Multi-polarization antenna array

Abstract

Disclosed are an apparatus and method for determining location information using a multi-polarized antenna array. The multi-polarized antenna array includes a plurality of metal patches and a multiplexer. Each metal patch has at least two feed points. The multiplexer is coupled to an RF terminal and to each of the at least two feed points of each of the plurality of metal patches. The antenna array can be configured to couple each feed point to the RF terminal one at a time. Location information can be determined by a controller coupled to the RF terminal based on RF signals received via each feed point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multi-polarization antenna array for positioning and a method for positioning using the multi-polarization antenna array. Background Art

[0002] Radio frequency (RF) transceivers, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, or other transceivers, can use positioning techniques, such as angle of arrival, to estimate the relative position of an RF transmitter or transmitter based on received signals. This positioning information can be used to support location-based services, such as finding items or locating points of interest in indoor positioning systems. RF transceivers can use an antenna array with predetermined phase differences between antennas to receive multiple instances of a transmitted signal. These multiple received signals can then be used to determine the angle of arrival. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Various aspects of the disclosure are defined in the following claims.

[0004] In a first aspect, a multi-polarized antenna array for positioning is provided, comprising: a plurality of metal patches, each metal patch having at least two feed points; a multiplexer coupled to each of the at least two feed points of each of the plurality of metal patches and having a signal terminal and a control terminal; wherein the antenna array is configured to switchably couple each feed point to the signal terminal one at a time and provide an RF signal received via each feed point to a controller configured to determine position information. In one or more embodiments, each metal patch can be symmetrical in shape.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, each metal patch may be substantially circular.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, each metal patch may include four feed points.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, for each metal patch: when the first feeding point of each metal patch is selected, the antenna array is configured to preferentially detect signals with a first polarization; when the second feeding point is selected, the antenna array is configured to preferentially detect signals with a second polarization; when the third feeding point is selected, the antenna array is configured to preferentially detect signals with a third polarization; when the fourth feeding point is selected, the antenna array is configured to preferentially detect signals with a fourth polarization.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the difference between the second polarization and the first polarization may be approximately 45 degrees, the difference between the third polarization and the second polarization may be approximately 45 degrees, and the difference between the fourth polarization and the third polarization may be approximately 45 degrees.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the antenna array may include multiple metal layers separated by dielectric layers, and wherein the first metal layer includes a metal patch; the second metal layer includes a ground plane; the third metal layer includes a plurality of waveguides; and wherein each feed point of each metal patch is configured as a coaxial feed point, the coaxial feed point including a metal via between the first metal layer and the third metal layer, and wherein each coaxial feed point is coupled to a corresponding waveguide and each waveguide is coupled to an RF multiplexer.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, each of the at least two feed points of each of the plurality of metal patches may include a branch extending from the corresponding metal patch.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the antenna array may be configured as one of a linear antenna array, a circular antenna array, and a rectangular antenna array.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of metal patches may be identical and evenly spaced.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the multi-polarized antenna array may be included in an RF receiver, which further includes a controller coupled to a control input and a signal terminal of a multiplexer and may be configured to control the multiplexer to switchably couple each feed point to the signal terminal one at a time and determine position information based on the RF signal received via each feed point.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the controller may be further configured to determine the position information by determining an angle of arrival of the RF signal from the RF signal received at each feed point.

[0015] In a second aspect, a method for positioning using a multi-polarized antenna array comprising a plurality of metal patches, each metal patch having at least two feed points, is provided, the method comprising switchably selecting each feed point one at a time and determining position information based on an RF signal detected via each feed point.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include processing the RF signal received from each feed point and determining an angle of arrival based on the received RF signal.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include processing the RF signal received from each feed point and determining a received signal strength indication based on the received RF signal.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include detecting a first signal having a first polarization from one of the at least two feed points, and detecting a second signal having a second polarization from a second feed point of the at least two feed points.

