ANTENNA, ANTENNA STRUCTURE AND DEVICE

Abstract

Antenna (100), featuring: an antenna connection (102); a meandering structure (104) connected to the antenna connection (102); and a circular structure (106) that at least partially surrounds the meander structure (104); an electrically conductive conductor structure (114) connected to the antenna terminal (102) and extending outside the annular structure (106), wherein the electrically conductive conductor structure (114) has a polarization structure (202) which is configured to provide a circular polarization of a signal transmitted or received by the antenna (100).

Description

Technical field

[0001] Various aspects of this revelation relate generally to an antenna, an antenna structure, and a device. background

[0002] Wi-Fi has recently become a crucial component of daily life, used for health monitoring, connected robotics, navigation, autonomous driving, machine-to-machine communication, activity tracking, and augmented reality, among numerous other applications. These innovative services require enormous data transfer rates and, simultaneously, highly precise sensors, typically referred to as Integrated Sensor and Communication (ISAC). However, in densely populated areas where numerous devices compete for limited bandwidth, unstable wireless connections, insufficient internet speeds, and multipath interference are common. These problems, which ultimately lead to failures in monitoring systems using such technologies, are usually caused by neighboring wireless transmissions interfering with the target signal.Furthermore, the demand for miniaturized devices and the depletion of frequency resources necessitate the exploration of small, broadband-capable antennas. The most effective option for ISAC applications is a circularly polarized microstrip antenna based on MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology. This is primarily because circularly polarized waveforms bend around or penetrate obstacles much better than linearly polarized waveforms, ultimately overcoming the aforementioned common challenges in densely populated areas. Moreover, in the near future, the IEEE 802.11bf frequency band between 5.9 GHz and 7.1 GHz will become available for the ISAC of Wi-Fi signals with cellular devices, which can efficiently address such antenna technologies.

[0003] In the past, a number of circularly polarized MIMO antennas have been investigated for ISAC of Wi-Fi signals in the 6 GHz band. However, for compatibility with compact devices, the MIMO elements had to be placed close together, which typically leads to the isolation effect and ultimately affects the overall antenna performance. Furthermore, the circularly polarized waves are generally not sufficiently and independently isolated from each other by a conventional MIMO antenna. To improve antenna isolation, modifications to the material or design of the antenna are usually necessary. All previous studies showed a trade-off between one or more antenna characteristics, such as isolation, 3 dB axial ratio and / or -10 dB impedance bandwidth, and compactness.

[0004] US 2012 / 0112966 A1 describes an antenna that can handle a wide band and has stable radiation characteristics in the wide band.

[0005] US 2018 / 0287244 A1 describes a low-profile Yagi-based MIMO antenna for small form factor devices, including mobile phones and other compact wireless devices. Brief description of the drawings

[0006] In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally refer to the same parts in the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with the emphasis generally being on illustrating the principles of the invention. The following description details various embodiments of the invention with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B shows an antenna according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 1A a top view of the antenna and Fig. 1B shows a rear view of the antenna; Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B shows an antenna according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 2A a top view of the antenna and Fig. 2B shows a rear view of the antenna; Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B shows an antenna according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 3A a top view of the antenna and Fig. 3B shows a rear view of the antenna; Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shows an antenna according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 4A a top view of the antenna and Fig. 4B shows a rear view of the antenna; Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B shows an antenna according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 5A a top view of the antenna and Fig. 5B shows a rear view of the antenna; Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B shows an antenna according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 6A a top view of the antenna and Fig. 6B shows a rear view of the antenna; Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B shows an antenna according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 7A a top view of the antenna and Fig. 7B shows a rear view of the antenna; Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 8B shows an antenna structure according to various aspects of this revelation, wherein Fig. 8A a top view of the antenna structure and Fig. Figure 8B shows a rear view of the antenna structure; Fig. 9A and Fig. Figure 9B shows an antenna structure according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 9A a top view of the antenna structure and Fig. Figure 9B shows a rear view of the antenna structure; Fig. 10A and Fig. Figure 10B shows an antenna structure according to various aspects of this revelation, wherein Fig. 10A a top view of the antenna structure and Fig. Figure 10B shows a rear view of the antenna structure; Fig. 11A and Fig. Figure 11B shows an antenna structure according to various aspects of this revelation, wherein Fig. 11A a top view of the antenna structure and Fig. Figure 11B shows a rear view of the antenna structure; Fig. 12A and Fig. Figure 12B shows an antenna structure according to various aspects of this revelation, wherein Fig. 12A a top view of the antenna structure and Fig. Figure 12B shows a rear view of the antenna structure; Fig. 13 shows a device according to various aspects of this revelation; and Fig. 14A to Fig. Figure 14C shows an antenna structure according to various aspects of this revelation, wherein Fig. 14A a top view of the antenna structure, Fig. 14B a rear view of the antenna structure and Fig. 14C shows a table with exemplary parameter values ​​of various physical parameters of the antenna structure according to different aspects of this disclosure. Description

[0007] The following detailed description refers to the attached drawings, which show specific details and embodiments of the invention for illustrative purposes.

