open slot in the metal housing of the computing device 102, which means that at least one edge of the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106 is open and not enclosed by the metal housing of the computing device 102. In contrast, the closed slot radiator element 108 is formed within the metal housing of the computing device 102 without an open edge.

[0019] The first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106 are each fed to resonate at a resonant frequency. In some implementations, the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106 are directly fed by a coaxial cable, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 In other implementations, the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106 are capacitively fed by a radiator, as described in reference Figure 3 When the first open slot radiation structure 104 and the second open slot radiation structure 106 are fed and radiated, surface currents are formed on the surface of the edge of the computing device 102. The radiation pattern 112 shows the approximate radiation field of the open slot radiation structure 104, and the radiation pattern 114 shows the approximate radiation field of the open slot radiation structure 106. The radiation patterns 112 and 114 and the resonant frequency of the first open slot radiation structure 104 and the second open slot radiation structure 106 can be changed by changing the size and shape of the first open slot radiation structure 104 and the second open slot radiation structure 106.

[0020] In one implementation, the closed slot radiator element 108 acts as a closed slot isolator. In the absence of at least one closed slot isolator, when the first open slot radiating structure 104 radiates, the first open slot radiating structure 104 may couple with the second open slot radiating structure 106. The coupling between the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106 occurs due to both the surface currents flowing between the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106 and the fields radiated by the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106. This coupling degrades the multiple input multiple output (MIMO) Rx diversity performance of the antenna structure and affects the efficiency of the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106. The closed slot radiator element 108, which acts as a closed slot isolator, resonates at the same frequency as the open slot radiating structure 104 or at a resonant frequency close to that of the open slot radiating structure 104. The closed slot radiator element 108 forms a current distribution opposite to that of the open slot radiating structure 104. This opposite current distribution cancels the field radiated by the open slot radiating structure 104 to the open slot radiating structure 106, and changes and lengthens the path of the surface currents formed near the first open slot radiating structure 104, so that when these surface currents reach the second open slot radiating structure 106, they are not as strong or less likely to couple. The closed slot radiator element 110 performs the same function for the second open slot radiating structure 106.

[0021] In order for the closed slot radiator elements 108 and 110 to function as isolation elements between the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106, the closed slot radiator element 108 is formed at a distance from the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the closed slot radiator element 110 is formed at a distance from the second open slot radiating structure 106. For example, if the closed slot radiator element 108 is too far from the first open slot radiating structure 104, it will not function as an isolator and coupling may still occur. In addition, when isolation is desired, the closed slot radiator elements 108 and 110 have a length based on the wavelength of the field radiated by the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106. Typically, the closed slot radiator element 108 is slightly shorter or longer than a multiple of half the wavelength of the field radiated by the first open slot radiating structure 104. Similarly, when isolation is desired, the closed-slot radiating element 110 is typically slightly shorter or longer than a multiple of half the wavelength of the field radiated by the second open-slot radiating structure 106. For example, in one implementation, the closed-slot radiating element 110 is approximately 0.5 times the wavelength of the field radiated by the second open-slot radiating structure 106. In another implementation, the closed-slot radiator element 110 is approximately 1.5 times the wavelength of the field radiated by the second open-slot radiating structure 106.

[0022] In some implementations, there is not enough distance between the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure 106 to accommodate a closed slot radiating element that is 0.5 times the wavelength of the field radiated by the first open slot radiating structure 104 and the second open slot radiating structure. A capacitor or shunt capacitor may be placed across the closed slot radiator element 108 or the closed slot radiator element 110 so that isolation still occurs.

[0023] In another implementation, the closed-slot radiator element 108 may be located sufficiently close to the first open-slot radiating structure 104 such that the closed-slot radiator element 108 and the first open-slot radiating structure 104 are electrically connected and the first open-slot radiating structure 104 drives the closed-slot radiator element 108. In this implementation, the closed-slot radiator element 108 radiates at approximately half the radiation frequency of the first open-slot radiating structure 104. For example, the first open-slot radiating structure 104 may resonate at 5 GHz while the closed-slot radiator element 108 radiates at 2.4 GHz.

[0024] In some implementations, there may be one closed-slot radiator element. In other implementations, a plurality of closed-slot radiator elements 108 may be stacked between the first open-slot radiating structure 104 and the second open-slot radiating structure 106. Adding a plurality of stacked closed-slot radiator elements improves the isolation between the first open-slot radiating structure 104 and the second open-slot radiating structure 106 by further changing and extending the path through which the surface current on the metal housing of the electronic device 102 passes, and by further canceling the field radiated from the first open-slot radiating structure 104 to the second open-slot radiating structure 106, as shown in reference Figure 5 Further discussed. In addition, in some implementations, there may be additional open slot radiating structures located on the metal housing of the electronic device 102.

