Pattern Reconfigurable Antenna

Abstract

The present invention relates to an antenna, comprising: a radiator arrangement and a feeding mechanism operably connected to the radiator arrangement for affecting the operation of the radiator arrangement. The feeding mechanism is configured to selectively operate in at least three different states. When the feeding mechanism is operated in a first state, the antenna operates in a first mode to produce a broadside radiation pattern. When the feeding mechanism is operated in a second state, the antenna operates in a second mode to produce an omnidirectional radiation pattern. When the feeding mechanism is operated in a third state, the antenna operates in a third mode to produce a lateral radiation pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pattern reconfigurable antenna. Background Art

[0002] Reconfigurable pattern antennas are known antennas that can provide a radiation pattern that can be dynamically changed when in use. Summary of the invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, an antenna is provided, comprising: a radiator arrangement and a feeding mechanism operably connected to the radiator arrangement for affecting the operation of the radiator arrangement. The feeding mechanism is configured to selectively operate (work) in at least a first state, a second state, and a third state. In the first state, the feeding mechanism causes the antenna to operate in a first mode to produce a side-firing radiation pattern. In the second state, the feeding mechanism causes the antenna to operate in a second mode to produce an omnidirectional radiation pattern. In the third state, the feeding mechanism causes the antenna to operate in a third mode to produce a lateral (end-fire) radiation pattern. The antenna is a pattern reconfigurable antenna, of which only the radiation pattern is reconfigurable or at least the radiation pattern is reconfigurable. In some examples, one or more other properties of the antenna are also reconfigurable. The antenna can be used as a transmitting and / or receiving antenna.

[0004] Optionally, the antenna is arranged to operate at substantially the same frequency or frequency band in at least two or all of: the first mode, the second mode and the third mode. In one example, the frequency band comprises the 2.4 GHz ISM band.

[0005] Optionally, the broadside radiation pattern, the omnidirectional radiation pattern and the side radiation pattern selectively produced by the antenna have substantially the same polarization. Optionally, the feeding mechanism is not arranged to affect the polarization of the radiation pattern produced by the antenna.

[0006] Optionally, the broadside radiation pattern produced by the antenna has an electric field that is substantially vertically polarized. Optionally, the omnidirectional radiation pattern produced by the antenna has an electric field that is substantially vertically polarized. Optionally, the lateral radiation pattern produced by the antenna has an electric field that is substantially vertically polarized.

[0007] Optionally, the lateral radiation pattern is based on a combination of an edge-firing radiation pattern and an omnidirectional radiation pattern. In one example, the lateral radiation pattern may be a combination of an edge-firing radiation pattern and an omnidirectional radiation pattern.

[0008] Optionally, the antenna further comprises a substrate having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and a ground plane arranged on the first side of the substrate. The substrate may be a PCB substrate having one or more substrate layers. The substrate may be disc-shaped or plate-shaped.

[0009] Optionally, the radiator is arranged at least partially on a ground plane.

[0010] Optionally, the radiator arrangement includes a dielectric resonator and a parasitic element (or monopole element) arranged on a ground plane. In one example, the dielectric resonator can facilitate the operation of the antenna as a dielectric resonator antenna. In one example, the parasitic element can facilitate the operation of the antenna as a parasitic monopole antenna.

[0011] Optionally, the dielectric resonator antenna is loaded by a parasitic monopole antenna.

[0012] Optionally, in plan view, the ground plane occupies a larger footprint than the dielectric resonator.

[0013] Optionally, the dielectric resonator is arranged substantially in the center of the ground plane.

[0014] Optionally, the dielectric resonator comprises a body having a hole, and the parasitic element is at least partially (eg, substantially completely) arranged in the hole.

[0015] Optionally, the body defines a central axis along the axial direction, and the bore extends along an axis offset from and parallel to the central axis.

[0016] Optionally, the hole is a through hole passing through the body.

[0017] Optionally, the hole is a generally cylindrical hole.

[0018] Optionally, the body includes a first portion arranged on a ground plane and a second portion arranged on the first portion. The first portion can be used to promote or enhance impedance matching of the antenna. The first portion can be made of one or more dielectric materials and can have a first dielectric constant or an effective dielectric constant. The second portion can be made of one or more dielectric materials and can have a second dielectric constant or an effective dielectric constant different from the first dielectric constant or the effective dielectric constant. The second dielectric constant or the effective dielectric constant can be at least 2 times, at least 2.5 times, or at least 2.6 times the first dielectric constant or the effective dielectric constant.

[0019] Optionally, the body also includes a third portion arranged on the second portion. The third portion may be made of one or more dielectric materials and may have a third dielectric constant or an effective dielectric constant. The third portion may be used to promote or enhance the generation (performance) of the lateral radiation pattern. The third dielectric constant or the effective dielectric constant may be different from the second dielectric constant or the effective dielectric constant. The third dielectric constant or the effective dielectric constant may be substantially the same as the first dielectric constant or the effective dielectric constant.

[0020] Optionally, the second portion is arranged directly between the first portion and the third portion.

[0021] Optionally, the main body consists of only the first part, the second part and the third part.

[0022] Optionally, the body is substantially cylindrical or prismatic. Optionally, the first portion, the second portion and the third portion comprise substantially the same cross-sectional shape and size.

[0023] The first portion has a first axial dimension (e.g., height, perpendicular to the ground plane), the second portion has a second axial dimension (e.g., height, perpendicular to the ground plane), and the third portion has a third axial dimension (e.g., height, perpendicular to the ground plane). Optionally, the second axial dimension is greater than the first axial dimension. In one example, the second axial dimension is at least 2 times, at least 2.5 times, or at least 3 times the first axial dimension. Optionally, the second axial dimension is greater than the third axial dimension. Optionally, the third axial dimension is greater than the first axial dimension. In one example, the third axial dimension is at least 1.5 times, at least 1.75 times, or at least 2 times the first axial dimension. In one example, the ratio of the first axial dimension, the second axial dimension, and the third axial dimension is approximately 1:3:2.

[0024] Optionally, the parasitic element is arranged in the center of the hole, for example without contacting the dielectric resonator.

[0025] Optionally, the parasitic element is connected to the ground plane, for example soldered to the ground plane.

[0026] Optionally, the parasitic element is in the form of a probe. The probe may be generally cylindrical or prismatic. The probe may be made of a metallic material, such as copper.

[0027] Optionally, the parasitic element extends at least partially through the substrate.

[0028] Optionally, one end of the parasitic element is arranged in a portion of the hole in the second part. In other words, one end of the parasitic element ends in the hole portion in the second part of the body.

[0029] Optionally, in plan view, the ground plane defines a center and the parasitic element is offset from the center.

