Simple ultra-wideband sub-wavelength planar antenna arranged on an inclined surface

Abstract

A simple ultrawideband miniature surface antenna disposed on an inclined surface includes an antenna body comprising a first tapered portion tapering between a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is disposed above a first position on the inclined surface with a predetermined gap. The first portion is located above the inclined surface and includes a first edge and a second edge. The first edge of the first portion extends from the second edge of the first tapered portion. The second tapered portion is tapered between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the first edge of the second tapered portion extends from the second edge of the first portion. The second edge of the second tapered portion connects to a second position on the inclined surface, the second position being vertically located below the first position.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application relates to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 409,543 (Attorney General’s No. P100140-US-NP), filed August 23, 2021, entitled “SIMPLE ULTRA WIDE BAND VERY LOWPROFILE ANTENNA”; U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 409,586 (Attorney General’s No. P100141-US-NP), filed August 23, 2021, entitled “EXTREMELY LOW PROFILE ULTRA WIDE BAND ANTENNA”; and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 409,627 (Attorney General’s No. P100142-US-NP), filed August 23, 2021, entitled “SPIRAL TAPERED LOW PROFILE ULTRAWIDE BAND ANTENNA”. All publications of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to antennas, and more specifically to ultra-wideband antennas. Background Technology

[0004] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the works of the currently attributed inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither expressly nor implied to be considered prior art to this disclosure.

[0005] Vehicles use telematics systems to support wireless telecommunications and information processing. Examples include cellular communications, GPS navigation, integrated hands-free phones, secure wireless communications, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications, and autonomous driving systems.

[0006] When a vehicle is traveling on a road, the telematics system sends and receives data. To facilitate wireless connectivity, the vehicle includes one or more antennas connected to the telematics system as transmitters and / or receivers. Examples of currently used antennas include mast antennas and shark fin antennas. The various subsystems within the telematics system transmit and receive data on multiple different frequency bands. Therefore, ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas are a good candidate for cellular applications.

[0007] Manufacturers strive to create cost-effective, fuel-efficient vehicles with attractive designs. From a styling perspective, current antenna designs are often suboptimal. For example, shark fin antennas can be mounted on the roof, above the center of the rear windshield, or on the trunk lid. Understandably, placing shark fin antennas in these locations detracts from the vehicle's exterior design. These types of antennas typically have a height approximately one-quarter of the wavelength corresponding to the minimum required operating frequency. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An ultra-wideband antenna includes an antenna body comprising a first tapered portion, the first tapered portion being tapered between a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is disposed above a first position on an inclined surface with a predetermined gap. The first portion is located above the inclined surface and includes a first edge and a second edge. The first edge of the first portion extends from the second edge of the first tapered portion. A second tapered portion is tapered between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the first edge of the second tapered portion extends from the second edge of the first portion. The second edge of the second tapered portion connects to a second position on the inclined surface, the second position being vertically located below the first position.

[0009] Among other features, the first portion has a rectangular shape. The first and second conical portions have trapezoidal shapes. The antenna feed is connected to the first edge of the first conical portion. The conical sides of the first and second conical portions form an angle between 30 and 60 degrees relative to a line parallel to the side of the first portion. A ground plane is connected to the second conical portion between the antenna body and the tilted surface. The tilted surface is conductive.

[0010] Among other features, a stepped surface is arranged on an inclined surface and includes a first surface and a second surface. The antenna feed point is connected to a first edge of a first tapered portion above the first surface of the stepped surface. The first tapered portion is arranged perpendicular to the first surface of the stepped surface. At least one of a non-conductive covering and a baffle is disposed on the ultra-wideband antenna.

[0011] An ultra-wideband antenna includes a tilted surface and a stepped surface disposed on the tilted surface. The antenna body includes a first tapered portion that tapers between a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is disposed above a first position on the stepped surface. The first portion is located above the tilted surface and includes a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge of the first portion extends from the second edge of the first tapered portion. The second tapered portion is tapered between the first edge and the second edge. The first edge of the second tapered portion extends from the second edge of the first portion. The second edge of the second tapered portion connects to a second position on the tilted surface, the second position being vertically located below the first position.

[0012] Among other features, the first portion has a rectangular shape. The first and second conical portions have trapezoidal shapes. The antenna feed is connected to the first edge of the first conical portion.