[0025] Although the first open slot radiating structure 104, the second open slot radiating structure 106 and the closed slot radiator element 108 are Figure 1 102, but the first open-slot radiating structure 104, the second open-slot radiating structure 106, and the closed-slot radiator element 108 may be located on any surface of the metal housing of the computing device 102. For example, in one implementation, the first open-slot radiating structure 104, the second open-slot radiating structure 106, and the closed-slot radiator element 108 are located on a back surface of the metal housing of the computing device 102.

[0026] Figure 2 An example structured slot antenna located on a back surface 212 of a computing device 202 is illustrated. The structured antenna includes a first open slot radiating structure 204 and a second open slot radiating structure 206. A closed slot radiator element 208 acts as an isolator for the open slot radiating structure 204, and a closed slot radiator element 210 acts as an isolator for the open slot radiating structure 206. The first open slot radiating structure 204 and the second open slot radiating structure 206 are formed as open slots in the back surface 212 of a metal housing of the computing device 202. The closed slot radiator element 208 and the closed slot radiator element 210 are formed as closed slots in the back surface 212 of a metal housing of the computing device 202. In some implementations, the first open slot radiating structure 204, the second open slot radiating structure 206, the closed slot radiator element 208, and the closed slot radiator element 210 may be filled with a dielectric such as plastic. In another implementation, the first open slot radiating structure 204, the second open slot radiating structure 206, the closed slot radiator element 208, and the closed slot radiator element 210 are located behind a thin layer of plastic.

[0027] The first open slot radiating structure 204 and the second open slot radiating structure 206 are each fed to resonate at one or more resonant frequencies. In some implementations, the first open slot radiating structure 204 and the second open slot radiating structure 206 are directly fed by coaxial cables and may have aperture capacitors and inductors for multi-band operation, as described in reference to Figure 4 In other implementations, the first open slot radiating structure 204 and the second open slot radiating structure 206 are capacitively fed by a radiator, as described in reference Figure 3 When the first open slot radiation structure 204 and the second open slot radiation structure 206 are fed and radiated, a surface current is formed on the back surface of the computing device 202. The radiation pattern and the radiation frequency of the first open slot radiation structure 204 and the second open slot radiation structure 206 can be changed by changing the size and shape of the first open slot radiation structure 204 and the second open slot radiation structure 206. The radiation pattern and the radiation frequency of the first open slot radiation structure 204 and the second open slot radiation structure 206 can also be changed by changing the length and wiring of the capacitively coupled radiator, as shown in reference Figure 3 Described in more detail.

[0028] Figure 3 An example structured slot antenna is illustrated, wherein a first open slot radiating structure 304 and a second open slot radiating structure 306 are capacitively fed by radiators 316 and 320, respectively. The first open slot radiating structure 304, the second open slot radiating structure 306, the closed slot radiator element 308, and the closed slot radiator element 310 are formed on a surface of a metal housing of an electronic device. As shown, the first open slot radiating structure 304, the second open slot radiating structure 306, and the closed slot radiator elements 308 and 310 are formed on a surface 328 of an edge 326 of a metal housing of an electronic device. However, in other implementations, the surface 328 may be any surface of a metal housing of an electronic device, such as a back surface of a metal housing of an electronic device.

[0029] The first open slot radiating structure 304 and the second open slot radiating structure 306 are formed as open slots in a metal housing of an electronic device. The closed slot radiator elements 308 and 310 are formed as closed slots in a metal housing of an electronic device. In some implementations, the first open slot radiating structure 304, the second open slot radiating structure 306, and the closed slot radiator elements 308 and 310 may be filled with a dielectric such as plastic. In another implementation, the first open slot radiating structure 304, the second open slot radiating structure 306, the closed slot radiator element 308, and the closed slot radiator element 310 are located behind a thin layer of plastic.

[0030] When some form of excitation current is applied to the first open slot radiation structure 304 and the second open slot radiation structure 306, the first open slot radiation structure 304 and the second open slot radiation structure 306 radiate at one or more radiation frequencies. Figure 3 In the illustrated implementation, the first open slot radiating structure 304 and the second open slot radiating structure 306 are excited by currents caused by capacitive coupling with the radiator 316 and the radiator 320. The radiator 316 and the radiator 320 may be located at various positions relative to the first open slot radiating structure 304 and the second open slot radiating structure 306, as long as the first open slot radiating structure 304 is able to capacitively couple with the radiator 316 and the second open slot radiating structure 306 is able to capacitively couple with the radiator 320. Improved impedance matching over a wider bandwidth may be achieved by placing the feed end of the radiator 316 closer to the open side of the open slot radiating structure 304 and by placing the feed end of the radiator 320 closer to the open side of the open slot radiating structure 306.