[0019] In a third aspect, a device for determining position information is provided, the device comprising: an antenna array comprising a plurality of metal patches, each metal patch having at least two feed points; a multiplexer comprising a plurality of switches, each switch coupled to a corresponding feed point; an RF terminal coupled to the plurality of switches; a controller coupled to a control input of the multiplexer and the RF terminal and configured to switchably couple each feed point to the RF terminal one at a time and determine position information based on an RF signal received via each feed point.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the controller is configured to switchably couple each feed point to the RF terminal one at a time during a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may include a positioning time period.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, each of the at least two feed points of each of the plurality of metal patches may include a branch extending from the corresponding metal patch.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, each of the at least two feed points of each of the plurality of metal patches may include a coaxial feed point.

[0023] In a fourth aspect, a computer program product is described, comprising instructions that, when executed by a processing unit included in an RF receiver, cause the processing unit to perform the steps of switchably selecting each feed point one at a time and determining position information based on RF signals detected via each feed point, the RF receiver comprising an antenna array, the antenna array comprising a plurality of metal patches, each metal patch having at least two feed points. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In the drawings and description, like reference numerals refer to like features. Embodiments will now be described in detail, merely by way of example as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A multi-polarized antenna array for determining position information is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 Shown according to example embodiments include Figure 1 RF receiver with a multi-polarized antenna array.

[0027] Figure 3A 、3B 3C, 3D, and 3E illustrate different implementation layers of a linear antenna array according to one or more embodiments.

[0028] Figure 3A A plan view of the first metal layer of an example embodiment of a linear antenna array including four antenna patches is shown.

[0029] Figure 3B A plan view of the second metal layer of an example embodiment of a linear antenna array including a ground plane is shown.

[0030] Figure 3C A plan view of the third metal layer of an example embodiment of a linear antenna array including coplanar waveguides is shown.

[0031] Figure 3D Show Figure 3A 、 3B , a cross-section of a portion of an example embodiment of a linear antenna array shown in 3C.

[0032] Figure 3E Show Figure 3A 、 3B , 3C, and 3D are three-dimensional cross-sections of portions of example embodiments of linear antenna arrays shown.

[0033] Figure 4 A plan view of an antenna array including antenna patches according to an embodiment is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 Show Figure 3A 、 3B , 3C, 3D and 3E for an example antenna array of 16 antennas of a linear antenna array.

[0035] Figure 6 Show Figure 3A 、 3B Total gain curves of the linear antenna arrays 3C, 3D, and 3E.

[0036] Figure 7 Show Figure 3A 、 3B Polar coordinate plots of the E-plane and H-plane of one antenna of the linear antenna arrays of 3C, 3D, and 3E.

[0037] Figure 8 A method of determining location information using a multi-polarized antenna array according to an example embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1An antenna array 100 for determining position information for RF positioning or direction finding according to an embodiment is shown. Antenna array 100 may include a plurality of antenna patches 110, for example, four antenna patches 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d as shown. In other examples, there may be fewer or more than four patches. If more than four patches are used, eliminating reflected signals may be easier for the positioning or direction finding process. This is because angle-of-arrival calculation methods may be sensitive to the number of received reflections. More antennas with a specific spacing (given by the received wavelength) can help eliminate unwanted reflections. A single line-of-sight (direct free-space path) signal is ideal for positioning. If two or three patches are used, reflected signals may not be accounted for in positioning. Each of the four patches 110a-d includes four feed points 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, and 122a-d.

[0039] In the present disclosure, a feed point may be considered to include the location of a patch at which a connection is made to an antenna patch to feed RF signals from other circuitry when the antenna is used for transmission, or to tap received RF signals that are subsequently supplied to further circuitry when the antenna is used for reception. In some examples, the feed point may be a coaxial feed point having a signal path at least partially shielded by ground.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, four feed points 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, and 122a-d are shown for each of the antenna patches 110a-d, but in other examples, two or more feed points may be present. Increasing the number of feed points may reduce the gain of each antenna patch compared to a patch having a single feed point. Feed points 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, and 122a-d may be connected to an RF multiplexer 102. RF multiplexer 102 may include a plurality of switches, typically implemented using MOSFETs or other transistors. RF multiplexer 102 may have a control input connected to control input 106. RF multiplexer 102 may have an RF signal terminal connected to RF terminal 104. The control input may determine which feed points 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, and 122a-d are connected to RF terminal 104 via the multiplexer signal terminal. In operation, the RF multiplexer 102 may be controlled via the control input 106 to selectively couple the feed points 114 a - d , 116 a - d , 118 a - d , and 122 a - d to the RF terminal 104 one at a time.