[0030] Optionally, the feeding mechanism comprises: a slot formed in the ground plane, a feed line arrangement arranged on the second side of the substrate, and a switch arrangement. The switch arrangement is operably connected to the feed line arrangement and the slot to selectively affect the operation of the feed line arrangement and the slot, thereby affecting the operation mode of the antenna.

[0031] Optionally, when the feeding mechanism is operated in the first state, the switch arrangement helps to excite the radiation mode of the dielectric resonator and / or the radiation mode of the slot. The radiation mode of the dielectric resonator may include HEM 11+δ Radiation pattern.

[0032] Optionally, when the feeding mechanism is operated in the second state, the switching arrangement facilitates operation of the parasitic element as a parasitic monopole.

[0033] Optionally, when the feeding mechanism is operated in the third state, the switch arrangement (i) facilitates excitation of the radiation mode of the dielectric resonator and / or the radiation mode of the slot and (ii) facilitates operation of the parasitic element as a parasitic monopole. The radiation mode of the dielectric resonator may include a HEM 11+δ Radiation pattern.

[0034] Optionally, the switch arrangement comprises a plurality of switch elements operably coupled to the feeder arrangement and the slot.

[0035] Optionally, the plurality of switch elements include one or more first switch elements operably connected to the slot and one or more second switch elements operably connected to the feeder arrangement. Optionally, when the feeding mechanism is operated in the first state, the one or more first switch elements are operated in the first operating state and the one or more second switch elements are operated in the second operating state. Optionally, when the feeding mechanism is operated in the second state, the one or more first switch elements are operated in the second operating state and the one or more second switch elements are operated in the first operating state. Optionally, when the feeding mechanism is operated in the third state, the one or more first switch elements and the one or more second switch elements are operated in the first operating state. Optionally, the first operating state is a cut-off (non-conducting) state and the second operating state is a conducting state.

[0036] Optionally, the plurality of switch elements are a plurality of diodes.

[0037] Optionally, the plurality of switch elements are arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis. The axis may be an axis of symmetry of the feeder assembly.

[0038] Optionally, the one or more first switching elements include a plurality of first diodes, each of which is connected to the feeder arrangement, respectively. Optionally, the one or more second switching elements include a plurality of second diodes, each of which is connected across the slots, respectively.

[0039] Optionally, in a plan view, the plurality of first diodes overlap with the feeder arrangement. Optionally, in a plan view, the one or more second switching elements do not overlap with the feeder arrangement.

[0040] Optionally, the groove comprises an annular groove, which may be a square annular groove (eg a square annular groove), a circular annular groove (a circular annular groove) or the like.

[0041] Optionally, the annular groove (eg, a square annular groove) includes: a first groove portion and a second groove portion arranged opposite to each other, and a third groove portion and a fourth groove portion arranged opposite to each other and extending between the first groove portion and the second groove portion.

[0042] Optionally, in plan view, the square annular groove defines a center and the parasitic element is offset from the center.

[0043] Optionally, the groove further comprises one or more open circuit stub grooves connected to the annular groove.

[0044] Optionally, the one or more open-circuit stub slots include: a first open-circuit stub slot connected at or near the interface between the first slot portion and the third slot portion, and a second open-circuit stub slot arranged opposite to the first open-circuit stub slot and connected at or near the interface between the second slot portion and the fourth slot portion. Optionally, the first open-circuit stub slot and the second open-circuit stub slot extend along the same axis. Optionally, the one or more open-circuit stub slots consist only of the first open-circuit stub slot and the second open-circuit stub slot.

[0045] Optionally, in plan view, the slot is arranged within a footprint of a radiator arrangement (eg, a dielectric radiator).

[0046] Optionally, the groove consists of a square annular groove and a first open-circuit short-circuit groove and a second open-circuit short-circuit groove.

[0047] Optionally, the feeder arrangement comprises a generally Y-shaped feeder arrangement.

[0048] Optionally, the generally Y-shaped feeder arrangement comprises: a first feeder section, a second feeder section and a third feeder section. The first feeder section has a generally elongated feeder. The second feeder section has a generally elongated feeder connected to one end of the first feeder section. The third feeder section is connected to an end of the second feeder section opposite to the first feeder section. Optionally, the third feeder section comprises two feeders extending away from the second feeder section and arranged at an angle to each other. The angle may be an acute angle, a right angle or an obtuse angle less than 180 degrees.

[0049] Optionally, the substantially Y-shaped feeder arrangement is substantially symmetrical with respect to an axis. The axis may be an axis of symmetry of the switch element. The axis may be perpendicular to another axis along which the first open-circuited short-circuit stub slot and the second open-circuited short-circuit stub slot extend.

[0050] Optionally, the two feeding lines of the third feeding line section are microstrip lines with short-circuited ends.

[0051] Optionally, the generally elongated feed line of the first feed line portion and the generally elongated feed line of the second feed line portion are generally coaxial. Optionally, the generally elongated feed line of the first feed line portion is narrower (in a direction perpendicular to the coaxial direction) than the generally elongated feed line of the second feed line portion.

[0052] Optionally, the plurality of first diodes of the switch arrangement comprises: a first diode connected to one of the two feeders of the third feeder section of the substantially Y-shaped feeder arrangement and a second diode connected to the other of the two feeders of the third feeder section of the substantially Y-shaped feeder arrangement.

[0053] Optionally, the plurality of second diodes of the switch arrangement include: a first and a second diode, a third and a fourth diode, and a fifth diode. The first and second diodes are both connected across the second slot portion. The third and the fourth diodes are both connected across the third slot portion. The fifth diode is connected across the slot at the interface between the first slot portion and the fourth slot portion. Optionally, in a plan view, the first and second diodes are arranged in an angular space defined between the first and second feeder portions and one of the two feeders of the third feeder portion. Optionally, in a plan view, the third and the fourth diodes are arranged in an angular space defined between the first and second feeder portions and the other of the two feeders of the third feeder portion. Optionally, in a plan view, the fifth diode is arranged in an angular space defined between the two feeders of the third feeder portion.

[0054] Optionally, the antenna further comprises a control circuit operatively connected to the switch arrangement for controlling the operation of the switch arrangement and thus controlling the operation mode of the antenna. For example, the control circuit may control the conduction and cut-off of the switch element of the switch arrangement.

[0055] In a second aspect of the present invention, a pattern reconfigurable dielectric resonator antenna is provided, comprising: a dielectric resonator radiator; and a feeding mechanism operably connected to the dielectric resonator radiator for influencing the operation of the dielectric resonator radiator. The feeding mechanism has at least three different operating states. When the feeding mechanism operates in a first state, the antenna generates a broadside radiation pattern. When the feeding mechanism operates in a second state, the antenna generates an omnidirectional radiation pattern. When the feeding mechanism operates in a third state, the antenna generates a lateral radiation pattern.

[0056] In a third aspect of the present invention, an electrical or electronic device is provided, comprising one or more antennas according to the first aspect. The electrical or electronic device may be a communication device, such as a router (eg, a Wi-Fi router), an Internet of Things device, or the like.

