Broadband LTE Internet of Things antenna for water meter

Abstract

The invention relates to a broadband LTE (Long Term Evolution) Internet of Things antenna for a water meter. The broadband antenna device comprises a grounding layer on a printed circuit board; and a plastic substrate capable of supporting an antenna metal structure of the antenna. The antenna may be part of an antenna assembly connectable to the printed circuit board. The broadband antenna device may further include: a metal radiating element mounted to the plastic substrate by thermal caulking; and a feeder branch electrically connected to the RF feeder port. The antenna may be directly connected to the RF feeder port, and the plastic substrate may control variations in radiation performance of the antenna due to, for example, manufacturing variations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments generally relate to wireless communication technologies. Embodiments also relate to low power wide area network (LPWAN) systems and battery powered communication devices used in such systems. Embodiments also relate to narrowband Internet of Things (NBIoT) communication devices, including but not limited to gas and water meters used in utility metering applications. Background Art

[0002] Long Term Evolution (LTE) CAT NB1 is emerging as a low power wide area network (LPWAN) option for battery-powered devices such as gas and water meters due to its wide coverage, reliable and secure communications, and low battery consumption. Water meters that utilize Narrowband Internet of Things (NBIoT) as the communication technology need to support multiple frequency bands depending on the network provider (operator) and geographic location.

[0003] A total of 6 frequency bands must be supported to ensure NBIoT wireless connectivity everywhere it is available. For example, a minimum TRP of 18dBm may be required for all 6 frequency bands [e.g., (B1(2100), B3(1800), B5(850), B8(900), B20(800), B28(700)] to ensure wireless connection efficiency and reliability, even in locations with poor network coverage.

[0004] Considering the size constraint of the water meter of approximately 80×34mm (L×W), it is difficult to achieve the required antenna radiation performance in the 700MHz-2100MHz broadband frequency. Water meter electronics are usually packaged or potted to protect them from harsh environments, which poses a further challenge to achieving the required radiation performance.

[0005] In large-scale manufacturing, antenna performance varies due to variations in the antenna metal structure during assembly. In addition, antenna RF connector performance may be degraded by the potting materials used in the assembly of the antenna device. Summary of the invention

[0006] The following summary of the invention is provided to facilitate understanding of some features of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, and is not intended to be a complete description. A comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be obtained by taking the specification, claims, drawings and abstract as a whole.

[0007]

[0011] Accordingly, one aspect of the embodiments is to provide improved wireless communication techniques.

[0008] Another aspect of the embodiments is to provide an improved communication device for use in a low power wide area network (LPWAN) system.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the embodiments is to provide narrowband Internet of Things (NBIoT) communication devices, including but not limited to gas and water meters used in utility metering applications and other types of metering devices and systems.

[0010] Another aspect of the embodiments is to provide a broadband antenna device.

[0011] The above aspects and other objectives can now be achieved as described herein. In one embodiment, a broadband antenna device may include: a ground layer on a printed circuit board; and a plastic substrate that can support antenna metal structures of the antenna. The antenna can be part of an antenna assembly that can be connected to the printed circuit board. The broadband antenna device may also include: a metal radiating element mounted to the plastic substrate by heat staking; and a feed branch electrically connected to an RF feed port. The antenna can be directly connected to the RF feed port, and the plastic substrate can control changes in the radiation performance of the antenna due to, for example, manufacturing variations.

[0012] In one embodiment, the plastic substrate may include, for example, one or more of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

[0013] In one embodiment, the antenna may be directly soldered to the RF feed line port to eliminate RF connector performance issues with potting materials used to protect the RF connector from harsh environments and facilitate assembly of the broadband antenna device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the antenna may be partially potted to protect the electronics from a harsh environment while enhancing radiation performance associated with the antenna.

[0015] In one embodiment, the antenna may include a compact size antenna metal structure that can achieve a total radiated power radiation performance of approximately 18 dBm for broadband NBIOT (narrowband Internet of Things) frequencies.

[0016] In one embodiment, the broadband NBIOT frequencies may include frequencies in the range of approximately 700 MHz to 2100 MHz, covering NBIOT bands Bl, B3, B5, B8, B20.

[0017] In one embodiment, the antenna may be an LTE IoT antenna.

