Uwband antenna including radio frequency

Abstract

There is described an ultra wide band (UWB) antenna comprising: a planar portion arranged above and parallel to a ground plane; a ground connection portion configured to electrically connect the UWB antenna to a ground plane; a tapered portion extending around at least 40% of an outer circumference of the planar portion and extending perpendicularly from the planar portion toward the ground plane, where a height of the tapered portion decreases around the outer circumference of the planar portion as far from the feed, and where a lower edge of the tapered portion is spaced apart from the ground plane by a gap; and a radio frequency (RF) balun, wherein the feed portion is configured to be electrically connected between the RF balun and the tapered portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to antennas, and more particularly to ultra-wideband antennas having radio frequency (RF) baluns. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0003] Vehicles use telematics systems to support wireless telecommunications and information processing. Examples include cellular communications, global positioning system (GPS) navigation, integrated hands-free cell phones, wireless safety communications, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications, autonomous driving systems, etc.

[0004] Telematics systems transmit and receive data as the vehicle travels on the road. To facilitate wireless connectivity, the vehicle includes one or more antennas that connect to the transmitter and / or receiver of the telematics system. Examples of antennas that may be used include mast antennas and shark fin antennas. Various subsystems in a telematics system transmit and receive on a number of different frequency bands. Ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas may be good candidates for cellular applications.

[0005] Manufacturers seek to create attractively styled, cost-effective, and energy-efficient vehicles. Certain antenna designs are often not ideal from a styling perspective. For example, a shark fin antenna may be placed on the roof of the vehicle above the middle of the rear windshield or on the rear decklid. It is understood that placing a shark fin antenna in these locations detracts from the exterior design of the vehicle. These types of antennas typically have a height of approximately one-quarter of the wavelength at the lowest desired operating frequency. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one feature, an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna is described, comprising: a planar portion arranged above and parallel to a ground plane; a ground connection portion configured to electrically connect the UWB antenna to the ground plane; a tapered portion extending around at least 40% of a periphery of the planar portion and extending vertically from the planar portion toward the ground plane, wherein a height of the tapered portion decreases around the periphery of the planar portion as it moves away from a feed portion, and wherein a lower edge of the tapered portion is separated from the ground plane by a gap; and a radio frequency (RF) balun, wherein the feed portion is configured to be electrically connected between the RF balun and the tapered portion.

[0007] In further features, the height of the UWB antenna corresponds to approximately 1 / 20 of a wavelength corresponding to a target lowest operating frequency of the UWB antenna.

[0008] In further features, the planar portion has a rectangular shape.

[0009] In further features, the height of the tapered portion decreases monotonically away from the feed.

[0010] In further features, the gap increases monotonically away from the feed as the height of the tapered portion decreases.

[0011] In further features, the RF balun is rectangular.

[0012] In further features, the RF balun is circular.

[0013] In further features, the RF balun includes a semicircular portion and a rectangular portion.

[0014] In further features, there is a hole through the planar portion.

[0015] In further features, the ground connection includes material from within the hole.

[0016] In further features, the shape and size of the hole approximates the shape and size of the ground connection portion.

[0017] In further features, the ground connection portion extends perpendicular to the planar portion to the ground plane.

[0018] In further features, the matching network is configured to electrically connect the feed to the tapered portion.

[0019] In further features, a circuit board is included, wherein the matching network is disposed on the circuit board.

[0020] In further features, the circuit board is disposed between a lower edge of the tapered portion and the ground plane.

[0021] In further features: the tapered portion includes a hole; and the circuit board includes an extension portion that extends through the hole and rests on an edge of the hole.

[0022] In further features, the plane of the circuit board is arranged parallel to the ground plane.

[0023] In further features, the plane of the circuit board is perpendicular to the planar portion and the ground plane.

[0024] In further features, the planar portion, the ground connection portion, and the tapered portion are made of a conductive material.

[0025] In further features, the vehicle includes a UWB antenna.

