Stacked patch antenna

Abstract

A stacked patch antenna is disclosed to provide desired performance in a cost effective and space efficient manner. A frame system is used to support a first patch and a second patch and a director plate that can be positioned between the first patch and the second patch. The design of the system allows the first patch and the second patch to have a lower effective dielectric constant.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application US62 / 988623, filed March 12, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of antennas, and more specifically to the field of stacked patch antennas. Background Technology

[0004] Patch antennas are well-known in the radio frequency (RF) field because they are an effective antenna design for those who desire a low profile. Typically, a patch antenna consists of an arrangement of flat metal (“patches”) mounted on a dielectric substrate, which is then mounted on another metal sheet serving as a ground plane. Due to size requirements, patch antennas are primarily used at microwave frequencies.

[0005] Stacked patch antennas are also known for providing useful functionality. A stacked patch antenna is essentially two patch antennas stacked on top of each other and can provide effective bandwidth for two different frequencies while offering a relatively low profile. One problem with existing stacked patch antennas is that they tend to be expensive and suffer from more losses than they should. As a result, there is a demand for further improvements to the design of stacked patch antennas. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A stacked patch antenna is disclosed, comprising a top patch and a bottom patch, both of which are supported. The top patch can be supported by a first frame, and the bottom patch can be supported by a second frame, the first and second frames collectively defining a frame system, which may be one, two, or more components. The top patch includes a first top surface and one or more arms folded below the first top surface. The bottom patch includes a second top surface and one or more arms folded below the second top surface. Both the top and bottom patches may include connecting leads that allow their respective radiating elements to be connected to a circuit board. A guide plate may be placed between the top and bottom patches to help reflect energy to the top patch and guide energy to the bottom patch. A guide plate may also be placed above the top patch. Attached Figure Description

[0007] This application illustrates, but is not limited to, the accompanying drawings by way of example, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts, and in the accompanying drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view showing one embodiment of a stacked patch antenna is provided.

[0009] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown.

[0010] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A simplified perspective view of the embodiment shown.

[0011] Figure 4 A perspective view showing one embodiment of a stacked patch antenna is provided.

[0012] Figure 5 Show Figure 4 A cross section made along line 5-5 in the embodiment shown.

[0013] Figure 6 Show Figure 4 A simplified side view of the embodiment shown, wherein the housing is omitted.

[0014] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 A perspective view of the embodiment shown from the bottom side.

[0015] Figure 8 A perspective view showing one embodiment of a stacked patch antenna is provided.

[0016] Figure 9 Show Figure 8 A perspective view of the embodiment shown, with an additional guide plate.

[0017] Figure 10 Show Figure 8 A simplified perspective view of the embodiment shown.

[0018] Figure 11 Show Figure 10 Another perspective view of the embodiment shown.

[0019] Figure 12 Show Figure 11 Another perspective view of the embodiment shown.

[0020] Figure 13 Show Figure 8 A simplified exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown.

[0021] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of an antenna system mounted on a substrate is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following detailed description describes exemplary embodiments, and the disclosed features are not intended to limit the explicitly disclosed combinations. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the features disclosed herein may be combined to form other combinations not given for simplicity. Furthermore, certain features are optional and may be omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0023] First look Figure 14 In a typical embodiment, a stacked patch antenna system 10 is mounted on a substrate 5. The substrate 5 can be any desired substrate construction, such as, but not limited to, a conventional PCB, a plastic body, or a ceramic substrate. The stacked patch antenna system 10 will be discussed below.

[0024] from Figures 1 to 7 As can be understood, a stacked patch antenna 10 includes a frame system 15 that supports a first patch 20 located above a second patch 60. The frame system 15 includes a frame 40 supporting the first patch 20 and a frame 80 supporting the second patch 60. Located between the first patch 20 and the second patch 60 is a director plate 50, which will be discussed further below. Figure 6 To better understand this, Figure 6 The basic geometric arrangement of the first patch 20, the second patch 60, and the guide plate 50 between the first patch 20 and the second patch 60 is shown, while the frame system is omitted. The relative spacing of these components can be modified, but in a preferred embodiment (e.g.) Figure 6 As shown, the guide plate can be located at approximately equal distances between the first patch 20 and the second patch 60. It should be noted that although H1 is shown as significantly smaller than H2, which is advantageous for some tuning applications, other configurations are possible, depending on the desired tuning and the dimensions of the second patch 60 relative to the first patch 20.