[0018] In one embodiment, a broadband antenna device may include: a plastic substrate that supports an antenna metal structure of the antenna, wherein the antenna is part of an antenna assembly; a metal radiating element that is mounted to the plastic substrate by heat riveting; and a feed branch electrically connected to an RF feed line port, wherein the antenna can be directly connected to the RF feed line port and the plastic substrate controls changes in the radiation performance of the antenna due to manufacturing variations.

[0019] In one embodiment, a method of operating a broadband antenna device may involve using a plastic substrate to control changes in the radiation performance of the antenna. The plastic substrate may support an antenna metal structure including the antenna. The antenna may be part of an antenna assembly, and the metal radiating element may be mounted to the plastic substrate by heat riveting. In the method, the feed branch may be electrically connected to the RF feed port, and the antenna may be directly connected to the RF feed port. The antenna may be directly welded to the RF feed port to eliminate RF connector performance issues regarding potting materials, which are used to protect the RF connector from harsh environments and facilitate assembly of the broadband antenna device. In the method, the antenna may be a compact-sized antenna metal structure that achieves a total radiated power radiation performance of approximately 18 dBm for broadband NBIOT (narrowband Internet of Things) frequencies. The antenna may be an LTE Internet of Things antenna. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings also illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the present invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or functionally similar elements throughout the individual views and are incorporated into and form a part of the specification.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an antenna assembly that can be implemented according to one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 According to one embodiment, Figure 1 A perspective view of the antenna assembly shown, but with the antenna secured in a support configuration using one or more heat staking pins;

[0023] Figure 3 shows an inverted perspective view of an antenna assembly according to one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an antenna configuration according to one embodiment, the antenna configuration including an antenna assembly relative to a printed circuit board (PCB);

[0025] Figure 5 According to one embodiment, Figure 4a perspective view of the antenna configuration shown, but with the antenna assembly attached to a printed circuit board;

[0026] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a broadband antenna device according to one embodiment; and

[0027] Figure 7 A perspective view of a broadband antenna device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0028] The same or similar parts or elements in the drawings may be denoted by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The specific values ​​and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples may vary, and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

[0030] The subject matter will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the subject matter and show specific example embodiments by way of illustration. However, the subject matter can be embodied in a variety of different forms, and thus the subject matter covered or claimed is intended to be construed as not limited to any example embodiments listed herein; the example embodiments are provided for illustration only. Likewise, the subject matter that is intended to be claimed or covered has an appropriately broad scope. Among other things, the subject matter may be embodied as a method, device, component, or system. Thus, the embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. Therefore, the following specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as having a limiting meaning.

[0031] Throughout the specification and claims, in addition to the meanings explicitly stated, terms may have slightly different meanings suggested or implied by the context. Likewise, phrases such as "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" or "in an exemplary embodiment" and variations thereof as used herein may or may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and phrases "in another embodiment" or "in another exemplary embodiment" and variations thereof as used herein may or may not necessarily refer to different embodiments. For example, the claimed subject matter is intended to include, in whole or in part, a combination of the exemplary embodiments.

[0032] Generally speaking, the term can be understood at least in part from the usage in the context. For example, terms such as "and", "or" or "and / or" as used herein may include multiple meanings that may depend at least in part on the context in which such terms are used. Generally speaking, if "or" is used in an association list, such as A, B or C, it is intended to represent A, B and C used in an inclusive sense here, and A, B or C used in an exclusive sense here. In addition, the term "one or more" as used herein depends at least in part on the context and can be used to describe any feature, structure or characteristic in a singular sense, or can be used to describe a combination of features, structures or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms such as "one", "a kind of" or "the" also depend at least in part on the context and can be understood to convey singular usage or express plural usage. In addition, the term "at least one" can refer to "one or more". For example, "at least one widget" can refer to "one or more widgets".

[0033] Additionally, the term "based on" should be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors, but rather may depend, at least in part, on the context, allowing for the presence of additional factors that are not necessarily explicitly described again.

[0034] Figure 1 Shown is a perspective view of an antenna assembly 10 that can be implemented in accordance with one embodiment. Figure 1 The antenna assembly 10 shown may be implemented as a broadband antenna device (such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 The antenna assembly 10 may include an antenna 12 associated with a plate 13, which may be implemented as a metal stamped radiating portion. Note that both the antenna 12 and the plate 13 are part of a single metal stamped antenna. This unique metal structure may be designed to achieve broadband (e.g., 700 MHz to 2100 MHz) performance.