[0026] The present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0027] 1. An ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna, comprising:

[0028] a plane portion arranged above and parallel to the ground plane;

[0029] a ground connection portion configured to electrically connect the UWB antenna to a ground plane;

[0030] The tapering part,

[0031] The tapered portion extends around at least 40% of the periphery of the planar portion and extends perpendicularly from the planar portion toward the ground plane,

[0032] wherein the height of the tapered portion decreases around the periphery of the planar portion as distance from the feed portion increases, and

[0033] wherein a lower edge of the tapered portion is spaced apart from the ground plane by a gap; and

[0034] Radio Frequency (RF) Baluns,

[0035] The feed portion is configured to be electrically connected between the RF balun and the tapered portion.

[0036] 2. The UWB antenna according to claim 1, wherein a height of the UWB antenna corresponds to approximately 1 / 20 of a wavelength corresponding to a target lowest operating frequency of the UWB antenna.

[0037] 3. The UWB antenna according to claim 1, wherein the planar portion has a rectangular shape.

[0038] 4. The UWB antenna according to solution 1, wherein the height of the tapered portion decreases monotonically as it moves away from the feed portion.

[0039] 5. The UWB antenna according to solution 4, wherein as the height of the tapered portion decreases, the gap increases monotonically as it moves away from the feed portion.

[0040] 6. The UWB antenna according to claim 1, wherein the RF balun is rectangular.

[0041] 7. The UWB antenna according to claim 1, wherein the RF balun is circular.

[0042] 8. The UWB antenna according to claim 1, wherein the RF balun comprises a semicircular portion and a rectangular portion.

[0043] 9. The UWB antenna according to solution 1 further comprises a hole passing through the planar portion.

[0044] 10. The UWB antenna according to claim 9, wherein the ground connection portion includes material from within the hole.

[0045] 11. The UWB antenna according to claim 9, wherein the shape and size of the hole are approximately the shape and size of the ground connection portion.

[0046] 12. The UWB antenna according to claim 1, wherein the ground connection portion extends perpendicularly to the planar portion to the ground plane.

[0047] 13. The UWB antenna according to solution 1, further comprising a matching network configured to electrically connect the feeding portion to the tapered portion.

[0048] 14. The UWB antenna according to Option 13 further includes a circuit board, wherein the matching network is arranged on the circuit board.

[0049] 15. The UWB antenna according to claim 14, wherein the circuit board is disposed between a lower edge of the tapered portion and the ground plane.

[0050] 16. The UWB antenna according to claim 14, wherein:

[0051] The tapered portion includes a bore; and

[0052] The circuit board includes an extension portion that extends through the hole and rests on an edge of the hole.

[0053] 17. The UWB antenna according to claim 14, wherein the plane of the circuit board is arranged to be parallel to the ground plane.

[0054] 18. The UWB antenna according to claim 14, wherein the plane of the circuit board is perpendicular to the planar portion and the ground plane.

[0055] 19. The UWB antenna according to solution 1, wherein the planar portion, the ground connection portion and the tapered portion are made of a conductive material.

[0056] 20. A vehicle comprising the UWB antenna according to solution 1.

[0057] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a feed side of an example of an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna arranged above a ground plane according to the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 1B is a side view showing another example of a tapered side portion near a feed point according to the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of an example of a back side of a UWB antenna;

[0062] Figure 3A-3C includes a perspective view of an example UWB antenna including a radio frequency (RF) balun;

[0063] Figure 4-Figure 10 includes a perspective view of an example UWB antenna having a circular RF balun;

[0064] Fig.11 is a functional block diagram of an example implementation of a matching network;

[0065] Figure 12-20 includes a perspective view of an example UWB antenna having a rectangular RF balun and non-rounded corners;

[0066] Figure 21-29 includes a perspective view of an example matching network disposed on a circuit board;

[0067] Figure 25-29 An example UWB antenna is included wherein the circuit board extends through a hole in a tapered side portion of the UWB antenna;

[0068] Figure 30-34 A perspective view of an example embodiment including a UWB antenna including an RF balun;

[0069] Figure 35-37 Includes a perspective view of an example UWB antenna with an RF balun;

[0070] Figure 38-40 Another example orientation of a circuit board and matching network is shown, including an RF balun;

[0071] Figure 41-49 includes a perspective view of an example implementation of a UWB including a rectangular RF balun; and

[0072] Fig.50 A perspective view of an example implementation of a UWB including an RF balun is included.