[0041] When each of the different feed points 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, and 122a-d is selected, the sensitivity of the patches 110a-d to a particular polarization plane of the received RF signal may be affected. Therefore, the antenna array 100 can be considered a multi-polarization antenna array. As shown, the antenna array 100 implements a multi-polarization antenna array consisting of 16 antennas. The RF signals received by each of the antennas can be routed to a processor or controller (not shown) via an RF multiplexer 102, which can then determine position information such as angle of arrival based on the received RF signals.

[0042] The inventors of the present disclosure have realized that, since each antenna patch implements multiple antennas, adding multiple feed points for each antenna patch that is subsequently individually selected can allow for a more compact antenna array. Circular patches can allow for symmetrical responses in all directions, independent of the probe angular position of the patch. However, other symmetrical shapes can be used, such as square, rectangular, star, or elliptical. Some of these shapes can produce different frequency responses depending on the location of the probe feed point. Angular shapes can be deformed, and therefore, in some examples, shapes with rounded edges can be used.

[0043] Antenna array 100 is a uniform linear antenna array that can allow the angle of arrival of detected RF signals to be determined with minimal computational overhead. However, other examples may use different arrangements of antenna patches, such as a matrix or nonlinear arrangement of antenna patches. Some examples may use a uniform circular array or a uniform matrix array. The arrangement of the antenna patches may determine which positioning algorithm is used.

[0044] Figure 2 An RF receiver is shown that includes an antenna array 100 and a controller 112. The antenna patch 110 can be implemented on a substrate such as a multilayer printed circuit board. The RF multiplexer 102 (not shown) can also be implemented using one or more RF switches. The controller 112 can have an RF input connected to the RF terminal 104 using a connector such as a sub-miniature version A (SMA) RF connector. The controller 112, as shown, can be included on the same substrate as the antenna array 100 or on a different printed circuit board. The controller 112 can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software, the software being software executed on a microprocessor, microcontroller, or digital signal processor. The controller 112 can be implemented as a single device or multiple devices. The controller can have a control output connected to the control input 106.

[0045] In operation, controller 112 can perform a positioning process to determine the approximate relative position of RF transmitter 160 based on the number of RF signals received from the transmitter. This positioning process can occur during a predetermined time period or positioning period. For example, some applications using wireless standards such as Bluetooth can initiate a positioning process during a startup or initialization phase. Controller 112 can control RF multiplexer 102 via control input 106 to select feed points 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, and 122a-d one at a time. For example, controller 112 may sequentially select each of the four feed points 114a, 116a, 118a, and 122a of patch 110a, then select each of the four feed points 114b, 116b, 118b, and 122b of patch 110b, then select each of the feed points 114c, 116c, 118c, and 122c of patch 110c, and finally select each of the feed points 114d, 116d, 118d, and 122d of patch 110d. In other examples, a different selection sequence may be used. In some examples, an RF receiver may be combined with an RF transmitter circuit, and antenna array 100 may be used to receive and transmit RF signals.

[0046] MOS transistor switches or other transistor switches may be used to implement the RF multiplexer 102. The RF multiplexer 102 may be a single device or a plurality of devices.

[0047] RF transmitter 160 can transmit an RF signal with an arrival angle 108 that can vary between -90 degrees and +90 degrees. This RF signal can be detected by the actively selected antenna corresponding to the selected patch, that is, by one of the selected patches 110a-d and the selected feed point. By cycling through all the feed points, the RF signal transmitted by the transmitter is detected by the equivalent of 16 separate antennas. Each of the different feed points corresponds to an antenna sensitive to a specific polarization plane, although adding multiple feed points may reduce the effective antenna gain.

