Pcb feed antenna integrated with a metallic body

Abstract

An integrated metal component (105) comprising: a metal body (120) adapted to at least one of: act as a heat exchanger and at least partially enclose an electronic component on a printed circuit board (PCB) (130); and an antenna (110) comprising: an antenna element (112) offset from the metal body (120) and comprising a length extending along a perimeter of the metal body (120); a short wall (114) connecting the antenna element (112) to the metal body (120); and an antenna feed leg (116) offset from the short wall (114) along the length of the antenna element (112) and adapted to extend from the antenna element (112) to the PCB (130) and form an electrical connection with an electrical contact (134) of a radio frequency (RF) signal trace on the PCB (130).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to antennas. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for antennas integrated with metal bodies. BACKGROUND

[0002] A wide variety of devices utilize antennas for wireless communication, such as wireless access points (APs), streaming devices, laptops, tablets, and the like (collectively, "wireless devices"). Furthermore, design trends for such devices focus on aesthetics, compact form factors, and the like, resulting in antenna design difficulties. These wireless devices need to communicate utilizing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Zwave, and the like, which can require multiple antennas to implement. A typical wireless device generally includes three hardware parts for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. In Figure 1 The three hardware parts are shown in Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a typical transmit and receive configuration 10 of a wireless device. The three hardware parts of the typical transmit and receive configuration 10 include a radio 13, a bridge 12, and an antenna 11.

[0003] The radio 13 is typically located on a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flex, and is attached with other components, such as a front end module (FEM), filters, switches, a local oscillator (LO), mixers, fans, coolers, heat sinks, and the like. The bridge 12 connects the radio to the antenna, and is typically formed by a coaxial cable, a flex, a spring clip, a contact pad, and the like. The antenna 11 is typically formed by a stamped and / or formed metal sheet, a flex with a conductive layer, a plastic with a printed conductive layer, an open or closed slot and cutout in metal, and the like.

[0004] In a wireless device, the physical connection between each antenna 11, the corresponding bridge 12, and the corresponding radio 13 is typically one at a time. Forming the connection individually for each antenna 11 and corresponding bridge 12 of a wireless device can require a significant amount of time, thus potentially increasing the manufacturing time and cost of the wireless device. SUMMARY

[0005] In an embodiment, an integrated metal component is disclosed. The integrated metal component includes a metal body and an antenna. The metal body is adapted for at least one of the following: acting as a heat exchanger and at least partially enclosing an electronic component on a printed circuit board (PCB). The antenna includes an antenna element, a short wall, and an antenna feed leg. The antenna element is offset from the metal body and includes a length extending along a perimeter of the metal body. The short wall connects the antenna element to the metal body. The antenna feed leg is offset from the short wall along a length direction of the antenna element and is adapted to extend from the antenna element to the PCB and form an electrical connection with an electrical contact of a radio frequency (RF) signal trace on the PCB.

[0006] In an embodiment, the metal body forms a continuous shield around circuitry in a device that includes the integrated metal component.

[0007] In an embodiment, the metal body is adapted to act as a heat sink.

[0008] In an embodiment, the integrated metal component includes a plurality of antennas positioned around a perimeter of the metal body, each antenna connected to the metal body by a corresponding short wall. Optionally, each antenna of the plurality of antennas is adapted to operate at a different frequency. Optionally, the plurality of antennas operate at the same frequency in a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) configuration. Optionally, adjacent antennas of the plurality of antennas are spaced less than a quarter wavelength of their operating frequency.

[0009] In an embodiment, the antenna feed leg forms a cavity in a feed contact end thereof, and wherein the cavity is adapted to house an electrical contact therein, wherein a surface forming the cavity contacts the electrical contact to form an electrical connection when the feed contact end is in contact with the PCB.

[0010] In an embodiment, the integrated metal component is a unitary structure, wherein the metal body, the antenna element, the short wall, and the antenna feed leg are integrally formed as a unitary body formed from a single structure. The unitary structure is integrally formed by one of molding, stamping and folding, and computer numerical control (CNC) machining of a single piece of material into the integrated metal component.