[0073] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] An ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna according to the present disclosure has an extremely low profile, which allows the UWB antenna to be incorporated into a variety of different locations. The extremely low profile allows the UWB antenna to be placed in a less noticeable location inside or outside the vehicle. For example, the UWB antenna can be hidden in a cavity in the roof, below the non-conductive roof material and above a conductive plane (which may be the same or different from the antenna's ground plane), thereby improving the exterior design of the vehicle. Other example locations for the UWB antenna may be inside a vehicle spoiler, near (e.g., above or below) a vehicle rear windshield, or at the top or bottom near a frame edge. The UWB antenna of the present application described herein includes a radio frequency (RF) balun (balanced to unbalanced device) that helps tune the UWB antenna.

[0075] Reference now Figures 1A to 2C , an example UWB antenna 10 is shown. Figure 1A , the UWB antenna 10 includes an antenna body 14 disposed above a ground plane 18. Somewhat differently from the examples discussed further below, the antenna body 14 includes a planar portion 20 and a tapered side portion 24 extending from a bottom surface of the planar portion 20 toward the ground plane 18. In some examples, the planar portion 20 has a rounded rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, or a circular shape.

[0076] In some examples, opening 40 is formed in planar portion 20 and has a shape similar to the shape of the outer edge of planar portion 20, but other shapes may also be used. For example, opening 40 may have a rounded rectangular shape, an oval shape, or a circular shape.

[0077] In some examples, opening 40 is centered relative to planar portion 20 (e.g., centered vertically and horizontally between opposing sides). If opening 40 is used, the upper edge of post 44 is connected to the bottom surface of planar portion 20 at opening 40, and the lower edge of post 44 is connected to ground plane 18. In other examples, opening 40 can be omitted. If opening 40 is omitted, the top of post 44 can be attached to the bottom surface of planar portion 20.

[0078] In some examples, the cylinder 44 is a rounded rectangular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, or a cylinder. In some examples, the cross-sectional shape and size of the cylinder 44 match the shape of the opening 40. The cylinder 44 is connected to the bottom surface of the planar portion 20 along the edge of the opening 40 or radially outside the opening 40 to provide electrical continuity between the planar portion 20 and the cylinder 40.

[0079] In some examples, the tapered side portion 24 is connected at or near the outer edge of the planar portion 20 and completely surrounds the outer edge of the planar portion 20. In other examples, the tapered side portion 24 is connected at or near the outer edge of the planar portion 20 and surrounds greater than or equal to 90% of the edge of the planar portion 20. In still other examples, the tapered side portion 24 surrounds at least 50% of the outer edge of the planar portion (or at least 25% at or near the outer edge of the planar portion in both directions when starting from the antenna feed on the feed side).

[0080] The tapered side portion 24 has a height that varies around the outer edge of the planar portion 20. Figure 1A In the example of Figure 1A The tapered side portion 24 shown on the feed side begins to taper or taper to a center 30 where the tapered side portion 24 has its maximum height. Figure 2A The tapered side portion 24 on the back side is shown at or near the center 60 where the tapered side portion 24 has its shortest height. In other words, the gap between the lower edge of the tapered side portion 24 and the ground plane 18 varies. The vertical height of the gap varies from Figure 1A The center 30 of the tapered side portion 24 on the feed side is shown increasing from Figure 2A The location on the back side at or near the center 60 of the tapered side portion 24 is shown where the gap has a maximum vertical height.

[0081] In some examples, the height of the tapered side portion 24 tapers completely at the center 60, such as Figure 2A In other examples, the tapered side portion 24 is not completely tapered at the center, such as Figure 2C Alternatively, the tapered side portion 24 gradually narrows from the center 30 of the feed side as shown in FIG. 1 and reaches the center 30 of the feed side as shown in FIG. Figure 2B The tapered side portion 24 ends before the illustrated center 60. In some examples, the height of the tapered side portion 24 decreases monotonically.