[0057] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Where appropriate and applicable, any feature described herein with respect to one aspect or embodiment may be combined with any other feature described herein with respect to any other aspect or embodiment.

[0058] Terms of degree or relative terms (e.g., "generally," "approximately," "about," "substantially," etc.) related to quantities or conditions are used to take into account (depending on the context) at least one of: manufacturing tolerances, degradation, assembly, usage, trends, tendencies, practical applications, etc. In some examples, relative terms may include the indicated value and plus or minus a percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%) thereof.

[0059] As used herein, the term "broadcast radiation pattern" refers to a radiation pattern that is generally broadside, the term "omnidirectional radiation pattern" refers to a radiation pattern that is generally omnidirectional, and the term "side radiation pattern" refers to a radiation pattern that is generally sideways. It should be understood that in practice, it is difficult or even impossible to obtain strictly broadside, strictly omnidirectional, and strictly sideways radiation patterns. In some cases, the radiation pattern produced by an antenna may be affected / changed by the environment in which the antenna is arranged (e.g., objects near the antenna).

[0060] Unless stated otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," "coupled," "mounted," etc., are intended to cover both direct and indirect connections, couplings, couplings, mountings, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1A is an exploded view of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A top view of a ground plane of an antenna;

[0064] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A bottom view of the substrate of the middle antenna;

[0065] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of an antenna in a first configuration / mode (“Antenna 1”);

[0066] Figure 2B yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of an antenna in a second configuration / mode (“Antenna II”);

[0067] Figure 2C yes Figure 1ASchematic diagram of an antenna in a third configuration / mode (“Antenna III”);

[0068] Figure 3A It is shown Figure 1A a graph of a simulated normalized three-dimensional (3D) radiation pattern of an antenna of FIG. 1 at 2.4 GHz in a first configuration / mode (“Antenna 1”);

[0069] Figure 3B It is shown Figure 1A a graph of simulated normalized 3D radiation pattern of the antenna of FIG. 1 at 2.4 GHz in a second configuration / mode (“Antenna II”);

[0070] Figure 3C It is shown Figure 1A a graph of a simulated normalized 3D radiation pattern of an antenna of FIG. 1 at 2.4 GHz in a third configuration / mode (“Antenna III”);

[0071] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1A Graphs of simulated reflection coefficients for an antenna in three different configurations / modes ("Antenna I", "Antenna II" and "Antenna III");

[0072] Figure 5A It is shown Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a model of the radiation pattern of an antenna in a first configuration / mode (“Antenna 1”);

[0073] Figure 5B It is shown Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a model of the radiation pattern of the antenna in a second configuration / mode (“Antenna II”);

[0074] Figure 5C It is shown Figure 1A a schematic diagram of a model of the radiation pattern of the antenna in a third configuration / mode (“Antenna III”);

[0075] Fig. 6A yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of an antenna of FIG. 1 in a first configuration / mode (“Antenna 1”) in an effective configuration at 2.45 GHz (only the conducting diode is shown);

[0076] Figure 6B is a graph of the corresponding electric field distribution (yz plane) of the antenna ("Antenna I") at 2.45 GHz;

[0077] Fig. 7A yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the antenna in a second configuration / mode ("Antenna II") in an effective configuration at 2.45 GHz (only the conducting diode is shown);

[0078] Figure 7B is a graph of the corresponding electric field distribution (yz plane) of the antenna ("Antenna II") at 2.45 GHz;

[0079] Fig. 8A yes Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the antenna in a third configuration / mode ("Antenna III") in an effective configuration at 2.45 GHz (all diodes are off and therefore not shown);

[0080] Figure 8B is a graph of the corresponding electric field distribution (yz plane) of the antenna ("Antenna III") at 2.45 GHz;

[0081] Fig. 9 is shown for the first configuration / mode Figure 1A The different heights h of the middle part of the dielectric resonator of the antenna (“Antenna I”) 2 , a graph of reflection coefficient (dB) at different frequencies;

[0082] Fig.10 is shown for the second configuration / mode Figure 1A The different heights h of the monopole of the antenna ("Antenna II") p , a graph of reflection coefficient (dB) at different frequencies;

[0083] Fig.11 is shown for the third configuration / mode Figure 1A The antenna ("Antenna III") has different heights h of the top of the dielectric resonator 3 , a graph of reflection coefficient (dB) at different frequencies;

[0084] Fig. 12A is based on Figure 1A Image of the designed and fabricated antenna, where the dielectric resonator is placed next to the substrate;

[0085] Fig. 12B yes Fig. 12A An image of an antenna in which the dielectric resonator is placed on a substrate;

[0086] Fig. 12C yes Fig. 12A A picture of the antenna connected to other components on the other side of the substrate;

[0087] Fig.13 It is shown Fig. 12A Graphs of measured and simulated reflection coefficients (dB) for an antenna in a first configuration / mode (“State I”), a second configuration / mode (“State II”), and a third configuration / mode (“State III”);

[0088] Fig.14AIt is shown Fig. 12A Graphs of simulated and measured normalized radiation patterns (E-plane and H-plane) of the antenna in a first configuration / mode (“State I”) at 2.45 GHz;

[0089] Fig. 14B It is shown Fig. 12A Graphs of simulated and measured normalized radiation patterns (E-plane and H-plane) of the antenna in a second configuration / mode (“State II”) at 2.45 GHz;

[0090] Fig. 14C It is shown Fig. 12A Graphs of simulated and measured normalized radiation patterns (E-plane and H-plane) of the antenna in a third configuration / mode (“State III”) at 2.45 GHz;

[0091] Fig.15 It is shown Fig. 12A measured and simulated achieved gains (including mismatches) of the antenna in a first configuration / mode (“State I”), a second configuration / mode (“State II”), and a third configuration / mode (“State III”);

[0092] Fig.16 It is shown Fig. 12A a graph of measured total antenna efficiency (including mismatch) of the antenna in a first configuration / mode ("State I"), a second configuration / mode ("State II"), and a third configuration / mode ("State III"); and

[0093] Fig.17 is a high-level block diagram of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] The inventors of the present invention have learned through research, experiments and / or trials that broadside, omnidirectional and sideways radiation patterns can all be used in wireless communication systems.

