Radio communication at first frequency and second different frequency

Abstract

Examples of the present disclosure relate to radio communication at a first frequency and a second, different frequency. An antenna system having at least a first operating bandwidth over at least a first frequency range and a second operating bandwidth over at least a second frequency range, the second frequency range being at a higher frequency than the first frequency range, the antenna system comprising: an antenna radiator element; at least one first feed for a first frequency range coupled to the antenna radiator element; a second feed for a second frequency range coupled to the antenna radiator element, the second frequency range being at a higher frequency than the first frequency range; and at least one discrete reactance component coupled to the antenna radiator element, where the at least one discrete reactance component has a self-resonant frequency, and where the at least one discrete reactance component is configured to control a first operating bandwidth (BW1) of the antenna system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to radio communications at a first frequency and a second different frequency. Background Art

[0002] In modern radio communication systems, in some examples, transceiver devices are configured to communicate at a first frequency and at a second different frequency.

[0003] Due to the differences between the first frequency and the second frequency, such as differences in multiple factors, it is not possible to use a single resonance to cover the first frequency range and the second frequency range.

[0004] Current practice is to use an antenna system with an antenna radiator element sized to resonate at a lower first frequency, and a different antenna system using an array of antenna radiator elements sized to resonate at a higher second frequency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to various but not necessarily all examples, examples as claimed in the appended claims are provided.

[0006] Although the above examples and optional features of the present disclosure are described separately, it should be understood that the examples and optional features provided in all possible combinations and permutations are included in the present disclosure. It should be understood that various examples of the present disclosure may include any or all of the features described with respect to other examples of the present disclosure, and vice versa. In addition, it should be understood that any one or more or all of the features in any combination may be implemented / included by a device, method, and / or computer program instructions as needed and appropriately. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Some examples will now be described with reference to the drawings, where:

[0008] Figure 1 Examples of the subject matter described herein are shown;

[0009] Figure 2 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0010] Figure 3 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0011] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0012] Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 5C Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0013] Figure 6A , Figure 6B shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0014] Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 8 shows another example of the subject matter described herein.

[0015] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. For clarity and conciseness, certain features and views of the drawings may be shown schematically or enlarged to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be enlarged relative to other elements to aid in the explanation. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like features. For clarity, not all reference numerals are necessarily shown in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Figure 1 shows a first operating bandwidth (BW1) at least in a first frequency range 101, and a second operating bandwidth (BW2) at least in a second frequency range 102, the second frequency range 102 being at a higher frequency than the first frequency range 101.

[0017] The operating bandwidth is the frequency range over which an antenna system can operate.

[0018] The operating bandwidth is the frequency range over which the return loss of the antenna system is greater than an operating threshold and the antenna system is efficient enough (radiation efficiency).

[0019] The radiation efficiency is the ratio of the power delivered to the radiation resistance (Rrad) of the antenna to the total power delivered to the antenna, and does not include the power lost due to a poor voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) (i.e., mismatch loss). "Total radiation efficiency" includes "radiation efficiency" and the power lost due to a poor VSWR. The efficiency operating threshold can be expressed in relation to either "total radiation efficiency" or "radiation efficiency".

[0020] In Figure 1 , the return loss (|S11|) of the antenna system is greater than an operating threshold (e.g., T) in the first frequency range 101 that defines the first operating bandwidth (BW1). The return loss of the antenna system is greater than an operating threshold (e.g., T) in the second frequency range 102 that defines the second operating bandwidth (BW2).

[0021] The return loss thresholds used to define the first operating bandwidth (BW1) and the second operating bandwidth (BW2) can be the same or different.

[0022] The first operating bandwidth (BW1) and the second operating bandwidth (BW2) are different. The return loss of the antenna system is less than an operating threshold (e.g., T) in at least some frequency ranges between a first frequency range 101 that defines the first operating bandwidth (BW1) and a second frequency range 102 that defines the second operating bandwidth (BW1).

[0023] The network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW) is the bandwidth of the operating frequency range specified for use in the network. In some examples, the first frequency range 101 (the first operating bandwidth) is configured to cover a first network operating frequency range bandwidth, and the second frequency range 102 (the second operating bandwidth) is configured to cover a second network operating frequency range bandwidth.

[0024] If the first frequency range 101 is the same as or greater than the first OFRBW, there is no need to tune the antenna system to modify the first frequency range 101 because the entire first OFRBW is covered. If the first frequency range 101 is less than the first OFRBW, it may be necessary to tune the antenna system to modify (e.g., shift) the first frequency range 101 to cover a different portion of the first OFRBW. Tuning can, for example, shift the operating resonant frequency. In some examples, tuning can, for example, change the position of the first frequency range. In some examples, tuning can, for example, change the size of the first frequency range. In some examples, tuning can, for example, change the total radiation efficiency within the first frequency range.

[0025] Figure 2 An example of an antenna system 10 is shown, the antenna system 10 having at least a first operating bandwidth over a first frequency range 101 and a second operating bandwidth over a second frequency range 102, the second frequency range being at a higher frequency than the first frequency range.

[0026] The antenna system 10 includes:

[0027] An antenna radiator element 20;

[0028] At least a first feed 30 coupled 32 to the antenna radiator element 20 for the first frequency range 101, and

[0029] A second feed 40 coupled 42 to the antenna radiator element 20 for the second frequency range 102, where the second frequency range 102 is at a higher frequency than the first frequency range 101; and

[0030] At least one discrete reactance component 50 coupled 52 to the antenna radiator element 20, where the at least one discrete reactance component 50 has a self-resonant frequency and where the at least one discrete reactance component 50 is configured to control the first operating bandwidth (BW1) of the antenna system 22.