[0082] The antenna body 14 is mounted to the ground plane 18, and a gap 28 is defined between the center 30 of the tapered side portion 24 on the feed side and the ground plane 18. In some examples, the antenna feed 46 extends through the opening 48 formed in the ground plane 18 and is connected to the antenna body 14 at the center 30 of the feed side. By way of example only, the antenna feed 46 may include an inner conductor of a coaxial cable, and a braided copper shield (not shown) of the coaxial cable may be connected to the ground plane 18. The inner conductor of the coaxial cable may be used as the antenna feed 46 and electrically connected to the antenna body 14. Although a particular type of antenna feed is shown for illustrative purposes, other antenna feed arrangements may be used to feed the antenna. For example, instead of passing vertically through the ground plane, the antenna feed may be arranged and connected to the antenna body at a feeding position that is parallel to the ground plane and located above the ground plane (and does not pass through the ground plane).

[0083] exist Figure 1B In some examples, the tapered side portion 24 may optionally taper downward adjacent to the feed location and then transition to a non-tapered portion 31 at the antenna feed location. In some examples, the transition between the tapered side portion 24 and the non-tapered portion 31 may be rounded. In some examples, the lower edge of the non-tapered portion 31 is arranged to be parallel to the ground plane. In some examples, the non-tapered portion 31 has a horizontal width in the range of 0.5 mm to 20 mm, but other widths may also be used. The horizontal width of the non-tapered portion 31 and the height of the gap 28 may be varied to affect the impedance of the UWB antenna at the antenna feed point.

[0084] Planar portion 20 lies in a plane that is generally parallel to and spaced above ground plane 18. Connecting portion 50 is located on the back side of antenna body 14 to connect planar portion 20 and / or tapered side portion 24 to ground plane 18. In some examples, connecting portion 50 includes a conductive portion ( Figure 2A ). In other examples, the connecting portion 50 includes a conductive wall portion having a generally rectangular cross-section (in the radial direction of the planar portion 20). If a conductive wall is used, the connecting portion 50 is attached to the lower surface of the planar portion 20 near the center 60 of the planar portion 20 and is completely (in the radial direction of the planar portion 20). Figure 2B in) or part( Figure 2C ) extends toward the outer surface 62 of the column 44.

[0085] The antenna body 14 may be made entirely of a conductive material such as metal. Alternatively, one or more portions of the antenna body 14 may include a support surface made of a non-conductive material and a layer of conductive material attached to, deposited on, or printed on the non-conductive material.

[0086] Without being bound by theory of operation, the UWB antenna described herein operates like a cavity-backed slot antenna having opposing ends and a cavity surrounding and connecting together.

[0087] Some antenna designs may involve the height of the UWB antenna being at least about one quarter (1 / 4) of the wavelength corresponding to the lowest target operating frequency of the UWB antenna 10. In some examples, the UWB antenna discussed herein may be designed to have a vertical height as low as about 1 / 20 of the wavelength corresponding to the lowest target operating frequency. As used herein, about 1 / 20 of a wavelength may refer to 4% to 6% of the wavelength corresponding to the lowest desired operating frequency. When height is less important, the UWB antenna 10 may be designed to have other vertical heights, such as 1 / 10 of the wavelength corresponding to the lowest target operating frequency or other heights. The vertical height may refer to the distance between the ground plane and the vertical topmost portion of the UWB antenna.

[0088] For example, the UWB antenna may be designed for 1.7 GHz applications and have a height of about 8-9 millimeters (mm). In some examples, the width W and length L of the UWB antenna are in the range of 0.5 to 5 times the height H of the UWB antenna. In some examples, the ground plane is wider than L and W of the antenna body by a first predetermined distance and a second predetermined distance, respectively. The first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are the same (symmetrical) or different (asymmetrical).

[0089] The UWB antenna 10 has a low profile. The relatively low height (e.g., about 1 / 20* wavelength) of the UWB antenna provides a significant advantage when attempting to position the UWB antenna in an unobtrusive location to enhance the design and visual appearance of the vehicle. The increased height of other antennas makes it more difficult to position them in or on the vehicle without adversely affecting the design of the vehicle or reducing headroom when located between the headliner and the roof.

[0090] By way of example only, the UWB antenna 10 may be designed for 617 megahertz (MHz) applications and may handle a first frequency band from 617 MHz to 960 MHz, a second frequency band from 1.7 gigahertz (GHz) to 2.7 GHz, and a third frequency band from 3.3 GHz to 6 GHz, although other frequency ranges may also be used.

[0091] exist Figures 1A to 2C In the illustrated UWB antenna 10 , the UWB antenna 10 is arranged above a ground plane 18 . In this design, the ground plane 18 may act like a mirror and reflect the signal transmitted by the UWB antenna 10 .