[0011] In an embodiment, the antenna element has a length of 10% to 20% of a wavelength that the antenna is adapted to receive, a width of 20% to 30% of the length of the antenna element, and a thickness of 70% to 80% of the length of the antenna element.

[0012] In an embodiment, the antenna further includes at least one antenna termination leg that is offset from the antenna feed leg along the length of the antenna element and is adapted to extend from the antenna element to the PCB and form an electrical connection with an electrical contact of an RF signal return trace on the PCB.

[0013] In another embodiment, an integrated antenna system is disclosed. The integrated antenna system includes a PCB and an integrated metal component. The PCB includes an RF signal trace and an electronic component. The integrated metal component includes a metal body and an antenna. The metal body at least partially encloses the electronic component. The antenna includes an antenna element, a short wall, and an antenna feed leg. The antenna element is offset from the metal body and includes a length that extends along a perimeter of the metal body. The short wall connects the antenna element to the metal body. The antenna feed leg is offset from the short wall along the length of the antenna element and extends from the antenna element to the PCB. The antenna feed leg forms an electrical connection with an electrical contact of the RF signal trace.

[0014] In embodiments, the antenna feed leg forms a cavity in the feed contact end thereof, and wherein the electrical contact is housed in the cavity, with surfaces forming the cavity in contact with the electrical contact to form the electrical connection with the PCB.

[0015] In embodiments, the integrated metal component is a unitary structure, wherein the metal body, the antenna element, the short wall, and the antenna feed leg are integrally formed as a unitary body formed from a single piece of material. The unitary structure is integrally formed by one of molding, stamping and folding, and computer numerical control (CNC) machining of a single piece of material into the integrated metal component.

[0016] In embodiments, the length of the antenna element is 10% to 20% of the wavelength the antenna is adapted to receive, the width of the antenna element is 20% to 30% of the length of the antenna element, and the thickness of the antenna element is 70% to 80% of the length of the antenna element.

[0017] In embodiments, the antenna further comprises at least one antenna terminal leg offset from the antenna feed leg along the length of the antenna element, the at least one antenna terminal leg extending from the antenna element to the PCB and forming an electrical connection with an electrical contact of an RF signal return trace on the PCB.

[0018] In embodiments, the integrated metal component comprises a plurality of antennas, the plurality of antennas positioned around a perimeter of the metal body, and wherein the metal body and the plurality of antennas are integrally formed as a unitary structure.

[0019] In further embodiments, the wireless device is enclosed. The wireless device comprises a PCB and at least one integrated metal component. The PCB comprises at least an RF signal trace and an electronic component. The at least one integrated metal component comprises a metal body and at least one antenna. The metal body at least partially encloses the electronic component. The at least one antenna comprises an antenna element, a short wall, and an antenna feed leg. The antenna element is offset from the metal body and comprises a length extending along a perimeter of the metal body. The short wall connects the antenna element to the metal body. The antenna feed leg is offset from the short wall along the length of the antenna element and extends from the antenna element to the PCB. The antenna feed leg forms an electrical connection with an electrical contact of the RF signal trace.

[0020] In embodiments, the antenna feed leg forms a cavity in the feed contact end thereof, and wherein the electrical contact is housed in the cavity, with surfaces forming the cavity in contact with the electrical contact to form the electrical connection with the PCB.

[0021] In embodiments, each of the at least one integrated metal component is a unitary structure, wherein the metal body, the antenna element, the short wall, and the antenna feed leg are integrally formed as a unitary body formed from a single piece of material. The unitary structure is integrally formed by one of molding, stamping and folding, and computer numerical control (CNC) machining of a single piece of material into the integrated metal component.

[0022] In an embodiment, for each of the at least one antenna, the length of the antenna element is 10% to 20% of the wavelength that the antenna element is suitable for receiving, the width of the antenna element is 20% to 30% of the length of the antenna element, and the thickness of the antenna element is 70% to 80% of the length of the antenna element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the at least one antenna further includes at least one antenna terminal leg that is offset from the antenna feed leg along the length direction of the antenna element, the at least one antenna terminal leg extending from the antenna element to the PCB and forming an electrical connection with an electrical contact of an RF signal return line on the PCB.