[0031] If at least one discrete reactance component 50 is removed, the first operating bandwidth (BW1) of the antenna system 10 will change, e.g., frequency shift, and the first frequency range 101 will also change. The at least one discrete reactance component 50 provides tuning. For example, it can shift the operating resonant frequency. In some examples, it can, for example, change the position of the first frequency range. In some examples, it can, for example, change the size of the first frequency range. In some examples, it can, for example, change the radiation efficiency within the first frequency range.

[0032] The at least one discrete reactance component 50 is configured to control the first frequency range 101 of the first operating bandwidth (BW1). For example, the at least one discrete reactance component 50 is configured to increase or decrease the center frequency of the first frequency range 101, and / or increase or decrease the lowest frequency of the first frequency range 101 and / or increase or decrease the highest frequency of the first frequency range 101.

[0033] The self-resonant frequency of the discrete reactance component 50 is the frequency at which the impedance of the discrete reactance component 50 becomes very high. This can be, for example, because the complex impedance has a pole at the self-resonant frequency.

[0034] The high impedance can occur, for example, when the discrete reactance component 50 includes a parallel capacitor (C) and an inductor (L) forming a resonant parallel LC circuit.

[0035] In the example shown, the self-resonant frequency of the discrete reactance component 50 is greater than the first frequency range 101 and less than the second frequency range 102.

[0036] However, although the self-resonant frequency of the discrete reactance component 50 is greater than the first frequency range 101, in other examples, it is not necessarily less than the second frequency range 102.

[0037] In some but not necessarily all examples, the self-resonant frequency of the discrete reactance component 50 is less than the second frequency range 102.

[0038] In some but not necessarily all examples, part or all of the second frequency range 102 is greater than the self-resonant frequency.

[0039] In some but not necessarily all examples, the first frequency range 101 is less than 8 GHz. In some but not necessarily all examples, the second frequency range 102 is greater than 14 GHz.

[0040] In some but not necessarily all examples, the first frequency range 101 (center frequency F1) and the second frequency range 102 (center frequency F2) are separated by a multiple factor. That is, F2 = k.F1, where k is a real number and k > 2 or 3. In some examples, F1 is less than 8 GHz and F2 is greater than 24 GHz. Thus, in some examples, the first frequency range 101 and the second frequency range 102 are separated by more than 10 GHz.

[0041] The discrete reactance component 50 is characterized for all frequencies including the first frequency range 101. The reactance load / value across the first frequency range 101 is specified by the manufacturer.

[0042] In some examples, the discrete reactance component 50 is characterized for frequencies above the first frequency range 101, including some or all of the second frequency range 102. The reactance load / value in the higher frequency range is specified by the manufacturer.

[0043] In at least some examples, the discrete reactance component 50 is not characterized for frequencies including at least a part of the second frequency range 102. The reactance load of at least a part of the second frequency range 102 is not specified by the manufacturer and is thus unknown.

[0044] The coupling 32 of the first feed 30 to the antenna radiator element 20 can be direct or indirect. The coupling 32 can be, for example, a current coupling (in other words, direct current will be able to flow between the first feed 30 and the radiator element 20) or an electromagnetic coupling / capacitive coupling / inductive coupling across a non-conductive gap.

[0045] The coupling 42 of the second feed 40 to the antenna radiator element 20 can be direct or indirect. The coupling 42 can be, for example, a current (direct current) coupling or an electromagnetic coupling / capacitive coupling / inductive coupling across a non-conductive gap.

[0046] The coupling 52 of the discrete reactance component 50 to the antenna radiator element 20 can be direct or indirect. The coupling 52 can be, for example, a current (direct current) coupling or an electromagnetic coupling / capacitive coupling / inductive coupling across a non-conductive gap.

[0047] Return reference Figure 1 , in at least some examples, the first operating bandwidth 101 of the antenna system 10 is the operating bandwidth including the local S11 / reflection coefficient minimum (maximum return loss). The first frequency range 101 defining the first operating band is at / near the first-order resonance frequency of the antenna system 10. The second frequency range 102 defining the second operating band is away from the first-order resonance frequency of the antenna system 10.

[0048] In at least some examples, the first frequency range 101 is impedance matched (e.g., at S11 below -6 dB).

[0049] In at least some examples, the second frequency range 102 is impedance matched (e.g., at S11 below -6 dB).

[0050] In some examples, the second operating bandwidth 102 of the antenna system 10 is the operating bandwidth and includes a local S11 / reflection coefficient minimum (maximum return loss). For example, the second frequency range 102 that defines the second operating band is at or near a higher order (greater than first order) resonance frequency of the antenna system 10.

[0051] In some examples, the second operating bandwidth 102 of the antenna system 10 is the operating bandwidth but does not include a local S11 / reflection coefficient minimum (maximum return loss). For example, the second frequency range 102 that defines the second operating band is not at or near a resonance frequency of the antenna system 10. For example, the second frequency range 102 that defines the second operating band is far from the first order resonance frequency of the antenna system 10 and far from the higher order resonance frequency of the antenna system 10. For example, the second frequency range 102 that defines the second operating band is higher than the first order resonance frequency of the antenna system 10 and lower than the higher order resonance frequency of the antenna system 10.

[0052] In some examples, the antenna radiator element 20 is a resonant element at the first frequency range 101 and is not a resonant element at the second frequency range 102. In some examples, the antenna radiator element 20 is electrically large at the second frequency range 102. The term "electrically large" means that the antenna radiator element 20 has one or more dimensions that are larger than a plurality of wavelengths at the second operating frequency range 102. For example, in at least some examples, the antenna radiator element 20 has a maximum dimension greater than 2λ, where λ is the maximum wavelength of the second frequency range 102.

