Coplanar antenna structure with wide slots

Abstract

This invention relates to a coplanar antenna structure with a wide slot. An antenna is disclosed. The antenna may include a coplanar antenna structure. The coplanar antenna structure may include a substrate and a radiating portion configured to emit electromagnetic radiation and disposed on the substrate. The radiating portion defines a slot having a width-to-length ratio of at least approximately 0.4. The antenna also includes a scattering element disposed on the substrate and at least partially surrounding the radiating portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a coplanar antenna structure disposed within a transparent component, and more specifically, to a coplanar antenna structure having a wide slot. Background Technology

[0002] Modern vehicles employ various and numerous types of antennas to receive and transmit signals for different communication systems, such as terrestrial radio (AM / FM), cellular phones, satellite radio, dedicated short-range communication (DSRC), Wi-Fi, GPS, and so on. Antennas used for these systems are typically mounted on the vehicle's roof to provide maximum reception and / or transmission capabilities. These antennas can also be integrated into the vehicle's windshield, as glass provides a good dielectric substrate for the antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An antenna is disclosed. The antenna may include a coplanar antenna structure. The coplanar antenna structure may include a substrate and a radiating portion configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic radiation and disposed on the substrate. The radiating portion defines a slot having a width-to-length ratio of at least approximately 0.4. The antenna also includes a scattering element disposed on the substrate and at least partially surrounding the radiating portion.

[0004] Among other features, the width of the groove includes at least approximately eight millimeters.

[0005] Among other features, the groove has a length of at least approximately twenty millimeters.

[0006] Among other features, the area of ​​the groove includes at least approximately 160 millimeters.

[0007] Among other features, the scattering element includes a semi-circular ring structure.

[0008] Among other features, the semi-circular ring structure includes a non-segmented structure.

[0009] Among other features, the antenna includes a feed line disposed on the substrate and connecting the radiating portion to a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed structure.

[0010] Among other features, the antenna includes a stacked structure that includes the coplanar antenna structure.

[0011] Among other features, the stacked structure includes a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate bonded together via a bonding material.

[0012] Among other features, the bonding material includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0013] A system is disclosed. The system may include a laminated structure and an antenna disposed within the laminated structure. The antenna may include a coplanar antenna structure, and the coplanar antenna structure may include a substrate and a radiating portion configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic radiation and disposed on the substrate. The radiating portion defines a slot having a width-to-length ratio of at least approximately 0.4. The coplanar antenna structure also includes a scattering element disposed on the substrate and at least partially surrounding the radiating portion.

[0014] Among other features, the width of the groove includes at least approximately eight millimeters.

[0015] Among other features, the groove has a length of at least approximately twenty millimeters.

[0016] Among other features, the area of ​​the groove includes at least approximately 160 millimeters.

[0017] Among other features, the scattering element includes a semi-circular ring structure.

[0018] Among other features, the semi-circular ring structure includes a non-segmented structure.

[0019] Among other features, the coplanar antenna structure includes a feed line disposed on the substrate and connecting the radiating portion to the coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed structure.

[0020] Among other features, the coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed structure is disposed on the outer surface of the stacked structure.

[0021] Among other features, the stacked structure includes a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate bonded together via a bonding material.

[0022] Among other features, the bonding material includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0023] The present invention also includes the following technical solutions.

[0024] Option 1. An antenna, comprising:

[0025] A coplanar antenna structure, wherein the coplanar antenna structure includes:

[0026] substrate;

[0027] A radiating portion, configured to emit electromagnetic radiation and disposed on the substrate, wherein the radiating portion defines a slot having a width-to-length ratio of at least approximately 0.4; and

[0028] A scattering element is disposed on the substrate and at least partially surrounds the radiating portion.

[0029] Option 2. The antenna according to Option 1, wherein the width of the slot includes at least approximately eight millimeters.

[0030] Option 3. The antenna according to Option 1, wherein the slot has a length of at least approximately twenty millimeters.

[0031] Option 4. The antenna according to Option 1, wherein the area of ​​the slot includes at least approximately 160 millimeters.