[0008] The word "exemplary" is used here in the sense of "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Each embodiment or design described here as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be understood as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

[0009] The word "over" in reference to a deposited material formed "over" a side or surface can be used here to mean that the deposited material can form "directly on," e.g., in direct contact with the indicated side or surface. The word "over" in reference to a deposited material formed "over" a side or surface can also be used here to mean that the deposited material can form "indirectly on" the indicated side or surface, with one or more additional layers arranged between the indicated side or surface and the deposited material.

[0010] Various aspects of this revelation offer a circularly polarized dual antenna with circularly patterned sporadic meander traces, isolated by short-circuit pins and defective ground.

[0011] An antenna according to various aspects of this disclosure can cover the entire 6 GHz Wi-Fi spectrum and achieve a 3 dB axis ratio of > 60%, which is better than any antenna reported to date. Furthermore, an antenna according to various aspects of this disclosure can occupy a compact area of, for example, 1.1λ × 1.1λ (where λ = bandwidth) at 6.33 GHz and exhibits a reasonable isolation response of, for example, 20 dB across the entire operating band from, for example, 4.42 GHz to 8.24 GHz (wider than IEEE 802.11bf). The higher partial bandwidth may also be important for applications that require greater bandwidth compared to Wi-Fi applications.

[0012] Fig. Figure 13 shows a device 1300 according to various aspects of this disclosure. The device 1300 can be configured as a high-frequency (HF) front-end circuit, e.g., as a multi-purpose / reconfigurable HF front-end circuit. The device 1300 can be part of a radio communication terminal device (not shown). The device 1300 can be configured in accordance with one or more radio communication standards, such as one or more Wide Area Network radio communication standards (e.g., 4G, 5G, or 6G Generation Partnership Project) or one or more Local Area Network radio communication standards (e.g., WiFi radio communication standards such as one or more IEEE 802.11 standards, e.g., IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ad, IEEE 802.11ah, IEEE 802.11be, IEEE 802.11bf, or IEEE 802.11ay).

[0013] The device 1300 can include a (e.g. reconfigurable) circuit of the physical layer 1302, a transmit path and a receive path.

[0014] The transmit path can include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 1304, e.g., a dual-mode DAC 1304, which is connected to the physical layer circuitry 1302. The transmission path can further include a first (e.g., reconfigurable) analog baseband circuit 1306, the input of which is coupled to an output of the DAC 1304 and configured to perform analog signal processing on the analog signal received by the DAC 1304. The first analog baseband circuit 1306 generates a baseband output signal at an output and provides the baseband output signal at an input of a boost converter and frequency synthesis circuit 1308, which is configured to boost the baseband output signal to the desired radio frequency band. The up-converted signal is fed to a (e.g., reconfigurable) power amplifier (PA) 1310, and the amplified, up-converted signal is fed to an antenna system 1312, e.g.an ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication) antenna system 1312. The ISAC antenna system 1312 is designed to transmit the amplified, upconverted signal.

[0015] The ISAC antenna system 1312 can further be configured to receive a high-frequency signal and forward the received high-frequency signal to the components of the receiving path.

[0016] The receive path can include a (e.g., reconfigurable) low-noise amplifier (LNA) 1314 connected to the ISAC antenna system 1312. The LNA 1314 receives the received radio frequency signal and amplifies it, thereby generating an amplified received radio frequency signal. The receive path can further include a step-down converter and a frequency synthesis circuit 1316 configured to step down the amplified received radio frequency signal to the baseband. The step-down signal is fed to a second (e.g., reconfigurable) analog baseband circuit 1318, the input of which is coupled to an output of the step-down converter and frequency synthesis circuit 1316 and configured to perform analog signal processing on the analog signal received by the step-down converter and frequency synthesis circuit 1316. The receive path can further include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 1320, e.g.,A dual-mode ADC 1320 is configured to convert (digitize) the analog baseband signal received by the second (e.g., reconfigurable) analog baseband circuit 1318 into a corresponding digital baseband signal. The DAC 1320 can be coupled to the (e.g., reconfigurable) physical layer circuit 1302, which is configured to process the digital baseband signal in accordance with the implemented physical layer communication protocol.