[0013] Among other features, the tapered sides of the first and second tapered portions form an angle between 30 and 60 degrees relative to a line parallel to the side of the first portion. The stepped surface includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first tapered portion is arranged perpendicular to the first surface of the stepped surface. A ground plane is connected to the second tapered surface between the antenna body and the tilted surface. The tilted surface is conductive. At least one of a non-conductive covering and a baffle is disposed on the ultra-wideband antenna.

[0014] This disclosure includes the following solutions:

[0015] 1. An ultra-wideband antenna, comprising:

[0016] The antenna body includes:

[0017] A first tapered portion, wherein the first tapered portion is tapered between a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is arranged above a first position on an inclined surface with a predetermined gap;

[0018] A first portion, located above the inclined surface, includes a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge of the first portion extends from the second edge of the first tapered portion; and

[0019] The second conical portion is conical between a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge of the second conical portion extends from the second edge of the first portion, and wherein the second edge of the second conical portion connects to a second position on the inclined surface, the second position being vertically located below the first position.

[0020] 2. The ultra-wideband antenna according to Scheme 1, wherein the first part has a rectangular shape.

[0021] 3. The ultra-wideband antenna according to Scheme 1, wherein the first conical portion and the second conical portion have a trapezoidal shape.

[0022] 4. The ultra-wideband antenna according to Scheme 1, wherein the antenna feed is connected to the first edge of the first conical portion.

[0023] 5. The ultra-wideband antenna according to Scheme 1, wherein the tapered sides of the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion form an angle in the range of 30 to 60 degrees with respect to a line parallel to the side of the first portion.

[0024] 6. The ultra-wideband antenna according to Scheme 1 further includes a ground plane connected to the second tapered portion between the antenna body and the inclined surface.

[0025] 7. The ultra-wideband antenna according to Scheme 1, wherein the tilted surface is conductive.

[0026] 8. The ultra-wideband antenna according to Scheme 1 further includes a stepped surface disposed on the inclined surface and comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the antenna feed point is connected to a first edge of a first tapered portion above the first surface of the stepped surface.

[0027] 9. The ultra-wideband antenna according to Scheme 8, wherein the first conical portion is arranged perpendicular to the first surface of the stepped surface.

[0028] 10. The ultra-wideband antenna according to Scheme 8 further includes at least one of a non-conductive covering and a flow-blocking plate disposed on the antenna body.

[0029] 11. An ultra-wideband antenna, comprising:

[0030] Inclined surface;

[0031] A stepped surface, the stepped surface being arranged on the inclined surface; and

[0032] The antenna body includes:

[0033] A first conical portion, wherein the first conical portion is conical between a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is disposed above a first position on the stepped surface;

[0034] A first portion, the first portion being located above the inclined surface and including a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge of the first portion extends from the second edge of the first tapered portion; and

[0035] The second conical portion is conical between a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge of the second conical portion extends from the second edge of the first portion, and wherein the second edge of the second conical portion connects to a second position on the inclined surface, the second position being vertically located below the first position.

[0036] 12. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 11, wherein the first portion has a rectangular shape.

[0037] 13. The ultra-wideband antenna according to Scheme 11, wherein the first conical portion and the second conical portion have a trapezoidal shape.

[0038] 14. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 11, wherein the antenna feed is connected to the first edge of the first conical portion.

[0039] 15. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 11, wherein the tapered sides of the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion form an angle in the range of 30 to 60 degrees with respect to a line parallel to the side of the first portion.

[0040] 16. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 11, wherein the stepped surface includes a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the first conical portion is arranged perpendicular to the first surface of the stepped surface.

[0041] 17. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 11 further includes a ground plane connected to a second conical surface between the antenna body and the inclined surface.

[0042] 18. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 11, wherein the tilted surface is conductive.

[0043] 19. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 11 further includes at least one of a non-conductive covering and a baffle plate disposed on the antenna body.

[0044] Further applications of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0045] This disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 The image is a side view of an example vehicle, such as a pickup truck, showing a concealed location for mounting an ultra-wideband antenna according to this disclosure.

[0047] Figure 2A and 2B This is a side view of an example of an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna arranged above an inclined surface according to the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 3A and 3B It is a side view of the UWB antenna according to FIG2 of this disclosure, wherein a non-conductive covering or baffle is arranged on the UWB antenna.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the UWB antenna according to Figure 2 of this disclosure; and

[0050] Figure 5This is a side view of another example of a UWB antenna according to this disclosure.