[0035] It is noted that the antenna 12 may be formed as a metal antenna and the board 13 may also be formed of metal. The antenna support 18 may be curved in some embodiments and may include a protrusion 16 in a rounded shape. The antenna support 18 may be formed of a polymer material. The antenna support 18 may be implemented as a plastic substrate that supports the antenna metal structure of the antenna 12 including the board 13. It should be understood that the curved shape of the antenna support 18 is not a limiting feature of the embodiment. Other shapes may be implemented in other embodiments.

[0036] Figure 2 According to one embodiment, Figure 1 1, the antenna assembly 10 is shown in perspective view, but the antenna 12 is secured in the support configuration using one or more heat staking pins, such as heat staking pins 13, 15. It should be understood that although Figure 2The heat staking pins 13, 15 are indicated with specific reference numerals, but additional heat staking pins may be implemented as needed. The antenna 12 may be fixed to the support 18 via the heat staking pins 13, 15 and / or via other heat staking pins.

[0037] It should be noted that the use of such hot rivet pins 13, 15 involves so-called hot riveting, which involves the process of connecting two parts by creating an interference fit between the two parts. One workpiece may have a hole in it, and the other workpiece may have a boss that fits into the hole. The size of the boss may be slightly undersized so that it can form a flip fit. A riveting punch can then be used to radially expand the boss and axially compress the boss to form an interference fit between the workpieces. In this way, a durable joint can be formed. Hot riveting can also involve thermoplastic riveting, which is essentially the same process as riveting, except that heat is used to deform the plastic boss instead of cold forming. A plastic short column can protrude from one part and can fit into a hole in the second part. The short column can then be deformed by softening the plastic to form a head that can mechanically lock the two parts together. This is a versatile technology that benefits from its speed, economy and consistency. Unlike welding techniques, riveting has the ability to join plastics to other materials (e.g., metals, printed circuit boards) in addition to joining similar or dissimilar plastics, and its advantage over other mechanical joining methods is that it eliminates the need for consumables such as rivets and screws.

[0038] Figure 3 An inverted perspective view of an antenna assembly 10 is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 3 In the arrangement shown, a feeder branch 19 is shown which may be provided with respect to a printed circuit board such as a PCBA (see, for example, Figure 4 The feed branch 19 may be electrically connected to an RF feed port, where the antenna 12 may be directly connected to the RF feed port, and the plastic substrate or polymer antenna support 18 may control changes in the radiation performance of the antenna 12 due to, for example, manufacturing variations.

[0039] Figure 4 A perspective view of an antenna configuration 20 including the antenna assembly 10 relative to a printed circuit board (PCB) 22 is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 4 The view shown depicts the antenna configuration 20 before the antenna assembly 10 is connected to the printed circuit 22. It is noted that the printed circuit board 22 may be a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), which may be the finished board after all components have been soldered and mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). For example, to form the assembly, conductive pathways engraved in the laminated copper sheet of the PCB may be used within a non-conductive substrate.

[0040] The printed circuit board 22 may be implemented as a ground plane on a printed circuit board. As used herein, the term "ground plane on a printed circuit board" may refer to a continuous and generally solid layer of copper or other conductive material that may be integrated into a PCB design. This may be used as a reference point for electrical signals and components on the PCB. The ground plane is typically located on one of the inner layers of the PCB, although it may also be placed on an outer layer.

[0041] The main purpose of a ground plane is to provide a low impedance return path for current. This helps minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI), noise, and signal distortion in the circuit. The ground plane acts as a "virtual ground" maintained at a stable voltage level, providing a common reference point for the entire circuit.

[0042] Key benefits of using a ground plane on a PCB include, for example, signal noise reduction, where the ground plane acts as a shield, minimizing the coupling of electromagnetic fields between different components and traces on the PCB. This reduces the possibility of signal interference and noise. Having a solid ground plane also helps maintain a consistent ground reference level across the PCB, which is critical for accurate signal transmission and reception. Such a ground plane can also simplify the routing process, as there is no need to allocate a separate trace for the ground connection. This can lead to a more organized and efficient PCB layout.