[0025] The design shown isolates the guide plate 50. As will be appreciated, in an alternative embodiment, it is preferable to ground the guide plate 50.

[0026] The first patch 20 includes a first sheet 22 having a slot 24 formed thereon. One or more arms 26 are folded and can overlap with the top sheet 22. As shown, the arms 26 are folded below the first sheet 22. A plurality of feeds 28 extend from the first patch 20 and are configured to connect to a support (not shown, which may be a PCB or other substrate as required).

[0027] The first patch 20 is supported by a frame 40 (which may be a first frame). As shown, the frame 40 includes a plurality of fingers 48 defining a recess 42a, a plurality of walls 44, and a base plate 42, the recess 42a helping to support and hold the first patch 20 in the desired position. A retaining finger 48 can be configured to help secure the first patch 20 in position, and a plurality of support blocks 46 can be configured to allow the frame 40 to be mounted on the frame 80.

[0028] The second patch 60 includes a second sheet 62 having a slot 64 formed thereon. One or more arms 66 are folded to overlap the second sheet 62, and the one or more arms 66 are folded below the second sheet 62 as shown. A plurality of feed lines 68 extend from the second patch 60 and are configured to connect to the support.

[0029] Frame 80 (which may be a second frame) can be configured to support frame 40 and may include a plurality of fingers 88 that can engage with second patch 60, a plurality of walls 86, and a base plate 82. The plurality of fingers 88, the plurality of walls 86, and the base plate 82 define a recess 62a to aid in supporting the second patch 60. A plurality of support blocks 84 can be used to support frame 40 on a support substrate, and as shown, the plurality of support blocks 84 can engage with a plurality of support blocks 46 of the first frame to provide a more robust support structure. Frames 40 and 60 are shown configured to engage with each other and be held together in any desired manner (such as adhesive, press-fit, staking one component onto another, plastic clips, or any other suitable fastener system).

[0030] To ensure the effective operation of the stacked patch antenna 10, a guide plate 50 (which can be formed of any desired conductive material) can be disposed between the first patch 20 and the second patch 60. The guide plate 50 helps to reflect / reflect energy from the antenna 20 back to the antenna 20 and guide / direct energy from / to the second patch 60. As will be appreciated, the first patch 20 is located on a first side of the guide plate 50, while the second patch 60 is located on a second side of the guide plate 50.

[0031] As can be appreciated, the spacing between the guide plate 50 and the first patch 20 and the second patch 60 can be modified to control the tuning of the antenna system. Additionally, the dimensions of the guide plate 50 can also be modified. In one embodiment, the guide plate 50 may be substantially the same size as or larger than the first patch 20. The guide plate 50 is also shown with a channel 55. The guide plate 50 can be separated from the second patch 60 using an adhesive layer (such as double-sided tape). It should be noted that the guide plate 50 can also be located above the first frame 40, or even embedded within the first frame, thus offering considerable flexibility in how the guide plate 50 is supported in the desired position.

[0032] As can be appreciated from the figures, in some embodiments, it is desirable for each patch to fold the four arms in a consistent manner to provide a more robust and mechanically strong structure. However, this is not necessary, and the shape and arrangement of the arms can be changed as needed for RF performance if the frame is properly configured.

[0033] As will be appreciated, the first frame 40 and the second frame 80 define a frame system 39. In one embodiment, as will be discussed below, the frame system formed from a single element can also be used to support two patches. In such an embodiment, it is feasible to insert the second patch 60 into the frame system, and then mount the guide plate and the first patch onto the frame system. However, a wide range of assembly methods are possible. Therefore, as will be appreciated, unless otherwise stated, the embodiments shown are not intended to be limiting.