[0031] Radiator 316 is fed by RF source 318, while radiator 320 is fed by RF source 322. Radiator 316 and radiator 320 are shown as being located on surface 324. Radiator 316 and radiator 320 may be planar or 3-dimensional radiating elements formed in whole or in part on surface 324. In one implementation, surface 324 is a plastic antenna carrier. RF source 318 and RF source 322 are located on a separate surface, which may be, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible circuit board. For example, in one implementation, when RF source 318 and RF source 322 are located on a PCB, radiator 316 and radiator 320 are printed, molded or adhered to a plastic antenna carrier. RF source 318 and RF source 322 may be connected to radiator 316 and radiator 320 by transmission traces and springs or solder connections. In some implementations, there may be a matching circuit between the spring or solder connection and the transmission trace for impedance matching.

[0032] The radiator 316 and the radiator 320 may radiate at a first frequency, while the first open slot radiating element 304 and the second open slot radiating element 306 may radiate at a second frequency when capacitively coupled to the radiator 316 and the radiator 320, respectively. For example, in one implementation, the radiator 316 radiates at a frequency of 5 GHz when fed by the RF source 318, thereby exciting the first open slot radiating structure 304 and causing it to radiate at a frequency of approximately 2.4 GHz. In this implementation, the structured slot antenna functions as a dual-band antenna.

[0033] When the first open slot radiating structure 304 and the second open slot radiating structure 306 are excited by the radiator 318 and the radiator 322, surface currents are formed on the surface of the metal housing of the electronic device. The closed slot radiator element 308, which acts as a closed slot isolator, resonates at the same frequency as the first open slot radiating structure 304 or at a resonant frequency close to the first open slot radiating structure 304. The closed slot radiator element 308 forms a current distribution opposite to the current distribution of the first open slot radiating structure 304. This opposite current distribution cancels the field radiated by the first open slot radiating structure 304 to the second open slot radiating structure 306, and changes and lengthens the path of the surface currents formed near the first open slot radiating structure 304, so that when these surface currents reach the second open slot radiating structure 306, they are not as strong or less likely to couple. The closed slot isolation element 310 performs the same function for the second open slot radiating structure 306.

[0034] Figure 4 An example structured slot antenna is illustrated in which each of the two open slot radiating structures is directly fed by a coaxial cable. A first open slot radiating structure 404, a second open slot radiating structure 406, a closed slot radiator element 408, and a closed slot radiator element 410 are formed on a surface of a metal housing of a computing device. The first open slot radiating structure 404 and the second open slot radiating structure 406 are formed on a surface 438 as open slots in a metal housing of an electronic device. The closed slot radiator element 408 and the closed slot radiator element 410 are formed on a surface 438 as closed slots in a metal housing of a computing device. In some implementations, the first open slot radiating structure 404, the second open slot radiating structure 406, the closed slot radiator element 408, and the closed slot radiator element 410 are filled with a dielectric such as plastic. In another implementation, the first open slot radiating structure 404, the second open slot radiating structure 406, the closed slot radiator element 408, and the closed slot radiator element 410 are located behind a thin layer of plastic.

[0035] The first open slot radiating structure 404 is fed by a first RF source 418 through a first coaxial cable 426. The first coaxial cable 426 is connected to the first open slot radiating structure 404 at a feed point 430 and a feed point 432. The second open slot radiating structure 406 is fed by a second RF source 422 through a second coaxial cable 428. The second coaxial cable 428 is connected to the second open slot radiating structure 406 at a feed point 434 and a feed point 436. In some implementations, an aperture capacitor may be placed across the first open slot radiating structure 404 and the second open slot radiating structure 406 so that the first open slot radiating structure 404 and the second open slot radiating structure 406 can resonate at multiple frequencies. When both the first open slot radiating structure 404 and the second open slot radiating structure 406 are radiating, the closed slot radiator element 408 isolates the first open slot radiating structure 404, while the closed slot radiator element 410 isolates the second open slot radiating structure 406.

[0036] Figure 5 Another example structured slot antenna is illustrated. A first open slot radiating element 504 and a second open slot radiating element 506 are located on a surface 542 of a metal housing of a computing device. Figure 5 As shown, a first open slot radiating element 504 and a second open slot radiating element 506 are formed on an edge surface of a metal housing of a computing device. The closed slot radiator element 508 and the closed slot radiator element 538 act as an isolator for the first open slot radiating element 504. The closed slot radiator element 510 and the closed slot radiator element 540 act as an isolator for the open slot radiating element 506. The closed slot radiator element 538 may be formed directly above the closed slot radiator element 508. In some implementations, the closed slot radiator element 538 is located directly below the closed slot radiator element 508. In another implementation, the closed slot radiator element 538 is located above or below the closed slot radiator element 508, offset from the closed slot radiator element 508. The closed slot radiator element 540 may be similarly positioned relative to the closed slot radiator element 510.