[0095] Fig.17The functional block diagram of the antenna 10 of the present invention is shown. The antenna 10 is a pattern reconfigurable antenna that can selectively provide three or more different radiation patterns, such as broadside, omnidirectional and sideways radiation patterns. The antenna 10 generally includes at least a radiator arrangement 12 and a feeding mechanism 14 operably coupled to the radiator arrangement 12. The feeding mechanism 14 is operable to affect the operation of the radiator arrangement. Specifically, the feeding mechanism 14 is configured to selectively operate in at least three different states. When the feeding mechanism 14 is operated in a first state, the antenna 10 operates in a first mode to provide a broadside radiation pattern. When the feeding mechanism 14 is operated in a second state, the antenna 10 operates in a second mode to provide an omnidirectional radiation pattern. When the feeding mechanism 14 is operated in a third state, the antenna 10 operates in a third mode to provide a sideways radiation pattern. In practice, the broadside radiation pattern is a substantially broadside radiation pattern, the omnidirectional radiation pattern is a substantially omnidirectional radiation pattern, and the sideways radiation pattern is a substantially sideways radiation pattern. In some embodiments, the antenna 10 can operate in substantially the same frequency or frequency band in some or all of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. In some embodiments, some or all of the broadside radiation pattern, the omnidirectional radiation pattern, and the side radiation pattern have substantially the same polarization. In some embodiments, some or all of the broadside radiation pattern, the omnidirectional radiation pattern, and the side radiation pattern have a substantially vertically polarized electric field. In some embodiments, the third mode is based on a combination of the second mode and the first mode, i.e., the side radiation pattern is based on a combination of the broadside radiation pattern and the omnidirectional radiation pattern.

[0096] Figures 1A to 1C An antenna 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Antenna 100 may be considered as an exemplary implementation of antenna 10. Antenna 100 is a pattern reconfigurable antenna that can selectively provide broadside, omnidirectional, and sideways radiation patterns.

[0097] The antenna 100 generally includes a substrate 102 in the form of a disk (having a dielectric constant ε rs , radius R g The antenna 100 includes a substrate 102 having a diameter of 100 and a thickness t), and a circular ground plane 104 arranged on one side (top side) of the substrate 102 and having substantially the same radius as the substrate 102. The substrate 102 may be a PCB substrate. The antenna 100 further includes a radiator arrangement at least partially arranged on the ground plane 104, and a feeding mechanism at least partially arranged on the ground plane 104 and the substrate 102 and operably coupled to the radiator arrangement for influencing its operation.

[0098] In this embodiment, the radiator arrangement includes a dielectric resonator 106 arranged on a ground plane 104 and a parasitic element 108 directly connected to the ground plane 104. In a plan view, the ground plane 104 occupies a larger footprint than the dielectric resonator 106. The dielectric resonator 106 is arranged generally in the center of the ground plane 104. The dielectric resonator 106 includes a generally cylindrical body (having a radius R d ). A generally cylindrical hole 106H for receiving the parasitic element 108 is formed in the generally cylindrical body. The generally cylindrical body of the dielectric resonator defines a central axis in an axial direction (at the center O, perpendicular to the ground plane), and the hole 106H extends along an axis that is offset from and parallel to the central axis. In this embodiment, the hole 106H is a generally cylindrical through hole with a radius r h In this embodiment, the dielectric resonator 106 includes three parts or layers, which are arranged one above the other. Specifically, the dielectric resonator 106 includes a lower cylindrical portion 106A (having a radius R) arranged on the ground plane 104. d and height H 1 ), an intermediate cylindrical portion 106B (having a radius R) disposed on the lower cylindrical portion 106A d and height H 2 ) and an upper cylindrical portion 106C (having a radius R) disposed on the middle cylindrical portion 106B d and height H 3 ). The upper cylindrical portion 106C is arranged to facilitate provision of a lateral radiation pattern. The lower cylindrical portion 106A is arranged to facilitate impedance matching between the ground plane 104 and the dielectric resonator 106. In this embodiment, the upper cylindrical portion 106C and the lower cylindrical portion 106A have the same dielectric constant ε rd1 The middle cylindrical portion 106B has a dielectric constant ε rd2 . Dielectric constant ε rd2 Greater than the dielectric constant ε rd1 , for example, at least 2 or 2.5 times greater. In this embodiment, the height H 1 , H 2 and H 3 Different, among which H 2 Greater than H 3 (e.g., greater than at least 1.25 or 1.5 times) and H 3 Greater than H 1 (e.g., greater than at least 1.5, 1.75, or 2 times). In this example, the height H 1 , H 2 and H 3 The ratio is 1:3:2 (H 1 :H 2:H 3 ).

[0099] like Figure 1A As shown, the parasitic monopole or parasitic element 108 in this embodiment is in the form of a cylindrical probe (whose height is h p , with a radius of r p ), which extends perpendicular to the ground plane 104 or the substrate 102. The parasitic element 108 extends through the substrate 102, is connected to the ground plane 104 (e.g., soldered to the ground plane 104), and is arranged inside and at the center of the hole 106H of the dielectric resonator 106. In the present embodiment, the upper end of the parasitic element 108 terminates in the hole 106H portion defined by the middle cylindrical portion 106B. In the present embodiment, in a plan view, the ground plane 104 defines a center O and the parasitic element 108 is offset from the center O.

[0100] In this embodiment, dielectric resonator 106 may facilitate operation of the antenna as a dielectric resonator antenna, and parasitic element 108 may facilitate operation of the antenna as a parasitic monopole antenna. The dielectric resonator antenna may be considered to be loaded by the parasitic monopole antenna.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the feeding mechanism of the antenna 100 includes a slot 104S formed in the ground plane 104, a feed line arrangement 110 arranged on a side of the substrate 102 opposite to the ground plane 104, and a switch arrangement operably connected to the feed line arrangement 110. The switch arrangement is used to selectively affect the operation of the feed line arrangement 110 and the slot 104S, thereby affecting the operation mode of the antenna 100.

[0102] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B In this embodiment, in a plan view, the slot 104S is arranged within the footprint of the dielectric resonator 106. The slot 104S includes a square annular slot and two open-circuit stub slots St1 and St2. The square annular slot includes two elongated slot portions (whose length is l 1 and width w 1 ), and two other elongated slot portions (whose length is l) arranged opposite to each other and extending between the two elongated slot portions 1 and width w 1 ). Two open-circuit stub grooves St1 and St2 are connected at opposite corners of the square annular groove, and they both extend along the axis A1 (in the x direction). Each open-circuit stub groove has a length l 2 and width w 2 .like Figure 1B As shown, in the plan view, the square annular groove defines a center O, and the parasitic element 108 is surrounded by the square annular groove and offset from the center O by a distance s.0 .

[0103] Reference now Figure 1A and Figure 1C In this embodiment, the feeder arrangement 110 comprises a generally Y-shaped feeder arrangement which is generally symmetrical with respect to the axis A2 (in the y direction). The generally Y-shaped feeder arrangement 110 can be divided into three parts. The first part comprises a feeder having a length l f1 and width w f1 The second part includes a generally slender 50Ω transmission line, which is connected to the feeder of the first part. The feeder of the second part is introduced to improve the matching of the antenna, and its length is l f2 and width w f2 The feed lines of the first section and the feed lines of the second section are substantially coaxial and extend along the axis A2. The third section comprises feed lines extending away from the second section and at an angle θ to each other. f Each of the two short-circuited microstrip lines has a length l f3 and width w f3 A small donut-shaped guard ring 114 is arranged in the feed line of the second section to avoid contact between the parasitic monopole 108 and the feed line.