[0034] Turning Figures 8 to 13 This shows a stacked patch antenna 100. Figure 8 In this configuration, a first patch 120 and a second patch 160 are supported by a frame system 140. As shown, an optional spacer 285 is shown positioned on the first patch 120. If the spacer 285 is included, it can be used to help space the stacked patch antenna 100 from other components. The spacer 285 can be a foam material to minimize any dielectric effects on the antenna, and it can also be an adhesive to help secure the entire antenna system in place. As will be appreciated, a first guide plate 190 is disposed between the first patch 120 and the second patch 160, such that each patch is located on an opposite side of the first guide plate 190. In one embodiment, the guide plate can be insert-molded into the frame system, but alternatively, the guide plate can be secured to the frame system by any other desired method (such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, a friction fit, or a snap-fit).

[0035] Figure 9An optional second guide plate 185 is shown in addition to the first guide plate 190. The second guide plate 185 may be slightly spaced from the first patch 120 and configured such that the two patches 120, 160 are on the same side of the second guide plate 185. Of course, the position, configuration, and number of guide plates will vary depending on the configuration of the first and second patches and the required system performance.

[0036] As can be recognized, the frame system 140 is shown as a single, monolithic element, rather than forming a single unit. Figure 1 The frame system 140 shown consists of two components. Of course, the frame system 140 can also be formed from other components, and therefore can be formed from one, two, three, or more components. The frame system 140 shown includes a first wall 141a and a second wall 141b, and... Figure 1 Similar to the frame system in the example, a first wall 141a and a second wall 141b define a first recess 142a and a second recess 142b, respectively. Figure 1 Similarly, the walls shown are not continuous, but are configured to help control and maintain the corresponding patches located therein, and as shown, each wall defines four corners. Of course, other configurations of the walls that serve to constrain the corresponding patches are also suitable.

[0037] The first patch 120 is partially located in the first recess 142a and is aligned and further held in position by means of one or more support posts 147a. The first patch 120 includes a sheet 122 with a slot 124 disposed thereon, wherein the slot 124 is shown in an X-shape. As shown, the sheet 122 is supported by a wall 141a, and a single support post 147a is located at each of the four corners defined by the slot 124. Of course, other configurations of the support posts can be included if they are included, and the support posts 147a can have a frictional or snap-fit ​​with the slot 124. For example, the support post 147a may include a shoulder 147b configured to engage the sheet 122 and help to hold the sheet 122 in position. It should be noted that other configurations of the slot are also suitable, depending on the arrangement and position of the feed line 128 for driving the first patch 120. As shown, feeder 128 is configured to extend from top plate 122 to a mounting surface (not shown).

[0038] As shown, the first patch 120 may include one or more arms 126, each arm 126 being connected to the sheet 122 via a connector 127. In one embodiment, the arm may be folded so that it is located within a perimeter defined by the sheet 122.

[0039] Similarly, the second patch 160 is located in the second recess 142b and includes a sheet 162 having a slot 164 disposed thereon. Like slot 124, slot 164 may be X-shaped, but is not limited to this. The second patch 160 may include one or more arms 166 connected to the sheet 122 via a connector 167, and the arms 166 may be folded so that they are located within a perimeter defined by the sheet 162. A feed line 168 extends from the sheet 162 and is configured to engage a support substrate. As will be appreciated, the first recess 142a and the second recess 142b are located on opposite sides of the frame system 140.

[0040] It is understood that each patch may include multiple arms, and the shape and number of arms will depend on the required performance of the antenna system and the frequency at which the patch is expected to operate.

[0041] The frame system 140 includes a retaining foot 149a and a supporting foot 149b that help secure the frame system 140 in place on a support base plate (not shown). Figure 11 As will be appreciated, the illustrated frame system 140 also includes a retaining arm 151 configured to engage the arm 166 by means of an opening 165 in the arm 166, thereby facilitating the securing of the patch 160 in the second recess 142b. As will be further appreciated, the second patch 160 may be configured such that the wall 141b extends below / beyond the second patch 160, and therefore the second patch 160 does not need to be directly positioned on the support substrate.

[0042] As shown, feed line 128 extends from sheet 122 toward a support surface (not shown) in a direction generally perpendicular to sheet 122. Similarly, feed line 168 extends from sheet 162 toward a support surface (not shown) in a direction generally perpendicular to sheet 162.

