Implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna
By optimizing the Bluetooth antenna structure and material design, the problems of radiation performance and communication efficiency of implantable Bluetooth antennas in the human body have been solved, achieving high-gain data transmission and stability, reducing power consumption, and ensuring safety and comfort.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520279260.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing implantable Bluetooth antennas struggle to maintain good radiation performance and communication efficiency in the complex electromagnetic environment of the human body, and their size and biocompatibility present challenges.
The Bluetooth antenna employs a combination of vertical and curved structures, uses a coplanar waveguide feeding method and introduces an impedance matching network, and combines biocompatible materials and packaging design to optimize the antenna's size and position to adapt to the human body environment.
It improves data transmission distance and reliability in the complex electromagnetic environment of the human body, reduces power consumption, extends battery life, reduces adverse reactions, and improves patient safety and comfort.
Smart Images
Figure CN223651643U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The utility model relates to medical instrument technical field, specifically, relate to a kind of implantable medical instrument bluetooth antenna. BACKGROUND
[0002] With the continuous development of medical technology, in-vivo implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers, heart rate monitoring devices, etc. have been widely used. These devices need to interact with external monitoring devices or data processing terminals to achieve real-time monitoring of patient health status and remote adjustment of device parameters. Bluetooth technology, due to its low power consumption and short-range communication characteristics, has become one of the ideal choices for implantable devices to communicate with the outside world. However, existing implantable Bluetooth antennas face many challenges. On the one hand, human tissues absorb and attenuate Bluetooth signals, requiring the antenna to maintain good radiation performance and communication efficiency in the complex electromagnetic environment of the human body; on the other hand, the size of the implantable antenna needs to adapt to the limited space and physiological structure inside the human body, while also meeting the requirements of biocompatibility to avoid adverse effects on human tissues. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a Bluetooth antenna suitable for implantable medical devices. SUMMARY
[0003] The utility model aims at the deficiency in prior art, provide a kind of implantable medical instrument bluetooth antenna, to keep higher gain in the complex electromagnetic environment of the human body still, effectively improve the data transmission distance and reliability between implantable device and external Bluetooth device.
[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solutions adopted by the embodiments of the present application are as follows:
[0005] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide an implantable medical instrument Bluetooth antenna, comprising: a vertical first straight antenna segment, one end of the first straight antenna segment is connected to one end of a first arc-shaped antenna segment; the other end of the first arc-shaped antenna segment is connected to one end of a horizontal second straight antenna segment, and the other end of the second straight antenna segment is connected to one end of a second arc-shaped antenna segment; the Bluetooth antenna is packaged for implantation in the human body.
[0006] In one embodiment, the Bluetooth antenna uses a coplanar waveguide feeding method, and the transmission line of the Bluetooth antenna and the ground plane are in the same plane; the feeding circuit of the Bluetooth antenna includes an impedance matching network, the impedance matching network includes a capacitor connected in series with the Bluetooth antenna and an inductor connected in parallel with the Bluetooth antenna; the inductor is grounded, and the capacitor is connected to the circuit board; the ground plane is the shell packaging the Bluetooth antenna.
[0007] In an embodiment, the length of the first straight antenna segment is 2.58 mm; the length of the first arc-shaped antenna segment and the second arc-shaped antenna segment is 3.14 mm; the length of the second straight antenna segment is 3.2 mm; the line width of the feed line of the Bluetooth antenna is 0.38 mm; the inductance is 3 nH; the capacitance is 1 pF; the input impedance and the output impedance of the Bluetooth antenna are 50 Ω.
[0008] In an embodiment, the other end of the second arc-shaped antenna segment is connected to one end of a vertical third straight antenna segment; the length of the third straight antenna segment is 1.5 mm.
[0009] In an embodiment, the other end of the third straight antenna segment is connected to one end of a fourth straight antenna segment; the other end of the fourth straight antenna segment is connected to one end of a vertical fifth straight antenna segment; the fifth straight antenna segment is parallel to the third straight antenna segment.
[0010] In an embodiment, the other end of the fifth straight antenna segment is connected to one end of a third arc-shaped antenna segment; the third arc-shaped antenna segment is parallel to the second arc-shaped antenna segment.