[0104] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1C In this embodiment, the switch arrangement includes a plurality of diodes, which are operably coupled to the feeder arrangement 110 and the slot 104S. Specifically, the diodes are arranged on the side of the substrate with the feeder arrangement 110 and on the pad 118, and each diode is connected to the ground plane 104 through a corresponding metal via 120 (see Figure 1B The diodes are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis A2 and can be divided into two groups: the first group (D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 ) and the second group (D 6 , D 7 The first group of diodes (D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 ) Cross-slot 104S welding.

[0105] The first group of diodes (D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5) comprises: a diode D connected across one of the elongated groove portions of the square annular groove 1 , D 2 , a diode D is connected across one of the adjacent elongated groove portions of the square annular groove 3 , D 4 Connect, and cross one corner of the square ring groove and away from the diode D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 Connect the diode D 5 .like Figure 1A Best shown in plan view, the diode D 1 , D 2 The diode D is arranged in an angular space defined between the first and second parts of the feed line arrangement 110 and one of the two short-circuited microstrip lines of the third part of the feed line arrangement 110; 3 , D 4 The diode D is arranged in an angular space defined between the first and second parts of the feed line arrangement 110 and the other of the two short-circuited microstrip lines of the third part of the feed line arrangement 110; 5 The second group of diodes (D 6 , D 7 ) is soldered directly to the Y-shaped feeder arrangement 110. Diode D 6 The short-circuited via hole is arranged on one of the short-circuited microstrip lines at the end of the third portion of the substantially Y-shaped feed line arrangement 110, at a position l away from the end of the microstrip line. p3 The diode D7 is arranged on the short-circuited microstrip line at the other end of the third portion of the substantially Y-shaped feeder line arrangement 110, at a position 1 away from the short-circuited via hole near the end of the microstrip line. p3 In this embodiment, the diode is a BAP55LX pin diode produced by NXP (its SPICE model is used in the following simulation experiments).

[0106] like Figure 1A As shown, the antenna 100 further includes a control circuit, which is operably coupled to the switch arrangement for controlling the operation of the switch arrangement and thus controlling the operation mode of the antenna. For example, the control circuit can selectively control the diode D in the switch arrangement. 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 , D 6 , D 7The control circuit may include a bias circuit 112 including an inductor 116 operably coupled to the first set of diodes to control their operation and a bias tee operably coupled to the second set of diodes to control their operation.

[0107] Table I lists the values ​​of various parameters used in an embodiment of the antenna 100. It should be understood that in other embodiments, these values ​​may be different or unrelated.

[0108] Table I - Design parameters of antenna 100

[0109] <![CDATA[R d ]]> <![CDATA[R g ]]> <![CDATA[r 0 ]]> <![CDATA[r h ]]> <![CDATA[r p ]]> <![CDATA[H 1 ]]> <![CDATA[H 2 <!-- 8 -->]]> 24.8mm 33.5mm 0.15mm 0.9mm 0.7mm 4mm 12mm <![CDATA[H 3 ]]> <![CDATA[h p ]]> <![CDATA[w 1 ]]> <![CDATA[w 2 ]]> <![CDATA[w f1 ]]> <![CDATA[w f2 ]]> <![CDATA[w f3 ]]> 8mm 11.5mm 1mm 1.41mm 1.8mm 3.2mm 1.3mm <![CDATA[l 1 ]]> <![CDATA[l 2 ]]> <![CDATA[l f1 ]]> <![CDATA[l f2 ]]> <![CDATA[l f3 ]]> <![CDATA[l p1 ]]> <![CDATA[l p2 ]]> 19mm 3mm 8mm 7.7mm 30.9mm 6.4mm 11.3mm <![CDATA[l p3 ]]> <![CDATA[s 0 ]]> t <![CDATA[ε rd1 ]]> <![CDATA[ε rd2 ]]> <![CDATA[ε rs ]]> <![CDATA[θ f ]]> 6.3mm 1mm 0.813mm 2.9 7.8 3.38 90°

[0110] The antenna 100 is a reconfigurable antenna that can switch between broadside, omnidirectional, and lateral radiation modes. As described above, the antenna 100 includes a Y-shaped microstrip line arrangement 110, a slot 104S with a feeding square annular slot, and a parasitic monopole antenna (with a parasitic element 108) loaded by a three-layer cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (with a dielectric resonator 106). In this embodiment, the slot 104S fed by the Y-shaped microstrip line 110 can excite a basic HEM. 11+δ The dielectric resonator antenna mode and the slot 104S can resonate to provide a radiating slot mode. HEM 11+δ The mode and the slot mode both have sideways radiation patterns, which together are used for the sideways radiation pattern of the antenna 100. The parasitic monopole 108 is used to provide an omnidirectional radiation pattern. When the sideways radiation pattern and the omnidirectional radiation pattern are operated simultaneously, their radiation fields can be superimposed to provide a lateral radiation pattern to provide a lateral radiation pattern. The diode D of the switch arrangement 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 , D 6 , D 7 Used in the feeder arrangement 110 to switch between the three operating states.

[0111] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Three reference antennas ("Antenna I", "Antenna II", "Antenna III") are shown corresponding to antenna 100 in different operating (eg, radiating) modes. Figure 2A In FIG. 1 , antenna 100 is in a first configuration / mode (“Antenna I”) to provide a broadside radiation pattern. Figure 2B In FIG. 1 , antenna 100 is in a second configuration / mode (“Antenna II”) to provide an omnidirectional radiation pattern. Figure 2C, antenna 100 is in a third configuration / mode ("Antenna III") to provide a lateral radiation pattern. Specifically, Antenna I corresponds to a three-layer cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna fed by a square annular slot, which can also resonate at its slot frequency. Antenna I operates in state I to provide a sideways radiation pattern. Antenna II corresponds to a three-layer cylindrical dielectric resonator loaded by a parasitic monopole, which is excited by four disconnected slots in the ground plane. Antenna II operates in state II to provide a conical (monopole) radiation pattern. In this configuration, the disconnected slot is obtained from the square annular slot by turning on a diode in the disconnected position. Antenna III corresponds to Antenna I loaded by a parasitic monopole. Antenna III operates in state III to provide a lateral radiation pattern. In all three cases, the feed line arrangement and the slot are fine-tuned to match the antenna. In Antenna II and Antenna III, the parasitic monopole is considered to be grounded.

[0112] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Shows FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Simulated normalized three-dimensional (3D) radiation patterns of three reference antennas in FIG. 1 (corresponding to antenna 100 in different operating (eg, radiation) modes) at 2.4 GHz.