[0017] However, the device 1300 can have any other architecture and include one or more circuits to implement the respective functions of one or more transmit paths and / or one or more receive paths. In one exemplary configuration, the device 1300 can have a transmitter and a receiver (and thus one or more transmit paths and one or more receive paths). In another exemplary configuration, the device 1300 can have a first transmitter and a second transmitter, which may be configured to transmit signals, for example, in different RF frequency bands (which may partially overlap in frequency or may not overlap at all), and thus, for example, a first transmit path and a second transmit path, but no receive path.In another exemplary configuration, the device 1300 can have a first receiver and a second receiver, which can be configured to receive signals, e.g., in different RF frequency bands (which may partially overlap in frequency or may not overlap in frequency), and thus have, e.g., a first receive path and a second receive path, but no transmit path.

[0018] The antenna system 1312 can have one or more antennas, which are described in more detail below.

[0019] For example, a proposed microstrip-based MIMO antenna from various aspects of this disclosure incorporates a combination of the following three elements to solve the problems mentioned above.

[0020] i. Two circularly patterned, meandering conductor tracks of unequal size are printed onto the top surface of a dielectric substrate to achieve miniaturization and circular polarization. The first feature enables a bandwidth of 3 dB and an axial ratio of > 60% in a compact form factor.

[0021] ii. An electromagnetic bandgap is optionally created by integrating a parasitic element between two radiating elements connected by a series of shorting pins (which can form an insulating structure) in the (e.g., dielectric) substrate. This can help the antenna operate over a wide frequency band, e.g., the entire IEEE 802.11bf frequency band.

[0022] iii. Defects can be introduced at strategic (e.g., predefined) locations on the back side of the dielectric substrate to suppress the current flow between the antenna elements.

[0023] Various aspects of this revelation can enable the strategic integration of different segments such as the 0.25 * λ line, the crescent-shaped sporadic meander trace, the parasitic element and the decoupling network into an antenna design, leading to the realization of the unique antenna properties described above.

[0024] In various aspects of this disclosure, the structural features of the antenna(s) for ISAC functions in the IEEE 802.11bf frequency band with a center frequency of 6.33 GHz can be optimized. The center frequency of operation can be optimized at frequencies below and above 6.33 GHz by increasing or decreasing the size of the radiating elements of the antenna(s).

[0025] Each antenna described in various aspects of this disclosure can be configured as a microstrip-based antenna. For example, the electrically conductive elements, such as conductors, of each antenna described in various aspects of this disclosure can be formed by one or more microstrips. Furthermore, one or more of the antennas can have an impedance matching structure connected to their antenna terminal. The impedance matching structure can be part of the electrically conductive conductor structure. In addition, one or more of the antennas can be configured to operate in a frequency band from 4 GHz to 9 GHz, for example, in a frequency band from 4.42 GHz to 8.24 GHz.

[0026] Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B shows an antenna 100 according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 1A a top view of the antenna 100 and Fig. Figure 1B shows a rear view of antenna 100. One or more of the antennas 100 can be implemented in the antenna system 1312.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, the antenna 100 can have an antenna connector 102, a meandering structure 104 coupled to the antenna connector 102, and an annular structure 106 that at least partially surrounds the meandering structure 104. The meandering structure 104 and the annular structure 106 can be made of an electrically conductive material such as a metal, e.g., copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), an alloy of these metals, or another suitable metal. The meandering structure 104 can be formed by a metal conductor. The encasing of the meandering structure 104 can have a circular shape. In this example, the annular structure 106 can completely surround the meandering structure 104.“Surrounded” can be understood to mean that the meandering conductor 112 does not physically touch the annular structure 106, except for a first electrical and physical contact with a first meander terminal 108 and a second electrical and physical contact with a second meander terminal 110. Furthermore, the meandering conductor 112 and the annular structure 106 are electrically insulated from each other, except for the first electrical and physical contact with the first meander terminal 108 and the second electrical and physical contact with the second meander terminal 110.

[0028] The meander structure 104 can have the first meander connection 108 on one side or end of the meander structure 104, the second meander connection 110 on the other side or end of the meander structure 104, and a meander line 112 that is electrically connected to the first meander connection 108 and the second meander connection 110. The meander line 112 runs between the first meander connection 108 and the second meander connection 110 in a meandering shape.