[0011] In an embodiment, the other end of the second arc-shaped antenna segment is connected to one end of a sixth straight antenna segment, and the other end of the sixth straight antenna segment is connected to one end of a fourth arc-shaped antenna segment; the fourth arc-shaped antenna segment is parallel to the second arc-shaped antenna segment.
[0012] In an embodiment, the other end of the fourth arc-shaped antenna segment is connected to one end of a seventh straight antenna segment; the seventh straight antenna segment is parallel to the second straight antenna segment.
[0013] In an embodiment, the other end of the seventh straight antenna segment is connected to one end of a fifth arc-shaped antenna segment; the fifth arc-shaped antenna segment is parallel to the first arc-shaped antenna segment.
[0014] In an embodiment, the other end of the fifth arc-shaped antenna segment is connected to a vertical eighth straight antenna segment; the eighth straight antenna segment is parallel to the first straight antenna segment.
[0015] In an embodiment, the material used for encapsulating the Bluetooth antenna is medical silicone.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: Through precise simulation design using CST software, it maintains high gain even in the complex electromagnetic environment of the human body, effectively improving the data transmission distance and reliability between the implantable device and the external Bluetooth device, which helps to achieve remote and accurate monitoring of the patient's health status and medical intervention. The coplanar waveguide feeding and matching network design achieves good impedance matching, reduces energy loss during signal transmission, improves communication efficiency, lowers the power consumption requirements of the implantable device, and extends battery life. The meandering structure (1 / 2 U-shaped structure) and bandwidth extension design enable the antenna to adapt to changes in Bluetooth communication frequency bands and the influence of human tissue on the signal, ensuring communication stability and continuity. The selection of biocompatible materials and structural design ensure the safety and long-term stability of the antenna inside the human body, reducing adverse reactions and complications caused by implanted antennas, and improving patient safety and comfort. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the return loss of a Bluetooth antenna for an implantable medical device provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0022] Figure 5 A gain diagram of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided for an embodiment of this application;
[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the efficiency of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0028] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the return loss of a Bluetooth antenna for an implantable medical device provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0029] Figure 12 A gain diagram of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided for an embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 13 A schematic diagram illustrating the efficiency of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0031] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0032] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0033] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the resonance adjustment of a Bluetooth antenna for an implantable medical device provided in this application embodiment;
[0034] Figure 17 A human body simulation diagram of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided for an embodiment of this application;
[0035] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the human body simulation result of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this utility model, but not all embodiments.
[0037] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0038] In the description of this application, it should be noted that if the terms "upper", "lower", etc. appear to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of this application is usually placed in, it is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0039] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Additionally, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.
[0040] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.
[0041] Figure 1 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna provided in an embodiment of this application; as shown below. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the Bluetooth antenna for this implantable medical device includes:
[0042] The first vertical linear antenna segment 1 is connected to one end of the first arc-shaped antenna segment 2 at its upper end; the other end of the first arc-shaped antenna segment 2 is connected to one end of the second horizontal linear antenna segment 3 at its lower end; the other end of the second linear antenna segment 3 is connected to one end of the second arc-shaped antenna segment 4 at its upper end; the Bluetooth antenna is encapsulated for implantation in the human body.
[0043] Furthermore, the length of the first linear antenna segment 1 is 2.58 mm; the lengths of the first arc-shaped antenna segment 2 and the second arc-shaped antenna segment 4 are 3.14 mm; and the length of the second linear antenna segment 3 is 3.2 mm.
[0044] The Bluetooth antenna uses the biocompatible material MP35N. The Bluetooth antenna is encapsulated using medical-grade silicone or the biocompatible polymer material Polyurethane.
[0045] Specifically, MP35N is a biocompatible flexible substrate material with low toxicity and good mechanical and chemical properties, making it suitable for long-term implantation within the human body. The Bluetooth antenna employs this structure, increasing its effective electrical length within a limited space, thereby improving antenna gain. The Bluetooth antenna is encapsulated with medical-grade silicone or biocompatible polymeric material polyurethane, which provides some protection against direct contact with human tissue and adverse reactions, while also offering insulation and isolation.