[0092] Figures 3A-3C Included is a perspective view of an example UWB antenna. Figures 3A-3CThe UWB antenna of is approximately half the size (volume) of the above-mentioned UWB antenna. Figure 3A It is a top side perspective view. Figure 3B It is a side perspective view. Figure 3C It is a top-down perspective view.

[0093] If cutting is performed along the line connecting the feeder 46 and the connecting portion 50, Figures 3A-3C The UWB antenna can be Figures 1A-2C Approximately half of the UWB antenna.

[0094] exist Figures 3A-3C In the example of FIG. 3 , the feed 304 is connected to the first point of the tapered side portion 24. The feed 304 is connected to the tapered side portion 24 via a capacitor 308 or another suitable type of filter. The tapered side portion 24 gradually decreases in height 312 moving around the periphery of the UWB antenna. The height 312 can decrease monotonically between the first point and the end point 316 of the tapered side portion 24. In this example, the tapered side portion 24 extends around three sides of the UWB antenna. As the height of the tapered side portion 324 decreases, the gap 314 between the lower edge of the tapered side portion 24 and the ground plane increases.

[0095] The fourth side of the UWB antenna is planar. The ground connection portion 320 is located on the fourth side along the plane and extends (e.g., vertically) from the planar cover portion 20 to the ground plane. The ground connection portion 320 electrically connects the UWB antenna to the ground plane. The planar bottom 324 of the cylindrical portion can also contact the ground plane and electrically connect the UWB antenna to the ground plane.

[0096] RF balun 328 is also located on the fourth side along the plane and extends between the planar cover portion 20 and the ground plane. A second connection portion 332 is also located on the fourth side along the plane and extends from the planar cover portion 20 toward the ground plane or extends (e.g., vertically) to the ground plane. The second connection portion 332 can electrically connect the UWB antenna to the ground plane. Air may exist within the RF balun 328. The RF balun 328 provides a high impedance region (balanced line to unbalanced line (balun)). The RF balun 328 helps tune the antenna and balance the impedance of the 328 antenna with the impedance of the feed portion 304 (cable), which may be, for example, a coaxial cable.

[0097] The RF balun 328 may be a Figure 3A However, the RF balun may also be in other suitable shapes, such as circular, oval, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, etc.

[0098] For example, Figure 4-10 A perspective view of an example UWB antenna having a circular (eg, round) RF balun 404 is included. Figure 4 is a top side perspective view of the UWB antenna showing the planar cover portion 20 . Figure 5 is a top side perspective view of the UWB antenna with the planar cover portion 20 removed. Figure 6 is another top side perspective view of the UWB antenna with the planar cover portion 20 removed. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A top side perspective view of a UWB antenna showing the planar cover portion 20. Figure 8 It is a left perspective view of the UWB antenna. Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of the UWB antenna. Fig.10 is a front perspective view of a UWB antenna.

[0099] Figure 4-10 The example diagram shows that the height 408 of the tapered side portion 24 decreases continuously (e.g., monotonically) around the outer edge of the UWB antenna from (a) where the feed portion 412 is connected to (b) the ground connection portion 416. The ground connection portion 416 electrically connects the UWB antenna to the ground plane. Because the tapered side portion 24 decreases in height, the gap 418 increases continuously (e.g., monotonically) around the outer edge of the UWB antenna from (a) where the feed portion 412 is connected to (b) the ground connection portion 416.

[0100] The UWB antennas discussed herein may be connected to their respective feeds via a matching network 420. The matching network 420 may include, for example, one or more capacitors, inductors, and / or resistors. Fig.11 is a functional block diagram of an example implementation of a matching network. The first end 1104 is electrically connected to a feed conductor, such as a coaxial cable.

[0101] Capacitor 1108 may be connected between first end 1104 and first node 1112. Inductor 1116 may be connected between first node 1112 and a ground potential (e.g., a ground plane). Capacitor 1120 may be connected between first node 1112 and second node 1124. Inductor 1128 may be connected between second node 1124 and a ground potential (e.g., a ground plane). Second node 1124 is connected to a feed connection point of a UWB antenna.