[0051] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna according to this disclosure has a small facet to allow the antenna to be incorporated into a variety of vehicle locations. The small facet allows the UWB antenna to be less conspicuous. For example, the UWB antenna can be positioned above a sloping surface of the vehicle and concealed beneath a structure such as a non-conductive covering, for example a spoiler or a center-high mounted parking light (CHMSL) assembly on the vehicle's roof, although the antenna can be mounted in other locations.

[0053] The antenna's shape is relatively simple, which makes its manufacture both simple and low-cost. In some examples, the antenna includes a flat metal section that is stamped, bent, and attached to a sloping or curved surface, such as a sloping conductive or non-conductive section of a car roof, to create a small planar UWB antenna.

[0054] In some examples, the UWB antenna is mounted above a sloping surface on the roof (or other sloping or non-conductive surfaces of the vehicle). If the sloping surface is non-conductive, the UWB antenna may include a ground plane. Alternatively, if the sloping surface is conductive, the UWB antenna may have a ground plane connected to or covering the conductive sloping surface. The antenna feed point (corresponding to the lower end of the first tapered portion of the UWB antenna) is located vertically above the ground point of the UWB antenna (corresponding to the lower end of the second tapered portion of the UWB antenna grounded below the feed point). Placing the ground point of the antenna body below the feed point allows support for lower frequencies. Positioning the feed point upwards facilitates the propagation, radiation, and / or transmission of higher frequencies from the UWB antenna located closer to the top section of the roof with less obstruction from the roof, allowing coverage around the horizon. Higher frequencies tend to be more sensitive to the obstruction effects of sloping surfaces than lower frequencies.

[0055] In some examples, the antenna feed point is connected to the lower end of the first conical section above a stepped surface arranged on a sloping portion of the roof or other sloping conductive structure. When used, this arrangement improves coverage at higher frequencies.

[0056] For reference Figure 1Vehicle 10 is shown. The UWB antenna is described below in conjunction with a specific mounting location on a pickup truck. Although a pickup truck is shown, the UWB antenna according to this disclosure can be used in other locations on passenger vehicles, other types of vehicles, and / or non-vehicle implementations with sloping conductive or non-conductive surfaces. In some examples, the UWB antenna described herein may include a ground plane (with or without a stepped surface), if desired.

[0057] Vehicle 10 includes a cover 12 enclosing the engine or electric motor and a rear end 16, such as the trunk or hatch of a passenger car or the cargo box of a truck. Vehicle 10 includes a passenger compartment 14 and a roof 18 extending over the passenger compartment 14. A portion 30 of the roof includes sloping or curved surfaces (as shown in Figure 2 and...). Figure 2B (As shown). Alternatively, the sloping surface may be non-conductive, and the UWB may include a ground plane with or without a stepped surface. In some examples, the sloping conductive portion may be enclosed by a covering or baffle (e.g. Figure 3A and Figure 3B (As shown). The vehicle includes front wheels 20 and rear wheels 22.

[0058] Now for reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna 100 includes an antenna body 114 disposed above a tilted surface 110 (which may be conductive or non-conductive) and a stepped surface 125. Figure 2A In this configuration, the antenna body 114 is located below the upper edge of the inclined surface 110. Figure 2B In the middle, the antenna body 114 extends above the inclined surface 110.

[0059] The antenna body 114 also includes a first tapered portion 124. In use, a stepped surface 125 extends horizontally over the inclined surface 110. The stepped surface 125 has a first surface 126 and a second surface 127. In some examples, the first surface 126 is substantially perpendicular to the first tapered portion 124. Because the inclined surface 110 is arranged at an angle, the first tapered portion 124 helps to form an approximately acute angle relative to the stepped surface 125. In other examples, the first tapered portion 124 may form other angles relative to the inclined surface 110 (or relative to the ground plane), such as... Figure 5 (As shown).

[0060] A gap 128 is defined between the lower edge 130 of the first tapered portion 124 and the tilted surface 110, stepped surface 125, and / or ground plane of the UWB antenna. The opposite side surfaces of the first tapered portion 124 are tapered outwards in a direction away from the tilted surface 110 (e.g., in...). Figure 4(As can be seen in the image). In some examples, the horizontal width of the first tapered portion 124 increases monotonically with increasing distance above the inclined surface 110.

