Broadband low profile antenna apparatus and method

Abstract

Overall coverage area, weight, and performance tradeoffs affect the design of antennas for many applications. However, for small portable devices or mobile platforms using global navigation satellite systems, these devices are further combined by seeking good performance over a wide angular range. Thus, designers providing a wide variety of electrical devices and systems with compact broadband antennas that provide low vertical profile relative to the vertical profile provided by the common wire element approach for high precision applications would be beneficial. Thus, by combining a dipole, parasitic element, and an additional ground element to a conventional ground plane, the inventors provide a broadband high performance antenna design with low profile and low overall coverage area.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 370,775, filed August 8, 2022, and to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 279,798, filed November 16, 2021. Technical Field

[0003] This patent application relates to antennas, and more particularly to compact broadband global navigation satellite system antennas, antenna elements, and antenna assemblies employing coupled dipole resonator elements. Background Technology

[0004] As the application of this type of GNSS receiver has expanded to low-cost GNSS receiver electronics, there is a continued drive for more compact multiband antennas that can be easily integrated into a wide variety of portable devices, or more generally, into mobile platforms and equipment. In addition to compactness, these antennas should provide controlled radiation patterns, i.e., uniform coverage of the upper hemisphere and circular polarization purity, to improve cross-polarization suppression and thus multipath suppression. Furthermore, low profile, low weight, and small footprint are particularly important for many applications.

[0005] Therefore, it is advantageous to provide antenna elements that support these requirements while enabling operation across multiple GNSS systems to provide a single GNSS antenna for multiple GNSS systems. This allows a single component to support multiple systems designed for a specific GNSS system, or a single system to access signals from multiple GNSS systems, thereby increasing resilience and redundancy in critical applications.

[0006] Other aspects and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to alleviate the limitations of the prior art involving antennas, and more specifically, to a compact broadband global navigation satellite system antenna, antenna elements, and antenna assemblies employing coupled dipole resonator elements.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an antenna is provided, comprising:

[0009] Grounding plane;

[0010] A dipole, comprising a first element and a second element;

[0011] A feed point, which is connected to the first end of the first element and the first end of the second element;

[0012] A parasitic element, arranged parallel to the dipole, having a first end arranged toward the second distal end of the first element and a second distal end arranged toward the second distal end of the second element;

[0013] A first grounding element, having its first end connected to a grounding plane, the grounding plane being arranged adjacent to a second distal end of the first element and the first end of the parasitic element;

[0014] The second grounding element has its first end connected to a grounding plane, which is arranged adjacent to the second far end of the second element and the second end of the parasitic element.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic dipole responsive to a first linear magnetic field is provided, comprising:

[0016] Grounding plane;

[0017] A dipole, comprising a first element and a second element;

[0018] A feed point, which is connected to the first end of the first element and the first end of the second element;

[0019] A parasitic element, arranged parallel to the dipole, having a first end arranged toward the second distal end of the first element and a second distal end arranged toward the second distal end of the second element;

[0020] A first grounding element, having its first end connected to a grounding plane, the grounding plane being arranged adjacent to a second distal end of the first element and the first end of the parasitic element;

[0021] The second grounding element has its first end connected to a grounding plane, which is arranged adjacent to the second far end of the second element and the second end of the parasitic element.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electric dipole responsive to a linear electric field is provided, comprising:

[0023] Grounding plane;

[0024] A dipole, comprising a first element and a second element;

[0025] A feed point, which is connected to the first end of the first element and the first end of the second element;

[0026] A parasitic element, arranged parallel to the dipole, having a first end arranged toward the second distal end of the first element and a second distal end arranged toward the second distal end of the second element;

[0027] A first grounding element, having its first end connected to a grounding plane, the grounding plane being arranged adjacent to a second distal end of the first element and the first end of the parasitic element;

[0028] The second grounding element has its first end connected to a grounding plane, which is arranged adjacent to the second far end of the second element and the second end of the parasitic element.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an antenna responsive to a circularly polarized signal is provided, comprising:

[0030] Grounding plane;

[0031] A first antenna element is disposed on a first side of a ground plane; and

[0032] The second antenna element is arranged on the first side of a ground plane orthogonal to the first antenna element; wherein

[0033] The antenna responds at any positive height above the first side of the ground plane; and

[0034] Each of the first antenna element and the second antenna element includes:

[0035] A dipole, comprising a first element and a second element;

[0036] A feed point, which is connected to the first end of the first element and the first end of the second element;

[0037] A parasitic element, arranged parallel to the dipole, having a first end arranged toward the second distal end of the first element and a second distal end arranged toward the second distal end of the second element;

[0038] A first grounding element, having its first end connected to a grounding plane, the grounding plane being arranged adjacent to a second distal end of the first element and the first end of the parasitic element;

[0039] The second grounding element has its first end connected to a grounding plane, which is arranged adjacent to the second far end of the second element and the second end of the parasitic element.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an antenna is provided, comprising:

[0041] Grounding plane;

[0042] A dipole, comprising a first element and a second element;

[0043] A feed point, which is connected to the first end of the first element and the first end of the second element;

[0044] A ring-shaped parasitic element is arranged parallel to the dipole and electrically connected to the dipole, the first grounding element, and the second grounding element.

[0045] The first grounding element is connected at its first end to a grounding plane, which is arranged adjacent to the second far end of the first element and the outer periphery of the annular parasitic element;

[0046] The second grounding element is connected at its first end to a grounding plane, which is arranged adjacent to the second distal end of the second element and the outer periphery of the annular parasitic element; wherein

[0047] The center of the ring-shaped parasitic element is aligned with the center of the dipole.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an antenna is provided, comprising:

[0049] Grounding plane;

[0050] A dipole, comprising a first element and a second element;

[0051] A feed point, which is connected to the first end of the first element and the first end of the second element;

[0052] A first grounding element, having its first end connected to a grounding plane, the grounding plane being arranged adjacent to a second distal end of the first element and extending over a predetermined portion of the first element; and

[0053] A second grounding element has its first end connected to a grounding plane, which is arranged adjacent to the second far end of the second element and extends over a predetermined portion of the second element.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an antenna is provided, comprising:

[0055] Grounding plane;

[0056] A first antenna element is disposed on a first side of a ground plane; and

[0057] The second antenna element is arranged on the first side of a ground plane orthogonal to the first antenna element; wherein

[0058] The antenna responds at any positive height above the first side of the ground plane; and

[0059] Each of the first antenna element and the second antenna element includes:

[0060] Grounding plane;

[0061] A dipole, comprising a first element and a second element;

[0062] A feed point, which is connected to the first end of the first element and the first end of the second element;

[0063] A first grounding element, having its first end connected to a grounding plane, the grounding plane being arranged adjacent to a second distal end of the first element and extending over a predetermined portion of the first element; and

[0064] A second grounding element has its first end connected to a grounding plane, which is arranged adjacent to the second far end of the second element and extends over a predetermined portion of the second element.

[0065] Other aspects and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0067] Figure 1 An exemplary schematic diagram of an inventive broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0068] Figure 2 Exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna according to embodiments of the present invention are shown;

[0069] Figure 3 Exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna according to embodiments of the present invention are shown;

[0070] Figure 4 Exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna according to embodiments of the present invention are shown;

[0071] Figure 5 An exemplary schematic diagram of an inventive broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0072] Figure 6 Exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna according to embodiments of the present invention are shown;

[0073] Figure 7 Exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna according to embodiments of the present invention are shown;

[0074] Figure 8 Exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna according to embodiments of the present invention are shown;

[0075] Figure 9 An exemplary cross-sectional schematic diagram of an inventive broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0076] Figure 10 It shows according to Figure 5 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an inventive broadband antenna, a variant of an embodiment of the present invention, is shown in the figure.