[0037] The closed slot radiator element 508 and the closed slot radiator element 538 acting as closed slot isolation elements resonate at the same frequency as the first open slot radiating structure 504 or at a resonant frequency close to the first open slot radiating structure 504. The closed slot radiator element 508 and the closed slot radiator element 538 form a current distribution opposite to the current distribution of the first open slot radiating structure 504. This opposite current distribution cancels the field radiated by the first open slot radiating structure 504 to the second open slot radiating structure 506, and changes and lengthens the path of the surface currents formed near the first open slot radiating structure 504, so that when these surface currents reach the second open slot radiating structure 506, they are not as strong or less likely to couple. The closed slot radiator element 510 and the closed slot radiator element 540 perform a similar isolation function for the second open slot radiating structure 506. The addition of the closed slot radiator element 538 and the closed slot radiator element 540 provides additional obstacles to the flow of surface current between the first open slot radiating structure 504 and the second open slot radiating structure 506. Therefore, the additional closed slot radiator elements can improve the isolation characteristics between the first open slot radiating structure 504 and the second open slot radiating structure 506.

[0038] The closed slot radiator element 508, the closed slot radiator element 538, the closed slot radiator element 510, and the closed slot radiator element 540 are placed between the first open slot radiating structure 504 and the second open slot radiating structure 506. The arrangement of the closed slot radiator element 508 and the closed slot radiator element 538 relative to the first open slot radiating structure 504 can be determined experimentally so that the closed slot radiator element 508 and the closed slot radiator element 538 provide sufficient isolation for the first open slot radiating structure 504. Similarly, the arrangement of the closed slot radiator element 510 and the closed slot radiator element 540 relative to the second open slot radiating structure 506 can be determined experimentally so that the closed slot radiator element 510 and the closed slot radiator element 540 provide sufficient isolation for the second open slot radiating structure 506.

[0039] Figure 6 Another example structured slot antenna is illustrated on a surface 610 of a metal housing of an electronic device. Figure 6The structured slot antenna of FIG. 60 includes only one open slot radiating structure 604 and a closed slot radiator element 608. The open slot radiating structure 604 and the closed slot radiator element 608 are electrically connected, and the open slot radiating structure 604 drives the closed slot radiator element 608. In this implementation, the closed slot radiator element 608 radiates at approximately half the radiation frequency of the open slot radiating structure 604. For example, the open slot radiating structure 604 may resonate at 5 GHz, while the closed slot radiator element 608 radiates at 2.4 GHz.

[0040] Figure 7 An example operation 700 for isolating a first open slot radiating structure from a second open slot radiating structure is illustrated. A providing operation 702 provides at least one closed slot radiator element located between a first open slot radiating structure and a second open slot radiating structure formed on a surface of a metal housing of a computing device. When both the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure radiate at a radiation frequency, the closed slot radiator element acts as an isolator and prevents the first open slot radiating structure from coupling with the second open slot radiating structure. The closed slot radiator element prevents the first open slot radiating structure from coupling with the second open slot resonant structure. When the first open slot radiating structure radiates at a resonant frequency, the closed slot radiator element forms a current distribution opposite to the current distribution of the first open slot radiating structure. This opposite current distribution cancels the field radiated by the first open slot radiating structure to the second open slot radiating structure, and changes and lengthens the path of surface currents formed near the first open slot radiating structure so that when these surface currents reach the second open slot radiating structure, they are less strong or less likely to couple. In some implementations, an additional closed-slot radiator element may perform a similar isolation function to the second open-slot radiating element.

[0041] The closed slot radiator element is placed between the first open slot radiating element and the second open slot radiating element. The exact position of the closed slot radiator element between the first open slot radiating element and the second open slot radiating element can be determined by experimentation or modeling. For example, if the closed slot radiator element is placed too far from the first open slot radiating element or the second open slot radiating element, the closed slot radiator element may not provide sufficient isolation between the first open slot radiating element and the second open slot radiating element. However, there is some spacing between the closed slot radiator element and the first open slot radiating element and the second open slot radiating element.

[0042] In some implementations, a first closed-slot radiator element provides isolation for a first open-slot radiating structure, and a second closed-slot radiator element provides isolation for a second open-slot radiating structure. Having a first closed-slot radiator element and a second closed-slot radiator element may be particularly useful when the first open-slot radiating structure and the second open-slot radiating structure are relatively far from each other, but still far enough away that surface currents can cause coupling between the first open-slot radiating structure and the second open-slot.

[0043] A first open slot radiating structure, a second open slot radiating structure, and at least one closed slot radiator element are formed on a surface of a metal housing of a computing device. The first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure are formed as open slots in the metal housing of the electronic device. At least one closed slot radiator element is formed as a closed slot in the metal housing of the electronic device and is located between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure. In some implementations, the first open slot radiating structure, the second open slot radiating structure, and the at least one closed slot radiator element are filled with a dielectric such as plastic.

[0044] The first excitation operation 704 excites the first open slot radiating structure so that the first open slot radiating structure radiates at a radiation wavelength. In one implementation, the first open slot radiating structure is excited by a coaxial cable connected to an RF source that directly feeds the first open slot radiating structure. The RF source provides a feed current to the first open slot radiating structure at a desired frequency. When the feed current is applied to the first open slot radiating structure, the first open slot radiating structure is excited and radiates because its impedance is matched relative to the source frequency.