[0046] The Bluetooth antenna uses a coplanar waveguide feeding method, and the transmission line of the Bluetooth antenna is located in the same plane as the ground plane. The feeding line of the Bluetooth antenna includes an impedance matching network, which includes a capacitor connected in series with the Bluetooth antenna and an inductor connected in parallel with the Bluetooth antenna. The inductor is grounded, and the capacitor is connected to the circuit board. The ground plane is the shell that encapsulates the Bluetooth antenna. The line width of the Bluetooth antenna feed line is 0.38mm. The inductor is 3nH. The capacitor is 1pF. The input impedance and output impedance of the Bluetooth antenna are 50Ω.
[0047] The 0.38mm Bluetooth antenna feed linewidth enables excellent impedance matching. Introducing an impedance matching network into the feed line further optimizes the input impedance of the Bluetooth antenna, ensuring it matches the output impedance of the Bluetooth communication module in the implanted device, reducing signal reflection and improving transmission efficiency.
[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the other end of the second arc-shaped antenna segment 4 is connected to one end of the vertical third straight antenna segment 5; the length of the third straight antenna segment 5 is 1.5mm.
[0049] Among them, a vertical third straight antenna segment 5 is connected to the other end of the second arc-shaped antenna segment 4, compared to Figure 1 The Bluetooth antenna in the design increases the effective electrical length of the antenna, thereby improving the antenna gain. For example... Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in order are Figure 3 The diagram shows the return loss, gain, and efficiency of the Bluetooth antenna in human tissue. Figure 4 This indicates that the Bluetooth antenna has S11 < -10dB in the required frequency band, making the transmission efficiency of the Bluetooth signal itself greater than 90%. Figure 5 This indicates that the Bluetooth antenna has the highest gain and best radiation performance at a specific frequency. Figure 6This indicates that the Bluetooth antenna's overall skin penetration efficiency remains above 2.57%, a significant improvement compared to other antennas with overall skin penetration efficiencies below 1%. The optimized Bluetooth antenna design reduces antenna height by 2mm, resulting in superior overall performance compared to other manufacturers.
[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, the other end of the third linear antenna segment 5 is connected to one end of the fourth linear antenna segment 6; the other end of the fourth linear antenna segment 6 is connected to one end of the vertical fifth linear antenna segment 7; the fifth linear antenna segment 7 is parallel to the third linear antenna segment 5.
[0051] Among them, the fourth linear antenna segment 6 and the fifth linear antenna segment 7 are connected sequentially at the other end of the third linear antenna segment 5, compared to Figure 3 The Bluetooth antenna in the design further increases the effective electrical length of the antenna, thereby improving the antenna gain.
[0052] like Figure 8 As shown, the other end of the fifth linear antenna segment 7 is connected to one end of the third arc-shaped antenna segment 8; the third arc-shaped antenna segment 8 is parallel to the second arc-shaped antenna segment 4.
[0053] Among them, the third arc-shaped antenna segment 8 is connected to the other end of the fifth linear antenna segment 7, compared to Figure 7 The Bluetooth antenna in the design further increases the effective electrical length of the antenna, thereby improving the antenna gain.
[0054] like Figure 9 As shown, the other end of the second arc-shaped antenna segment 4 is connected to one end of the sixth straight antenna segment 9, and the other end of the sixth straight antenna segment 9 is connected to one end of the fourth arc-shaped antenna segment 10; the fourth arc-shaped antenna segment 10 is parallel to the second arc-shaped antenna segment 4.
[0055] Among them, the sixth straight antenna segment 9 is connected to the other end of the third arc-shaped antenna segment 8, compared to Figure 8 The Bluetooth antenna in the design further increases the effective electrical length of the antenna, thereby improving the antenna gain.
[0056] like Figure 10 As shown, the other end of the fourth arc-shaped antenna segment 10 is connected to one end of the seventh straight antenna segment 11; the seventh straight antenna segment 11 is parallel to the second straight antenna segment 3.