[0024] In an embodiment, each of at least one metal component includes a heat sink. Attached Figure Description

[0025] This disclosure is illustrated and described with reference to various accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals are used, as appropriate, to denote similar system components / method steps, and in the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a typical transmitting and receiving configuration for a wireless device;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an integrated antenna system;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Top perspective view of the integrated antenna system;

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 Side perspective view of the integrated antenna system;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an integrated antenna system comprising two integrated metal components;

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of an embodiment of an integrated antenna system;

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Side perspective view of the antenna legs of an integrated antenna system;

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the antenna legs;

[0034] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of an embodiment of an integrated antenna system;

[0035] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an integrated antenna system of Figure 9 including two integrated metal components;

[0036] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an integrated antenna system of Figure 10

[0037] Figure 12 is a schematic view of an integrated antenna system of Figure 2

[0038] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an integrated antenna system of Figure 2

[0039] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an integrated antenna system of Figure 2 showing current with open circuit termination;

[0040] Figure 15 is a perspective view of an integrated antenna system of Figure 2 showing current with inductor (L) and / or capacitor (C) termination;

[0041] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a portion of a wireless device including an integrated antenna system; and

[0042] Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a wireless device of Figure 16 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for integrated antenna systems. The integrated antenna system includes a PCB and an integrated metal component. The integrated metal component includes a metal body adapted to at least one of: shield electronic components on the PCB and act as a heat exchanger. The integrated metal component also includes an antenna. Antenna elements of the antenna are offset from a perimeter of the metal housing, extend along the perimeter, and are integrally connected to the metal housing by a short wall.

[0044] By integrating the antenna with the metal body, for example by integrally forming the metal body and the antenna through one of molding, stamping and folding, and computer numerical control (CNC) machining of a single piece of material, the entire integrated metal component can be installed in a single step that includes connecting antenna element signal traces on the PCB, for example by aligning feed legs of the antenna with contact elements of the signal traces.

[0045] ​​​​Furthermore, the metal body can both shield the electronic components and act as a heat exchanger, such as a heat sink integrated in the shield. Thus, the integrated metal component is a shield for the electronic components, heat sink, and antenna, blurring the lines between the RF PCB, heat sink, and antenna.

[0046] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the integrated antenna system 100. Figure 3 is Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the integrated antenna system 100 of Figure 4 is Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the integrated antenna system 100 of

[0047] The metal body 120 is adapted to at least one of the following: enclose electronic components of an electronic device therein, act as a heat exchanger, such as a heat sink or cold plate. In some embodiments, the metal body 120 forms a continuous shield around the circuitry of a corresponding device, such as electronic components mounted on the PCB 130. In embodiments, the metal body 120 is also connected to a radio frequency (RF) ground of the PCB 130. In some embodiments, the metal body 120 is adapted to shield electronic components and act as a heat exchanger.

[0048] Each of the one or more antennas 110 includes an antenna element 112, a short wall 114, and an antenna feed leg 116. The antenna element 112 is positioned and oriented adjacent to a peripheral edge of the metal body 120 and offset therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna element 112 extends along the peripheral edge of the metal body 120, such as longitudinally, parallel to, or tangential to the peripheral edge of the metal body 120. In embodiments, the antenna element 112 generally matches the contour of the peripheral edge of the metal body 120 along the length of the antenna element 112.

[0049] The antenna element 112 can be adapted for various technologies and standards, such as short-range radio (e.g., Bluetooth), Zigbee, ultra-wideband (UWB), cellular, dual-band Wi-Fi, etc.

[0050] The gap between the peripheral edge of the metal body 120 and the antenna element 112 is selected to minimize the profile of the antenna 110. In embodiments, the gap is approximately one quarter of the length of the antenna element 112. In embodiments, the gap is 20% to 30% of the length of the antenna element 112.

[0051] In embodiments, the length of the antenna element 112 is less than one quarter of the wavelength that the antenna 110 is adapted to receive. In some embodiments, the length of the antenna element 112 is approximately one sixth of the wavelength, such as ten to twenty percent of the wavelength. For example, a 5 GHz signal has a wavelength of approximately 60 mm, and the length of the antenna element 112 is 6 mm to 12 mm, such as 10 mm.