[0045] In another implementation, the first open slot radiating structure is excited by capacitive coupling with a radiator, wherein the radiator is directly fed by an RF source. In some implementations, the radiator is a planar radiating element. The radiator may be formed on a surface within an electronic device. For example, in one implementation, the radiator is formed on a printed circuit board within an electronic device. The RF source may also be mounted on a printed circuit board within an electronic device. In another implementation, the radiator is formed on a plastic insert within an electronic device, and the RF source is mounted on a plastic insert within the electronic device. When current from the RF source is fed to the radiator, the radiator radiates and capacitively couples with the first open slot radiating structure, thereby exciting the first open slot radiating structure and radiating the entire structure. In some implementations, the first open slot radiating structure may resonate at a first frequency, and the radiator may resonate at a second frequency, thereby supporting dual-band operation.

[0046] When the first open slot radiating structure is excited, the first open slot radiating structure radiates at a radiation frequency. The radiation frequency of the first open slot radiating structure can be adjusted by adjusting the shape and size of the first open slot radiating structure. In some implementations, when the first open slot radiating structure is fed by capacitive coupling, its radiation frequency can be adjusted by adjusting the current fed to the radiator or by adjusting the radiation frequency of the radiator by adjusting the size or shape of the radiator. In other implementations, when the first open slot radiating structure is directly fed by the RF source, the radiation frequency of the first open slot radiating structure can be adjusted by adjusting the current fed to the first open slot radiating structure by the RF source.

[0047] The second excitation operation 706 excites the second open slot radiating structure so that the second open slot radiating structure radiates at the radiation wavelength. In one implementation, the second open slot radiating structure is excited by a coaxial cable connected to an RF source that directly feeds the second open slot radiating structure. The RF source provides a feed current to the second open slot radiating structure. When the feed current is applied to the second open slot radiating structure, the second open slot radiating structure is excited and radiates at a radiation frequency because its impedance is matched with respect to the source frequency.

[0048] In another implementation, the second open slot radiating structure is excited by capacitive coupling with a radiator, wherein the radiator is directly fed by an RF source. In some implementations, the radiator is a planar radiating element. The radiator may be formed on a surface within an electronic device. For example, in one implementation, the radiator is formed on a printed circuit board within the electronic device. The RF source may also be mounted on a printed circuit board within the electronic device. In another implementation, the radiator is formed on a plastic insert within the electronic device, and the RF source is mounted on a plastic insert within the electronic device. When current from the RF source is fed to the radiator, the radiator radiates and capacitively couples with the second open slot radiating structure, thereby exciting the second open slot radiating structure.

[0049] When the second open slot radiating structure is excited, the second open slot radiating structure radiates at a radiation frequency. The radiation frequency of the second open slot radiating structure can be adjusted by adjusting the shape and size of the second open slot radiating structure. In some implementations, when the second open slot radiating structure is fed by capacitive coupling, its radiation frequency can be adjusted by adjusting the current fed to the radiator or by adjusting the radiation frequency of the radiator by adjusting the size or shape of the radiator. In other implementations, when the second open slot radiating structure is directly fed by the RF source, the radiation frequency of the second open slot radiating structure can be adjusted by adjusting the current fed to the second open slot radiating structure by the RF source.

[0050] Figure 8An example computing device supporting a structured slot antenna is illustrated. The computing device 800 may be a client device such as a laptop, a mobile device, a desktop, a tablet, or a server / cloud device. The computing device 800 includes one or more processors 802 and a memory 804. The memory 804 generally includes both volatile memory (e.g., RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory). An operating system 810 resides in the memory 804 and is executed by the processor(s) 802.

[0051] One or more applications 840 are loaded into the operating system 810 on the memory 804 and / or storage 820 and executed by the processor(s) 802. The storage 820 may be local to the computing device 800, or may be remote to and communicatively connected to the computing device 800, and may include another server. The storage 820 may store resources that may be requested by a client device (not shown).

[0052] Computing device 800 includes a power supply 816 that is powered by one or more batteries or other power sources and provides power to other components of computing device 800. Power supply 816 may also be connected to an external power source that overrides or recharges the internal batteries or other power sources.

[0053] The computing device 800 may include one or more communication transceivers 830, which may be connected to one or more antennas 832 to provide network connectivity (e.g., mobile phone networks, ). The one or more antennas 832 may include structured slot antennas. The computing device 800 may further include a network adapter 836, which is a type of communication device. The computing device 800 may use the adapter and any other type of communication device to establish a connection on a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN). It should be understood that the network connections shown are exemplary and other communication devices and means for establishing a communication link between the computing device 800 and other devices may be used.

[0054] The computing device 800 may include one or more input devices 834 (e.g., a keyboard or mouse) so that a user can enter commands and information. These and other input devices may be coupled to a server via one or more interfaces 838 such as a serial port interface, a parallel port, a universal serial bus (USB), etc. The computing device 800 may further include a display 822, such as a touch screen display.