[0113] Figure 4 The simulated reflection coefficients (dB) of three reference antennas ("Antenna I", "Antenna II", "Antenna III") are shown, which correspond to antenna 100 in different operating (eg, radiation) modes. Figure 4 As shown, the antenna I in its side-radiating dielectric resonator antenna mode (HEM 11+δ ) and slot modes. For Antenna II, only a single mode is observed and this resonant mode is mainly due to the parasitic monopole (not a dielectric resonator antenna or a disconnected slot, as confirmed by parametric studies). Antenna III can be considered as a combination of Antenna I and Antenna II, so all resonant modes in Antenna I and Antenna II can be found in Antenna III. Antenna III provides a lateral radiation pattern.

[0114] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Corresponding models representing ideal radiation patterns of reference antennas ("Antenna I", "Antenna II", "Antenna III") are shown, corresponding to antenna 100 in different operating (eg, radiation) modes. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C As shown, the superposition of the radiation fields of antenna I and antenna II (state I and state II) will result in some fields being cancelled and some fields being strengthened, thereby providing a lateral radiation pattern of antenna III (state III).

[0115] The diode D in the switching arrangement can be selectively activated 1 , D 2 , D 3, D 4 , D 5 , D 6 , D 7 To manipulate the operating state of the antenna 100.

[0116] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B 1 shows the effective configuration and corresponding electric field distribution (yz plane) of antenna 100 at 2.45 GHz in a first configuration / mode ("Antenna 1"). The first configuration / mode corresponds to a broadside mode (which produces a broadside radiation pattern). In this mode, the first set of diodes D connected across slot 104S are connected to the antenna 100 in a first configuration / mode ("Antenna 1"). 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 All diodes D are cut off and soldered to the second set of diodes D of the Y-shaped feeder arrangement 110. 6 , D 7 All turned on. Fig. 6A Only the conducting diodes are shown. It can be seen that by making the diodes D 6 , D 7 When the antenna is turned on, the equivalent slot current has no net rotational component, thus suppressing the omnidirectional mode of the antenna (state II). Figure 6B The simulated electric field inside the antenna 100 is shown. It can be seen that the field corresponds to a broadside radiation pattern.

[0117] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The effective configuration of the antenna 100 at 2.45 GHz and the corresponding electric field distribution (yz plane) in the second configuration / mode ("Antenna II") are shown. The second configuration / mode corresponds to the omnidirectional mode (which produces an omnidirectional radiation pattern). In this mode, the first group of diodes D connected across the slot 104S are connected to the antenna 100 at 2.45 GHz. 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 The second set of diodes D are all turned on and soldered to the Y-shaped feeder arrangement 110. 6 , D 7 All closed. Fig. 7A Only the conducting diodes are shown. 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 The square annular slot is effectively divided into four disconnected slot segments, thereby suppressing the side-emitting dielectric resonator antenna mode and the slot mode. In addition, it can be found that making the diode D 6 , D 7The cutoff enables a rotating magnetic slot current that effectively couples energy to the parasitic monopole 108, thereby providing an omnidirectional mode for the antenna 100. A parametric study of this resonant mode was performed, and it was determined that the resonance was due to the parasitic monopole and not the slot. Figure 7B The simulated electric field distribution inside the antenna 100 is shown, which is consistent with a monopole field.

[0118] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The effective configuration of antenna 100 at 2.45 GHz and the corresponding electric field distribution (yz plane) are shown in the third configuration / mode ("Antenna III"). The third configuration / mode corresponds to the lateral mode (which produces a lateral radiation pattern). In this mode, all diodes D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 , D 6 , D 7 All are closed, so Fig. 8A The diode is not shown. Since the diode D on the Y-shaped feeder arrangement 110 6 , D 7 is cut off, so the magnetic slot current has a net rotational component and therefore does not suppress the omnidirectional mode. On the other hand, when the diode D connected across the slot 104S 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 At cut-off, the slot current is no longer disconnected. As a result, the side-firing mode is also not suppressed. In other words, both the side-firing mode and the omnidirectional mode can be excited, and their fields are superimposed on each other to produce the side radiation pattern. Figure 8B Graph 1 shows the simulated internal electric field distribution of antenna 100. Figure 8B As shown, the electric field on the left has an upward and downward field component. The two components cancel each other and weaken the left radiation field. In contrast, the electric field on the right has no field cancellation. Therefore, the field can effectively radiate to the right to provide a lateral radiation pattern.

[0119] Table II summarizes the diode D under these three operating modes. 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 , D 6 , D 7 The on / off state.

[0120] Table II - Diode and Pattern Reconfigurability of Antenna 100

[0121]

[0122] A parametric study was performed to characterize the antenna 100 . Figures 9 to 11 Results are shown: simulated reflection coefficients (dB) at different frequencies for different values ​​of the monopole and dielectric resonator parameters in different states or modes.

[0123] First, consider the height h of the middle cylindrical portion 106B of the dielectric resonator 106. 2 The effect on the operation of the antenna 100 in the broadside radiation mode. Fig. 9 As shown, with h 2 As h increases, the frequency of resonance I decreases significantly (because resonance I is a dielectric resonator mode). 2 As h increases, the frequency of resonance II remains roughly unchanged because resonance II is caused by the parasitic monopole. 2 As h increases, the frequency of resonance III decreases. This is expected, because increasing h 2 This will increase the size of the dielectric resonator, thereby increasing the dielectric loading.

[0124] Next, consider the height / length h of the monopole antenna 108 p The effect on the operation of antenna 100 in the omnidirectional radiation mode. Fig.10 As shown, with h p increases, the resonance shifts to a lower frequency, which verifies that it is a single-pole mode.

[0125] Third, consider the height h of the upper cylindrical portion 106C of the dielectric resonator 106. 3 The effect on the operation of the antenna 100 in the lateral radiation mode. Fig.11 As shown, with h 3 As , the operating frequencies of both the dielectric resonator mode and the slot mode increase. As expected, the results are consistent with Fig. 9 The results in are similar.

[0126] In order to further verify the simulation results, the following FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C The design parameters of the prototype antenna 1200 are shown in Table 1. Fig. 12A In FIG. 1 , the dielectric resonator is shown separated from the ground plane to show the square annular groove formed on the ground plane. Fig. 12B In , the dielectric resonator is placed on the substrate and the ground plane. This corresponds to the configuration of the antenna 1200 during operation. Fig. 12CIn FIG. 1 , control circuit components (including coaxial cables, RF chokes, and bias tees) are shown connected to the other side of the substrate opposite the ground plane. In this example, additive manufacturing methods are used to manufacture the dielectric resonator, but other manufacturing methods may be used in other embodiments.