[0048] The RF signals detected by each of the different antennas can then be used by the controller 112 to determine position information such as angle of arrival and / or RSSI using known methods, and thus determine a measurement of the relative position of the RF receiver 100 to the RF transmitter 160. The antenna patches 110a-d can be evenly distributed and spaced apart at a center-to-center distance equal to a fraction of the wavelength (λ) of the target RF signal. For example, the spacing can be λ / 2, λ / 4, or λ / 8. The actual distance will depend on the geometry and relative dielectric constant of the material used to manufacture the substrate.

[0049] Having spacing between antenna patches that corresponds to a fraction of a wavelength can simplify some positioning processes, such as determining the angle of arrival. In some examples, RF transmitter 160 can be included in an RF transceiver in a mobile device, and the RF receiver including antenna array 100 can be included in an RF transceiver in a wireless router. In this example, once the RF receiver has determined the location information, this location information can be transmitted to the mobile device for use in various applications.

[0050] Figure 3A 、 3B 3C, 3D, and 3E illustrate layers of the linear antenna array 100 according to one or more embodiments implemented on a multi-layer printed circuit board 120 .

[0051] Figure 3A A plan view of printed circuit board 120 is shown, illustrating metal layer 120' used to form antenna patches 110a-d. The metal has been removed from dielectric region 146. Antenna patch 110a has four corresponding coaxial feed points 124a, 126a, 128a, and 130a. Similarly, antenna patches 110b-d have four corresponding coaxial feed points 124b-d, 126b-d, 128b-d, and 130b-d. These coaxial feed points correspond to the locations where each of antenna patches 110a-d makes a through-hole contact.

[0052] Figure 3B A plan view of the printed circuit board 120 is shown showing a second metal layer 120″ used to form a ground plane. Four coaxial feed points 124a, 126a, 128a and 130a include metal vias passing through the metal layer 120″. Each metal via is separated by a dielectric region 144 from a metal region 148, which is typically grounded. Therefore, each via is shielded by a ground region similar to a coaxial cable, which can reduce signal interference. Similarly, the antenna patches 110b-d have corresponding four coaxial feed points 124b-d, 126b-d, 128b-d and 130b-d. These coaxial feed points correspond to the locations where each of the antenna patches 110a-d makes through-hole contact. The dashed lines 110a'-d' show the locations of the corresponding antenna patches 110a-d in the second metal layer 120″.

[0053] Figure 3CA plan view of a third metal layer 120'' is shown for forming coplanar waveguides 132a-d, 134a-d, 136a-d and 138a-d. Each of the antenna patches 110a-d has four corresponding waveguides. The coplanar waveguides 132a-d, 134a-d, 136a-d and 138a-d can be formed as metal lines for signals, with two parallel metal lines on either side thereof being ground lines. The signal and ground lines can be separated by a cavity in the layer 120''. As shown, the coplanar waveguides 132a-d are routed in parallel. In other examples, the waveguides 132a-d can diverge in direction because the orientation of the waveguides does not affect the antenna's sensitivity to the polarization angle of the RF signal. The antenna's sensitivity to the polarization angle is determined by the contact point of the feed point with the antenna patches 110a-d. In some examples, the routing between waveguides 132a-d and the multiplexers can be selected so that the overall path from the antenna patch to each multiplexer input is the same. This can equalize signal delays regardless of which antenna feed point is selected, thereby simplifying subsequent processing of the RF signal.

[0054] For example, antenna patch 110a can have a first coplanar waveguide 132a connected to a first coaxial feed point 124a via a via (not shown), a second coplanar waveguide 134a coupled to a second coaxial feed point 126a via a via (not shown), a third coplanar waveguide 136a coupled to a third coaxial feed point 128a via a via (not shown), and a fourth coplanar waveguide 138a coupled to a fourth coaxial feed point 130a via a via (not shown). Other coplanar waveguides 132b-d, 134b-d, 136b-d, and 138b-d are similarly coupled to corresponding coaxial feed points 124b-d, 126b-d, and 128b-d. Each of the coplanar waveguides can be coupled to a respective end of an RF multiplexer (not shown).