[0057] Among them, the seventh straight antenna segment 11 is connected to the other end of the fourth arc-shaped antenna segment 10, compared to Figure 9 The Bluetooth antenna in the design further increases the effective electrical length of the antenna, thereby improving the antenna gain. For example... Figures 11 to 13 As shown, in order are Figure 10 The diagram shows the return loss, gain, and efficiency of the Bluetooth antenna in human tissue. Figures 11 to 13This is a comprehensive simulation image after the overall length of the Bluetooth antenna has increased by 6.6mm. Figure 11 This indicates that the Bluetooth antenna operates at S11 < -12.78 dB within its operating frequency band, compared to... Figure 9 The radiation efficiency of Bluetooth antennas increases at the resonant point. Figure 12 This indicates that the Bluetooth antenna has a gain of 7.13i at a specific frequency, compared to Figure 9 It has high gain and prominent radiation. Figure 13 This indicates that the overall efficiency of the Bluetooth antenna through the skin remains above 2.84%, compared to... Figure 9 The Bluetooth antenna has been improved by 0.3%.
[0058] like Figure 14 As shown, the other end of the seventh linear antenna segment 11 is connected to one end of the fifth arc-shaped antenna segment 12; the fifth arc-shaped antenna segment 12 is parallel to the first arc-shaped antenna segment 2.
[0059] Among them, the fifth arc-shaped antenna segment 12 is connected to the other end of the seventh straight antenna segment 11, compared to Figure 13 The Bluetooth antenna in the design further increases the effective electrical length of the antenna, thereby improving the antenna gain.
[0060] like Figure 15 As shown, the other end of the fifth arc-shaped antenna segment 12 is connected to the vertical eighth straight antenna segment 13; the eighth straight antenna segment 13 is parallel to the first straight antenna segment 1.
[0061] Among them, the eighth straight antenna segment 13 is connected to the other end of the fifth arc-shaped antenna segment 12, compared to Figure 14 The Bluetooth antenna in the design further increases the effective electrical length of the antenna, thereby improving the antenna gain.
[0062] Among them, the eighth straight antenna segment 13 is connected to the other end of the fifth arc-shaped antenna segment 12, compared to Figure 14 The Bluetooth antenna in the design further increases the effective electrical length of the antenna, thereby improving the antenna gain.
[0063] In practice, the size and position of the Bluetooth antenna can be adjusted to regulate its resonant frequency and bandwidth within the communication band (e.g., 2.4GHz-2.48GHz), thus adapting to different communication needs and variations in the human body's tissue environment; specifically, for example... Figure 16 As shown, adjustments can be made through the following process: First, create a human body model in CST software to simulate the operation of the Bluetooth antenna inside the human body; second, adjust the size and position of the Bluetooth antenna to adjust the resonance generated by the Bluetooth antenna in the Bluetooth communication frequency band.
[0064] One method is to adjust the size and position of the Bluetooth antenna, specifically by reducing the height of the Bluetooth antenna by 5mm and reducing its length by 6.6mm.
[0065] After adjusting the resonant frequency and bandwidth of the Bluetooth antenna in the communication band (e.g., 2.4GHz-2.48GHz), the Bluetooth antenna can be evaluated, specifically, such as... Figure 17 As shown, the Bluetooth antenna can be evaluated through the following process: First, human tissue simulation is performed using CST software to determine the absorption of Bluetooth antenna radiation by human tissue; second, based on the absorption of Bluetooth antenna radiation by human tissue, the stability and reliability of the Bluetooth antenna are evaluated and optimized.
[0066] CST software, short for CST Studio Suite, is a high-performance 3D electromagnetic simulation software package developed by CST GmbH in Germany. This software integrates multiple electromagnetic field solvers for the design, analysis, and optimization of electromagnetic (EM) components and systems, and is widely used in the field of electromagnetic field simulation.
[0067] like Figure 18 The figure shows the simulation results of the Bluetooth antenna in human body. Taking 2.5GHz as an example, the simulation results are explained. The allowable input power limit for 1g is 15.92mW, which is much higher than the input power required by the device (1mW). When the input power is 1mW, the MAX 1g-avg SAR of this structure is about 0.1W / kg, which is much less than the safety standard limit (1.6W / kg).