[0043] A large area ground plane can also help dissipate heat, especially in circuits with components that generate heat during operation. In addition, the shielding effect of the ground plane can help meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements by minimizing emissions and susceptibility to external interference. Although the ground plane is primarily associated with providing a stable ground reference, it is equally important to carefully consider its placement and layout, as an improper design can lead to unintended consequences, such as parasitic capacitance and crosstalk between traces. The ground plane can be a critical component of PCB design, which can contribute to the overall functionality, reliability, and performance of electronic circuits by providing a solid reference point for electrical signals and mitigating various forms of interference.

[0044] Figure 5 According to one embodiment, Figure 4 A perspective view of the antenna configuration 20 is shown, but with the antenna assembly 18 connected to a printed circuit board 22. Figure 5 , antenna assembly branch 24 is shown soldered to printed circuit board 22.

[0045] Figure 6 An image of a broadband antenna device 30 that can be implemented according to one embodiment is shown. The broadband antenna device 30 can include the antenna assembly 10 discussed above, which includes a support 18, a board 18 and an antenna 12, which can be located and supported within a module 32. The broadband antenna device 30 can be implemented in the context of an NBIOT (Narrowband Internet of Things) module.

[0046] It should be noted that NBIOT (Narrowband Internet of Things) (also referred to by the abbreviations NBIoT or NB-IOT) refers to low-power wide area network (LPWAN) technology, which is designed to enable efficient communication of a large number of devices and sensors in the environment of the Internet of Things (IoT). The main focus of NBIOT is to provide low-power long-range communications, making it suitable for applications where devices need to send small amounts of data over long distances while maintaining extended battery life. Discussion of NBIOT technology is disclosed in the document "Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT): From Physical (PHY) and Media Access Control (MAC) Layers Perspectives" by Collins Burton Mwakwata et al., Sensors 2019, 19, 2613; doi: 10.3390 / s19112613, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0047] NBIOT devices are designed to operate at very low power, resulting in long battery life. This is critical for devices that may be deployed in remote locations or where batteries cannot be frequently replaced. NB-IoT technology enables communication over longer distances than traditional cellular networks, making it suitable for applications that need to provide coverage in remote or challenging areas.

[0048] NB-IoT is optimized for transmitting small amounts of data at low rates. This makes the technology particularly suitable for applications that involve occasional transmission of sensor data, such as environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, and asset tracking. NB-IoT signals are designed to penetrate obstacles like walls and buildings more effectively than conventional cellular signals, ensuring better connectivity in indoor environments and underground structures.

[0049] NBIOT can operate within the existing LTE (4G) cellular network infrastructure, utilizing unused portions of the LTE spectrum. This minimizes the need for additional network infrastructure deployment. Since NBIOT utilizes existing cellular infrastructure, its deployment and maintenance can be cost-effective. It allows operators to offer IoT services without significant network upgrades.

[0050] Similar to other cellular technologies, NBIOT benefits from the inherent security features of cellular networks, such as encryption and authentication, which help ensure the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted data. NBIOT networks can accommodate a large number of connected devices, making these networks suitable for applications involving large-scale deployment of sensors and devices.

[0051] In the broadband antenna device 30, the antenna 12 can be implemented as a compact size antenna metal structure that can achieve a total radiated power radiation performance of about, for example, 18 dBm for broadband NBIOT (Narrowband Internet of Things) frequencies. These broadband NBIOT frequencies may include frequencies in the range of about 700 MHz to 2100 MHz, covering NBIOT bands B1, B3, B5, B8, B20.

[0052] Antenna 12 may employ a metal stamped radiating component (e.g., plate 13) mounted to a plastic substrate / support 18 that may support the antenna structure to control variations in antenna radiation performance for mass manufacturing. Antenna 12 may have only one feed point for electrical coupling to the RF feed port. The feed branch portion length extends below the potting to protect the electronics from water. The feed branch portion length and radiating element (e.g., plate 13) may be maintained above the potting material to achieve the desired radiation performance.