[0055] Dashed lines 110a'-d' illustrate the positioning of corresponding antenna patches 110a-d in the metal layer 120' relative to the corresponding waveguide. Dashed line A corresponds to horizontal, or 0-degree, polarization. Referring to antenna patch 110a, when the fourth coaxial feed point 130a is selected, the antenna is more sensitive to horizontally polarized signals; when the third coaxial feed point 128a is selected, the antenna is more sensitive to 45-degree polarized signals; when the second coaxial feed point 126a is selected, the antenna is more sensitive to 90-degree, or vertically polarized signals; and when the first coaxial feed point 124a is selected, the antenna is more sensitive to 135-degree polarized signals. It should be understood that the polarization angles are relative to each other.

[0056] Figure 3D Shown as Figure 3A 、 3BA horizontal cross-section of printed circuit board 120, indicated by dashed line A in FIG3C , illustrates one of antenna patches 110a. The cross-section shows metal layers 120′, 120″, 120′″ alternating with dielectric layers 150, 152, 154. First metal layer 120′ is used to implement antenna patch 110a. Second metal layer 120″ implements ground plane 140. Coplanar waveguide 138a is formed in third metal layer 120′″ and is separated by second metal layer 120″, which also forms ground plane 140. Metal vias 142 form coaxial feed points 130a to waveguide 138a.

[0057] As an example, the thickness of first metal layer 120' may be 0.017 mm, the thickness of first dielectric layer 150 may be 1.5 mm, the thickness of second metal layer 120" may be 0.035 mm, the thickness of second dielectric layer 152 may be 0.3 mm, and the thickness of third metal layer 120'" may be the thickness of the coplanar waveguide, 0.017 mm. The dimensions of the layers may vary depending on the material properties of the substrate used to implement the antenna array.

[0058] Figure 3E Shown as Figure 3A 、 3B 3C and a three-dimensional cross-section of the printed circuit board 120 indicated by dashed line A, which shows one of the antenna patches 110a with the dielectric layer 154 omitted. Figure 3E One of the coplanar waveguides 138a is shown in more detail, comprising a signal line 138a_1 , two ground lines 138a_2 on either side of the signal line, and two cavities 138a_3 between the signal line 138a_1 and the ground line 138a_2 .

[0059] Figure 4 An alternative embodiment of an antenna array on a substrate 200 according to an embodiment is shown. Four substantially circular metal antenna patches 210a-d can be equally spaced apart by a dielectric region 222. In this example, feed points 202a-d, 204a-d, 206a-d, 208a-d are formed by metal branches 212 extending from the circular patches 210a-d. In some examples, the respective inputs of an RF multiplexer (not shown) can be directly connected to the ends of each of the feed points 202a-d, 204a-d, 206a-d, 208a-d on the same layer of the printed circuit board. In other examples, the feed points 202a-d, 204a-d, 206a-d, 208a-d can additionally include vias (not shown) that connect the feed points to a coplanar waveguide or other waveguide.

[0060] Figure 5 、 6 and 7 show that Figures 3A to 3EMeasured parameters of an example antenna implemented as shown in . This antenna can receive signals with a frequency of approximately 2.4 GHz. Other example antennas can be tuned to different frequencies. Figure 5 Graph 250 shows reflection coefficient in dB on the y-axis varying between -50 and 0 versus frequency on the x-axis varying between 2 GHz and 2.8 GHz. As shown by line 252, the response of the 16 different antennas corresponding to 4 feed points by 4 antenna patches is fairly uniform.

[0061] Figure 6 The antenna gain in dBi is shown in a three-dimensional space 260. The three-dimensional graph 262 corresponds to gains between -5 and -35 dB as indicated by the grayscale 264. Figure 7 A polar symbol 270 is shown showing the gain of one antenna in the E-plane 272 and the H-plane 274. Table 1 below shows the corresponding values ​​and frequency bandwidths.