[0032] Option 5. The antenna according to Option 1, wherein the scattering element includes a semi-circular ring structure.

[0033] Option 6. The antenna according to Option 5, wherein the semi-circular ring structure includes a non-segmented structure.

[0034] Option 7. The antenna according to Option 1 further includes a feed line disposed on the substrate and connecting the radiating portion to a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feeding structure.

[0035] Option 8. The antenna according to Option 1 further includes a stacked structure, wherein the stacked structure includes the coplanar antenna structure.

[0036] Option 9. The antenna according to Option 8, wherein the stacked structure includes a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate bonded together via a bonding material.

[0037] Option 10. The antenna according to Option 9, wherein the bonding material comprises polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0038] Option 11. A system comprising:

[0039] Layered structure; and

[0040] An antenna disposed within the stacked structure, the antenna comprising a coplanar antenna structure, the coplanar antenna structure comprising:

[0041] substrate;

[0042] A radiating portion, configured to emit electromagnetic radiation and disposed on the substrate, wherein the radiating portion defines a slot having a width-to-length ratio of at least approximately 0.4; and

[0043] A scattering element is disposed on the substrate and at least partially surrounds the radiating portion.

[0044] Option 12. The system according to Option 11, wherein the width of the groove includes at least approximately eight millimeters.

[0045] Option 13. The system according to Option 11, wherein the groove has a length of at least about twenty millimeters.

[0046] Option 14. The system according to Option 11, wherein the area of ​​the groove comprises at least approximately 160 millimeters.

[0047] Option 15. The system according to Option 11, wherein the scattering element comprises a semi-circular ring structure.

[0048] Option 16. The system according to Option 15, wherein the semi-circular ring structure includes a non-segmented structure.

[0049] Option 17. The system according to Option 11 further includes a feed line disposed on the substrate and connecting the radiating portion to a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed structure.

[0050] Option 18. The system according to Option 17, wherein the coplanar waveguide (CPW) feeding structure is disposed on the outer surface of the stacked structure.

[0051] Option 19. The system according to Option 11, wherein the stacked structure includes a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate bonded together via a bonding material.

[0052] Option 20. The system according to Option 19, wherein the bonding material comprises polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0053] Other applicable areas will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0054] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary coplanar antenna structure;

[0056] Figure 2 This is a diagram of a coplanar antenna structure set within a glass laminate structure;

[0057] Figure 3 Another diagram shows a coplanar antenna structure housed within a glass laminate structure; and

[0058] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing simulated radiation patterns corresponding to coplanar antenna structures with different slot widths. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application or use.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “side,” “front,” “rear,” “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” are used descriptively in the drawings and do not imply a limitation on the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the teachings may be described herein in accordance with functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps.

[0061] Figures 1 to 3 An exemplary coplanar antenna structure 100 is illustrated. The coplanar antenna structure 100 can be formed and patterned as a transparent conductor, wherein the antenna and ground conductors are printed on the same layer. In other words, a coplanar antenna is a structure in which all conductors supporting wave propagation lie in the same plane. The antenna can use a low-cost thin film made of transparent conductive oxide and silver nanowires, wherein a highly conductive metal framework surrounds the antenna element. In various embodiments, the coplanar antenna structure 100 is capable of operating in one or more frequency bands. For example, the coplanar antenna structure 100 can also operate in the 5.9 GHz band. In another example, the coplanar antenna structure 100 may include a Wi-Fi antenna operating in at least one of the 2.4 GHz and / or 5.8 GHz Wi-Fi bands.

[0062] The coplanar antenna structure 100 is disposed on a substrate 105. For example, the coplanar antenna structure 100 may be fabricated on a flexible substrate 105, such as a printed circuit board made of Kapton or Mylar laminate. The coplanar antenna structure 100 also includes a feed line 110, such as a transmission line, disposed between ground portions 115, 120. One end 125 of the feed line 110 is electrically connected to a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed structure 130, and the other end 135 of the feed line 110 is connected to a radiating portion 140 defining a wide slot or wide aperture, as discussed in more detail below. It should be understood that the end 125 and / or the coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed structure 130 are separated from the coplanar antenna structure 100 by a transparent substrate (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 The radiating part 140 is an antenna radiating element, which is formed into a roughly U-shaped structure that emits electromagnetic radiation.