[0077] Figure 11A-11CThe data at 1.6GHz, 1.8GHz, and 2.0GHz are shown. Figure 1 The simulated current distribution within the inventive broadband antenna of the present invention, as shown in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] Figures 12A-12C The data at 1.6GHz, 1.8GHz, and 2.0GHz are shown. Figure 5 The simulated current distribution within the inventive broadband antenna of the present invention, as shown in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 13 It shows according to Figure 1 An optical micrograph of a prototype inventive broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0080] Figure 14 It shows according to Figure 5 An optical micrograph of a prototype inventive broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0081] Figure 15 A front view of an inventive broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0082] Figure 16 It shows according to Figure 15 A perspective view of an inventive broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0083] Figure 17 It shows according to Figure 15 and 16 A plan view of the parasitic elements of the inventive broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] Figure 18 An exemplary cross-sectional schematic diagram of an inventive broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0085] Figure 19 It shows according to Figures 15 to 17 The schematic cross-sectional view of the inventive broadband antenna of the embodiment of the present invention shown herein employs... Figure 5 The dipole configuration shown;

[0086] Figure 20 An exemplary cross-sectional schematic diagram of an inventive antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0087] Figure 21 It shows according to Figure 20 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an inventive antenna of a variant of an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figure; and

[0088] Figure 22 It shows according to Figure 20The diagram shows a perspective view of an inventive antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0089] This specification relates to antennas, and more specifically to compact broadband global navigation satellite system antennas, antenna elements, and antenna assemblies employing coupled dipole resonator elements.

[0090] The following description provides only representative embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure. Rather, the subsequent description of embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, embodiments are examples or implementations of the invention, and not the only implementations. Various appearances of “one embodiment,” “embodiment,” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, these features may also be provided individually or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment or any combination of embodiments. Furthermore, the terminology and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0091] References to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "some embodiments," or "other embodiments" in the specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, but not necessarily in all embodiments. The wording and terminology used herein should not be construed as restrictive but are for descriptive purposes only. It should be understood that when the claim or specification refers to an element as "a" or "an," such reference should not be construed as meaning that there is only one such element. It should be understood that when the specification states "may," "might," "can," or "could" to include a component feature, structure, or characteristic, it does not require that a specific component, feature, structure, or characteristic be included.

[0092] Terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” and “rear” are intended to describe the orientation of specific features, structures, or elements in the drawings of embodiments of the invention. Clearly, such directional terms regarding the actual use of the device have no specific meaning, as the device can be used by one or more users in multiple directions.

[0093] References to the terms “comprising,” “including,” “consisting of,” and their grammatical variations do not exclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, integers, or combinations thereof, and these terms should not be construed as specifying any particular component, feature, step, or integer. Similarly, when used herein, the phrase “consisting substantially of…” and its grammatical variations should not be construed as excluding additional components, steps, features, integers, or combinations thereof, provided that such additional features, integers, steps, components, or combinations thereof do not substantially alter the fundamental and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, apparatus, or method. If the specification or claims refer to an “additional” element, the presence of more than one additional element is not excluded.

[0094] The term "feed point" (FP) used here and throughout the disclosure refers to or refers to a point at which, such as Figure 2-4 and Figure 6-8 The microwave tracks shown are connected to microwave circuits such as microwave feed networks or microwave combination networks.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the antennas and antenna elements described below with respect to embodiments of the invention can be formed as, for example, discrete metal elements, metal elements formed or shaped on a circuit board, metal elements on a substrate, metal elements on a flexible circuit board, or metal elements formed on a flexible substrate. Alternatively, the antennas and antenna elements described below with respect to embodiments of the invention can be formed as single-piece components using one or more additional manufacturing methods known in the art.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the antennas and antenna elements described below with reference to embodiments of the invention can be used in antennas with varying three-dimensional geometries, including but not limited to cylindrical, pyramidal, hemispherical, spherical, and truncated conical shapes.

[0097] Table 1 below lists the operating frequencies of single-band and dual-band GNSS receivers used in civilian and military applications. These are BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS, GPS, and NAVIC. BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS, and GPS provide dual-band operation in the frequency range of 1150 MHz–1610 MHz. Therefore, a GNSS antenna supporting both bands is needed to provide a larger bandwidth of 140 MHz in the lower band (approximately 1.160 GHz to 1.300 GHz) than the approximately 51 MHz in the higher band (approximately 1.559 GHz to 1.610 GHz). However, as mentioned above, prior art dual-band GNSS antenna designs typically provide a wider bandwidth operation in the upper band relative to the lower band. Therefore, the inventors have developed a GNSS antenna design that provides improved bandwidth performance in the lower band, enabling compatibility with multiple GNSS systems.

[0098] Table 1 also describes the operating frequencies of the satellite phone system, which can extend bandwidth requirements if a dual-purpose antenna is used.

[0099]

[0100]

[0101] Table 1: Operating Frequencies of GNSS and Satellite Telephone Systems (Latest 1MHz)

[0102] For circularly polarized signals used by GNSS satellites, a pair of orthogonally arranged antenna elements are typically employed, where, for the receiver, radio signals from four electrically connected antenna elements are combined within a microwave circuit. When the four elements are arranged equidistantly, their relative phases can be considered as 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°, respectively. In the following description, a single inventive antenna element is described, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these antenna elements can be used as antenna elements of a pair of antenna elements to form an antenna for circularly polarized signals.

[0103] refer to Figure 1This diagram illustrates an exemplary schematic of an inventive broadband antenna 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, dipoles including first and second elements 110A and 110B are shown arranged on an axis parallel to the ground plane (GP) 150. The first and second elements 110A and 110B are orthogonal to the plane of GP 150 and connected to a feed point (FP) 120. A first ground element 130A is arranged at one end of the first element 110A away from FP 120, and is connected to GP 150 and spaced apart from the end of the first element 110A by a first gap. A second ground element 130B is arranged at one end of the second element 110B away from FP 120, and is connected to GP 150 and spaced apart from the end of the second element 110B by a second gap. The first gap and the second gap are generally equal. Parasitic elements (PE) 140 are arranged parallel to the first and second elements 110A and 110B, respectively, with PE 140 positioned near the first and second elements 110A and 110B, respectively, away from GP 150. A first end of PE 140 is separated from the first grounding element 130A by a third gap. A second distal end of PE 140 is separated from the second grounding element 130B by a fourth gap. The third and fourth gaps are generally equal.

[0104] As will become apparent from the following description, the inventive antenna element according to embodiments of the invention provides a wider bandwidth and improved gain and axial ratio at low altitudes compared to other antenna forms (e.g., patch antenna elements) of similar size and format.

[0105] For the purposes of explanation, descriptions and considerations are referred to here respectively. Figures 1 to 10 and Figure 15-19 The geometry of the various embodiments of the described inventive antenna is useful. Each embodiment can be considered as including an antenna loop (AL) comprising a GP 150, a PE 140 located remote from and substantially parallel to the GP 150, the PE 140 being connected to the GP 150 at each distal end of the PE 140 via a pair of grounding elements (GE), a first grounding element 130A and a second grounding element 130B, respectively, wherein the PE 140 is further connected to a dipole comprising a first element 110A and a second element 110B. The dipole is also connected to a balanced feed point (FP), FP 120, which together effectively transmit and receive linearly polarized signals over a wide frequency range. Each embodiment is further described according to an abstract antenna plane (AP) orthogonal to the GP and arranged at the midline of the long axis of the PE, the midpoint of which is defined as the antenna center (AC).

[0106] The circularly polarized antenna (CP) of the present invention is implemented using two such inventive linearly polarized antenna elements, for example, respectively in Figures 1 to 10 and Figure 15-19 The device described herein has a common GP 150, a first AL and a second AL, each orthogonal to the other and both orthogonal to the GP 150, a common AC, and a summing device for summing electrical signals generated at each of the two FPs, the phases of the two FPs being orthogonal for the receiver.

[0107] For consideration and calculation, a plane circularly polarized (CP) wave can be decomposed into two linearly polarized waves with a common Poynting vector orthogonal in phase, the direction of rotation (right or left) of the vector sum of the superimposed waves being determined by the sign of the orthogonal phase difference. Furthermore, for any circularly polarized plane wave, the decomposition axis of the EM field of the linearly polarized wave is arbitrary; any choice is equally valid. Moreover, all azimuths relative to GP 150 are equal, making the extrapolation and generalization of effects derived by considering incident waves "perpendicular to AP" valid.