[0062] Table 1

[0063] Antenna / feed point Phi[°] Maximum gain [dBi] θ(Theta) radiation width [°] Frequency bandwidth [MHz] Ant_01 / 124a 135 -5.67992 87 354.5 Ant_02 / 126a 90 -6.70911 84 354 Ant_03 / 128a 45 -6.84688 86 345 Ant_04 / 130a 0 -5.83957 83 333 Ant_05 / 124b 135 -5.82818 105 337.5 Ant_06 / 126b 90 -6.15797 83 347.5 Ant_07 / 128b 45 -6.96724 102 347 Ant_08 / 130b 0 -6.30252 86 331 Ant_09 / 124c 135 -6.3256 104 336 Ant_10 / 126c 90 -6.47986 86 348.5 Ant_11 / 128c 45 -7.28999 105 346.5 Ant_12 / 130c 0 -6.58646 133 338 Ant_13 / 124d 135 -5.67992 87 340.5 Ant_14 / 126d 90 -6.55092 83 347.5 Ant_15 / 128d 45 -6.3982 90 354.5 Ant_16 / 130d 0 -5.83957 81 341

[0064] In this example, a frequency bandwidth of 350 MHz allows, for example, an antenna tuned to 2.4 GHz to detect signals in the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz ranges. In this example, the worst-case isolation between ports is -5 dB, with a 45° angle between two adjacent ports. The overall antenna gain is relatively low at -5.6 dBi. The antenna frequency bandwidth increases with additional feed points, while the antenna gain decreases.

[0065] In some examples, antenna arrays can use a modified FR4 dielectric material known as 370HR for the dielectric layer. In other examples, specialized RF dielectrics with lower dissipation factor (tan δ), which represents the loss in the dielectric material, can be used to increase antenna gain (up to 0 dBi). For example, the loss of common FR4 material is 10 times greater than that of specialized RF substrates. The lower loss can result in improved signal radiation from the substrate material.

[0066] Figure 8A method for locating an RF transmitter using a multi-polarized antenna 300 is shown. At step 302, probe feed points can be switchably selected one at a time in an antenna array comprising a plurality of metal patches, each metal patch having at least two probe feed points, which can be coaxial feed points. At step 304, RF signals received from each feed point can be processed to determine location information of the RF signal, which can be used, for example, to determine the location direction of the RF transmitter. Determining the location information can include determining an angle of arrival using any suitable method. Determining the location information can also include determining a received signal strength indicator (RSSI).

[0067] Disclosed are an apparatus and method for determining location information using a multi-polarized antenna array. The multi-polarized antenna array includes a plurality of metal patches and a multiplexer. Each metal patch has at least two feed points. The multiplexer is coupled to an RF terminal and to each of the at least two feed points of each of the plurality of metal patches. The antenna array can be configured to couple each feed point to the RF terminal one at a time. Location information can be determined by a controller coupled to the RF terminal based on RF signals received via each feed point.

[0068] Examples of RF receivers including antenna arrays described herein may be included in, for example, RF transceivers, such as Bluetooth LE or IEEE 802.15.4, for positioning RF transmitters. The antenna array may arrange identical antenna elements at uniform intervals along a line in space. In some examples of the ISM band (2.4 GHz), the reflected power ratio S11 of all antenna elements may be less than -10 dB in the useful band. If possible, the frequency bandwidth may be greater than 80 MHz. In addition, the circular patch may produce a substantially isotropic radiation pattern. By having multiple feed points for each antenna patch, the effective number of antennas is increased, thereby reducing the size of the printed circuit board used for the embodiment.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the instruction sets / method steps described above are implemented as functions and software instructions embodied as executable instruction sets that are implemented on a computer or a machine programmed and controlled with the executable instructions. Such instructions are loaded for execution on a processor (e.g., one or more CPUs). The term processor includes a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a processor module or subsystem (including one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers), or other control or computing devices. A processor may refer to a single component or a plurality of components.

[0070] In other examples, the instruction sets / methods described herein and the data and instructions associated therewith are stored in corresponding storage devices that are implemented as one or more non-transitory machine or computer-readable or computer-usable storage media. Such computer-readable or computer-usable storage media are considered part of an article (or product). An article or product may refer to any manufactured single component or multiple components. As defined herein, non-transitory machine or computer-usable media does not include signals, but such media may be capable of receiving and processing information from signals and / or other transient media.