[0053] The resonance of the antenna radiator element 20 and / or the impedance matching of the first frequency range 101 can be aperture tuned and / or impedance matched. Using aperture tuning, the electrical length of the antenna radiator element 20 is adjusted to shift the resonance. Impedance matching can broaden the operating bandwidth of the antenna system and / or improve the return loss and total radiation efficiency, but it cannot improve the antenna radiation efficiency.

[0054] The impedance matching of the antenna system 10 is used to achieve favorable characteristics such as acceptable return loss (|S11|) and total radiation efficiency in the frequency range of interest.

[0055] In at least some examples, the resonance of the antenna radiator element 20 is tuned by the discrete reactance component 50 and / or the impedance matching at the first frequency range 101 is matched by at least one discrete reactance component 50.

[0056] In at least some examples, the impedance matching at the second frequency range 101 is not tuned by at least one discrete reactance component 50.

[0057] The sensitivity of the change of the first frequency range 101 that defines the first operating bandwidth to the change of at least one discrete reactance component 50 is several orders of magnitude greater than the sensitivity of the change of the second frequency range 101 that defines the second operating bandwidth to the change of at least one discrete reactance component 50.

[0058] In at least some examples, at least one discrete reactance component 50 is variable, and the resonance of the antenna radiator element 20 and / or the impedance matching at the first frequency range 101 is tuned by the change of at least one discrete reactance component 50.

[0059] In at least some examples, the antenna system 10 has an electrical length for the first frequency range 101, and this electrical length depends on the discrete reactance component 50. The antenna system 10 has a resonant frequency, and this resonant frequency depends on the electrical length for the first frequency range 101, and this electrical length depends on the discrete reactance component 50.

[0060] In some examples, the first frequency range 101 associated with the first discrete reactance component 50 or component value is sufficient to cover the first network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW), but not sufficient to cover the second network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW), and the second network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW) is close to the first network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW).

[0061] In some examples, the first frequency range 101 associated with another first discrete reactance component 50 or component value is sufficient to cover the second network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW). In some examples, the first frequency range 101 associated with another first discrete reactance component 50 is sufficient to cover the second network operating frequency range bandwidth and the first network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW). In other examples, the first frequency range 101 associated with another first discrete reactance component 50 is sufficient to cover the second network operating frequency range bandwidth but not sufficient to cover the first network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW).

[0062] When the first discrete reactance component 50 is used, the antenna system 10 operates in a first network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW) and does not operate in a second network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW). The first frequency range 101 associated with the first discrete reactance component 50 covers the first network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW) and does not cover the second network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW).

[0063] When the second discrete reactance component 50 is used, the antenna system 10 operates in a second network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW). The first frequency range 101 associated with the second discrete reactance component 50 covers the second network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW).

[0064] In some examples, the antenna system 10 is configured to switch between using different discrete reactance components 50 or different combinations of discrete reactance components 50 to change the network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW) covered by the antenna system 10. In some examples, the antenna system 10 is configured to change the value of the discrete reactance component 50 (e.g., a tunable capacitor) to change the network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW) covered by the antenna system 10.

[0065] For example, a Sub-6 GHz network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW) may be a bandwidth that the antenna system 10 may not be able to cover on its own (i.e., without tuning the resonant frequency of the antenna radiator element 20 from one part of the entire frequency range to another part of the entire frequency range), and the tuning of the antenna system 10 is controlled by tuning using selectable discrete reactance components 50.

[0066] In some examples, the antenna radiator element 20 has a natural resonance that is associated with a given bandwidth imparted by its physical structure (electrical length and coupling to a reference ground plane), such that if this does not have sufficient bandwidth to cover the entire network operating frequency range bandwidth (OFRBW) for Sub-6 GHz or Sub-1 GHz, then discrete reactance components 50 will be needed to tune the antenna radiator element 20.

[0067] In at least some examples, the antenna system 10 is configurable to support different frequency bands and carrier aggregation combinations and can be used in many countries, networks, etc.

[0068] In at least some examples, the antenna system 10 includes a plurality of discrete reactance components 50 configured to be tuned in a first frequency range.

[0069] In at least some examples, the antenna system 10 is configured such that the discrete reactance component 50 is tuned in a first frequency range but not in a second frequency range.

[0070] In at least some examples, the antenna system 10 is configured to bypass the discrete reactance component 50 at a second frequency range but not at a first frequency range.

[0071] In at least some examples, the antenna system 10 includes a high-pass filter that provides a bypass around the discrete reactance component 50 at a second frequency range but not at a first frequency range.

[0072] In at least some examples, the antenna system 10 includes a low-pass filter that includes a plurality of discrete reactance components 50, where the low-pass filter is coupled to the antenna radiator element 20 and has a self-resonant frequency that depends on the selected reactance component among the plurality of discrete reactance components 50, where the discrete reactance component 50 is configured to be tuned at a first frequency range and is bypassed by the high-pass filter at a second frequency range 102.

[0073] Figure 3 An example of the antenna system 10 as described above is shown.

[0074] The second feed 40 is adjacent to at least one discrete reactance component 50. The first feed 30 is remote from at least one discrete reactance component 50.

[0075] The discrete reactance component 50 is coupled to the ground plane 80.

[0076] The antenna system 10 has a preferred first current path 91 at a first frequency range 101 and a preferred second current path 92 at a second frequency range 102. At least one discrete reactance component 50 is in the first current path 91 and not in the second current path 92. The discrete reactance component 50 is bypassed by the second current path 92 at the second frequency range 102.

[0077] The second current path 92 that bypasses the discrete reactance component 50 has a relatively low impedance at the second frequency range 102 and a relatively high impedance at the first frequency range 101.

[0078] The first current path 91 passing through the discrete reactance component 50 has a relatively low impedance at the first frequency range 101 and a relatively high impedance at the second frequency range 102.