[0127] Experiments were conducted to determine the performance of the antenna 1200. In this experiment, a Murata LQW18AN51NG80D inductor was used to isolate the bias DC circuit of the first set of diodes from the antenna 1200, and a Mini-Circuits ZX85-40W-63-S+ bias tee was used to control and isolate the second set of diodes. An RF choke was used to reduce undesired return current on the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. An Agilent vector network analyzer PNA8753ES was used to measure the reflection coefficient. A Satimo StarLab system was used to measure the radiation pattern, achieved gain, and overall antenna efficiency (including mismatch).

[0128] Fig.13 Measured and simulated reflection coefficients of antenna 1200 operating in three different states / modes (State I - broadside, State II - omnidirectional, State III - lateral). Fig.13 As shown, reasonable agreement is obtained between the measured results and the simulated results. The -10 dB measured impedance bandwidths of the antenna 1200 in states I, II, and III are 38.3% (1.94 GHz to 2.86 GHz), 7.3% (2.37 GHz to 2.55 GHz), and 38.5% (2.1 GHz to 3.1 GHz), respectively. Their common bandwidth is 7.3% (2.37 GHz to 2.55 GHz), which covers the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Since state II has only a monopole mode (no other modes), its impedance bandwidth is the narrowest of the three states.

[0129] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C Measured and simulated normalized radiation patterns (E-plane and H-plane) of antenna 1200 operating in three different states / modes (State I—broadfire, State II—omnidirectional, State III—lateral).

[0130] Fig.14A Involving state I. Fig.14AAs shown, antenna 1200 has the expected broadside radiation pattern. Its measured E-plane and H-plane 3dB beamwidths are 93° (-42°≤θ≤51°) and 93° (-48°≤φ≤45°), respectively. The asymmetric E-plane radiation pattern is primarily caused by the offset (1 mm) of the monopole from the center of the dielectric resonator. In this embodiment, the offset is used to optimize the omnidirectional performance in State II. In the broadside direction, the cross-polarization levels measured in the E-plane and H-plane are ideally low, both below -21 dB.

[0131] Fig. 14B Involving state II. Fig. 14B As shown, a conical radiation pattern is obtained. The measured E-plane and H-plane 3dB beamwidths are 111° (36°≤θ≤147°) and 360° (0°≤φ≤360°), respectively. It can be found that in this state, the co-polarization gain variation of the H-plane is less than 1.5dB. Due to experimental imperfections and tolerances (including, for example, wave reflections from cables), the measured cross-polarization fields are significantly stronger than the simulated results. Nevertheless, they are still much weaker than the corresponding co-polarization fields and are at least 15dB lower.

[0132] Fig. 14C Involving state III. Fig. 14C As shown, the measured cross-polarization field is ideally weaker than the co-polarization field by more than -22 dB. The measured E-plane and H-plane 3dB beamwidths are 102° (16°≤θ≤118°) and 132° (30°≤φ≤162°), respectively.

[0133] Fig.15 Measured and simulated achieved gains of antenna 1200 (including mismatches) operating in three different states / modes (State I - broadside, State II - omnidirectional, State III - sideways) are shown. Fig.15 As shown, the measured gain of state I is higher than that of states II and III. This is mainly because state I has the smallest beamwidth among the three states. The average achieved gains measured in the common bandwidth (2.37 GHz to 2.55 GHz) of states I, II, and III are 4.8 dBi, 1.17 dBi, and 3 dBi, respectively, with peak values ​​of 5.18 dBi (2.45 GHz), 1.54 dBi (2.45 GHz), and 3.12 dBi (2.48 GHz), respectively. On average, the measured gain is about 0.5 dB lower than the simulated result due to experimental tolerances and power losses caused by various antenna components (such as diodes, cables, etc.).

[0134] Fig.16The measured total efficiency (including mismatch) of the antenna 1200 operating in three different states / modes (State I - broadside, State II - omnidirectional, State III - sideways) is shown. Fig.16 As shown, in state I, state II and state III, the measured average efficiency of the antenna 1200 is 86.5%, 79.6% and 81.4%, respectively. Table III summarizes some key features and performances of the antenna 1200 in this embodiment.

[0135] Table III - Characteristics and performance of antenna 1200

[0136] <![CDATA[f 0 / GHz]]> Reconfigurable Type Radiation pattern Control method Total efficiency <![CDATA[Size / λ 0 3 > 2.46 Direction diagram All-round, side-on and side-on diode 79.6％-86.5％ 0.06

[0137] f 0 : Center frequency of the operating band; λ 0 :In f 0 When the wavelength in air

[0138] The antennas 100 and 1200 in the above-mentioned embodiments are reconfigurable antennas. In each of these embodiments, the antennas 100 and 1200 include multi-layer or multi-part dielectric resonators and can selectively generate multiple (at least three) radiation patterns. The antennas 100 and 1200 in these embodiments include a generally Y-shaped feed line arrangement, a square annular slot, and a parasitic monopole loaded by a dielectric resonator antenna. A switch network with multiple diodes is used in the feed network to reconfigure the radiation pattern. By changing the on / off state of the diode, the radiation pattern of the antenna can be switched between side-ray, omnidirectional, and lateral modes. The antennas 100 and 1200 in these embodiments can be considered to include a multi-layer dielectric resonator antenna, a parasitic monopole antenna, and a feed network, which includes a generally Y-shaped feed line arrangement, a square annular slot, and a switch arrangement with a diode. In these embodiments, an omnidirectional radiation pattern can be obtained by the parasitic monopole; when the dielectric resonator and the radiation mode of the feed ring slot are excited, a side radiation pattern can be obtained; when the radiation modes of the parasitic monopole, the dielectric resonator and the slot are all excited (so that their radiation fields are superimposed), a lateral radiation pattern can be obtained. In these embodiments, in the three radiation modes, the radiated electric field is vertically polarized.

[0139] The antenna 100, 1200 in the above-mentioned embodiments, or more generally the antenna 10 of the present invention, can be used in electrical or electronic devices, for example, communication devices such as routers (e.g., Wi-Fi routers), IoT devices, etc. The antenna 100, 1200 in the above-mentioned embodiments, or more generally the antenna 10 of the present invention, can be made small and compact, which is particularly suitable for (but not limited to) small or compact communication systems. The antenna 100, 1200 in the above-mentioned embodiments, or more generally the antenna 10 of the present invention, can be used in indoor wireless communication systems to provide large and flexible signal coverage.