[0108] Those skilled in the art can understand the basis for improving gain and axial ratio at low altitudes by considering the configuration of the planar linearly polarized wave and field axis of the linearly polarized antenna of the present invention in an embodiment of the present invention or the inventive circularly polarized antenna composed of two orthogonal linearly polarized antennas according to another embodiment of the present invention, which are shaped by various Poynting vector incident plane linearly polarized waves.

[0109] In the first case, consider a plane linearly polarized wave incident on the inventive antenna according to an embodiment of the invention, the Poynting vector of which is parallel to GP 150 and PE 140. This incident wave is further characterized in that its associated E-field is perpendicular to GP 150. Therefore, the associated H-field will be parallel to GP 150 and orthogonal to AP, thus AL will contain the magnetic flux of the incident plane linearly polarized wave and will generate an eMF as a result of the induced loop current connected to antenna FP 120. Therefore, the E-field of the incident plane linearly polarized wave orthogonal to PE 140 will not contribute to the received signal.

[0110] In the second case, consider a planar linearly polarized wave incident on an inventive antenna according to an embodiment of the invention, the Poynting vector of which is parallel to GP 150 and orthogonal to PE 140. This incident wave is further characterized by its associated E-field being parallel to PE 140. Therefore, an eMF will be induced in PE and connected to antenna FP. Since the associated H-field of the incident planar linearly polarized wave is parallel to AP, the H-field will not induce a current in AL and therefore will not contribute to any received signal.

[0111] In the third case, consider a planar linearly polarized wave incident on the inventive antenna according to an embodiment of the invention, such that the Poynting vector is orthogonal to both GP 150 and PE 140, and the incident wave is further characterized by having an E-field orthogonal to AP. Therefore, no constructive eMF is induced in PE 140, and because the incident wave H-field is parallel to AP, no current is induced in AL, thus no signal power is connected to the antenna FP.

[0112] In the fourth case, consider a planar linearly polarized wave incident on the inventive antenna according to an embodiment of the invention, such that the Poynting vector is orthogonal to GP 150 and PE 140, and the incident wave is further characterized by having an E field parallel to PE 140. Therefore, an EMF will be induced in PE and coupled to the antenna FP. Furthermore, AL will contain the associated magnetic flux and also generate an EMF to be coupled to the antenna FP, such that both the associated E and H fields contribute to the received signal.

[0113] Such a CP antenna, which can be used to receive signals from a satellite, can be implemented using two linearly polarized antennas arranged orthogonally to each other and to GP 150, each linearly polarized antenna being an embodiment of the previously described inventive antenna, wherein the PE, linear, planar, or three-dimensional elements of the respective antenna are arranged above (and parallel to) GP 150.

[0114] In the fifth case, the CP wave is incident on the CP antenna, and the Poynting vector at the apex (directly above in typical use) is orthogonal to GP 150. For convenience, the E-field axis of the first component of the CP wave is further considered to be parallel to PE 140 of the first antenna element. According to the fourth case described above, the first linearly polarized component of the CP wave will be incident on the first antenna, such that the E and H fields of both components contribute to the signal generated at the first FP. Similarly, according to the fourth case described above, the second linear component of the CP wave will be incident on the second orthogonal antenna, so that the received signal at the second FP of the second antenna element will include contributions from the E and H fields of the second component of the CP wave.

[0115] In the sixth case, with the CP wave incident on the CP antenna having the Poynting vector parallel to GP 150 (at the level in typical use) and parallel to PE 140 of the first linearly polarized antenna, and with the E-field axis of the first component of the CP wave considered orthogonal to GP 150, only the H-field will contribute to the received signal at the first FP, and by a similar argument, the signal received at the second FP will be contributed only by the E-field of the second component of the CP wave. Therefore, with appropriate dimensions, the magnetic and electrical responses can be made equal for CP waves incident at the horizon, which is effective for reducing the axial ratio of the CPO antenna at the horizon.

[0116] It should be understood that the third case considered above illustrates that each axis of a circularly polarized antenna implemented using two linearly polarized orthogonal antenna elements according to an embodiment of the invention is electrically isolated from the other, which is a necessary condition for receiving CP signals.

[0117] Now for reference Figure 2 The present invention describes exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna 200 according to embodiments of the present invention. The broadband antenna 200 is based on the above reference. Figure 1 The principles and operations described.

[0118] Therefore, first and second elements 210A and 210B, having dipoles on a track on a carrier 260 having an opening in a ground plane (GP) 250 to a feed point (FP) 220, are described. The first and second elements 210A and 210B are perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of GP 250 and are connected to FP 220. A first ground element 230A is disposed at one end of the first element 210A away from FP 220, and is connected to the ground plane 250 and spaced apart from the end of the first element 210A by a first gap. A second ground element 230B is disposed at the end of the second element 210B away from FP 220, and is connected to GP 250 and spaced apart from the end of the second element 210B by a second gap. The first gap and the second gap are generally equal.

[0119] Parasitic element (PE) 240 is also shown, wherein a first end of PE 240 is separated from a first grounding element 230A by a third gap. A second distal end of PE 240 is separated from a second grounding element 230B by a fourth gap. The third and fourth gaps are generally equal. As is evident in the end view, the first grounding element 230A is a conductive surface. It is clear from the plan view that PE 240 is metallized on the carrier 270.

[0120] refer to Figure 3Exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. The broadband antenna 300 is based on the above reference. Figure 1 The principles and operations described.

[0121] Therefore, first and second elements 310A and 310B, having dipoles on a track on a carrier 360 having an opening in a ground plane (GP) 350 to a feed point (FP) 320, are described. The first and second elements 310A and 310B are perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of GP 350 and are connected to FP 320. A first ground element 330A is disposed at the end of the first element 310A away from its connection to FP 320, and is connected to the ground plane 350 and spaced apart from the end of the first element 310A by a first gap. A second ground element 330B is disposed at the end of the second element 310B away from the end connected to FP 320, and is connected to GP 350 and spaced apart from the end of the second element 310B by a second gap. The first gap and the second gap are generally equal.

[0122] Parasitic element (PE) 340 is also shown, wherein a first end of PE 340 is separated from the first grounding element 330A by a third gap. A second distal end of PE 340 is separated from the second grounding element 330B by a fourth gap. The third and fourth gaps are generally equal. As shown, the first grounding element 330A, PE 340, and second grounding element 330B are now all arranged on a common carrier 370, which is shaped to provide a curved profile.

[0123] Now for reference Figure 4 The present invention describes exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna 400 according to embodiments of the present invention. The broadband antenna 400 is based on the above reference. Figure 1 The principles and operations described.

[0124] Therefore, first and second elements 410A and 410B with dipoles on a track on a carrier 460 having an opening in a ground plane (GP) 450 to a feed point (FP) 420 are described. The first and second elements 410A and 410B are perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of GP 450 and are connected to FP 420. A first ground element 430A is disposed at one end of the first element 410A away from FP 420, and is connected to the ground plane 450 and spaced apart from the end of the first element 410A by a first gap. A second ground element 430B is disposed at one end of the second element 410B away from FP 420, and is connected to GP 450 and spaced apart from the end of the second element 410B by a second gap. The first gap and the second gap are generally equal. As shown, the first and second ground elements 430A and 430B pass through an opening in GP 450 and are electrically connected to GP 450 (these connections are not shown for clarity).

[0125] Parasitic element (PE) 440 is also shown, wherein a first end of PE 440 is separated from the first ground element 430A by a third gap. A second distal end of PE 440 is separated from the second ground element 430B by a fourth gap. The third and fourth gaps are generally equal. As shown, the first ground element 430A, PE 440, and second ground element 430B are now all arranged on a common carrier 470, which is shaped to provide a curved profile. Compared to broadband antennas 200 and 300, PE 440 and the first and second ground elements 430A and 430B are now geometrically more complex, tapering gradually to a common width at a point between them. In other embodiments of the invention, the widths of the first and second ground elements 430A and 430B closest to their respective ends of PE 440 may differ from the width of PE 440 at that point between them. In other embodiments of the invention, the geometry of the first and second grounding elements 430A and 430B and / or PE 440 can be more complex than the simple linear tapered shape shown.