[0102] Figure 12-20 A perspective view of an example UWB antenna with a rectangular RF balun 1204 and non-rounded corners is included. The matching network may be included in or omitted from any of the UWB antennas discussed herein. For example, Figure 12-20 An example UWB antenna may not include a matching network.

[0103] Fig.12 is a side perspective view of the UWB antenna showing the planar cover portion 20 . Fig.13 is a side perspective view of a UWB antenna. Fig.14 This is a stereoscopic view of the other side of the UWB antenna. Fig.15 yes Figure 6 0026] A side perspective view of a UWB antenna showing the planar cover portion 20. Fig.16 It is a top-down perspective view of the UWB antenna. Fig.17 It is a top-down perspective view of the UWB antenna. Fig.18 is a top side perspective view of the UWB antenna with the planar cover portion 20 (not shown) removed. Fig.19 is a top side perspective view of the UWB antenna with the planar cover portion 20 removed. Fig. 20 is a top side perspective view of a UWB antenna having a planar cover portion 20 .

[0104] The height 1304 of the tapered side portion 24 decreases continuously (e.g., monotonically) around the outer edge of the UWB antenna from (a) where the feed portion 1308 is connected to (b) the ground connection portion 1312. The ground connection portion 1312 electrically connects the UWB antenna to the ground plane. Because the tapered side portion 24 decreases in height, the gap 1316 increases continuously (e.g., monotonically) around the outer edge of the UWB antenna from (a) where the feed portion 412 is connected to (b) the ground connection portion 416. The gap here can refer to the distance between the lower edge of the tapered side portion 24 and the ground plane. The gap can also be called a slit.

[0105] For example Fig.16 As shown, corner 1604 of planar cover portion 20 can be non-rounded. For example, corner 1604 can be at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to adjacent edges (e.g., 1608 and 1612).

[0106] The planar cover portion 20 may include a hole 1620. In various embodiments, the hole 1620 may have substantially the same shape as the ground connection portion 1312, and the edge of the ground connection portion 1312 may engage with the edge of the hole 1620, such as Fig.17 The ground connection portion 1312 may be, for example, cut from three edges of the planar cover portion 20 and bent / folded downward to be perpendicular to the ground plane and the plane of the planar cover portion 20. Cutting the ground connection portion from the planar cover portion may reduce the manufacturing complexity of the UWB antenna.

[0107] In various implementations, the matching network (if included) may be disposed on a circuit board. Figure 21-29 A perspective view of an example matching network 2108 disposed on a circuit board 2104 is included. Figure 21-24As shown, the circuit board 2104 can be arranged between the lower edge of the UWB antenna and the ground plane and at least partially below the RF balanced-unbalanced transformer. Figure 21-24 In the example of , the RF balun is circular, such as Fig.10 As in the example.

[0108] Fig.21 is a top side perspective view of the UWB antenna and circuit board 2104. Fig. 22 is a side perspective view of the UWB antenna and circuit board 2104. Fig.23 and 24 FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the circuit board 2104 and the matching network 2108. Fig.24 As shown, vias 2404 may be formed through circuit board 2304 to electrically connect matching network 2108 to the ground plane.

[0109] However, the circuit board 2104 may be arranged differently from the UWB antenna. For example, Figure 25-29 An example UWB antenna is included in which the circuit board 2104 extends through the hole 2504 in the tapered side portion 24. Figure 25-29 Examples can reduce the overall height of the UWB and circuit board and reduce manufacturing complexity. Fig. 27 As shown, in this example, the circuit board 2104 includes an extension 2704 that extends through the hole 50. In various embodiments, a non-conductive material (e.g., a dielectric material such as nylon or plastic) can be disposed within the remaining portion of the hole 2504 not occupied by the circuit board 2104.

[0110] In various embodiments, such as Fig.21 In the example of FIG. 21 , the circuit board 2104 can be located on a ground plane. The feed portion 2402 extends through the circuit board 2104, such as Fig.24 as shown in , and connected to 1104 .

[0111] In various embodiments, for example Fig.26 As shown in the example of FIG. 26 , there can be air between the ground plane 2604 and the circuit board 2104. In such an embodiment, circuit components and electrical conductors can be disposed on the bottom surface 2608 of the circuit board 2104, between the circuit board 2104 and the ground plane 2604. This can allow for easier electrical connection to electrical components on the circuit board 2104.