[0140] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and / or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in a particular embodiment to provide other embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention described should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. Example optional features of some aspects of the invention are set forth in the Summary of the Invention section above. Some embodiments of the invention may include one or more of these optional features (some of which are not specifically shown in the drawings). Some embodiments of the invention may lack one or more of these optional features (some of which are not specifically shown in the drawings). One or more features in one embodiment and one or more features in another embodiment may be combined to provide further embodiments of the invention. For example, the shape, size, form, position and / or orientation of the substrate may be different from that shown (e.g., a cube). For example, the shape, size, form, position and / or orientation of the ground plane may be different from that shown (e.g., a rectangular cross section). For example, the shape, size, form, position and / or orientation of the dielectric resonator may be different from that shown. For example, the shape, size, form, position and / or orientation of the hole in the dielectric resonator may be different from that shown. The hole may be a blind hole. The hole may be a non-cylindrical hole. The dielectric resonator may include different numbers of parts (additional parts or fewer parts). The dielectric resonator may include portions having different dielectric constants or effective dielectric constants. The slots formed in the ground plane may have different shapes, sizes, forms, positions and / or orientations. For example, the slots need not be square ring-shaped. The feeder arrangement may have different shapes, sizes, forms, positions and / or orientations. The antenna may operate in at least one alternative or additional other frequency or frequency band. The switch arrangement may additionally or alternatively use a liquid metal switch, a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch, etc.

Claims

1. An antenna, include: Radiator arrangement; a substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a ground plane disposed on the first side of the substrate; as well as a feeding mechanism operably coupled to the radiator arrangement for influencing the operation of the radiator arrangement; wherein the feeding mechanism comprises: a slot formed in the ground plane; a feed line arrangement arranged on the second side of the substrate; and a switch arrangement comprising a first switch arrangement operatively connected to the feeder arrangement and a second switch arrangement operatively connected to the slot for selectively affecting the operation of the feeder arrangement and the slot, thereby affecting the operating mode of the antenna, The feeding mechanism is configured to selectively operate in a first state, a second state, and a third state; wherein, in the first state, the feeding mechanism causes the antenna to operate in a first mode to generate a broadside radiation pattern; wherein, in the second state, the feeding mechanism causes the antenna to operate in a second mode to generate an omnidirectional radiation pattern; wherein, in the third state, the feeding mechanism causes the antenna to operate in a third mode to generate a lateral radiation pattern; The radiator arrangement is at least partially arranged on the ground plane; the radiator arrangement further comprises: a dielectric resonator disposed on the ground plane and comprising a body having a hole; and A parasitic element is at least partially disposed in the hole; the parasitic element is connected to the ground plane.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, in, The antenna has substantially the same operating frequency or frequency band in the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, in, The broadside radiation pattern, the omnidirectional radiation pattern, and the side radiation pattern produced by the antenna have substantially the same polarization.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, in, The broadside radiation pattern, the omnidirectional radiation pattern, and the side radiation pattern produced by the antenna each have an electric field that is substantially vertically polarized.

5. The antenna according to claim 1, in, The body defines a central axis along an axial direction, and the bore extends along an axis offset from and parallel to the central axis.

6. The antenna according to claim 5, in, The subject includes: A first portion disposed on the ground plane and having a first dielectric constant or an effective dielectric constant; and a second portion located on the first portion and having a second dielectric constant or effective dielectric constant different from the first dielectric constant or effective dielectric constant; Wherein, the first part is used to improve the impedance matching of the antenna.

7. The antenna according to claim 6, in, The subject also includes: a third portion disposed on the second portion and having a third dielectric constant or effective dielectric constant different from the second dielectric constant or effective dielectric constant; Wherein, the third part is used to enhance the generation of the lateral radiation pattern.

8. The antenna according to claim 7, in, The main body is generally cylindrical or prismatic; as well as Wherein, the first portion, the second portion and the third portion include substantially the same cross-sectional shape and size.

9. The antenna according to claim 7, in, The first portion has a first axial dimension, the second portion has a second axial dimension, and the third portion has a third axial dimension; and The second axial dimension is larger than the first axial dimension and the third axial dimension.

10. The antenna according to claim 1, in, The parasitic element is in the form of a probe.

11. The antenna according to claim 1, in, The parasitic element extends at least partially through the substrate.

12. The antenna according to claim 6, in, One end of the parasitic element is disposed in a portion of the hole of the second portion.

13. The antenna according to claim 1, in, When the feeding mechanism is operated in the first state, the switching arrangement facilitates exciting a radiation mode of the dielectric resonator and / or a radiation mode of the slot; wherein, when the feeding mechanism is operated in the second state, the switching arrangement facilitates operation of the parasitic element as a parasitic monopole; and Therein, when the feeding mechanism is operated in the third state, the switching arrangement (i) facilitates excitation of a radiation mode of the dielectric resonator and / or a radiation mode of the slot and (ii) facilitates operation of the parasitic element as a parasitic monopole.

14. The antenna according to claim 1, in, The switch arrangement comprises a plurality of switch elements including a second switch element operatively connected to the feeder arrangement and a first switch element operatively connected to the slot.

15. The antenna according to claim 14, in, The plurality of switch elements include: one or more first switch elements operably connected to the slot; and one or more second switching elements operatively connected to the feeder arrangement; wherein, when the feeding mechanism operates in the first state, the one or more first switching elements operate in a first operating state and the one or more second switching elements operate in a second operating state; wherein, when the feeding mechanism operates in the second state, the one or more first switching elements operate in the second operating state and the one or more second switching elements operate in the first operating state; and Wherein, when the feeding mechanism operates in the third state, the one or more first switching elements and the one or more second switching elements operate in the first operating state.

16. The antenna according to claim 15, in, The first operating state is an off state and the second operating state is an on state.

17. The antenna according to claim 15, in, The one or more first switching elements include a plurality of first diodes, each of the first diodes being connected to the feeder arrangement, respectively; and The one or more second switch elements include a plurality of second diodes, each of the second diodes being connected across the slots respectively.

18. The antenna according to claim 1, in, The groove comprises an annular groove, and the annular groove comprises: a first slot portion and a second slot portion, which are arranged opposite to each other; and A third slot portion and a fourth slot portion are disposed opposite each other and extend between the first slot portion and the second slot portion.

19. The antenna according to claim 18, in, The groove further includes one or more open circuit stub grooves connected to the annular groove.

20. The antenna according to claim 19, in, The tank also includes: a first open-circuited stub slot connected at or near an interface between the first slot portion and the third slot portion; and A second open-circuited stub groove is arranged opposite to the first open-circuited stub groove and connected at or near an interface between the second groove portion and the fourth groove portion.

21. The antenna according to claim 1, in, The feeder arrangement comprises a generally Y-shaped feeder arrangement; and wherein the substantially Y-shaped feeder arrangement comprises: a first feeder section having a generally elongated feeder line; a second feeder section having a generally elongated feeder line connected at one end of the first feeder section; and A third feeder section is connected to an end of the second feeder section opposite to the first feeder section, the third feeder section including two feeders extending away from the second feeder section and arranged at an angle to each other.

22. The antenna according to claim 21, in, The two feed lines of the third feed line section are microstrip lines with short-circuited ends.

23. The antenna according to claim 1, in, The antenna further comprises a control circuit operatively connected to the switch arrangement for controlling the operation of the switch arrangement and thereby controlling an operating mode of the antenna.

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