[0052] In embodiments, the width of the antenna element 112 is similar to the width of the gap, approximately one quarter of the length of the antenna element 112, such as 20% to 30% of the length of the antenna element 112. In the 5 GHz example above, where the length of the antenna element is 10 mm, the width of the antenna element 112 is 2 mm to 3 mm, such as 2.5 mm.

[0053] In embodiments, the thickness of the antenna element 112 is approximately three quarters of the length of the antenna element 112, such as 70% to 80% of the length of the antenna element 112. In the 5 GHz example above, where the length of the antenna element is 10 mm, the thickness of the antenna element 112 is 7 mm to 8 mm, such as 7.5 mm. In some embodiments, the width and thickness dimensions are interchanged.

[0054] The short wall 114 connects the antenna element 112 to the metal body 120. In embodiments, the width of the short wall 114 from the metal body 120 to the antenna element 112 is the width of the gap, such as approximately one quarter of the length of the antenna element 112. In embodiments, the width of the short wall 114 is 20% to 30% of the length of the antenna element 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the short wall 114 is at one end of the antenna element 112. In other embodiments, the short wall 114 is positioned along the length of the antenna element 112 between the ends of the antenna element 112.

[0055] In some embodiments, the length of the antenna element 112 is less than one fifth of the wavelength that the antenna 110 is adapted to receive, the width of the antenna element 112 is less than one twentieth of the wavelength, and the thickness of the antenna element 112 is less than one fifth of the wavelength, where the sum of the length, width, and thickness is less than one half of the wavelength. In embodiments, the surface area of the antenna element is greater than one fifth times one fifth square of the wavelength.

[0056] The antenna feed leg 116 is offset from the short wall 114 along the length of the antenna element 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna feed leg 116 is positioned away from the short wall 114 relative to the antenna element 112, such as at or adjacent to one end of the antenna element 112. The antenna feed leg 116 extends from the antenna element 112 to the PCB 130, and includes a feed contact 117 adapted to receive a current from the PCB 130.

[0057] In embodiments, for exampleFigure 2 to Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, antenna 110 further includes one or more antenna termination legs 115, 118. Each of the one or more antenna termination legs 115, 118 is offset from antenna feed leg 116 along the length of antenna element 112. In the illustrated embodiment, antenna termination leg 118 is close to short wall 114 and away from antenna feed leg 116, and antenna termination leg 118 is located between short wall 114 and antenna feed leg 116. Other configurations of antenna termination legs 115, 118 are also contemplated. Each of the one or more antenna termination legs 115, 118 extends from antenna element 112 to PCB 130 and includes a termination contact 119 adapted to supply current to PCB 130. In the embodiment, the antenna feed leg 116 and one or more antenna terminal legs 115, 118 provide support for the antenna element 110, provide support for the integrated metal component 105, and tune the antenna element 110.

[0058] Although two additional antenna terminal legs 115, 118 are shown in the illustrated embodiment, additional antenna terminal legs 115 may also be included. In the embodiment, the number and positioning of the antenna terminal legs 115, 118, together with the antenna feed leg 116 and its position, are based on one or more physical support requirements of the integrated metal component 105 and the tuning requirements of the antenna element 110.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 PCB 130 includes a radio frequency (RF) signal trace 136 adapted to supply current to antenna element 110 via antenna feed leg 116. In the illustrated embodiment, an electrical connection between the RF signal trace 136 and the feed contact 117 is facilitated by an electrical contact 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contact 134 is a spring clip. However, other contact mechanisms, such as contact pads, rubber gaskets, solder, etc., are also contemplated.

[0060] In embodiments including one or more antenna terminal legs 115, 118, the PCB 130 also includes an RF signal return line 138. In embodiments, the RF signal return line 138 includes a matching network 137. The matching network 137 may include an inductor (L) and / or a capacitor (C), or may remain open. In the illustrated embodiment, electrical connection between the RF signal return line 138 and the terminal contact 119 is facilitated via electrical contact 134.