[0112] like Fig.26As shown in the example of , one or more non-conductive (e.g., nylon, plastic, etc.) spacers 2612 can be implemented to maintain separation between circuit board 2104 and ground plane 2604. In various embodiments, circuit board 2104 can include a conductor on circuit board 2104 that is electrically connected to the ground plane, and circuit elements on circuit board 2014 can be connected to the conductor. Fig.38 Such examples are included and discussed further below.

[0113] like Figure 27-29 As shown in , the ground connection portion 2804 can be cut from one side below the tapered side portion 24 having the shortest height. The ground connection portion 2804 in this example can share an edge 2808 with the portion of the tapered side portion 24 including the RF balun and bend / fold inward. This can enable the UWB to be made of a single piece of material (e.g., metal) and reduce manufacturing complexity.

[0114] Figure 30-34 A perspective view of an example implementation of a UWB antenna including an RF balun 3004 is included. Fig.30 It is a right-side stereogram of the UWB antenna. Fig.31 It is a front perspective view of the UWB antenna. Fig.32 It is a left perspective view of the UWB antenna. Fig.33 This is a rear perspective view of the UWB antenna. Fig.34 It is a top-down front perspective view of the UWB antenna.

[0115] 3008 is where the feed is electrically connected to the UWB antenna with or without a matching network. Figure 30-34 In the example of FIG. 1 , on the feed side of the UWB antenna, the tapered side portion 24 extends upward to the planar cover portion 20, such that the height of the tapered side portion 24 decreases on the feed side (e.g., monotonically). On the ground side of the UWB antenna opposite the feed side, the tapered side portion 24 extends downward to the ground connection portion, such that the height of the tapered side portion 24 increases on the ground side (e.g., monotonically). The UWB antenna may also include another ground connection portion 3404, which electrically connects the UWB antenna (ground side) to the ground plane and adjusts the RF balun 3004.

[0116] Figure 35-37 A perspective view of an example UWB antenna having an RF balun 3504 is included. The RF balun 3504 may include a semicircular top above a rectangular bottom. In this example, a slot 3508 is formed at the corner of the tapered side portion 24. In this manner, the slot 3508 may enable the tapered side portion 24 to be bent / folded into place and enable the UWB antenna to be formed from a single piece of material, reducing manufacturing complexity.

[0117] Figure 38-40 Another example orientation of the circuit board 2104 and the matching network 2108 is shown. In this example, the via 2404 is electrically connected to the tapered side portion 24 to feed the UWB antenna.

[0118] In various embodiments, such as Fig.38 In the example of FIG. 1 , the plane of the circuit board 2104 can be parallel to the plane of a portion of the tapered side portion 24. The conductor 3904 can contact and be electrically connected to the ground plane. As shown, the bottom edge 3908 of the circuit board 2104 can be separated from the ground plane 3912 by air. In various embodiments, the circuit board 2104 can be fixed to the tapered side portion 24 of the UWB antenna, for example, by fasteners (e.g., screws), using an adhesive (e.g., conductive), via welding, or in other suitable ways.

[0119] Figure 41-49 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a UWB antenna including a rectangular RF balun 4104 is included. The UWB antenna is fed via 4108. One or more slots 4112 are formed between the planar cover portion 20 and portions of the tapered side portion 24. In this example, the tapered side portion 24 extends only partially (e.g., approximately halfway) around the UWB antenna.

[0120] The planar cover portion 20 includes a hole 4116 having substantially the same sides and shape as the ground connection portion 4120, similar to the discussion above. The ground connection portion 4120 may include one or more holes 4204 via which the ground connection portion 4120 may be secured to, for example, a ground plane (e.g., via fasteners). The UWB antenna 30 may also include one or more other holes 4208 via which the UWB antenna may be secured to, for example, a ground plane (e.g., via fasteners). In various embodiments, a tab 4804 may extend from the planar cover portion and be used to hold the tapered side portion 24 in place.