[0079] In these examples, the first current path 91 and the second current path 92 are parallel. The first current path 91 and the second current path 92 provide different ground paths at the corresponding first frequency range 101 and second frequency range 102. The first current path 91 is a low-impedance ground current path at the first frequency range 101 and a high-impedance path at the second frequency range 102. The second current path 92 is a low-impedance ground current path at the second frequency range 102 and a high-impedance path at the first frequency range 101.

[0080] In some examples, the discrete reactance component 50 is an inductor. In some examples, the inductor is located at a region of higher current density in the first current path 91 at the first frequency range 101. The region of higher current density is higher relative to the lower current density in the current path 91.

[0081] In some examples, the discrete reactance component 50 is a capacitor. In some examples, the capacitor is located at a region of higher electric field in the first current path 91 at the first frequency range 101. The higher electric field is higher relative to the lower electric field associated with the current path 91.

[0082] In at least some examples, the antenna system 10 includes a configurable low-pass filter 54 that includes a plurality of discrete reactance components 50_1, 50_2, 50_3 and / or one or more discrete reactance components having tunable values.

[0083] The first frequency range 101 may not have to be tuned, and the discrete reactance component 50 is used for impedance matching the first frequency range. Due to the SRF of the discrete element, a bypass for the second frequency range 102 is required.

[0084] The configurable low-pass filter 54 uses at least one of the plurality of discrete reactance components 50_1, 50_2, 50_3 in the first current path 91 according to the received selection signal 70.

[0085] The configurable low-pass filter 54 is coupled to the antenna radiator element 20 and has a self-resonant frequency that depends on at least one of the plurality of discrete reactance components 50_1, 50_2, 50_3 selected.

[0086] The plurality of discrete reactance components 50_1, 50_2, 50_3 are configured to be tuned at the first frequency range 101.

[0087] At the second frequency range 102, the bypass 60 bypasses the configurable low-pass filter 54.

[0088] In some instances, a configurable low-pass filter 54 is provided as an integrated circuit (IC) with different pins that can be directly connected to ground, or one or more reactive components can be connected to one of the pins at one end and the other end of the component connected to ground. As an example, if all pins have at least one reactive component, where each component has a different inductance value, any or all of the pins can be connected into the circuit and connected to the antenna radiator element 20 at the RF (radio frequency) pin when the switch is software controlled 70. This type of IC can be used for active tuning and / or active impedance matching.

[0089] In at least some examples, the antenna system 10 includes a bypass 60 that is configured to bypass the discrete reactive component 50 at a second frequency range but not at a first frequency range.

[0090] In at least some examples, the antenna system 10 includes a high-pass filter 62 that provides a bypass for the discrete reactive component 50 at a second frequency range but not at a first frequency range.

[0091] In this example, the passive high-pass filter 62 is configured to couple at least one discrete reactive component 50 to the antenna radiator element 20 at the first frequency range by providing a high-impedance second current path 92, and the passive high-pass filter 62 is configured to decouple at least one discrete reactive component 50 from the antenna radiator element 20 at the second frequency range by providing a low-impedance second current path 92.

[0092] The impedance of the second current path 92 including the passive high-pass filter 62 is several orders of magnitude greater than the impedance of the first current path 91 at the first frequency range 101.

[0093] The impedance of the second current path 92 including the passive high-pass filter 62 is several orders of magnitude less than the impedance of the first current path 91 at the second frequency range 102.

[0094] The passive high-pass filter 62 is arranged in parallel with the configurable low-pass filter 54, and a ground shunt 80 is provided around the configurable low-pass filter 64.

[0095] Figure 4A An example of the antenna system 10 as described above is shown.

[0096] In this example, the antenna radiator element 20 is a conductive member and is, for example, part of the metal housing of the device.

[0097] The housing can be manufactured or provided as:

[0098] (a) a 100% solid metal component, or

[0099] (b) A non-conductive component that serves as a support for at least a portion of the conductive component, where the conductive component is:

[0100] (i) Integrated with the non-conductive component in some manner (e.g., a metal sheet component thermally fused to any surface of the non-conductive component), or

[0101] (ii) Overmolded such that at least a portion of the conductive component is encapsulated by the non-conductive material, or

[0102] (iii) Provided with the non-conductive and conductive components through a laser direct structuring (LDS) or molded interconnect device (MID) process, or

[0103] (iv) The conductive component is provided as a flexible circuit board or flexible circuit, as a non-limiting example, which is 100% flexible or semi-rigid.

[0104] The ground plane 80 is part of a printed circuit board 82 or other substrate that carries / supports other components and interconnect traces.

[0105] The first feed 30 is an indirect feed coupled to the antenna radiator element 20 via a conductive element 98, which is conductively separated from the antenna radiator element 20 and the ground plane 80. The entire conductive element 98 can be integrated on a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0106] In some examples, the lower portion of the conductive element 98 will be coupled to an RF circuitry on the PCB 82 or directly connected to a signal transmission line on the PCB 82.

[0107] The second feed 40 is coupled to a bypass 60. The bypass 60 provides a bypass around a discrete reactance component 50 between the antenna radiator element 20 and the ground 80.

[0108] The bypass 60 includes a high-pass filter 62 coupled between the antenna radiator element 20 and the ground 80.

[0109] In this example, as Figure 4B shown in more detail, the bypass 60 includes a first conductive element 96 directly coupled to the antenna radiator element 20, a second conductive element 95 directly coupled to the ground plane 80, and one or more reactance elements 64 connected between the first conductive element 96 and the second conductive element 95. The reactance elements 64 can be, for example, reactance components (lumped reactance elements) or distributed reactance elements, such as microstrip / stripline / coplanar waveguide / slotline / etc.