[0061] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the integrated antenna system 100, including two integrated metal components 105. (Refer to...) Figure 5The RF signal trace 136 and the RF signal return line 138 can be located on the surface of the PCB 130, such as on the top or bottom layer of the PCB 130, or they can be embedded in the PCB 130, such as on the middle layer of the PCB 130.

[0062] The integrated antenna system 100 also includes electronic components on a PCB 130. In embodiments, these electronic components include one or more FEMs 140, one or more radio devices 141, a memory 142, an AC / DC converter 143, an electronic device 144, a switch 145, a storage device 146, etc. RF signal traces 146 and RF signal return lines 138 electrically connect antenna feed legs 116 and antenna terminal legs 115, 118 to the corresponding radio devices 140.

[0063] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the integrated antenna system 100 includes a plurality of integrated metal components 105, each component including a plurality of antennas 110. In the illustrated embodiment, each metal component 105 is a monolithic structure, wherein the metal body 120 and the antenna 110 are a single-structure integrally formed body. In some embodiments, each metal component 105 is integrally formed by molding, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, or stamping and folding into the integrated metal component 105. This integral formation of the integrated metal component 105 avoids problems such as the weakening of the metallurgical bonding structure used to connect the metal components together in a non-monolithically formed structure.

[0064] In some embodiments, the plurality of antennas 110 operate at the same frequency and are configured to operate in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration. In other embodiments, the plurality of antennas 110 operate at different frequencies. The plurality of antennas 110 are arranged around the periphery of the metal body 120. In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent antennas is less than a quarter wavelength of their operating frequency.

[0065] from Figure 5 As can be seen, each metal body 120 surrounds and encloses the electronic components on the PCB 130 within the metal body 120, and is located between the metal body 120 and the PCB 130. As described above, in this embodiment, the metal body 120 also functions as a heat exchanger, such as a heat sink or cold plate. In this embodiment, the integrated antenna system 100 includes one or more fans 150 that circulate air within the metal body 120 and facilitate heat transfer to the metal body 120.

[0066] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of an embodiment of the integrated antenna system 100. Figure 7 yesFigure 6 Side perspective view of antenna legs 115, 116, and 118 of the integrated antenna system. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional views of antenna legs 115, 116, and 118. (Refer to...) Figure 6 to Figure 8 In an embodiment, one or more antenna legs 115, 116, 118 (e.g., antenna feed leg 116 and antenna termination legs 115, 118) form cavities 111 in contact ends 117, 119 (e.g., feed contact end 117 and termination contact end 119). Cavities 111 are adapted to conceal trace contact points, such as electrical contacts 134, while facilitating electrical connections between antenna legs 115, 116, 118 and corresponding RF traces 136, 138. In an embodiment, the surface 113 of the cavity is adapted to contact the electrical contacts 134, and at least when antenna legs 115, 116, 118 are in contact with PCB 130, an electrical connection is established between antenna legs 115, 116, 118 and corresponding RF traces 136.

[0067] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of an embodiment of the integrated antenna system 100. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the integrated antenna system 100 including two integrated metal components 105. In the embodiment, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the outer layer 135 of PCB 130 (e.g., the top or bottom layer of PCB 130) is filled with a conductive material, such as copper. Figure 9 As shown, the conductive material at the outer layer 135 is in thermal contact with the metal body 120, for example, at its substrate. In an embodiment, a via 131 is positioned around the periphery of the PCB 130 and is also adapted to be in thermal contact with the metal component 105. The outer layer 135, filled with conductive material, includes a gap around each of the antenna legs 115, 116, 118 (e.g., antenna feed leg 116 and antenna terminal legs 115, 118) such that the conductive material does not contact the contact ends 117, 119 of the antenna legs 115, 116, 118. In these embodiments, RF traces (e.g., RF signal trace 136 and RF signal return line 138) are located on an intermediate layer of the PCB 130, separated from the outer surface 135 filled with conductive material and the via 131.

[0068] Figure 11 yes Figure 10A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the integrated antenna system 100. In some embodiments, the integrated antenna system 100 further includes a cover 160. The cover 160 surrounds all or at least a portion of the one or more integrated metal components 105 and the PCB 130. In embodiments, the cover 160 is one of paint, plastic, ceramic, leather, weatherproof coating, etc.