[0121] The ground connection portion 4120 can be disposed closer to the RF balun 4104 than to the end 4124 of the tapered portion 24. For antenna performance, the width 4126 of the hole 4116 can be within a predetermined percentage of the total width 428 of the planar cover portion 20. The predetermined percentage can be, for example, 25-60% or 30-55%. In various embodiments, the total width 4128 can be, for example, 60 mm or another suitable width. The width 428 can be measured perpendicular to the lateral sides of the planar cover portion 20.

[0122] The angle 4220 between the fold line 4224 and the edge 4228 of the planar cover portion 20 can be within a predetermined angle range for antenna performance. The predetermined angle range can be, for example, between 90 degrees and 165 degrees or 145 degrees + / - 15 degrees.

[0123] The tapered side portion 24 may extend vertically downward toward the ground plane and may or may not be perpendicular to the ground plane. By way of example only, the tapered side portion 24 may be + / - 3-10 degrees from perpendicular to the planar cover portion 20 and the ground plane.

[0124] In various embodiments, the tab 4804 can extend through a hole in the tapered side portion 24. In various embodiments, the tab 4804 can directly contact an outer surface or an inner surface of the tapered side portion 24. In various embodiments, the end of the tapered side portion 24 can include a rounded edge 4808. Fig.50 As shown, the slot 5004 can be disposed between the RF balun 4104 and the planar cover portion 20 and between the RF balun and the hole 4116. A second slot 5008 can be disposed on a side of the planar cover portion 20 opposite the slot 5004.

[0125] The UWB antenna described herein may have an operating frequency range such as from 617 megahertz (MHz) to 6 gigahertz (GHz), but other frequency ranges may also be used. The UWB antenna may be formed from a single piece of material and formed into a three-dimensional (3D) shape. The UWB antenna is made of a conductive material, such as aluminum.

[0126] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because after studying the drawings, the specification and the appended claims, other modifications will become apparent. It should be understood that one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, although each embodiment is described as having certain features above, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in any other embodiment and / or combined with the features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the replacement of one or more embodiments with each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0127] Various terms are used, including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "next to," "on," "above," "below," and "disposed," to describe the spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.). Unless explicitly described as "direct," when a relationship between a first element and a second element is described in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which there are no other intermediate elements between the first element and the second element, but can also be an indirect relationship in which there are one or more intermediate elements (spatially or functionally) between the first element and the second element. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be interpreted to mean a logical (A or B or C) using a non-exclusive logical "or", and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0128] In the drawings, the direction of the arrows (as indicated by the arrows) generally indicates the flow of information (such as data or instructions) of interest to the diagram. For example, when component A and component B exchange various information, but the information sent from component A to component B is relevant to the diagram, the arrow may point from component A to component B. This unidirectional arrow does not mean that no other information is sent from component B to component A. In addition, for information sent from component A to component B, component B may send a request for the information or a confirmation of receipt of the information to component A.

Claims

1. An ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna, comprising: a plane portion arranged above and parallel to the ground plane; a ground connection portion configured to electrically connect the UWB antenna to a ground plane; The tapering part, The tapered portion extends around at least 40% of the periphery of the planar portion and extends perpendicularly from the planar portion toward the ground plane, wherein the height of the tapered portion decreases around the periphery of the planar portion as distance from the feed portion increases, and wherein a lower edge of the tapered portion is spaced apart from the ground plane by a gap; and Radio Frequency (RF) Baluns, The feed portion is configured to be electrically connected between the RF balun and the tapered portion. 2 . The UWB antenna of claim 1 , wherein a height of the UWB antenna corresponds to approximately 1 / 20 of a wavelength corresponding to a target lowest operating frequency of the UWB antenna. The UWB antenna according to claim 1 , wherein the planar portion has a rectangular shape. The UWB antenna according to claim 1 , wherein a height of the tapered portion decreases monotonically as it moves away from the feed portion. 5 . The UWB antenna according to claim 4 , wherein as the height of the tapered portion decreases, the gap increases monotonically as it moves away from the feeding portion. The UWB antenna of claim 1 , wherein the RF balun is rectangular.

7. The UWB antenna of claim 1, wherein the RF balun is circular.

8. The UWB antenna of claim 1, wherein the RF balun comprises a semicircular portion and a rectangular portion.

9. The UWB antenna of claim 1, further comprising a hole passing through the planar portion.

10. The UWB antenna of claim 9, wherein the ground connection portion comprises material from within the hole.

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