[0061] In some examples, the antenna feed (not shown) is connected to the antenna body 114 near the lower edge 130 of the first tapered portion 124. By way of example only, the antenna feed may include the inner conductor of a coaxial cable (not shown), and the braided copper shield of the coaxial cable (not shown) may be connected to the sloping surface 110 and / or the ground plane. While a particular type of antenna feed has been described for illustrative purposes, other antenna feed arrangements can be used to feed the antenna body 114. For example, the inner conductor of the antenna feed may be arranged parallel to the sloping surface or the ground plane, rather than perpendicular to the sloping surface or the ground plane near the antenna feed location.

[0062] A first portion 136 of the antenna body is spaced above the inclined surface 110 and extends from the first tapered portion 124 to the second tapered portion 140. The first portion 136 has a curved side profile extending between the first tapered portion 124 and the second tapered portion 140. The second tapered portion 140 may also be positioned relative to the inclined surface 110 (e.g., Figure 5 The first portion 136 (as shown) and / or the ground plane form different angles. Some of the first portions 136 extend parallel to the inclined surface 110. Although specific side profiles are shown, the first portion 136 can have any suitable curvature. In some examples, the first portion 136 can have a rectangular cross-section when viewed from above, although the first portion 136 can have symmetrical or asymmetrical non-parallel side surfaces. The second tapered portion 140 connects to the inclined surface 110 (or ground plane) at a position directly below the first tapered portion 124 and the feed position.

[0063] In some examples, the first tapered portion 124 has a height H. In some examples, the lower edge 130 of the first tapered portion 124 is located a distance d above the lower portion 152 of the second tapered portion 140. The opposing side surfaces of the second tapered portion 140 are tapered inward in a manner similar to the opposing side surfaces of the first tapered portion 124 (see [reference]). Figure 4 ).

[0064] The antenna body 114 may be made entirely of a conductive material such as metal. Alternatively, one or more portions of the antenna body 114 may include a support surface made of a non-conductive material and an inner and / or outer layer made of a conductive material. In some examples, the first portion 136 has a rectangular shape (when flattened), and the first tapered portion 124 and the second tapered portion 140 have trapezoidal shapes. In some examples, the horizontal width of the second tapered portion 140 monotonically increases with distance above the inclined surface 110.

[0065] The first tapered portion 124 of the antenna body 114 functions similarly to a monopole antenna, the first portion 136 functions as a capacitor, and the second tapered portion 140 functions as an inductor. In some examples, the antenna body 114 is located below a non-conductive covering or baffle (as shown in Figure 3).

[0066] Antennas can operate over ultra-wideband (UWB). For example, antenna dimensions can be designed for 617 MHz, and UWB antennas can operate in a first band from 617 MHz to 1 GHz, a second band from 1.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz, and a third band from 3.3 GHz to 6 GHz, although other frequencies can be covered. For example, antenna dimensions can be determined based on the lowest and higher frequencies. For example, dimensions H and D can be determined for 617 MHz, and H can be designed for 1.7 GHz (which is much smaller / can be much smaller).

[0067] Without any theoretical constraints, for frequencies from 1.7 GHz and above, the size H acts similarly to a single pole. The combination of sizes H and d in this example supports lower frequencies starting from 617 MHz. In some examples, the tapered sides of the first and second tapered portions form an angle between 30 and 60 degrees relative to a line parallel to the side of the first portion, although other angles may also be used.

[0068] Now for reference Figure 3A and 3B , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The UWB antenna 100 can be located between the inclined surface 110 (or ground plane) and the outer cover or baffle 180. The outer cover or baffle 180 is made of a non-conductive material to allow transmission through the outer cover 180 while obscuring the UWB antenna 100 from view during operation of the vehicle 10.

[0069] Now for reference Figure 4 Additional details of the UWB antenna 100 are shown. In some examples, the width of the first portion 136 of the UWB antenna 100 is generally fixed from the first tapered portion 124 to the second tapered portion 140, although the width can also vary. The first tapered portion 124 and the second tapered portion 140 taper from the width of the first portion 136 to a narrower width connected to the feed point or grounded to the inclined surface 110.