[0069] Figure 12 is Figure 2 A schematic view of the integrated antenna system 100. As described above, the antenna element 112 is connected to the metal body 120 through the grounded stub 114. The antenna element 112 is fed through the antenna feed leg 116 and can be terminated through the antenna termination leg 118. Additional antenna termination legs 115 can also be included based on antenna element matching and mechanical support requirements. The matching network 137 of each termination leg 115, 118 can include a combination of inductors (L) and capacitors (C), or remain open.

[0070] Figure 13 is Figure 2 A perspective view of an embodiment of the integrated antenna system. In embodiments, additional extensions 108, 109 beyond the above-described lengths between the antenna feed leg 116 and the stub 114, and between the antenna feed leg 116 and the antenna termination leg 118 are added. The extension 108 extends beyond the antenna feed leg 116 relative to the stub 114, and the extension 109 extends beyond the stub 114 relative to the antenna feed leg 116. Due to the relative width and thickness of the antenna element 112, the additional extensions 108, 109 expand the antenna element 112 to a multi-band element that can be expanded to cover the frequency bands of 2GHz Wi-Fi, 5GHz Wi-Fi, and UWB. In embodiments, the additional extensions 108, 109 each extend beyond the feed / termination points by less than a tenth of a wavelength, for example, beyond the antenna feed leg 116 and the antenna termination leg 118.

[0071] Figure 14 is Figure 2 A perspective view of the integrated antenna system 100 showing current with an open termination. Figure 15 is Figure 2 A perspective view of the integrated antenna system 100 showing current with an inductor (L) and / or capacitor (C) termination. As shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15 The current in the antenna system 100 can depend on the configuration of the antenna termination, particularly the matching network 137. In embodiments where the matching network 137 remains open, as shown in Figure 14As shown, a current flow loop is established that begins at the antenna feed along the antenna feed leg 116, extends through the length of the antenna element 112, through the short wall 114, and back to the antenna feed. In embodiments where the matching network 137 is terminated with L and / or C terminations to the system, current flows from the antenna feed through the short wall and back to the antenna feed (as in the case of an open termination), but also flows from the antenna feed through the matching network 137 and back to the antenna feed. Because of this control in the current flow loop, the spacing between the antennas 110 in the electronic device can be reduced, for example, to about one sixth of the wavelength at 5 GHz, to one twelfth of the wavelength at other frequencies, and still maintain sufficient isolation between the antenna elements 112.

[0072] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a portion of a wireless device 200 including the integrated antenna system 100. Figure 17 is Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the wireless device 200. Reference is made to Figure 16 and Figure 17 The integrated metal component 105 includes a plurality of antennas 110, with many of the antennas positioned minimally spaced around the perimeter of the metal body 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal body 120 is a heat sink, including fins oriented to dissipate heat, and including openings and a chassis-like structure for housing a fan. From Figure 16 and Figure 17 It can be seen from

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless device 200 also includes an intermediate heat sink 220 and a bottom heat sink 225, each of which can include antennas 110 integrally formed therein.

[0074] It should be appreciated that some embodiments described herein can include or utilize one or more general- purpose or special-purpose processors ("processors") such as microprocessors; central processing units (CPUs); digital signal processors (DSPs); custom processors such as network processors (NPs) or network processing units (NPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and the like; field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); and unique stored program instructions (including software and firmware) for controlling the functioning of such processors in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most or all of the functionality of the methods and / or systems described herein can be performed by such unique stored program instructions executed by one or more of such processors. Alternatively, some or all of the functionality of the methods and / or systems described herein can be performed by state machines that have unique, hard-wired logic for performing such functionality, or by a combination of state machines and one or more processors that are programmed with stored program instructions. Of course, a combination of some or all of the functionality of the methods and / or systems described herein can be performed by a combination of state machines and one or more processors programmed with stored program instructions. For some embodiments described herein, the relevant devices in the hardware, and optionally software, firmware, and combinations thereof, can be referred to as "circuitry configured to...," "logic configured to...," and the like, to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, and the like, on digital signals and / or analog signals as described herein for various embodiments.