[0110] In the example shown, the first current path and the second current path are jointly connected to the ground plane 80, engaging the conductive portion 94. However, in other examples, the first current path and the second current path engage the ground plane 80 individually. That is, the second conductive element 95 is directly connected to the ground plane without being connected to the conductive portion 94 that connects the reactance component 50 to the ground plane 80. It is desirable to have some physical separation between the location where the second conductive element 95 directly engages the ground plane 80 and the second feed 40.

[0111] In Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C the example shown, the reactance element 64 is a capacitor formed by the overlapping portion of the first conductive element 96 and the second conductive element 95.

[0112] The conductive elements 95, 96 can be arranged as microstrip / strip lines formed by printed conductive traces or conductive traces disposed on a ceramic substrate to control mechanical tolerances and the capacitance generated across the gap.

[0113] Figure 5A Only the second conductive element 95 is shown. Figure 5B Only the first conductive element 96 is shown. Figure 5C Both the second conductive element 95 and the first conductive element 96 are shown, arranged in an overlapping and separated manner to form a parallel plate capacitor 64.

[0114] For example, the characteristics of the passive high-pass filter 62 can be controlled by controlling the capacitance of the capacitor 64. For example, this can be controlled by the following methods: changing the overlapping area between the overlapping portions of the first conductive element 95 and the second conductive element 96; changing the distance between the overlapping portions of the first conductive element 95 and the second conductive element 96; and / or changing the dielectric between the overlapping portions of the first conductive element 95 and the second conductive element 96.

[0115] The capacitor can alternatively be designed as an interdigital capacitor, where each of the open ends of the first conductive element 95 and the second conductive element 96 is designed as a conductive finger, and the conductive fingers are interleaved to form a coupling between the fingers. This means that the two conductive elements 95, 96 will be on the same plane / surface of the supporting substrate.

[0116] The characteristics of the passive high-pass filter 62 can be controlled, for example, by controlling the inductance of the first conductive element 96 and / or the second conductive element 95. This can be controlled by changing the length and / or width of the conductive element 95, the conductive element 96.

[0117] In this example, the passive circuit 62 includes a series LC circuit tuned to the second frequency range 102.

[0118] Figure 6A The operation of the antenna system 10 at the first frequency range 101 is shown. Figure 6B The operation of the antenna system 10 at the second frequency range 102 is shown.

[0119] At the first frequency range 101, as Figure 6A shown, the first feeder 30 is an active feeder. The bypass 60 is inoperable. The antenna system 10 operates as a capacitively fed L antenna.

[0120] At the second frequency range 102, as Figure 6B shown, the second feeder 40 is an active feeder. The bypass 60 operably couples the second feeder 40 to the ground plane 80 and the antenna radiator element 20 via the first conductive element 95 and the second conductive element 96. The antenna system 10 operates as an F antenna with a capacitive load, or as an inductively fed loop antenna. The antenna radiator element 20 can have any suitable shape. The antenna radiator element 20 can be planar and extend into the plane of FIG. 6. The antenna radiator element 20 can be a long and thin element or a square or rectangular element (extending into the plane of FIG. 6).

[0121] In the foregoing example, the first frequency range 101 can be any frequency range lower than the second frequency range 102.

[0122] In an antenna system 10 compliant with the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the first frequency range 101 can include some or all of the frequency ranges within the "3GPP first frequency range" (3GPP FR1), and the second frequency range 102 can include some or all of the frequency ranges within the "3GPP second frequency range" (3GPP FR2). Currently, the "3GPP first frequency range" (3GPP FR1) is between 410 MHz and 7125 MHz. Currently, the "3GPP second frequency range" (3GPP FR2) is between 24250 MHz and 52600 MHz and between 52600 MHz and 71000 MHz.

[0123] Other frequency bands can be:

[0124] 4400 - 4800 MHz (in EMEA and the Asia-Pacific);

[0125] 7125 - 8400 MHz (excluding 7250 - 7750 MHz in Europe due to NATO usage);

[0126] 14.8 - 15.35 GHz globally.

[0127] In an antenna system 10 compliant with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project, a first frequency range 101 may be in the range of 410 MHz to 7125 MHz, and a second frequency range 102 may be in the range of 24250 MHz to 52600 MHz or in the range of 52600 MHz to 71000 MHz.

[0128] In an antenna system 10 compliant with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project, the 3GPP first frequency range (3GPP FR1) includes a plurality of different frequency bands. These frequency bands have specified low, medium, and high frequencies. The difference between the low frequency and the high frequency is the maximum bandwidth of the frequency band. The maximum bandwidth of the frequency band is equal to or greater than 5 MHz. The higher capacity frequency bands have a maximum bandwidth of the frequency band equal to or greater than 50 MHz.

[0129] In some examples, the size of the first frequency range 101 is at least 50 MHz and less than 400 MHz.

[0130] In some examples, the size of the second frequency range 102 is at least 100 MHz. In some examples, the size of the second frequency range 102 is at least 400 MHz. In some examples, the size of the second frequency range 102 is at least 1 GHz.

[0131] The antenna system 10 as described in any example is configured to operate using a first operating bandwidth and a second operating bandwidth simultaneously.

[0132] Figure 7A An example of a device 200 including one or more antenna systems 10 is shown. Figure 7B The device 200 is shown using an exploded view Figure 7A of. Figure 8 An example of the antenna system 10 as described above is shown. The antenna system 10 may be used, for example, in the device 200.

[0133] Such a combination of conductive elements 95, 96 may be provided, for example, as a ground component module that is connected / soldered to the PCB 82, and the antenna radiator is placed on top of it and in contact with the module.

[0134] In some examples, the other feed 98 may be part of the module or may not be part of the module and may also be its own feed module.