[0063] The CPW feed structure 130 is configured to enable radio frequency (RF) excitation of the coplanar antenna structure 100. For example, the CPW feed structure 130 can receive a signal and provide it to the feed line 110 via electromagnetic coupling, which in turn provides the signal to the radiating portion 140 for transmission.

[0064] The coplanar antenna structure 100 also includes a scattering element 145 that at least partially surrounds the radiating portion 140. As shown, the scattering element 145 may include a semi-circular ring structure for scattering and / or interfering with surface waves propagating through the transparent structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the semi-circular ring structure includes a continuous, i.e., non-segmented structure. As discussed in more detail herein, the coplanar antenna structure 100 is disposed within the transparent structure.

[0065] In vehicular wireless communication environments, antennas typically require a wide field of view for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. For example, V2X communication includes one or more communication networks where vehicles and roadside devices are communication nodes that provide information to each other, such as safety warnings and traffic information. V2X communication allows vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and / or pedestrians using wireless communication technologies such as, but not limited to, cellular, Bluetooth®, IEEE 802.11, Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and / or Wide Area Network (WAN).

[0066] As described above, the radiating portion 140 defines a wide slot to enhance the radiation of the electric field in one or more desired directions. For example, to improve the azimuth beamwidth, the coplanar antenna structure 100 may radiate additional electric fields to the sides of the coplanar antenna structure 100 in addition to the forward direction.

[0067] As described above, the radiating portion 140 may be formed as a generally U-shaped structure defining a slot 143, such as an aperture. In an exemplary embodiment, the slot 143 may have a width 150 of at least about eight millimeters (8 mm), for example, a slot width, and a length 160 of at least about twenty millimeters (20 mm). The slot 143 may include an area of ​​at least about one hundred and sixty millimeters (160 mm). In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the slot 143 includes about 0.4. The total length 155 of the radiating portion 140 may be at least about thirty millimeters (30 mm). In some embodiments, the slot dimensions correspond to a length 160 of about 1.04 λg and a width 150 of about 0.42 λg, where λg represents a wavelength parameter within a 5.9 GHz dielectric. In this context, the term "about" is known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the term "about" may be read as meaning positive or negative 10%.

[0068] In one embodiment, the scattering element distance 165 between the scattering element 145 and the radiating portion 140 includes at least approximately nine and a half millimeters (9.5 mm), and the outer distance 170 includes at least approximately five millimeters (5 mm). The scattering element distance 165 may represent the distance measured between the outer front edge of the radiating portion 140 and the middle inner surface edge of the scattering element 145, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0069] The outer distance 170 may represent the distance measured from the outer edge of the radiating portion 140 and the outer edges of the grounding portions 115, 120. In another embodiment, the semicircular distance includes at least approximately eighteen and a half millimeters (18.5 mm), and the outer distance 170 includes approximately zero millimeters (0 mm). However, it is to be understood that other distances 165, 170 may be used depending on the embodiment of the coplanar antenna structure 100.

[0070] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a transparent component 200 including a coplanar antenna structure 100 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the transparent component 200 may be integrated into a vehicle, such as the windshield, side transparent portion, or rear transparent portion of a car, truck, bus, train, airplane, ship, tractor, ATV, etc. In other embodiments, the transparent component 100 may be integrated into a fixed structure, such as a building with transparent windows. In other embodiments, the radiation aperture 100 may be movable at 220 between the first glass 205 and the feed structure 125, and may be implemented as an applique on the glass 220.