[0075] Further, some embodiments can include a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for programming a computer, server, device, apparatus, processor, circuit, etc. to perform the functions described and claimed herein. Examples of such non-transitory computer readable medium include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, optical storage device, magnetic storage device, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, and the like. When stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium, software can include instructions executable by a processor or device (e.g., any type of programmable circuit or logic circuit) that, in response to such execution, cause the processor or device to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, and the like, as described herein for various embodiments.

[0076] While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated metal component (105) comprising: a metal body (120) adapted to at least one of the following: act as a heat exchanger and at least partially enclose electronic components on a printed circuit board, PCB (130); and an antenna (110) comprising: an antenna element (112) offset from the metal body (120) and comprising a length extending along a perimeter of the metal body (120), a short wall (114) connecting the antenna element (112) to the metal body (120), an antenna feed leg (116) offset from the short wall (114) along the length of the antenna element (112), the antenna feed leg (116) positioned away from the short wall (114) relative to the antenna element (112) and adapted to extend from the antenna element (112) to the PCB (130) and form an electrical connection with an electrical contact (134) of a radio frequency, RF, signal trace on the PCB (130); and wherein the antenna (110) further comprises at least one antenna termination leg (118) offset from the antenna feed leg (116) along the length of the antenna element (112) and adapted to extend from the antenna element (112) to the PCB (130) and form an electrical connection with an electrical contact of an RF signal return line on the PCB (130); the antenna termination leg (118) is proximate to the short wall (114), distal from the antenna feed leg (116), and the antenna termination leg (118) is positioned between the short wall (114) and the antenna feed leg (116). the metal body (120) forms a continuous shield around circuitry in a wireless device (200).

2. The integrated metal component (105) of claim 1, wherein, the metal body (120) is configured to act as a heat sink.

3. The integrated metal part (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the integrated metal component (105) comprises a plurality of antennas (110) comprising the antenna (110), the plurality of antennas positioned around a perimeter of the metal body (120), each antenna connected to the metal body by a corresponding short wall (114).

4. The integrated metal part (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, each antenna of the plurality of antennas is adapted to operate at a different frequency.

5. The integrated metal component (105) of claim 4, wherein, in a multiple input multiple output, MIMO, configuration, the plurality of antennas (110) operate at the same frequency.

6. The integrated metal component (105) of claim 4, wherein, adjacent antennas (110) of the plurality of antennas (110) are spaced less than a quarter wavelength of their operating frequency.

7. The integrated metal component (105) of claim 4, wherein, the antenna feed leg (116) forms a cavity (111) in a feed contact end (117) therein, and wherein the cavity (111) is adapted to house an electrical contact (134) therein, wherein a surface (113) forming the cavity (111) contacts the electrical contact (134) to form an electrical connection when the feed contact end (117) contacts the PCB (130).

8. The integrated metal part (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the integrated metal component (105) is a unitary structure, wherein the metal body (120), the antenna element (112), the short wall (114), and the antenna feed leg (116) are integrally formed as a single structure.

9. The integrated metal part (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, ​ 10. The integrated metal component (105) of claim 9, wherein, The one-piece structure is integrally formed by one of molding, stamping, and folding a single piece of material into the integrated metal component (105).

11. The integrated metal part (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The antenna element (112) has a length less than one fifth of a wavelength the antenna (110) is adapted to receive, a width less than one twentieth of the wavelength, and a thickness less than one fifth of the wavelength, wherein the sum of the length, the width, and the thickness is less than one half of the wavelength, and the antenna element (112) has a surface area greater than one fifth times one fifth squared wavelength.

12. The integrated metal component (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, A portion of the length of the antenna (110) extends beyond the feed point in two directions, and wherein the antenna (110) extends beyond the feed point less than one tenth of a wavelength in each direction.

13. The integrated metal part (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, A portion of the length of the antenna (110) extends beyond the terminal leg (118) in two directions.

14. An integrated antenna system (100), comprising: a PCB (130) including radio frequency, RF, signal traces (136) and electronic components; and the integrated metal component (105) of any of claims 1-13.

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