[0053] The antenna mechanical structure of the antenna 12 is unique and polarized in a manner that enables desired radiation performance from low frequency bands to high frequency bands. The antenna assembly 10 is easy to assemble for mass manufacturing because only a single point weld and two screw fixes are required to attach the antenna to the electronic PCB 22. The antenna plastic structure of the broadband antenna device 30 can be designed to support the radiating element to control variations and be supported on the PCB 22 with multiple ribs. The antenna plastic structure can also be designed to allow potting materials to flow easily to protect the electronic devices.

[0054] Figure 7 According to one embodiment, Figure 6 A perspective view of the broadband antenna device 30 is shown. Figure 7 In the illustrated configuration, a layer 31 is shown that can be placed above the printed circuit board 22. In the broadband assembly device 30, the antenna 12 can be configured as an antenna metal structure that can achieve, for example, 18dBm radiation performance for broadband frequencies (700Mhz-2100Mhz). The antenna 12 and antenna assembly 10 are easy to assemble and manufacture using a single solder point and heat staking. The antenna 12 can be directly soldered to the RF feed port to eliminate RF connector performance issues caused by potting materials. The antenna 12 can be partially potted to protect the electronics from, for example, harsh environments while achieving excellent radiation performance.

[0055] Antenna 12 may be implemented as an Internet of Things antenna, and in particular, as an LTE Internet of Things antenna. It should be noted that an Internet of Things (IoT) antenna is a specialized type of antenna designed for wireless communication between IoT devices and a network. IoT refers to a network of interconnected devices, sensors, and systems that can transmit and exchange data over the Internet or other communication networks. These devices may include anything from smart home devices and wearable gadgets to industrial sensors and remote monitoring equipment.

[0056] LTE (Long Term Evolution) IoT antennas are a specific type of IoT antenna optimized for communication using LTE networks. LTE is a high-speed wireless communication standard commonly used for mobile data transmission, and it forms the basis of many cellular networks. LTE IoT is a set of standards within the LTE framework that is designed to cater to the unique requirements of IoT devices, such as lower power consumption, longer battery life, and better coverage in challenging environments.

[0057] The broadband component device 30 may include using the antenna 12 as a broadband frequency (typically from 700 MHz to 2100 MHz with 18 dBm radiation performance) LTE IoT antenna for smart meters (e.g., such as water / gas meters), while using a plastic substrate to control antenna radiation performance variations for mass manufacturing. Moreover, the antenna design may be customized to achieve the desired radiation performance within the size constraints of the smart meter.

[0058] In some embodiments, the various functions described above are implemented or supported by a computer program, which is formed by a computer-readable program code and is embodied in a computer-readable medium. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transient" computer-readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit instantaneous electrical signals or other signals. Non-transient computer-readable medium includes a medium that can permanently store data and a medium that can store and rewrite data afterwards, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

[0059] It may be advantageous to set forth the definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, processes, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data or a portion thereof that are suitable for implementation with suitable computer code (including source code, object code or executable code). The terms "send", "receive", and "communication" and their derivatives cover both direct and indirect communication. The terms "include" and "comprises" and their derivatives mean to include but are not limited to this. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase "associated with..." and its derivatives may mean including, included within, interconnected with, included within, connected to or connected with, coupled to or coupled with, communicable with, collaborate with, interlace, juxtapose, close to, coupled to or coupled with, have, have the property of, have a relationship with, or have a relationship with. The term "controller" means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation. A controller may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software / firmware. Whether deployed locally or remotely, the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed.

[0060] Based on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that many different embodiments, including preferred and alternative embodiments, are disclosed herein. For example, in one embodiment, a broadband antenna device can be implemented that may include: a ground layer on a printed circuit board; and a plastic substrate that can support an antenna metal structure of the antenna. The antenna can be part of an antenna assembly that can be connected to the printed circuit board. The broadband antenna device may also include: a metal radiating element mounted to the plastic substrate by heat riveting; and a feed branch electrically connected to an RF feed port. The antenna can be directly connected to the RF feed port, and the plastic substrate can control changes in the radiation performance of the antenna due to, for example, manufacturing variations.

[0061] In one embodiment, the plastic substrate may include, for example, one or more of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

[0062] In one embodiment, the antenna may be directly soldered to the RF feed line port to eliminate RF connector performance issues with potting materials used to protect the RF connector from harsh environments and facilitate assembly of the broadband antenna device.

[0063] In one embodiment, the antenna may be partially potted to protect the electronics from a harsh environment while enhancing radiation performance associated with the antenna.