[0126] exist Figures 2 to 4 In this embodiment, the grounding element is shown as passing through an opening in the grounding plane. In other embodiments of the invention, the grounding element may not pass through an opening in the grounding plane and may be electrically connected to the grounding plane, for example, by direct electrical connection, by electrical connection via one or more electrical components, or by electromagnetic connection.

[0127] refer to Figure 5An exemplary schematic diagram of an inventive broadband antenna 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thus, dipoles including first and second elements 510A and 510B are shown arranged on an axis parallel to a ground plane (GP) 550. The first and second elements 510A and 510B are parallel to GP 550 and a plane parallel to GP 550 and connected to a feed point (FP) 520. A first ground element 530A is arranged at one end of the first element 510A away from FP 520, and is connected to the ground plane 550 and spaced apart from the end of the first element 510A by a first gap. A second ground element 130B is arranged at one end of the second element 510B away from FP 520, and is connected to GP 550 and spaced apart from the end of the second element 510B by a second gap. The first gap and the second gap are generally equal. Parasitic elements (PEs) are arranged parallel to the first and second elements 510A and 510B, respectively. These PEs include linear, planar, or composite elements 540, whereby PEs 540 are arranged adjacent to the first and second elements 510A and 510B, respectively, away from GP 550. A first end of PE 540 is separated from the first grounding element 530A by a third gap. A second distal end of PE 540 is separated from the second grounding element 530B by a fourth gap. The third and fourth gaps are generally equal.

[0128] Now for reference Figure 6 The present invention describes exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna 600 according to embodiments of the present invention. The broadband antenna 600 is based on the above reference. Figure 5 The principles and operations described.

[0129] Therefore, first and second elements 610A and 610B with dipoles on a track on a carrier 660 having an opening in a ground plane (GP) 650 to a feed point (FP) 620 are described. The first and second elements 610A and 610B are parallel to the plane of GP 650 and connected to FP 620. A first ground element 630A is disposed at one end of the first element 610A away from FP 620, and is connected to the ground plane 650 and spaced apart from the end of the first element 610A by a first gap. A second ground element 630B is disposed at one end of the second element 610B away from FP 620, and is connected to GP 650 and spaced apart from the end of the second element 610B by a second gap. The first gap and the second gap are generally equal. As shown, the first and second ground elements 630A and 630B pass through an opening in GP 650 and are electrically connected to GP 650 (these connections are not shown for clarity).

[0130] Parasitic element (PE) 640 is also shown, wherein a first end of PE 640 is separated from a first grounding element 630A by a third gap. A second distal end of PE 640 is separated from a second grounding element 630B by a fourth gap. The third gap and the fourth gap are generally equal.

[0131] As is evident in the end view, the first grounding element 630A is a conductive surface of the carrier with a width equal to that of PE 640. It is clear from the plan view that PE 640 is metallized on the carrier 670 and is narrower than the carrier 670. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the carrier 670 may have the same width as the metallization of PE 140. Similarly, grounding elements, such as the first grounding element 630A in the end view, may have the same width as the metallization of PE 640 in other embodiments of the invention.

[0132] refer to Figure 7 Exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. The broadband antenna 700 is based on the above reference. Figure 5 The principles and operations described.

[0133] Therefore, first and second elements 710A and 710B, having dipoles on a track on a carrier 760 having an opening in a ground plane (GP) 750 to a feed point (FP) 720, are described. The first and second elements 710A and 710B are parallel to the plane of GP 750 and connected to FP 720. A first ground element 730A is disposed at the end of the first element 710A away from its connection to FP 720, and is connected to the ground plane 750 and spaced apart from the end of the first element 710A by a first gap. A second ground element 730B is disposed at the end of the second element 710B away from the end connected to FP 720, and is connected to GP 750 and spaced apart from the end of the second element 710B by a second gap. The first gap and the second gap are generally equal.

[0134] Parasitic element (PE) 740 is also shown, wherein a first end of PE 740 is separated from the first ground element 730A by a third gap. A second distal end of PE 740 is separated from the second ground element 730B by a fourth gap. The third and fourth gaps are generally equal. As shown, the first ground element 730A, PE 740, and second ground element 730B are now all arranged on a common carrier 770, which is shaped to provide a curved profile. Similar to the broadband antenna 600, PE 740 and the first and second ground elements 730A and 730B are geometrically simple, i.e., of constant width.

[0135] Now for reference Figure 8The present invention describes exemplary cross-sections, end views, and planar schematic diagrams of an inventive broadband antenna 800 according to embodiments of the present invention. The broadband antenna 800 is based on the above reference. Figure 5 The principles and operations described.

[0136] Therefore, first and second elements 810A and 810B with dipoles on a track on a carrier 860 having an opening in a ground plane (GP) 850 to a feed point (FP) 820 are described. The first and second elements 810A and 810B are parallel to the plane of GP 850 and connected to FP 820. A first ground element 830A is disposed at one end of the first element 810A away from FP 820, and is connected to the ground plane 850 and spaced apart from the end of the first element 810A by a first gap. A second ground element 830B is disposed at one end of the second element 810B away from FP 820, and is connected to GP 850 and spaced apart from the end of the second element 810B by a second gap. The first gap and the second gap are generally equal.

[0137] Parasitic element (PE) 840 is also shown, wherein a first end of PE 840 is separated from the first ground element 830A by a third gap. A second distal end of PE 840 is separated from the second ground element 830B by a fourth gap. The third and fourth gaps are generally equal. As shown, the first ground element 830A, PE 840, and second ground element 830B are now all arranged on a common carrier 870, which is shaped to provide a curved profile. Compared to broadband antennas 200 and 300, PE 840 and the first and second ground elements 830A and 830B are now geometrically more complex, tapering gradually to a common width at a point between them. In other embodiments of the invention, the widths of the first and second ground elements 830A and 830B closest to their respective ends of PE 840 may differ from the width of PE 840 at that point between them. In other embodiments of the invention, the geometry of the first and second grounding elements 830A and 830B and / or PE 840 can be more complex than the simple linear tapered shape shown.

[0138] exist Figures 6 to 8 In this embodiment, the grounding element is shown as passing through an opening in the grounding plane. In other embodiments of the invention, the grounding element may not pass through an opening in the grounding plane and may be electrically connected to the grounding plane, for example, by direct electrical connection, by electrical connection via one or more electrical components, or by electromagnetic connection.

[0139] refer to Figure 9 An exemplary cross-sectional schematic diagram of inventive broadband antennas 900 and 950 according to embodiments of the present invention is shown. The broadband antennas 900 and 950 are arranged in a manner similar to... Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the broadband antenna 500 is shown. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that... Figure 9 The variations shown can be applied to other embodiments of the present invention, for example... Figure 6 and 7 .

[0140] Reference Figure 9 In the broadband antenna 900, the first dipole element 930A and the second dipole element 930B of the dipole are arranged on a first side of a carrier 920 (e.g., a PCB), while the parasitic element (PE) 910 is arranged on a second side of the carrier 920. By employing a carrier 920 with a dielectric constant higher than that of air, the spacing between the dipole and the PE 910 can be reduced while maintaining the desired connection characteristics between the dipole and the PE 910. The carrier 920 is supported at its center by a feed 940 having feed lines for the first and second elements 930A and 930B of the dipole, wherein, for clarity, the electrical connections between these feed lines and the first and second elements 930A and 930B of the dipole are omitted.

[0141] If this design is extended to broadband antennas 700 and 800, the first dipole element 930A and the second dipole element 930B are arranged on a first side of the carrier 920, while PE 910 and the pair of grounding elements are arranged on a second side of the carrier 920. Therefore, in other embodiments of the invention, the feed 940 can be omitted, and the electrical feed lines for the feed point to the dipole are integrated with the first element 930A and the second element 930B onto the carrier 920, such that they are connected in parallel on the carrier 920 to circuitry formed on a circuit board, which may or may not be integrated with the ground plane.