[0071] Example embodiments of the materials discussed in this specification may be implemented, in whole or in part, via network, computer, or data-based devices and / or services. These may include the cloud, the Internet, an intranet, a mobile device, a desktop computer, a processor, a lookup table, a microcontroller, a consumer device, an infrastructure, or other enabling devices and services. As used herein and in the claims, the following non-exclusive definitions are provided.

[0072] In one example, one or more instructions or steps discussed herein are automated. The terms automation or automatic (and similar variations thereof) mean the use of computers and / or mechanical / electrical devices to control the operation of equipment, systems, and / or processes without the need for human intervention, observation, effort, and / or decision-making.

[0073] Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features or any generalization of the novel features disclosed herein, whether or not the novel feature relates to the same invention as the present invention currently claimed in any claim or whether the novel feature alleviates any or all of the same technical problems as the technical problems alleviated by the present invention.

[0074] Features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0075] The applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

[0076] For the sake of completeness, it is also stipulated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude that a plurality of, a single processor or other unit can realize the functions of several components recited in the claims, and the reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-polarized antenna array for positioning, characterized in that: include: a plurality of metal patches, each metal patch having at least two feeding points; a multiplexer coupled to each of the at least two feed points of each of the plurality of metal patches and having a signal terminal and a control terminal; wherein the antenna array may be configured to switchably couple each feed point to the signal terminal one at a time and provide an RF signal received via each feed point to a controller configured to determine position information; wherein the multi-polarized antenna array comprises a plurality of metal layers separated by dielectric layers, and wherein The first metal layer includes the metal patch; The second metal layer includes a ground plane; The third metal layer includes a plurality of waveguides; and wherein each feed point of each metal patch is configured as a coaxial feed point, the coaxial feed point including a metal via between the first metal layer and the third metal layer, and wherein each coaxial feed point is coupled to a corresponding waveguide and each waveguide is coupled to an RF multiplexer.

2. The multi-polarized antenna array according to claim 1, wherein: Each metal patch includes four feeding points.

3. The multi-polarized antenna array according to claim 2, wherein: For each metal patch: When the first feed point of each metal patch is selected, the antenna array is configured to preferentially detect signals having a first polarization; When the second feed point is selected, the antenna array is configured to preferentially detect signals having a second polarization; When the third feed point is selected, the antenna array is configured to preferentially detect signals having a third polarization; When the fourth feed point is selected, the antenna array is configured to preferentially detect signals having a fourth polarization.

4. The multi-polarized antenna array according to claim 3, wherein: A difference between the second polarization and the first polarization is 45 degrees, a difference between the third polarization and the second polarization is 45 degrees, and a difference between the fourth polarization and the third polarization is 45 degrees.

5. A multi-polarized antenna array according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each of the at least two feed points of each of the plurality of metal patches includes a branch extending from the corresponding metal patch.

6. An RF receiver, characterized in that: comprising a multi-polarized antenna array according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a controller coupled to a control input of the multiplexer and the signal terminal, and configurable to control the multiplexer to switchably couple each feed point to the signal terminal one at a time, and to determine position information based on an RF signal received via each feed point.

7. The RF receiver according to claim 6, wherein: The controller is additionally configured to determine position information by determining an angle of arrival of the RF signal from the RF signal received at each feed point.

8. A method for positioning using a multi-polarized antenna array comprising a plurality of metal patches, each metal patch having at least two feeding points, characterized in that: The method includes switchably selecting each feed point one at a time via an RF multiplexer and determining position information based on RF signals detected via each feed point; wherein the multi-polarized antenna array comprises a plurality of metal layers separated by dielectric layers, and wherein The first metal layer includes the metal patch; The second metal layer includes a ground plane; The third metal layer includes a plurality of waveguides; and wherein each feed point of each metal patch is configured as a coaxial feed point, the coaxial feed point including a metal via between the first metal layer and the third metal layer, and wherein each coaxial feed point is coupled to a corresponding waveguide and each waveguide is coupled to an RF multiplexer.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Additionally included is processing the RF signal received from each feed point and determining a received signal strength indicator based on the received RF signal.

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