[0055] The computing device 800 may include a variety of tangible processor-readable storage media and intangible processor-readable communication signals. Tangible processor-readable storage may be embodied by any available medium that can be accessed by the computing device 800, and includes both volatile and non-volatile storage media, removable and non-removable storage media. Tangible processor-readable storage media do not include intangible communication signals, but rather include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable storage media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Tangible processor-readable media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible medium that can be used to store the desired information and can be accessed by the computing device 800. In contrast to tangible processor-readable storage media, intangible processor-readable communication signals may embody processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data using modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other signal transmission mechanisms. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, intangible communication signals include signals propagated through wired media (such as a wired network or direct-wired connection) and wireless media (such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media).

[0056] An example antenna structure located on a metal housing of a computing device is provided. The antenna structure includes: a first open slot radiating structure that radiates at a radiation wavelength and is located on a surface of the metal housing of the computing device; and a second open slot radiating structure that radiates at the radiation wavelength and is located on the surface of the metal housing of the computing device. The antenna structure also includes at least one closed slot radiator element located between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure. The closed slot radiator element is approximately half the length of the radiation wavelength and is positioned so that the closed slot radiator element radiates electrical surface currents flowing along the metal housing of the computing device.

[0057] An antenna structure of any previous antenna structure is provided, wherein the at least one closed slot radiator element acts as a closed slot isolator element, radiating surface current flowing between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure, and reducing coupling between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure.

[0058] An antenna structure of any previous antenna structure is provided, wherein the at least one closed slot radiator element acts as a second frequency band radiator element, the at least one closed slot radiator element is electrically connected to the first open slot radiating structure, and the at least one closed slot radiator element radiates at approximately half the radiation wavelength of the first open slot radiating structure.

[0059] An antenna structure of any of the previous antenna structures is provided, wherein the antenna structure forms a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna structure.

[0060] An antenna structure of any previous antenna structure is provided wherein the first open slot radiating structure is capacitively driven by a first radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure is capacitively driven by a second radiating structure.

[0061] An antenna structure of any previous antenna structure is provided, wherein the surface of the metal housing of the computing device is an edge surface of the metal housing of the computing device.

[0062] An antenna structure of any previous antenna structure is provided wherein the first open slot radiating structure is electrically driven by a first coaxial cable and the second open slot radiating structure is electrically driven by a second coaxial cable.

[0063] An antenna structure of any previous antenna structure is provided wherein the first open slot radiating structure, the second open slot radiating structure, and the at least one closed slot radiator are filled with a dielectric material.

[0064] An example electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a metal housing; a first open slot radiating structure that radiates at a radiation wavelength and is located on a surface of the metal housing of the electronic device; and a second open slot radiating structure that radiates at the radiation wavelength and is located on the surface of the metal housing of the computing device. The electronic device also includes: at least one closed slot radiator element, the at least one closed slot radiator element being located between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure on the surface of the metal housing of the computing device. The closed slot radiator element is approximately half the length of the radiation wavelength and is positioned so that the closed slot radiator element radiates electrical surface currents flowing along the metal housing of the electronic device.

[0065] An electronic device of any previous electronic device is provided, wherein the at least one closed slot radiator element acts as a closed slot isolator element, radiating surface current flowing between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure, and reducing coupling between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure.

[0066] An electronic device of any previous electronic device is provided, wherein the at least one closed slot radiator element acts as a second frequency band radiator element, the at least one closed slot radiator element is electrically connected to the first open slot radiating structure and the at least one closed slot radiator element radiates at approximately half the radiation wavelength of the first open slot radiating structure.

[0067] An electronic device of any previous electronic device is provided wherein the first open slot radiating structure is capacitively driven by a first radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure is capacitively driven by a second radiating structure.

[0068] An electronic device of any previous electronic device is provided, wherein the first open slot radiating structure, the second open slot radiating structure, and the closed slot radiator element are formed on an edge surface of a metal housing of the electronic device.

[0069] An electronic device is provided of any previous electronic device wherein the first open slot radiating structure is electrically driven by a first coaxial cable and the second open slot radiating structure is electrically driven by a second coaxial cable.

[0070] A method for isolating a first open slot radiating structure on a surface of a metal housing of an electronic device from a second open slot radiating structure on a surface of the metal housing of the electronic device is provided. The method includes: providing at least one closed slot radiator element, the at least one closed slot radiator element being located between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure on the surface of the metal housing of the electronic device. The at least one closed slot radiator element is approximately half the length of the radiation wavelength and is positioned so that the closed slot radiator element radiates electrical surface currents flowing along the metal housing of the computing device. The method also includes: exciting the first open slot radiating structure so that the first open slot radiating structure radiates at a radiation wavelength; and exciting the second open slot radiating structure so that the second open slot radiating structure radiates at the radiation wavelength.