[0142] Reference Figure 9 In the broadband antenna 950, the first element 930A and the second element 930B of the dipole are arranged on the first carrier 950, while the parasitic element (PE) 910 is arranged on another carrier 960. A dielectric 970 with a higher dielectric constant than air is arranged between the first carrier 950 and the second carrier 960. The stack of the first carrier 950, dielectric 970, and second carrier 960 is supported by a feed 940. Because the dielectric 970 has a higher dielectric constant than air, the spacing between the dipole and the PE 910 can be reduced while maintaining the desired connection characteristics between the dipole and the PE 910.

[0143] If this design is extended to broadband antennas 700 and 800, then PE 910 and the pair of grounding elements are arranged on the outer surface of the second carrier 960. Therefore, depending on the material properties of the second carrier 920, the feed 940 can be omitted, and the second carrier 950, having the first element 930A and the second element 930B, is "supported" by means of being attached to the inner surface of the carrier 920 via a dielectric 970, and the feed points for the dipoles are connected at their midpoint to, for example, a coaxial cable.

[0144] Optionally, the size and shape of the first carrier 950 can be arranged to fit within the inner surface of the second carrier 920, with the dielectric 970 disposed between them. Therefore, depending on the material properties of the second carrier 920, the feed 940 can be omitted, and the feed line for the dipole is integrated onto the first carrier 920 having a first element 930A and a second element 930B, such that connections to external microwave circuitry for the transmitter and / or receiver originate from the edge of the first carrier 920.

[0145] Figure 10 It shows according to Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional schematic of an inventive broadband antenna 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. A first carrier 1010 has parasitic elements (PE) 1030 disposed thereon and first and second grounding elements 1040A and 1040B extending to and connected to a ground plane (GP) 1070, and having first and second gaps (not shown for clarity) between them and the PE 1030. A second carrier 1020 is disposed within the first carrier 1010, with first and second dipole elements 1050A and 1050B disposed on the second carrier 1020 together with third and fourth grounding elements 1060A and 1060B, respectively. The third and fourth grounding elements 1060A and 1060B extend to the ground plane (GP) 1070 and have third and fourth gaps (not shown for clarity) between them and their respective first and second elements 1050A and 1050B. Optionally, a spacer may be arranged between the first carrier 1010 and the second carrier 1020 to maintain physical separation, or as... Figure 9 As shown in the diagram of broadband antenna 900, a common carrier is used instead of the first carrier 1010 and the second carrier 1020.

[0146] Now for reference Figure 11A-11C It describes according to Figure 1 The present invention describes an inventive broadband antenna with simulated current distribution for a set of defined design parameters. Figure 11A-11C The currents at 1.6 GHz, 1.8 GHz and 2.0 GHz within the inventive broadband antenna are shown respectively.

[0147] refer to Figures 12A-12C , describes according to Figure 5 The present invention describes an inventive broadband antenna with simulated current distribution for a set of defined design parameters. Figures 12A-12C The currents at 1.6 GHz, 1.8 GHz and 2.0 GHz within the inventive broadband antenna are shown respectively.

[0148] Now for reference Figure 13 , showing according to Figure 1 An optical micrograph of a prototype inventive broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0149] refer to Figure 14 , describes according to Figure 5 An optical micrograph of a prototype inventive broadband antenna of an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0150] Now for reference Figure 15 A front view of an inventive broadband antenna 1500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described, which also... Figure 16 The image is shown in perspective. The broadband antenna 1500 is an antenna employing orthogonally arranged dual antenna elements for receiving circularly polarized signals. Therefore, the front view shows a first grounding element 1510A and a second grounding element 1510B associated with the first antenna element of the dual antenna elements, and a third grounding element 1510C associated with the second antenna element of the dual antenna elements orthogonally arranged relative to the first antenna element.

[0151] The first antenna element includes a first dipole formed by a first dipole element 1520A and a second dipole element 1520B, which are orthogonal to and parallel to the ground plane (GP) 1540. The first dipole element 1520A and the second dipole element 1520B are connected to a first feed point via one or more means known in the art. The first dipole element 1520A is connected to a first feed 1560, and the second dipole element 1520B is connected to a second feed (not shown for clarity), wherein the first feed 1560A and the second feed include external connections for the dipole feed point. Parallel to the first dipole element 1520A and the second dipole element 1520B is a parasitic element (1530), which, as shown, extends below the first ground element 1510A and the second ground element 1520A at either end of the first antenna element, which are connected to the ground plane 1540. PE 1530 has a first distance from each of the first dipole element 1520A and the second dipole element 1520B, and a second distance from the first ground element 1510A and the second ground element 1510B at the far end of PE 1530.

[0152] PE 1530 is electromagnetically connected to a first dipole formed by a first dipole element 1520A and a second dipole element 1520B. Similarly, PE 1530 is electromagnetically connected to a first ground element 1510A and a second ground element 1510B.

[0153] refer to Figure 16 , showing according to Figure 15 The diagram shows a perspective view of an inventive broadband antenna 1600 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] Therefore, the broadband antenna 1600 includes a first grounding element 1510A, a second grounding element 1510B, a third grounding element 1510C, and a fourth grounding element 1510D, which are arranged at four points around the perimeter of the broadband antenna 1600.

[0155] Reference Figure 17 A plan view of the parasitic element (PE) 1700 of the inventive broadband antennas 1500 and 1600 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. PE 1700 is related to... Figure 15 and 16 An alternative implementation of PE 1530 is described and illustrated. PE 1700 includes an annular ring 1710 having four tab elements 1710A to 1710D, the tab elements 1710A to 1710D being orthogonally arranged around the periphery of the ring. As... Figure 15 and 16 As shown, these tab elements allow the PE 1700 to extend below the grounding components (GE) 1510A, 1510B, 1510C, and 1510D. The ring structure of the PE 1700 effectively extends the path length of current flowing along an axis in the ring plane, which is the distance relative to the sum of the diameters of the ring and the tab extensions.

[0156] Other planar or non-planar shapes of parasitic elements (PEs) with the same effect can be envisioned falling within and included in the concepts disclosed herein.

[0157] The first grounding element 1510A and the second grounding element 1510B are associated with a first antenna element, which includes a first dipole formed by the first dipole element 1520A and the second dipole element 1520B. The feed points of the first dipole element 1520A and the second dipole element 1520B are shown as a separate feed 1560A. The other feed 1560B of the first antenna element is obscured in the perspective view shown.

[0158] The third grounding element 1510C and the fourth grounding element 1510D are associated with the second antenna element and are orthogonal to the first antenna element. They include a second dipole formed by the third dipole element 1550A and the fourth dipole element 1550B, whose feed point shows a single feed 1570. Other feeds for the second antenna element are obscured in the perspective view shown.

[0159] Above the first dipole element 1520A and the second dipole element 1520B of the first antenna element, and above the third dipole element 1550A and the fourth dipole element 1550B of the second antenna element, is a parasitic element (PE) 1530. See also Figure 17 PE 1770. As shown in the figure, PE 1530 / PE 1700 includes a ring having a first axis and a second orthogonal axis in the plane of the ring, the ring having four tabs orthogonally aligned to correspond to the rotational positions of each of the first grounding element 1510A to the fourth grounding element 1510D respectively. Figure 16 These components are shielded, but... Figure 17 (See details). The first shaft of PE 1530 / PE1770 is connected to a first dipole including a first dipole element 1520A and a second dipole element 1520B, and further connected to a first ground element (GE) 1510A and a second ground element (GE) 1510B. Similarly, the second shaft of PE 1530 / PE 1700 is connected to a second dipole including a third dipole element 1550A and a fourth dipole element 1550B, and further connected to a third ground element (GE) 1510C and a fourth ground element (GE) 1510D. Each of the ground plane (GP) elements 1510A, 1510B, 1510C, and 1510D is further electromagnetically connected to the ground plane (GP) 1540.