[0043] As will be appreciated, and although not required, in some embodiments, sheet 122 will define a first plane 122a, and sheet 162 will define a second plane 162a. The first plane 122a and the second plane 162a may be substantially parallel to each other (e.g., within 10 degrees), and as shown, the arm may also be substantially parallel to the respective plates of the support arm. In such embodiments, the connecting arm can optionally extend away from the top plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top plate. However, it should be noted that many other configurations are also feasible. While the illustrated embodiment is believed to be effective from a spatial perspective, other configurations may be more suitable for different performance objectives, and therefore this disclosure is not limited to the particular configuration.

[0044] Regarding performance, the disclosed design and basic concept offer advantages over conventional stacked patch designs because they allow more air to be used to lower the effective dielectric constant of the patch. This results in less loss in the antenna system and a more sensitive antenna system within a given space. The illustrated stacked patch design also offers reduced cost compared to conventional stacked patch antenna systems.

[0045] The disclosure provided herein illustrates features through preferred and exemplary embodiments. Upon review of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize many other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and concept of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stacked patch antenna, comprising: A first patch having a first sheet and a first arm, the first arm being folded to overlap with the first sheet, the first patch having two feed lines; A second patch having a second sheet and a second arm, the second arm being folded to overlap with the second sheet, the second patch having two feed lines; A guide plate is located between the first patch and the second patch; and A frame system that supports the first patch, the second patch, and the guide plate in the desired positions. The frame system is a single, integrated structure, including a first frame and a second frame. The first patch is supported in a first recess of the first frame, the second frame supports the first frame, and the second patch is supported in a second recess of the second frame.

2. The stacked patch antenna as described in claim 1, wherein, The guide plate is located between the second patch and the first frame.

3. The stacked patch antenna as described in claim 1, wherein, The frame system is configured to be mounted on a substrate, and the feed lines are configured to extend from their respective sheets to the substrate.

4. A stacked patch antenna, comprising: A frame system including a first recess and a second recess, the first recess and the second recess being arranged on opposite sides of the frame system; A first patch having a first sheet, the first patch being disposed in the first recess, the first sheet including a slot disposed thereon; A second patch having a second sheet, the second patch being disposed in a second recess, the second sheet including a slot disposed thereon; as well as A first guide plate is located between the first patch and the second patch. The frame system includes a support column located within the slot and includes a shoulder that helps to hold the sheet in place.

5. The stacked patch antenna as described in claim 4, wherein, The first recess is defined by a first wall.

6. The stacked patch antenna as described in claim 5, wherein, The first sheet is positioned to be supported by the first wall.

7. The stacked patch antenna as described in claim 4, further comprising: A second guide plate is provided so that the first patch is located between the first guide plate and the second guide plate.

8. The stacked patch antenna as described in claim 4, wherein, The frame system also includes a retaining foot configured to secure the frame system to a substrate.

9. The stacked patch antenna as described in claim 4, wherein, The frame system includes a retaining arm located in the second recess, and the second patch is supported by the retaining arm.

10. The stacked patch antenna as described in claim 9, wherein, The second patch includes an arm, and the retaining arm extends through an opening in the arm.

11. A stacked patch antenna for mounting on a substrate, comprising: A framework system; A first guide plate, supported by the frame system; A first patch having a first sheet, the first patch being supported by the frame system on a first side of the first guide plate, the first sheet including a slot disposed thereon and a first arm connected to the first sheet, the first patch including a first feed line extending from the first sheet and toward the substrate; as well as A second patch has a second sheet, the second patch being supported by the frame system on a second side of the first guide plate, the second sheet including a slot disposed thereon and a second arm connected to the second sheet, and the second patch including a second feed line extending from the second sheet and toward the substrate. Wherein, the first arm of the first patch and the second arm of the second patch are each folded under the first sheet and the second sheet respectively, the first sheet defines a first periphery, and the first arm is arranged within the first periphery.

12. The stacked patch antenna as described in claim 11, wherein, The frame system includes a first recess, and the first patch is located in the first recess.

13. The stacked patch antenna as described in claim 12, wherein, The first recess includes a first wall, and the first sheet is located on the first wall.

14. The stacked patch antenna of claim 11, further comprising a second guide plate, wherein, The first patch and the second patch are located on the same side of the second guide plate.

15. The stacked patch antenna as described in claim 11, wherein, The framework system is a single, integrated structure.

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