[0135] In Figure 7A the device 200 has an antenna system 10 at each of the four corners. As Figure 7BAs shown, in this example, the metal chassis 204 supports the front glass portion 202 and the rear glass portion 206. Other materials, such as plastic, may be used for at least a portion of the front portion 202 and / or the rear portion 206. The antenna radiator element 20 of the antenna system 10 is formed by a portion of the metal chassis 204 of the device 200. As Figure 8 shown, a first conductive element 96 (not shown) and a second conductive element 95 are formed on opposite sides of a printed circuit board 99 that carries one or more discrete reactance components 50.

[0136] In some but not necessarily all examples, the device 200 is a handheld radio communication device, such as a personal cellular phone.

[0137] The device 200 is configured to operate the antenna system 10 using a first frequency range 101 and a second frequency range 102 simultaneously.

[0138] The antenna system 10 operates at both the first frequency range 101 and the second frequency range 102 using a single common antenna radiator element 20. The antenna system 10 operates at the second frequency range 102 without using a patch antenna or an antenna array, and avoids the requirement for a separate PCB for higher frequency operation.

[0139] The antenna system 10 is a module for use at the first frequency range 101. It can also be used at the second frequency range 102.

[0140] The device 200 may have multiple antenna systems 10 (spatial diversity) at different locations, and can switch between which antenna system 10 is used for which frequency range 101, 102 to improve operation. Using multiple antenna systems simultaneously for a single frequency range can be used to support multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO).

[0141] In some examples, there is provided an antenna system 10 having at least a first operating bandwidth at a first frequency range 101 and a second operating bandwidth at a second frequency range 102 higher than the first frequency range 101, including:

[0142] an antenna radiator element 20;

[0143] at least a first feed 30, the first feed 30 for coupling to the first frequency range 101 of the antenna radiator element 20, and

[0144] a second feed 40, the second feed 40 for coupling to the second frequency range 102 of the antenna radiator element 20;

[0145] At least one discrete reactance component 50 coupled to the antenna radiator element 20, wherein the at least one discrete reactance component 50 has a self-resonant frequency, and wherein the at least one discrete reactance component 50 is configured to control a first operating bandwidth of the antenna system, and the self-resonant frequency is greater than a first frequency range (at a higher frequency than the first frequency range) and the first frequency range 101 is lower than the second frequency range 102.

[0146] In some examples, the apparatus 200 thus includes:

[0147] A ground plane 80;

[0148] A conductive member 20 for transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals in a first frequency range 101 and a second frequency range 102,

[0149] wherein the second frequency range 102 is higher than the first frequency range 101;

[0150] A first feeder 30 configured to transmit RF signals in the first frequency range 101 between a first transceiver (not shown) and the conductive member 20 at a first portion of the conductive member 20;

[0151] A second feeder 40 configured to transmit RF signals in the second frequency range 102 between a second transceiver (not shown) and the conductive member 20 at a second different portion of the conductive member 20,

[0152] A capacitor 64 disposed between the second feeder 40 and the second portion of the conductive member 20;

[0153] An inductor 50 disposed between the second portion of the conductive member 20 and the ground plane 80.

[0154] The first feeder 30 is configured for a first frequency range 101 below the self-resonance of the inductor 50, wherein the first frequency band is tunable, and wherein the tunability is enabled by the inductor 50.

[0155] The second feeder 40 is configured for a second frequency range 102 above the self-resonance of the inductor 50, wherein the second feeder 40 does not use the inductor 50.

[0156] Hereinafter, 3GPP FR1 is referred to as "sub-6GHz", and 3GPP FR2 is referred to as "millimeter wave".

[0157] Typical millimeter-wave UE antenna designs are mainly antenna arrays, such as 1x4 linear patch arrays. Antenna arrays increase the antenna gain for long-distance propagation at higher frequencies. However, array technology on mobile phones has some drawbacks, including additional space / volume requirements and costs, etc. The space in devices similar to smartphones is very limited, and the total radiation efficiency performance of millimeter-wave antenna arrays is very low. This low performance is reflected in the requirements for the minimum peak EIRP for power class 3 in 3GPP. For a system band of 28 GHz, this peak is only 22.4 dBm. In fact, assuming that the power amplifier delivers power at 23 dBm and the antenna gain of the 1x4 antenna array is 12 dBi, the requirement of 22.4 dBm allows for an antenna array insertion loss of up to 12 dB, and such a device is still compatible.

[0158] The matching of the antenna feed at millimeter waves is usually done without discrete components because their behavior is uncharacterized and unpredictable at millimeter waves. However, sub-6 GHz antennas are typically designed to include antenna resonance tuning / matching, which includes discrete inductors and / or capacitors. The typical discrete tuning / matching L, C components have a self-resonant frequency (SRF) of about 7 to 12 GHz.

[0159] The tolerance of the inductor is characterized for the frequency range of use below the SRF and is unknown at frequencies above the SRF. Thus, even if the inductance of sub-6 GHz remains constant, it is difficult to include these effects in the design of impedance matching in the millimeter-wave frequency range.

[0160] In some examples, the first frequency range 101 (i.e., FR1 sub-6 GHz) is below the SRF of the tuning / matching components used, while the second frequency range 102 (i.e., FR2 millimeter wave) is above the SRF.

[0161] If the radiation structure is fed with two different operating frequencies simultaneously, the two resonances will affect each other. This will be particularly problematic when using discrete components with an SRF below the millimeter-wave frequency to tune the sub-6 GHz resonance to cover different system bands (frequencies). The SRF of typical discrete elements used for antenna tuning is between 7 and 12 GHz, so they are uncharacterized in the millimeter-wave region. Therefore, millimeter-wave operation cannot be guaranteed to be simultaneous with FR1 operation because the impedance matching at millimeter-wave frequencies will be degraded by the dynamic sub-6 GHz tuning / matching components. Therefore, in order to also use the sub-6 GHz radiation structure for millimeter-wave operation, both resonances need to act in an independent manner.