[0160] Alternatively, other geometries of the four tab elements 1720A to 1720D can be employed. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, PE 1700 can be a simple annular ring with a defined inner radius and a defined outer radius, wherein the defined outer radius establishes a desired overlap / electrical connection with a grounding element disposed at the end of the dipole element. Alternatively, this desired overlap / electrical connection from the parasitic element 1700 to the grounding element can be achieved without the parasitic element 1700 extending below the grounding element. In other embodiments of the invention, the parasitic element 1700 can be arranged such that the portion overlapping with the grounding element is further away from the ground plane than the grounding element. In other embodiments of the invention, the parasitic element 1700 can be arranged such that it is closer to the ground plane than the dipole element and is connected to the grounding element at its outer periphery or via tabs / extensions providing an additional electrical connection to the ground plane. Alternatively, the grounding element can be disposed between the parasitic element 1700 and the dipole element, wherein the parasitic element is closer to the ground plane than the dipole element.

[0161] Although Figures 15 to 17 The inventive broadband antennas described and shown in the text employ, respectively, such as Figure 1 The dipole configuration is shown in the figure, but it is obvious that the dipole configuration can also be used as follows without departing from the scope of the invention. Figure 5 As shown in the figure. Similarly, without departing from the scope of the invention, regarding Figure 2-10 The concepts described and illustrated for other mechanical configurations can be extended to Figure 15-17 The concepts described and illustrated in the text.

[0162] exist Figures 15 to 17 In this invention, the broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is replaced by a conductive planar geometry parallel to the ground plane. Figures 1 to 14 The linear parasitic element (PE) of the broadband antenna described herein, wherein the conductive planar geometry is concentric with and symmetrically arranged with respect to the antenna center. Optionally, the linear extensions, for example, are respectively located in... Figure 17 The first to fourth tab elements 1720A to 1720D in the antenna can be arranged coaxially with the dipole of the broadband antenna. The structure of the parasitic element 1700 provides for the redirection and extension of the current path within the parasitic element, thereby providing an advantageous improvement in the electromagnetic response of the broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0163] refer to Figure 18 A schematic cross-sectional view of an inventive broadband antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 18In the broadband antenna 1800, the first dipole element 1830A and the second dipole element 1830B of the dipole are arranged on a first side of a carrier 1820 (e.g., a PCB), while the parasitic element (PE) 1850 is arranged on the other side of the carrier 1820. By employing a carrier 1820 with a dielectric constant higher than that of air, the spacing between the dipole and the PE 1850 can be reduced while maintaining the desired connection characteristics between the dipole and the PE 1850. The carrier 1820 is supported at its center by a feed 1840 with feed lines for the first and second dipole elements 1830A and 1830B of the dipole, wherein the electrical connections between these feed lines and the first and second elements 1830A and 1830B of the dipole are omitted for clarity. The first and second grounding elements 1860A and 1860B arranged on the outer periphery are formed by one or more other carriers and have a ground plane 1810. Alternatively, the ground plane 1810 may be arranged without one or more carriers, or the ground plane 1810 may be located on the inner surface of each of the first and second grounding elements 1860A and 1860B.

[0164] Now for reference Figure 19 , showing according to Figures 15 to 17 The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the inventive broadband antenna, a variant of an embodiment of the present invention, shown below, employs... Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a dipole configuration. A first carrier 1910 is arranged on a parasitic element (PE) 1980 and first and second grounding elements 1940A and 1940B, extending to a ground plane (GP) 1970 and directly connected as shown, for example, electrically connected via electromagnetic connection. Arranged within the first carrier 1910 is a second carrier 1920, on which the first and second dipole elements 1950A and 1950B, as well as the third and fourth grounding elements 1060A and 1060B, are arranged, similarly extending to GP 1970. Thus, the first carrier 1910 and the second carrier 1920 provide mechanical support for various electrical structures.

[0165] As shown in the figure, the first carrier 1010 and the second carrier 1020 are in contact with each other, although in another embodiment, a spacer may be arranged between the first carrier 1010 and the second carrier 1020 to maintain physical separation. Optionally, PE 1980 may be formed on the second carrier 1920 instead of the first carrier 1910. Optionally, the first carrier 1910 and the second carrier 1920 may be layers of a multilayer circuit board.

[0166] exist Figures 1 to 19 In the diagram, the grounding element that forms a current loop with the ground plane, dipole, and / or parasitic element is shown arranged radially away from the end of the dipole and / or parasitic element. While this makes... Figure 3-4The designs shown in 7-8 can employ simple formers (carriers) for their metallization and the metallization of parasitic elements, but it is clear that other geometries are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, grounding elements can be located adjacent to the far ends of dipoles and / or parasitic elements such that their radial distance from the center of the broadband antenna is no greater than the radial distance of the dipoles and / or parasitic elements.

[0167] exist Figures 1 to 19 In the illustration, the parasitic element is shown as a single element. However, it will be apparent that in other embodiments of the invention, the parasitic element may be a plurality of parasitic elements connected to the dipole, the plurality of parasitic elements being arranged parallel to and / or longitudinally to the axis of the dipole.

[0168] exist Figures 1 to 19 In this invention, antenna elements and antennas using them employ one or more elements coupled to a feed point and arranged relative to a ground plane, and one or more grounding elements coupled to the ground plane. In embodiments of the invention, the ground plane may be formed on one side or on a printed circuit board or electronic circuit, a flexible PCB, or an equivalent, hereinafter referred to as a PCB for ease of reference. In embodiments of the invention, the elements and / or grounding elements are mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the other side of the PCB, on which the ground plane is formed, or coupled to one side of the PCB when the ground plane is formed by layers within the PCB. Thus, the PCB may be a single-layer or multi-layer circuit providing contacts for electrical connections to each element and / or grounding element, and to individual elements and / or grounding elements therein. Furthermore, the PCB may support capacitors integrated therein or attached thereto to provide capacitive series reactance from the feed point to the element.

[0169] The above references Figures 1 to 17 In the described embodiments of the invention, the parasitic element is described as being capacitively connected to the dipole, which is one embodiment of electromagnetically connecting the parasitic element to the dipole. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other electromagnetic connection methods and approaches known in the art can be used to connect the parasitic element to the dipole without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0170] In the above about Figures 1 to 14 In the embodiments of the invention described herein, structures can be implemented in which one or more of the first gap and the third gap are equal; the second gap and the fourth gap are equal; the first gap, the second gap, the third gap, and the fourth gap are all equal; the first gap and the third gap are different; the second gap and the fourth gap are different; and the first gap, the second gap, the third gap, and the fourth gap are all different.

[0171] The above references Figures 1 to 19In the embodiments of the present invention described, parasitic elements (e.g.) have been described. Figure 1 Parasitic element 140 or Figure 16 The structure of the parasitic element 1530 is further away from the ground plane (e.g., ground plane 150 or ground plane 1540) than the dipole. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the antenna structure described and shown according to embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented as a parasitic element closer to the ground plane than the dipole.

[0172] Now for reference Figure 20 An exemplary cross-sectional schematic diagram of an inventive antenna 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. (Refer to...) Figure 20 In the antenna 2000, the first dipole element 2030A and the second dipole element 2030B of the dipole are arranged on a first side of a carrier 2020 (e.g., a PCB). By employing a carrier 2020 with a dielectric constant higher than that of air, the spacing between the dipole and the first and second grounding elements 2060A and 2060B can be reduced while maintaining the desired connection characteristics between the dipole and the first and second grounding elements 2060A and 2060B, thereby allowing a reduction in the height of the antenna 2000. The carrier 2020 is supported at its center by a feed 2040 having feed lines for the first and second dipole elements 2030A and 2030B of the dipole, wherein the electrical connections between these feed lines and the first and second elements 2030A and 2030B of the dipole are omitted for clarity.

[0173] First and second grounding elements 2060A and 2060B are arranged on the outer periphery of antenna 2000 and formed by one or more other carriers on which a grounding plane 2010 is arranged. In other embodiments of the invention, the grounding plane 2010 may be used without one or more carriers, such that the first and second grounding elements 2060A and 2060B are simply discrete grounding planes 2010. Optionally, the grounding plane 2010 may be arranged on the inner surface of each of the first and second grounding elements 2060A and 2060B.