[0029] The first meander connection 108 can be connected to the antenna connection 102. Optionally, an electrically conductive line 114 (e.g., metal, such as one of the metals described above) can be connected between the first meander connection 108 and the antenna connection 102. The electrically conductive line 114 can have multiple sections with different line widths, e.g., a first line section 116 with a first width, a second line section 118 with a second line width, and a third line section 120 with a third line width. The second line width can be larger than the first line width, and the third line width can be larger than the second line width. A first end section of the first line section 116 can be directly connected to the first meander connection 108.A second end section of the first line section 116, opposite the first end section of the first line section 116, can be directly connected to a first end section of the second line section 118. A second end section of the second line section 118, opposite the first end section of the second line section 118, can be directly connected to a first end section of the third line section 120. A second end section of the third line section 120, opposite the first end section of the third line section 120, can be directly coupled to the antenna connector 102. For example, the line sections 116, 118, and 120 can form an impedance matching structure.

[0030] Furthermore, in this example, the annular structure 106 can have two semicircles, one of which surrounds the meander structure 104 on the right side of the meander structure 104 and another of which surrounds the meander structure 104 on the left side of the meander structure 104 (however, both semicircles are electrically and physically coupled to the first meander terminal 108 and the second meander terminal 110).

[0031] The antenna 100 can further comprise a support, e.g., a substrate 122, which can be (at least in some parts or completely) an electrically insulating substrate 122, e.g., a dielectric substrate 122, e.g., an FR4 substrate 122. The components of the antenna 100 described above can be arranged on or above the substrate 122, e.g., such that the substrate 122 electrically insulates the annular structure 106 from the meandering conductor 112.

[0032] The meander structure 104 can have a non-uniform size. In other words, the meander line 112 can have a multitude of parallel meander sections of varying lengths along the main orientation of the meander structure 104. The meander structure 104 can be substantially axially symmetric with respect to its center, specifically with respect to an axis perpendicular to the main orientation of the meander structure 104 and located at its center, as viewed along its main orientation.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1B shows the rear view of the antenna 100. The back of the substrate 122 can be (e.g., completely) covered with an electrically conductive layer 124, e.g., a metal layer 124, e.g., a metal as described above. The electrically conductive layer 124 can be structured or unstructured. In this example, the electrically conductive layer 124 completely covers the back of the substrate 122.

[0034] The antenna 100 can have a base area of ​​1.1 * 0.5λ 2 The antenna has a profile of 0.03λ, an I-BW (I-BW = -10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 13.65%, a gain of -2 dBi to 3.5 dBi, an efficiency of 15% to 67%, linear polarization, and an axis ratio of more than 3%. The Antenna 100 can be small (compact) and have a wide bandwidth.

[0035] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B shows an antenna 200 according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 2A a top view of the antenna 200 and Fig. Figure 2B shows a rear view of antenna 200. One or more of the antennas 200 can be implemented in the antenna system 1312. The antenna 200 of the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B is the antenna 100 described above. Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B is similar. Therefore, only the differences between antenna 200 and the others will be discussed below. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B and the antenna 100 of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B is described. For the remaining features, refer to the description of antenna 100. Fig. 1A and Fig. referred to 1B.

[0036] The antenna 200 may further comprise a polarization structure 202, which is configured to provide circular polarization of a signal transmitted or received by the antenna 200. The polarization structure 202 may be part of the electrically conductive line 114, e.g., coupled between the first meander terminal 108 and the first line section 116. For example, the polarization structure 202 may comprise a further meander structure 204.

[0037] Optionally, the main orientation of the meander structure 104 is perpendicular to the main orientation of the electrically conductive line 114. Furthermore, the meander structure 104 and the further meander structure 204 can have the same main orientation.

[0038] The antenna 200 can have a base area of ​​1.1 * 0.5λ 2The antenna has a profile of 0.03λ, an IBW (I-BW = -10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 13.07%, a gain of -3 dBi to 3.5 dBi, an efficiency of 15% to 87%, linear polarization, and an axis ratio of more than 3%. The Antenna 100 can be small (compact), have high efficiency, and a wide bandwidth.

[0039] Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B shows an antenna 300 according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 3A a top view of the antenna 300 and Fig. Figure 3B shows a rear view of antenna 300. One or more of the antennas 300 can be implemented in the antenna system 1312. The antenna 300 of the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B is similar to the antenna 200 described above. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B. Therefore, only the differences between the 300 antenna and the other antennas will be discussed below. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B and the 200 antenna Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B is described. For the remaining features, refer to the description of antenna 200. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B and the antenna 100 of the Fig. 1A and Fig. referred to 1B.