[0071] A method of any of the previous methods is provided wherein the first open slot radiating structure is directly excited by a first coaxial cable connected to a first RF source and the second open slot radiating structure is directly excited by a second coaxial cable connected to a second RF source.

[0072] A method of any of the previous methods is provided, wherein the first open slot radiating structure is excited by capacitively coupling a first radiating structure to the first open slot radiating structure, the first radiating structure being fed by a first radio frequency source.

[0073] There is provided a method of any of the previous methods, wherein the second open slot radiating structure is excited by capacitively coupling a second radiating structure to the second open slot radiating structure, the second radiating structure being fed by a second radio frequency source.

[0074] A method of any of the previous methods is provided wherein the surface of the metal housing of the electronic device is an edge surface of the metal housing of the electronic device.

[0075] A method of any of the previous methods is provided, wherein providing at least one closed slot radiator element between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure located on the surface of the metal housing of the electronic device includes providing a first closed slot radiator element and a second closed slot radiator element.

[0076] An example system for isolating a first open slot radiating structure on a surface of a metal housing of an electronic device from a second open slot radiating structure on a surface of the metal housing of the electronic device includes: means for providing at least one closed slot radiator element, the at least one closed slot radiator element being located between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure on the surface of the metal housing of the electronic device. The at least one closed slot radiator element is approximately half the length of the radiation wavelength and is positioned such that the closed slot radiator element radiates electrical surface currents flowing along the metal housing of the computing device. The device also includes means for exciting the first open slot radiating structure so that the first open slot radiating structure radiates at a radiation wavelength; and means for exciting the second open slot radiating structure so that the second open slot radiating structure radiates at the radiation wavelength.

[0077] An example system of any of the previous systems is provided wherein the first open slot radiating structure is directly excited by a first coaxial cable connected to a first RF source and the second open slot radiating structure is directly excited by a second coaxial cable connected to a second RF source.

[0078] An example system of any of the previous systems is provided wherein the first open slot radiating structure is excited by capacitively coupling a first radiating structure to the first open slot radiating structure, the first radiating structure being fed by a first radio frequency source.

[0079] An example system of any of the previous systems is provided wherein the second open slot radiating structure is excited by capacitively coupling a second radiating structure to the second open slot radiating structure, the second radiating structure being fed by a second radio frequency source.

[0080] An example system of any of the previous systems is provided wherein the surface of the metal housing of the electronic device is an edge surface of the metal housing of the electronic device.

[0081] An example system of any of the previous systems is provided wherein providing at least one closed slot radiator element between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure on a surface of a metal housing of the electronic device includes providing a first closed slot radiator element and a second closed slot radiator element.

[0082] Some implementations may include articles of manufacture. Articles of manufacture may include tangible storage media storing logic. Examples of storage media may include one or more types of computer-readable storage media capable of storing electronic data, including volatile or non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writable or rewritable memory, etc. Examples of logic may include various software elements, such as software components, programs, applications, computer programs, applications, system programs, machine programs, operating system software, middleware, firmware, software modules, routines, subroutines, operation segments, methods, processes, software interfaces, application program interfaces (APIs), instruction sets, computing codes, computer codes, code segments, computer code segments, text, values, symbols, or any combination thereof. For example, in one implementation, articles of manufacture may store executable computer program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform methods and / or operations according to the various embodiments described. Executable computer program instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, etc. Executable computer program instructions can be implemented according to a predefined computer language, manner or syntax for instructing a computer to perform a specific operation segment. These instructions can be implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled, and / or interpreted programming language.

[0083] The implementations described herein may be implemented as logical steps in one or more computer systems. Logical operations may be implemented as: (1) a sequence of processor-implemented steps executed in one or more computer systems; and (2) interconnected machine or circuit modules within one or more computer systems. The implementation is a matter of choice depending on the performance requirements of the computer systems being utilized. Accordingly, the logical operations that make up the implementations described herein may also be referred to as operations, steps, objects, or modules. Furthermore, it should be understood that the logical operations may be performed in any order unless explicitly stated or the claim language inherently requires a particular order.

Claims

1. An antenna structure located on a metal housing of a computing device, the antenna structure comprising: a first open slot radiating structure, the first open slot radiating structure radiating at a radiation wavelength and located on a surface of the metal housing of the computing device; a second open slot radiating structure, the second open slot radiating structure radiating at the radiation wavelength and located on the surface of the metal housing of the computing device; as well as at least one closed-slot radiator element, the at least one closed-slot radiator element being located between the first open-slot radiating structure and the second open-slot radiating structure on the surface of the metal housing of the computing device, the closed-slot radiator element having a length based on the radiation wavelength and positioned such that the closed-slot radiator element alters and lengthens a path of an electrical surface current flowing along the metal housing of the computing device, wherein the closed-slot radiator element is slightly shorter or longer than a multiple of half the radiation wavelength, or the closed-slot radiator element is half the length of the radiation wavelength; wherein the surface of the metal housing of the computing device is an edge surface of the metal housing of the computing device; The first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure are positioned along a long axis parallel to an edge of the computing device, and the closed slot radiator element is located on the long axis between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure.

2. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one closed-slot radiator element acts as a closed-slot isolator element, changing and lengthening a path of a surface current flowing between the first open-slot radiating structure and the second open-slot radiating structure, and reducing coupling between the first open-slot radiating structure and the second open-slot radiating structure.

3. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one closed-slot radiator element acts as a second frequency band radiator element, wherein the at least one closed-slot radiator element is electrically connected to the first open-slot radiating structure and the at least one closed-slot radiator element radiates at approximately half the radiation wavelength of the first open-slot radiating structure.

4. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna structure forms a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna structure.

5. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first open slot radiating structure is capacitively driven by the first radiating structure, and the second open slot radiating structure is capacitively driven by the second radiating structure.

6. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first open slot radiating structure is electrically driven by a first coaxial cable, and the second open slot radiating structure is electrically driven by a second coaxial cable.

7. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first open-slot radiating structure, the second open-slot radiating structure, and the at least one closed-slot radiator are filled with a dielectric material.

8. An electronic device comprising: Metal housing; a first open slot radiation structure, the first open slot radiation structure radiates at a radiation wavelength and is located on a surface of the metal housing of the electronic device; a second open slot radiation structure, the second open slot radiation structure radiates at the radiation wavelength and is located on the surface of the metal housing of the electronic device; as well as at least one closed-slot radiator element, the at least one closed-slot radiator element being located between the first open-slot radiating structure and the second open-slot radiating structure on the surface of the metal housing of the electronic device, the closed-slot radiator element having a length based on the radiation wavelength and being positioned so that the closed-slot radiator element changes and lengthens a path of an electrical surface current flowing along the metal housing of the electronic device, wherein the closed-slot radiator element is slightly shorter or longer than a multiple of half the radiation wavelength, or the closed-slot radiator element is half the length of the radiation wavelength; wherein the first open slot radiating structure, the second open slot radiating structure, and the closed slot radiator element are formed on an edge surface of the metal housing of the electronic device; The first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure are positioned along a long axis parallel to an edge of the electronic device, and the closed slot radiator element is located on the long axis between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The at least one closed-slot radiator element acts as a closed-slot isolator element, changing and lengthening a path of a surface current flowing between the first open-slot radiating structure and the second open-slot radiating structure, and reducing coupling between the first open-slot radiating structure and the second open-slot radiating structure.

10. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The at least one closed-slot radiator element acts as a second frequency band radiator element, wherein the at least one closed-slot radiator element is electrically connected to the first open-slot radiating structure and the at least one closed-slot radiator element radiates at approximately half the radiation wavelength of the first open-slot radiating structure.

11. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first open slot radiating structure is capacitively driven by the first radiating structure, and the second open slot radiating structure is capacitively driven by the second radiating structure.

12. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first open slot radiating structure is electrically driven by a first coaxial cable, and the second open slot radiating structure is electrically driven by a second coaxial cable.

13. A method for isolating a first open slot radiation structure on a surface of a metal housing of an electronic device from a second open slot radiation structure on the surface of the metal housing of the electronic device, the method comprising: providing at least one closed slot radiator element located between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure on the surface of the metal housing of the electronic device; exciting the first open slot radiation structure so that the first open slot radiation structure radiates at a radiation wavelength; as well as exciting the second open slot radiation structure so that the second open slot radiation structure radiates at the radiation wavelength; wherein the closed-slot radiator element has a length based on the radiation wavelength and is positioned such that the closed-slot radiator element changes and lengthens the path of an electrical surface current flowing along the metal housing of the electronic device, wherein the closed-slot radiator element is slightly shorter or longer than a multiple of half the radiation wavelength, or the closed-slot radiator element is half the length of the radiation wavelength, The surface of the metal shell of the electronic device is the edge surface of the metal shell of the electronic device, the first open slot radiation structure and the second open slot radiation structure are positioned along a long axis parallel to the edge of the electronic device, and the closed slot radiator element is located on the long axis between the first open slot radiation structure and the second open slot radiation structure.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The first open slot radiating structure is directly excited by a first coaxial cable connected to a first radio frequency source, and the second open slot radiating structure is directly excited by a second coaxial cable connected to a second radio frequency source.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The first open slot radiating structure is excited by capacitively coupling a first radiating structure to the first open slot radiating structure, the first radiating structure being fed by a first radio frequency source.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The second open slot radiating structure is excited by capacitively coupling a second radiating structure to the second open slot radiating structure, the second radiating structure being fed by a second radio frequency source.

17. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that Providing at least one closed-slot radiator element between the first open-slot radiating structure and the second open-slot radiating structure on the surface of the metal housing of the electronic device includes providing a first closed-slot radiator element and a second closed-slot radiator element.

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