[0174] The first grounding element 2060A extends a predetermined distance over the first dipole element 2030A, such that the grounding plane 2010 extends another predetermined distance over the first dipole element 2030A, which may be the same as or different from the predetermined distance. Similarly, the second grounding element 2060B extends a predetermined distance over the second dipole element 2030B, such that the grounding plane 2010 extends another predetermined distance over the second dipole element 2030B. In this way, the microwave / RF performance of the first and second dipole elements 2030A and 203B is adjusted according to the degree of overlap between the grounding plane 2010 and them, such that the antenna gain of the antenna 2000 is enhanced for the desired operating frequency and / or for a specific elevation range. For example, the antenna 2000 may be designed to operate in the uplink and / or downlink bands of a GNSS system such as INMARSAT, where a pair of biorthogonal antennas 2000 are used to support the desired right-hand circular polarization. For INMARSAT, the uplink band is 1626.5-1660.5MHz, while the downlink band is 1525.0-1559.0MHz, placing these bands on either side of the GPS L1 signal operating in the 1.563-1.587GHz range.

[0175] refer to Figure 21 , showing according to Figure 20 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of an inventive antenna 2100, a variant of an embodiment of the invention. A first carrier 2110 has first and second grounding elements 2140A and 2140B arranged on one side, extending to a ground plane (GP) 2170. The connection between GP 2170 and the first and second grounding elements 2140A and 2140B is shown as a direct electrical connection, which may be electrically connected, for example, via an electromagnetic connection, in other embodiments of the invention. Similarly, the ground plane 2010 of the antenna 2000 may be directly or indirectly connected to a ground trace (not shown for clarity).

[0176] Arranged within the first carrier 2110 is a second carrier 2120, on which first and second dipole elements 2150A and 2150B, as well as third and fourth grounding elements 1060A and 1060B, are disposed, extending similarly to GP 2170. Thus, the first carrier 2110 and the second carrier 2120 provide mechanical support for various electrical structures. As shown, the first carrier 2110 and the second carrier 2120 are in contact with each other, although in other embodiments, a physical gap may exist between the first carrier 1010 and the second carrier 1020, which may or may not include discrete physical spacers formed within one or both of the first carrier 1010 and the second carrier 1020. Optionally, the first carrier 2110 and the second carrier 2120 may be layers of a multilayer circuit board.

[0177] Now for reference Figure 22 , describes according to Figure 20 The image shows a perspective view of an inventive antenna 2200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The antenna 2200 employs a pair of orthogonally mounted antennas 2000 to provide an antenna that operates on circularly polarized signals.

[0178] A first antenna element, a first example of antenna 2000, includes a first dipole formed by a first dipole element 2220A and a second dipole element 2220B, which are orthogonal to and parallel to a ground plane (GP) 2240. The first dipole element 2220A and the second dipole element 2220B are connected to a first feed point via one or more means known in the art. The first dipole element 2220A is connected to a first feed 2260, and the second dipole element 2220B is connected to a second feed (not visible in the perspective view), wherein the first feed 2260 and the second feed include external connections for the dipole feed point. A first ground element 2210A and a second ground element 2210B are also described in conjunction with the first dipole element 2220A and the second dipole element 2220B. The first grounding element 2210A and the second grounding element 2220A extend from the first dipole element 2220A and the second dipole element 2220B, respectively, and are each connected to the grounding plane 2240. The first grounding element 2210A and the second grounding element 2220A are shown as being directly electrically connected to the grounding plane 2240, but in other embodiments of the invention, they may be electromagnetically connected.

[0179] A second antenna element, a second example of antenna 2000, includes a second dipole formed by a third dipole element 2250A and a fourth dipole element 2250B, which are orthogonal to and parallel to the ground plane (GP) 2240. The third dipole element 2250A and the second dipole element 2250B are connected to a second feed point via one or more means known in the art. The third dipole element 2250A is connected to a third feed 2270, and the fourth dipole element 2250B is connected to a fourth feed (not visible in the perspective view), wherein the third feed 2270 and the fourth feed include external connections for the second feed point of the dipole. Also described in association with the third dipole element 2250A and the fourth dipole element 2250B are a third ground element 2210C and a fourth ground element 2210D. The third grounding element 2210C and the fourth grounding element 2220D extend from the third dipole element 2250A and the fourth dipole element 2250B, respectively, and are each connected to the grounding plane 2240. The third grounding element 2210C and the fourth grounding element 2220D are shown as being directly electrically connected to the grounding plane 2240, but in other embodiments of the invention, they may be electromagnetically connected.

[0180] Based on the above references Figures 1 to 14 In the embodiments of the invention described herein, the structure has been described from the viewpoint or perspective of a receiver of microwave or radio frequency (RF) signals. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the antenna structure described and illustrated in the embodiments of the invention can be used with transmitters of microwave or RF signals and transceivers for microwave or RF signals.

[0181] In embodiments of the invention, the formor, i.e., the carrier or PCB, for radially arranged dipoles, a pair of crossed dipoles, or three or more dipoles can be designed and formed to be uniformly distributed around the outer periphery of a surface and to form an antenna spanning that surface. In embodiments of the invention having a pair of orthogonally arranged dipoles for circularly polarized microwave signals, the formor can be designed and formed to provide a pair of parasitic elements distributed around and on its surface. In the given embodiments, the surface can be quasi-rectangular or quasi-hemispherical. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the surface can be a truncated conical surface, an elliptical surface, or another surface formed by regular polygons, irregular polygons, or one or more mathematical functions. In other embodiments of the invention, the formor can be designed and formed to provide N dipole antennas, where N is a positive integer, uniformly distributed around the periphery of a polygonal surface and to form an antenna spanning that polygonal surface.

[0182] Such polygonal surfaces can have 2N sides or other numbers, although more sides generally result in lower angular transitions and thus reduce induced stress and / or fatigue in the formulator. Similarly, formulators for one or more parasitic elements can be designed in a manner similar to that described above for dipoles.

[0183] Alternatively, the dipole and / or parasitic elements may utilize mechanical structures, such as those described by the inventors in PCT / CA202 / 051188 (published as WO / 2021 / 046,635), to provide a PCB for the dipole that supports a former having metallization for the parasitic elements and grounding elements disposed thereon.

[0184] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a filamentary element is an electrical conductor (conductor) formed from a combination of suitable conductive materials or alloys and / or conductive materials in layered form. Such conductive materials may include, but are not limited to, copper, gold, silver, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, platinum, palladium, and zinc.

[0185] Specific details are set forth in the foregoing description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it should be understood that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams so as not to obscure the embodiments with unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0186] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing disclosure of exemplary embodiments of the invention has been provided. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0187] Furthermore, in describing representative embodiments of the invention, the specification may have presented the methods and / or processes of the invention as a specific sequence of steps. However, the methods or processes should not be limited to the specific order of the steps described herein, as they are not dependent on such a specific order. Other sequences of steps are possible, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specific order of steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as a limitation of the claims. Moreover, the claims relating to the methods and / or processes of the invention should not be limited to the steps performed in the written order, and those skilled in the art will readily understand that the order can be changed while still remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An antenna comprising: a ground plane; a dipole comprising a first element and a second element disposed above the ground plane; a feed point disposed at a midpoint of the dipole, the feed point coupled to a first end of the first element and a first end of the second element; a parasitic element disposed parallel to the dipole and extending along an axis of the dipole, the parasitic element having a first end disposed toward a second distal end of the first element and a second end disposed toward a second distal end of the second element; a first ground element coupled at a first end to the ground plane and extending perpendicularly from the ground plane, the first ground element disposed proximate to the second distal end of the first element and the first end of the parasitic element; and a second ground element coupled at a first end to the ground plane and extending perpendicularly from the ground plane, the second ground element disposed proximate to the second distal end of the second element and the second end of the parasitic element.

2. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the first element and the second element of the dipole are aligned along an axis parallel to the ground plane; and the metallized width of the first element and the second element is greater than the metallized thickness; and the first element and the second element are oriented such that their widths are along an axis orthogonal to the ground plane.

3. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the first element and the second element of the dipole are aligned along an axis parallel to the ground plane; and the metallized width of the first element and the second element is greater than the metallized thickness; and the first element and the second element are oriented such that their widths are along an axis parallel to the ground plane.

4. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the second distal end of the first element is separated from the first ground element by a first gap; the first end of the parasitic element is separated from the first ground element by a second gap; the second distal end of the second element is separated from the second ground element by a third gap; the second end of the parasitic element is separated from the second ground element by a fourth gap.

5. The antenna of claim 4, wherein the first gap and the third gap are equal; and the second gap and the fourth gap are equal.

6. A magnetic dipole responsive to a linear magnetic field comprising: a ground plane; a dipole comprising a first element and a second element disposed above the ground plane; a feed point disposed at a midpoint of the dipole, the feed point coupled to a first end of the first element and a first end of the second element; a parasitic element disposed parallel to the dipole and extending along an axis of the dipole, the parasitic element having a first end disposed toward a second distal end of the first element and a second end disposed toward a second distal end of the second element; a first ground element coupled at a first end to the ground plane and extending perpendicularly from the ground plane, the first ground element disposed proximate to the second distal end of the first element and the first end of the parasitic element; and a second ground element coupled at a first end to the ground plane and extending perpendicularly from the ground plane, the second ground element disposed proximate to the second distal end of the second element and the second end of the parasitic element. ​ a second ground element coupled at a first end to the ground plane and extending perpendicularly from the ground plane, the second ground element disposed proximate a second distal end of the second element and a second end of the parasitic element.

7. The magnetic dipole of claim 6, wherein the first and second elements of the dipole are aligned along an axis parallel to the ground plane; and the metallized width of the first and second elements is greater than the metallized thickness; and the first and second elements are oriented such that their widths are along an axis orthogonal to the ground plane.

8. The magnetic dipole of claim 6, wherein the first and second elements of the dipole are aligned along an axis parallel to the ground plane; and the metallized width of the first and second elements is greater than the metallized thickness; and the first and second elements are oriented such that their widths are along an axis parallel to the ground plane.

9. The magnetic dipole of claim 6, wherein the second distal end of the first element is separated from the first ground element by a first gap; the first end of the parasitic element is separated from the first ground element by a second gap; the second distal end of the second element is separated from the second ground element by a third gap; the second end of the parasitic element is separated from the second ground element by a fourth gap.

10. The magnetic dipole of claim 9, wherein the first and third gaps are equal; and the second and fourth gaps are equal.

11. An electric dipole responsive to a linear electric field, comprising: a ground plane; a dipole comprising a first element and a second element disposed above the ground plane; a feed point disposed at a midpoint of the dipole, the feed point coupled to a first end of the first element and a first end of the second element; a parasitic element disposed parallel to and extending along an axis of the dipole, the parasitic element having a first end disposed toward a second distal end of the first element and a second end disposed toward a second distal end of the second element; a first ground element coupled at a first end to the ground plane and extending perpendicularly from the ground plane, the first ground element disposed proximate a second distal end of the first element and a first end of the parasitic element; and a second ground element coupled at a first end to the ground plane and extending perpendicularly from the ground plane, the second ground element disposed proximate a second distal end of the second element and a second end of the parasitic element.

12. The electric dipole of claim 11, wherein the first and second elements of the dipole are aligned along an axis parallel to the ground plane; and the metallized width of the first and second elements is greater than the metallized thickness; and the first and second elements are oriented such that their widths are along an axis orthogonal to the ground plane.

13. The electric dipole of claim 11, wherein the first and second elements of the dipole are aligned along an axis parallel to the ground plane; and the metallized width of the first and second elements is greater than the metallized thickness; and the first and second elements are oriented such that their widths are along an axis parallel to the ground plane. a metallization width of the first element and the second element is greater than a metallization thickness; and the first element and the second element are oriented such that their widths are along an axis parallel to the ground plane.

14. The electric dipole of claim 11, wherein the second distal end of the first element is separated from the first ground element by a first gap; the first end of the parasitic element is separated from the first ground element by a second gap; the second distal end of the second element is separated from the second ground element by a third gap; the second end of the parasitic element is separated from the second ground element by a fourth gap.

15. The electric dipole of claim 14, wherein the first gap and the third gap are equal; and the second gap and the fourth gap are equal.

16. An antenna responsive to circular polarized signals, comprising: a ground plane; a first antenna element disposed on a first side of the ground plane; and a second antenna element disposed on the first side of the ground plane orthogonal to the first antenna element; wherein the antenna is responsive at any positive height above the first side of the ground plane; and each of the first antenna element and the second antenna element comprises: a dipole comprising a first element and a second element disposed above a ground plane; a feed point disposed at a midpoint of the dipole, the feed point coupled to a first end of the first element and a first end of the second element; a parasitic element disposed parallel to and extending along an axis of the dipole, the parasitic element having a first end disposed toward a second distal end of the first element and a second end disposed toward a second distal end of the second element; a first ground element coupled at a first end to the ground plane and extending perpendicularly therefrom, the first ground element disposed proximate to the second distal end of the first element and the first end of the parasitic element; and a second ground element coupled at a first end to the ground plane and extending perpendicularly therefrom, the second ground element disposed proximate to the second distal end of the second element and the second end of the parasitic element.

17. The antenna of claim 16, wherein the first element and the second element of the dipole are aligned along an axis parallel to the ground plane; and a metallization width of the first element and the second element is greater than a metallization thickness; and the first element and the second element are oriented such that their widths are along an axis orthogonal to the ground plane.

18. The antenna of claim 16, wherein the first element and the second element of the dipole are aligned along an axis parallel to the ground plane; and a metallization width of the first element and the second element is greater than a metallization thickness; and the first element and the second element are oriented such that their widths are along an axis parallel to the ground plane.

19. The antenna of claim 16, wherein the second distal end of the first element is separated from the first ground element by a first gap; ​ ​ the first end of the parasitic element is separated from the first ground element by a second gap; the second distal end of the second element is separated from the second ground element by a third gap; the second end of the parasitic element is separated from the second ground element by a fourth gap.

20. The antenna of claim 19, wherein the first gap and the third gap are equal; and the second gap and the fourth gap are equal.

21. An antenna, comprising: a ground plane; a dipole comprising a first element and a second element disposed above the ground plane; a feed point disposed at a midpoint of the dipole, the feed point coupled to a first end of the first element and a first end of the second element; a loop parasitic element comprising a loop connected to a first tab and a second tab, the first tab having a first end disposed toward a second distal end of the first element, the second tab having a second distal end disposed toward a second distal end of the second element; a first ground element coupled at a first end to the ground plane and extending perpendicularly from the ground plane, the first ground element disposed proximate the second distal end of the first element and an end of the first tab distal from the loop; and a second ground element coupled at a first end to the ground plane and extending perpendicularly from the ground plane, the second ground element disposed proximate the second distal end of the second element and an end of the second tab distal from the loop; wherein the loop parasitic element is disposed parallel to the dipole, a center of the loop parasitic element is aligned with a center of the dipole.

22. The antenna of claim 21, wherein an outer periphery of the loop parasitic element is disposed between the dipole and a lower surface of the first ground element; and an outer periphery of the loop parasitic element is disposed between the dipole and a lower surface of the second ground element.

23. The antenna of claim 21, wherein the first ground element extends toward a center of the antenna a first distance from the center of the dipole; the second ground element extends toward the center of the antenna the same first distance from the center of the dipole; the loop has an outer radius less than the first distance; the first tab extends outward from an outer periphery of the loop a second distance such that the first tab extends outward beyond the first distance; and the second tab extends outward from an outer periphery of the loop a second distance that extends beyond the first distance.

24. The antenna of claim 21, wherein the first element and the second element of the dipole are aligned along an axis parallel to the ground plane; and a metallization width of the first element and the second element is greater than a metallization thickness; and the first element and the second element are oriented such that their widths are along an axis orthogonal to the ground plane.

25. The antenna of claim 21, wherein the first element and the second element of the dipole are aligned along an axis parallel to the ground plane; and a metallization width of the first element and the second element is greater than a metallization thickness; and the first element and the second element are oriented such that their widths are along an axis orthogonal to the ground plane. ​ The first element and the second element are oriented such that their widths are along an axis parallel to the ground plane.

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