[0070] Now for reference Figure 5For a given implementation, the shape of the UWB antenna 100 can be changed and / or modified to alter the performance of the UWB antenna 100. When the first tapered portion 124 transitions from the first portion 136 to the first tapered portion, the first tapered portion 124 may have a slight bend or no bend. As shown by different dashed lines 220, 222, and 224, the first tapered portion 124 can meet the inclined surface at various angles. Similarly, the second tapered portion 124 can also meet the inclined surface at different angles, as shown by different dashed lines 230, 232, and 234.

[0071] In some examples, the UWB antenna has F 高 / F 低 = 1:10 approximate bandwidth ratio, with F 高 It is the highest frequency matched by the UWB antenna, while F 低 It is the lowest frequency that the UWB antenna is matched to.

[0072] The preceding description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and appended claims. It should be understood that one or more steps in the method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, although each embodiment in these examples is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in any embodiment of other embodiments and / or combined with features of any embodiment of other embodiments, even if such combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments with respect to each other remains within the scope of this disclosure.

[0073] Spatial and functional relationships between components (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including “connected,” “joined,” “linked,” “adjacent,” “right next to,” “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “set on.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing a relationship between a first component and a second component in the foregoing disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate components exist between the first and second components, or an indirect relationship in which one or more intermediate components (spatially or functionally) exist between the first and second components. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted as using the non-exclusive logic “OR” to represent logic (A or B or C) and should not be interpreted as representing “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

Claims

1. An ultra-wideband antenna, comprising: The antenna body includes: A first conical portion, wherein the first conical portion is conical between a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is arranged above a first position on an inclined surface with a predetermined gap; A first portion, located above the inclined surface and including a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge of the first portion extends from the second edge of the first tapered portion; A second conical portion, the second conical portion being conical between a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge of the second conical portion extends from the second edge of the first portion, and wherein the second edge of the second conical portion connects to a second position on the inclined surface, the second position being vertically located below the first position; and A stepped surface is arranged on the inclined surface and includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the antenna feed point is connected to the first edge of a first tapered portion above the first surface of the stepped surface. The first conical portion is arranged perpendicular to the first surface of the stepped surface.

2. The ultra-wideband antenna of claim 1, wherein, The first part has a rectangular shape.

3. The ultra-wideband antenna of claim 1, wherein, The first conical portion and the second conical portion have a trapezoidal shape.

4. The ultra-wideband antenna of claim 1, wherein, The tapered sides of the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion form an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to a line parallel to the side of the first portion.

5. The ultra-wideband antenna of claim 1, further comprising a ground plane connected to the second tapered portion between the antenna body and the inclined surface.

6. The ultra-wideband antenna of claim 1, wherein, The inclined surface is conductive.

7. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 1 further includes at least one of a non-conductive covering and a baffle plate disposed on the antenna body.

8. An ultra-wideband antenna, comprising: Inclined surface; A stepped surface, wherein the stepped surface is arranged on the inclined surface; as well as The antenna body includes: A first conical portion, wherein the first conical portion is conical between a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is disposed above a first position on the stepped surface; A first portion, the first portion being located above the inclined surface and including a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge of the first portion extends from the second edge of the first tapered portion; and The second conical portion is tapered between its first and second edges, wherein the first edge of the second conical portion extends from the second edge of the first portion, and wherein the second edge of the second conical portion connects to a second position on the inclined surface, the second position being vertically located below the first position. The stepped surface includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first conical portion is arranged perpendicular to the first surface of the stepped surface.

9. The ultra-wideband antenna of claim 8, wherein, The first part has a rectangular shape.

10. The ultra-wideband antenna of claim 8, wherein, The first conical portion and the second conical portion have a trapezoidal shape.

11. The ultra-wideband antenna of claim 8, wherein, The antenna feed is connected to the first edge of the first tapered portion.

12. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 8, wherein, The tapered sides of the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion form an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to a line parallel to the side of the first portion.

13. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 8, wherein, The first portion has a curved side profile extending between the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion.

14. The ultra-wideband antenna of claim 8 further includes a ground plane connected to a second conical surface between the antenna body and the inclined surface.

15. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 8, wherein, The inclined surface is conductive.

16. The ultra-wideband antenna according to claim 8, further comprising at least one of a non-conductive covering and a baffle plate disposed on the antenna body.

Images