[0064] In one embodiment, the antenna may be configured as an antenna metal structure having a compact size that may achieve a total radiated power radiation performance of approximately 18 dBm for broadband NBIOT (narrowband Internet of Things) frequencies.

[0065] In one embodiment, the broadband NBIOT frequencies may include frequencies in the range of approximately 700 MHz to 2100 MHz, covering NBIOT bands Bl, B3, B5, B8, B20.

[0066] In one embodiment, the antenna may be an LTE IoT antenna.

[0067] In one embodiment, a broadband antenna device may include: a plastic substrate that supports an antenna metal structure of the antenna, wherein the antenna is part of an antenna assembly; a metal radiating element that is mounted to the plastic substrate by heat riveting; and a feed branch electrically connected to an RF feed line port, wherein the antenna can be directly connected to the RF feed line port and the plastic substrate controls changes in the radiation performance of the antenna due to manufacturing variations.

[0068] In one embodiment, a method of operating a broadband antenna device may involve using a plastic substrate to control changes in the radiation performance of the antenna. The plastic substrate may support an antenna metal structure including the antenna. The antenna may be part of an antenna assembly, and the metal radiating element may be mounted to the plastic substrate by heat riveting. In the method, the feed branch may be electrically connected to the RF feed port, and the antenna may be directly connected to the RF feed port. The antenna may be directly welded to the RF feed port to eliminate RF connector performance issues regarding potting materials, which are used to protect the RF connector from harsh environments and facilitate assembly of the broadband antenna device. In the method, the antenna may be a compact-sized antenna metal structure that achieves a total radiated power radiation performance of approximately 18 dBm for broadband NBIOT (narrowband Internet of Things) frequencies. The antenna may be an LTE Internet of Things antenna.

[0069] It will be appreciated that the variations disclosed above and other features and functions or their alternatives may be advantageously combined into many other different systems or applications. It will also be appreciated that various currently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A broadband antenna device, comprising: Ground plane on a printed circuit board: a plastic substrate supporting an antenna metal structure of an antenna, wherein the antenna is part of an antenna assembly connected to the printed circuit board; A metal radiating element mounted to the plastic substrate by heat riveting: A feed branch is electrically connected to an RF feed port, wherein the antenna is directly connected to the RF feed port, and the plastic substrate controls variations in radiation performance of the antenna due to manufacturing variations. 2 . The broadband antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein the plastic substrate comprises at least one of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

3. The broadband antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is directly welded to the RF feed line port to eliminate RF connector performance issues regarding potting materials, wherein the potting material is used to protect the RF connector from harsh environments and facilitate assembly of the broadband antenna device.

4. The broadband antenna device of claim 1, wherein the antenna is partially potted to protect electronics from a harsh environment while enhancing radiation performance with respect to the antenna.

5. The broadband antenna device of claim 1, wherein the antenna comprises a compact-sized antenna metal structure that achieves a total radiated power radiation performance of approximately 18 dBm for broadband NBIOT (Narrowband Internet of Things) frequencies.

6. The broadband antenna device of claim 5, wherein the broadband NBIOT frequency comprises frequencies in the range of approximately 700 MHz to 2100 MHz, covering NBIOT bands B1, B3, B5, B8, B20.

7. The broadband antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna comprises an LTE Internet of Things antenna.

8. A broadband antenna device, comprising: a plastic substrate supporting an antenna metal structure of an antenna, wherein the antenna is part of an antenna assembly; A metal radiating element mounted to the plastic substrate by heat riveting: A feed branch is electrically connected to an RF feed port, wherein the antenna is directly connected to the RF feed port, and the plastic substrate controls variations in radiation performance of the antenna due to manufacturing variations.

9. The broadband antenna device of claim 8 further comprising a ground layer on a printed circuit board, wherein the antenna assembly is connected to the printed circuit board.

10. A method of operating a broadband antenna device, the method comprising: The plastic substrate is used to control the change of the antenna's radiation performance, including: The plastic substrate supports the antenna metal structure of the antenna, The antenna is part of an antenna assembly, and the metal radiating element is mounted to the plastic substrate by heat riveting, The feed line branch is electrically connected to the RF feed line port, and The antenna is directly connected to the RF feed port.

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