[0162] Figures 1 to 8The above-described small-size antenna system 10 described overcomes the problem of using a single antenna radiator element 20 to handle 3GPP FR1 (sub-6GHz) and FR2 (millimeter wave). The antenna radiator element 20 is resonant for FR1, but additionally for FR2.

[0163] Using a sub-6GHz resonant antenna radiator element 20 for millimeter waves can improve the minimum peak equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) and achieve coverage similar to that of two or three 1x4 antenna arrays. The Q factor of the sub-6GHz resonant antenna radiator element 20 is very low at millimeter wave frequencies, which can make the antenna efficient (low absorption loss, higher total radiation efficiency).

[0164] The antenna system 10 has a feed 30 for the sub-6GHz resonant antenna radiator element 20 such that it can also have good performance at millimeter wave frequencies (i.e., FR2 from 24GHz to 52GHz).

[0165] The antenna system 10 provides independence between a first frequency range 101 and a second frequency range 102, even though they use the same antenna radiator element 20, which is dynamically tuned / matched at the first frequency range 101 using discrete components having a self-resonant frequency (SRF) lower than the second frequency range 102 for operation.

[0166] In some examples, this is achieved by creating a high capacitance in the feed structure for the second frequency range 102, which will bypass the tuning / matching circuit 50 for the first frequency range 101, while having a very small impedance under sub-6GHz operation, making it invisible at these frequencies. This is achieved while maintaining a high isolation between the sub-6GHz antenna feed 30 and the millimeter wave antenna feed 40.

[0167] In some examples, an integrated bypass coupling capacitor 64 is designed to be a short circuit for millimeter wave frequencies (second frequency range 102) and an open circuit for sub-6GHz frequencies (first frequency range 101), whereby the effect of the uncharacterized reactance 50 at millimeter wave frequencies (second frequency range 102) is reduced and has a minimal impact on the millimeter wave antenna feed impedance.

[0168] The impedance of the millimeter wave antenna feed may still be slightly affected by changes in the inductance value of the discrete reactance 50 used for frequency / resonance tuning at sub-6GHz, but the effect is minimal, and the proposed concept can achieve a relatively large frequency bandwidth of approximately 2.5GHz.

[0169] Note the following features:

[0170] There is an antenna element resonance below the SRF of the discrete component 50 (i.e., sub-6 GHz), and there is an antenna element resonance above the SRF of the discrete component 50 (i.e., millimeter wave).

[0171] The sub-6 GHz resonance is designed to have a discrete reactance 50 for resonance tuning.

[0172] The millimeter wave antenna feed 40 is self-matching (no discrete components are required).

[0173] The placement of the reactance 50 relative to the millimeter wave feed 40 makes the reactance 50 transparent at millimeter waves, i.e., in such a way that the reactance 50 does not affect the millimeter wave resonance:

[0174] The coupling of the sub-6 GHz radiating element 20 [i.e., the capacitive coupling between the radiating L element 20, the reactor 50, and the ground 80] is part of the millimeter wave feed 40.

[0175] The millimeter wave antenna system 10 includes a short circuit (inverted F antenna IFA style).

[0176] The millimeter wave short circuit is generated by the capacitive coupling 64 between the radiator element 20 and the ground 80 (regarded as a short circuit at millimeter waves).

[0177] The existing short circuit 96 at millimeter waves makes the reactance 50 in parallel with this short circuit.

[0178] The value of the reactance 50 does not affect the millimeter wave resonance; the matching resonance at sub-6 GHz is transparent to the millimeter wave feed 40.

[0179] These examples describe one antenna element resonance below the self-resonant frequency of the discrete component 50, and one resonance above the self-resonant frequency. It can also have more than 2 feeds, which have multiple resonances below the self-resonance of the discrete component, and multiple resonances above the self-resonance of the discrete component. The example can be for 6G, where the first feed delivers the sub-6 GHz resonance, the second feed delivers a new 6G band in the 7 GHz - 15 GHz region, and the third feed delivers the millimeter wave spectrum (e.g., 28 GHz).

[0180] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" can refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Only hardware circuit implementations (e.g., only implementations within analog and / or digital circuits), and (b) Combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (if applicable): (i) Combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any portion of a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory that work together to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions, and (c) a hardware circuit and / or processor that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, such as a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor, but the software may be absent when not needed for operation.

[0181] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also encompasses implementations that are only hardware circuits or processors (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) attendant software and / or firmware. The term circuit also encompasses, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or networking device.

[0182] Where structural features have been described, they may be replaced by devices capable of performing one or more of the functions of the structural features, whether the function or functions are described explicitly or implicitly.

[0183] As used herein, a "module" refers to a unit or device excluding certain components that will be added by an end user or user.

[0184] The above examples find application as enabling the following components:

[0185] Automotive systems; telecommunication systems; electronic systems including consumer electronics; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or rendering media content including audio, visual, and audiovisual content as well as mixed, mediated, virtual, and / or augmented reality; personal systems including personal health systems or personal fitness systems; navigation systems; user interfaces also known as human-machine interfaces; networks including cellular, non-cellular, and optical networks; ad hoc networks; the Internet; the Internet of Things; virtualized networks; and associated software and services.

[0186] According to an example of the present disclosure, the apparatus may be provided in an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal. However, it should be understood that the mobile terminal merely illustrates an example of an electronic device that will benefit from the implementation of the present disclosure and should not therefore be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to the same device. Although in some example implementations, the apparatus may be provided in a mobile terminal, other types of electronic devices may readily adopt the examples of the present disclosure, such as but not limited to: mobile communication devices, handheld portable electronic devices, wearable computing devices, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gaming devices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices, and other types of electronic systems. Additionally, a device may readily adopt the examples of the present disclosure regardless of its intended mobility.