[0071] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The transparent component 200 includes a first transparent substrate 205 and a second transparent substrate 210, which are stacked together to define a stacked structure 215. A coplanar antenna structure 100 is disposed, i.e., sandwiched between the substrates 205 and 210 within the stacked structure 215. The substrates 205 and 210 may be stacked together using a suitable bonding material 218, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0072] In the exemplary embodiment, the transparent substrates 205 and 210 are glass substrates. However, in other embodiments, the transparent substrates 205 and 210 may be made of some other transparent material.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the CPW power supply structure 130 can be mounted to the outer surface 220 of the glass substrate 205. In this embodiment, the outer surface 220 is oriented toward the interior of the vehicle.

[0074] Figure 3An isometric view of a coplanar antenna structure 100 within a transparent assembly 200, which includes a portion of a vehicle's windshield, is illustrated. In a Cartesian coordinate system, axis 305 represents the X-axis, axis 310 represents the Y-axis, and axis 315 represents the Z-axis. When the coplanar antenna structure 100 is positioned within the windshield, it includes a front angle 320 ranging between approximately 22 degrees (22°) and approximately 23 degrees (23°). This front angle 320 can be represented, for example, as the angle between axis 310 representing the Y-axis and axis 325 representing the Y' axis. In this embodiment, the vehicle roof is defined within the XY plane.

[0075] Figure 4 The illustration shows a simulated radiation pattern 400, where the corresponding front angle 320 of the coplanar antenna structure ranges between approximately 22° and 23°. This radiation pattern also illustrates azimuth patterns 405, 410, and 415, corresponding to coplanar antenna structures with slot widths of 2 mm, 405, 410, and 415, respectively. As shown, azimuth pattern 415 is relatively larger than those corresponding to the relatively smaller slot widths of 405 and 410.

[0076] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their simple and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise expressly indicated herein. In particular, the use of singular forms such as “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” should be interpreted as referring to one or more of the indicated elements, unless the claims expressly limit them to the contrary.

Claims

1. An antenna for a vehicle windshield, the antenna comprising: A coplanar antenna structure, wherein the coplanar antenna structure includes: substrate; A feed line is disposed on the substrate and connected between a pair of grounding portions; A radiating portion, configured to emit electromagnetic radiation and disposed on the substrate, wherein the radiating portion is formed in a generally U-shaped structure to define a slot having a width-to-length ratio of 0.4 ± 10%, wherein the slot has a length of twenty millimeters, and wherein a feed line extends through the interior of the slot, and one end of the feed line is electrically connected to a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed structure, and the other end of the feed line is connected to the radiating portion defining the slot; and A scattering element disposed on the substrate and at least partially surrounding the radiating portion, wherein the scattering element comprises a semi-circular ring structure.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the groove is approximately eight millimeters.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​the groove is approximately 160 square millimeters.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The semi-circular ring structure includes a non-segmented structure.

5. The antenna according to claim 1 further includes a stacked structure, wherein the stacked structure includes the coplanar antenna structure.

6. The antenna according to claim 5, wherein, The stacked structure includes a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate bonded together by bonding materials.

7. The antenna according to claim 6, wherein, The bonding material includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

8. A system comprising: Layered structure; as well as An antenna disposed within the stacked structure, the antenna comprising a coplanar antenna structure, the coplanar antenna structure comprising: substrate; A feed line is disposed on the substrate and connected between a pair of grounding portions; A radiating portion, configured to emit electromagnetic radiation and disposed on the substrate, wherein the radiating portion is formed in a generally U-shaped structure to define a slot having a width-to-length ratio of 0.4 ± 10%, wherein the slot has a length of twenty millimeters, and wherein a feed line extends through the interior of the slot, and one end of the feed line is electrically connected to a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed structure, and the other end of the feed line is connected to the radiating portion defining the slot; and A scattering element disposed on the substrate and at least partially surrounding the radiating portion, wherein the scattering element comprises a semi-circular ring structure.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The width of the groove is approximately eight millimeters.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The area of ​​the groove is approximately 160 square millimeters.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The semi-circular ring structure includes a non-segmented structure.

12. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The coplanar waveguide (CPW) feeding structure is disposed on the outer surface of the stacked structure.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The stacked structure includes a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate bonded together by bonding materials.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The bonding material includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

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