[0068] Through experimental testing simulating the human tissue environment, the long-term stability and reliability of the antenna are evaluated and optimized to ensure that the antenna can work stably for a long time after being implanted in the human body.
[0069] Furthermore, during the antenna manufacturing process, the edges of the antenna can be rounded to avoid sharp corners causing damage to human tissue. Strict control over processing precision and cleanliness is essential to prevent impurities or contaminants from posing a health risk.
[0070] This application provides an implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna, designed through precise simulation using CST software. It maintains high gain even in the complex electromagnetic environment of the human body, effectively improving the data transmission distance and reliability between the implanted device and external Bluetooth devices. This facilitates remote and precise monitoring and medical intervention of patient health. The coplanar waveguide feeding and matching network design achieves excellent impedance matching, reducing energy loss during signal transmission, improving communication efficiency, lowering the power consumption requirements of the implanted device, and extending battery life. The meandering structure and bandwidth extension design allow the antenna to adapt to changes in Bluetooth communication frequency bands and the influence of human tissue on the signal, ensuring communication stability and continuity. The selection of biocompatible materials and structural design ensure the antenna's safety and long-term stability within the human body, reducing adverse reactions and complications caused by implanted antennas, and improving patient safety and comfort.
[0071] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna, characterized in that, include: A vertical first linear antenna segment, the upper end of which is connected to one end of a first arc-shaped antenna segment; the other end of the first arc-shaped antenna segment is connected to one end of a horizontal second linear antenna segment, and the other end of the second linear antenna segment is connected to one end of a second arc-shaped antenna segment; the Bluetooth antenna is encapsulated for implantation in the human body.
2. The implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Bluetooth antenna uses a coplanar waveguide feeding method, and the transmission line of the Bluetooth antenna is located in the same plane as the ground plane. The feeding line of the Bluetooth antenna includes an impedance matching network, which includes a capacitor connected in series with the Bluetooth antenna and an inductor connected in parallel with the Bluetooth antenna. The inductor is grounded, and the capacitor is connected to the circuit board. The ground plane is the shell that encapsulates the Bluetooth antenna.
3. The implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length of the first linear antenna segment is 2.58 mm; the lengths of the first and second arc-shaped antenna segments are 3.14 mm; the length of the second linear antenna segment is 3.2 mm; the linewidth of the Bluetooth antenna feed line is 0.38 mm; the inductance is 3 nH; the capacitance is 1 pF; and the input and output impedances of the Bluetooth antenna are 50 Ω.
4. The implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other end of the second arc-shaped antenna segment is connected to one end of the vertical third straight antenna segment; the length of the third straight antenna segment is 1.5mm.
5. The implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, The other end of the third linear antenna segment is connected to one end of the fourth linear antenna segment; the other end of the fourth linear antenna segment is connected to one end of the vertical fifth linear antenna segment; the fifth linear antenna segment is parallel to the third linear antenna segment.
6. The implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The other end of the fifth linear antenna segment is connected to one end of the third arc-shaped antenna segment; the third arc-shaped antenna segment is parallel to the second arc-shaped antenna segment.
7. The implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other end of the second arc-shaped antenna segment is connected to one end of the sixth straight antenna segment, and the other end of the sixth straight antenna segment is connected to one end of the fourth arc-shaped antenna segment; the fourth arc-shaped antenna segment is parallel to the second arc-shaped antenna segment.
8. The implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The other end of the fourth arc-shaped antenna segment is connected to one end of the seventh straight antenna segment; the seventh straight antenna segment is parallel to the second straight antenna segment.
9. The implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna according to claim 8, characterized in that, The other end of the seventh linear antenna segment is connected to one end of the fifth arc-shaped antenna segment; the fifth arc-shaped antenna segment is parallel to the first arc-shaped antenna segment.
10. The implantable medical device Bluetooth antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that, The other end of the fifth arc-shaped antenna segment is connected to the vertical eighth straight antenna segment; the eighth straight antenna segment is parallel to the first straight antenna segment.