[0187] In this document, the term "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive sense. That is, any reference to X that comprises Y indicates that X may include only one Y or may include more than one Y. If the intention is to use "comprising" with an exclusive meaning, it will be clarified in the context by reference to "comprising only one..." or by using "consisting of".

[0188] In this specification, the terms "connected", "coupled", and "communicating" and their derivatives mean operably connected / coupled / communicating. It should be understood that there may be any number or combination of intermediate components (including no intermediate components), i.e., so as to provide a direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intermediate component may include hardware and / or software components.

[0189] As used herein, the term "determine" (and its grammatical variants) may include but is not limited to: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (e.g., looking up a table, database, or another data structure), ascertaining, etc. Additionally, "determine" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), obtaining, etc. Additionally, "determine / " may include parsing, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0190] In this specification, various examples have been referred to. The description of the features or functions of an example indicates that those features or functions exist in that example. The use of the terms "example" or "for example" or "may" or "might" in the text indicates that such features or functions exist in at least the described example, whether or not it is described as an example, and they may but need not exist in some or all other examples. Thus, "example", "for example", "may" or "might" refer to a particular instance within a class of examples. The properties of an instance can be properties of only that instance or properties of the class or a subclass of the class that includes some but not all instances of the class. Thus, it is implicitly disclosed that features described with reference to one example and not to another example can be used as part of a working combination in that other example, but need not necessarily be used in that other example.

[0191] Although examples have been described in the foregoing paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be understood that the examples given can be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0192] The features described in the foregoing description can be combined in combinations other than those explicitly described above.

[0193] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, these functions can be performed by other features whether or not they are described.

[0194] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features can also exist in other examples whether or not they are described.

[0195] The use of the terms "a", "an" or "the" in this document is inclusive rather than exclusive. That is, any reference to X that includes a / an / the Y indicates that X can include only one Y, or can include more than one Y, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If it is intended to use "a", "an" or "the" with an exclusive meaning, it will be clarified in the context. In some cases, the use of "at least one" or "one or more" may be used to emphasize the inclusive meaning, but no exclusive meaning should be inferred in the absence of these terms.

[0196] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself, and to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). Equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. Equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0197] In this specification, various examples have been referred to that use adjectives or adjective phrases to describe the characteristics of the examples. Such descriptions of the characteristics of the examples indicate that the characteristic exists exactly as described in some examples and exists in other examples substantially as described.

[0198] The foregoing description has described some examples of the present disclosure. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize possible alternative structural and method features that provide functions equivalent to the specific examples of such structures and features described above, and these structures and features have been omitted from the foregoing description for the sake of brevity and clarity. Nevertheless, the foregoing description should be understood to implicitly include references to such alternative structural and method features that provide equivalent functions, unless such alternative structural or method features are explicitly excluded in the foregoing description of the examples of the present disclosure.

[0199] Although the foregoing specification has been devoted to drawing attention to those features that are considered important, it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection by the claims for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned previously and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not they have been emphasized.

Claims

1. An antenna system having at least a first operating bandwidth over at least a first frequency range and a second operating bandwidth over at least a second frequency range, the second frequency range being at a higher frequency than the first frequency range, comprising: An antenna radiator element; At least a first feed for the first frequency range coupled to the antenna radiator element; A second feed for the second frequency range coupled to the antenna radiator element, wherein the second frequency range is at a higher frequency than the first frequency range; At least one discrete reactance component coupled to the antenna radiator element, wherein the at least one discrete reactance component has a self-resonant frequency, and wherein the at least one discrete reactance component is configured to control the first operating bandwidth of the antenna system, and wherein the self-resonant frequency is higher than the first frequency range and lower than the second frequency range.

2. The antenna system according to claim 1, comprising a bypass for the second feed around the at least one discrete reactance component.

3. The antenna system according to claim 1, comprising a current path for the second feed around the at least one discrete reactance component, wherein the current path includes a high-pass filter.

4. The antenna system according to claim 1, comprising a passive circuit configured to couple the at least one discrete reactance component to the antenna radiator element for the first frequency range, and the passive circuit is configured to decouple the at least one discrete reactance component from the antenna radiator element at the second frequency range.

5. The antenna system according to claim 4, wherein the passive circuit includes at least one of: a first conductive element and a second conductive element having partial overlap, or a series LC circuit tuned to the second frequency range.

6. The antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the resonance of the antenna radiator element and / or the impedance matching of the first frequency range are tuned, and the impedance matching of the second frequency range is not tuned by a change in the at least one discrete reactance component.

7. The antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the antenna system has an electrical length for the first frequency range, the electrical length depending on the discrete reactance component.

8. The antenna system according to claim 1, comprising a low-pass filter including a plurality of discrete reactance components, wherein the low-pass filter is coupled to the antenna radiator element and has a self-resonant frequency depending on the selected reactance component among the plurality of discrete reactance components, wherein the discrete reactance component is configured to be tuned at the first frequency range, and the discrete reactance component is bypassed by the high-pass filter at the second frequency range.

9. The antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the second feed is close to the at least one discrete reactance component, and the first feed is away from the at least one discrete reactance component.

10. The antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the discrete reactance component is a component in the first current path at the first frequency range, and wherein the discrete reactance component is not a component in the second current path at the second frequency range.

11. The antenna system according to claim 10, wherein the second current path bypassing the discrete reactance component has a relatively low impedance at the second frequency range and a relatively high impedance at the first frequency range.

12. The antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the discrete reactance component is coupled to a ground plane.

13. The antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the discrete reactance component is at least one of the following: an inductor or a capacitor.

14. The antenna system according to claim 1, configured to: operate using the first operating bandwidth and the second operating bandwidth simultaneously.

15. A handheld device for communication, comprising the antenna system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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