[0040] The circular structure 106, which forms the meandering structure 104 of the antenna 100 of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, at least partially surrounding, can be formed by a continuous circular electrically conductive line. In contrast, an annular structure 302, which forms the meandering structure 104 of the antenna 300 of the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, at least partially surrounding, is formed by a non-continuous plurality of electrically conductive conductor segments that are electrically insulated from one another. Alternatively, the annular structure 302 can be formed by two continuous quarter-circle segments, wherein a first segment is electrically coupled to the second meander terminal 110 and extends to half the height of the meander structure 104 on the right side of the meander structure 104, and a second segment is electrically coupled to the second meander terminal 110 and extends to half the height of the meander structure 104 on the left side of the meander structure 104.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the antenna 300 can have a further polarization structure 302, which is configured to provide circular polarization of a signal transmitted or received by the antenna 300. The further polarization structure 302 can be part of the electrically conductive line 114, e.g., coupled between the first line section 116 and the second line section 118. For example, the further polarization structure 302 can have a further meandering structure 304.

[0042] The 300 antenna can have a base area of ​​1.1 * 0.5λ 2 The antenna features a profile of 0.03λ, an IBW (I-BW = -10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 13.92%, a gain of -1 dBi to 4.7 dBi, an efficiency of 16% to 59%, linear polarization, and an axis ratio greater than 3%. The 300 antenna can be small (compact) and have a wide bandwidth.

[0043] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shows an antenna 400 according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 4A a top view of the antenna 400 and Fig. Figure 4B shows a rear view of antenna 400. One or more of the antennas 400 can be implemented in the antenna system 1312. The antenna 400 of the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B is similar to the antenna 100 described above. Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B. Therefore, only the differences between the 400 antenna will be discussed below. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B and the antenna 100 of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B is described. For the remaining features, refer to the description of antenna 100 from Fig. 1A and Fig. referred to 1B.

[0044] The front surface structure of the Antenna 400 from Fig. 4A is identical to the front surface structure of antenna 100 from Fig. 1A, as described above.

[0045] The back of the 400 antenna from Fig. However, 4B differs from the back of antenna 100. Fig. 1B by the fact that the back of the antenna is 400 of Fig. 4B is not completely covered with the electrically conductive layer 124, but only partially. In other words, the back side of antenna 400 of Fig. 4B has a first section 402 of the substrate 122 that is covered by the electrically conductive layer 124, and a second section 404 of the substrate 122 that is free of the electrically conductive layer 124, such that a back side 406 of the substrate 122 is exposed. For example, the percentage of the exposed area of ​​the back side 406 of the substrate can be in a range of about 10% to about 90%, e.g., in a range of about 20% to about 80%, e.g., in a range of about 30% to about 70%, e.g., in a range of about 40% to about 60%. In this example, the electrically conductive layer 124 covers a lower strip of the back side 406 of the substrate 122.

[0046] The 400 antenna can have a base area of ​​1.1 * 0.5λ 2The antenna has a profile of 0.03λ, an IBW (I-BW = -10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 6.77%, a gain of 2.2 dBi to 2.5 dBi, an efficiency of 63% to 78%, circular polarization, an axis ratio of less than or approximately 3%, and a bandwidth of approximately 6.77% at an axis ratio of 3 dB. The Antenna 400 can be small (compact) and have a nearly stable gain.

[0047] Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B shows an antenna 500 according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 5A a top view of the antenna 500 and Fig. Figure 5B shows a rear view of antenna 500. One or more of the antennas 500 can be implemented in the antenna system 1312. The antenna 500 of the Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B is similar to the antenna 200 described above. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B. Therefore, only the differences between the 500 antenna and the other antennas will be discussed below. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B and the 200 antenna Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B is described. For the remaining features, refer to the description of antenna 200. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B and the antenna 100 of the Fig. 1A and Fig. referred to 1B.

[0048] The front surface structure of the Antenna 500 from Fig. 5A is identical to the front surface structure of the 200 antenna. Fig. 2A, as described above.

[0049] The back of the 500 antenna from Fig. However, 5B differs from the back of antenna 200. Fig. 2B by the fact that the back of the antenna is 500 of Fig. 5B is not completely covered with the electrically conductive layer 124, but only partially. In other words, the back side of antenna 500 of Fig. 5B has a first section 502 of the substrate 122, which is covered by the electrically conductive layer 124, and a second section 504 of the substrate, which is free of the electrically conductive layer 124, so that a rear side 506 of the substrate 122 is exposed. The second section 504 corresponds to the structure of the electrically conductive sections of the front side structure. Those sections of the front side structure that are formed from electrically conductive material are, for example, a first subsection 508 in the rear side structure that is free of electrically conductive material, e.g., a projection of the annular structure 106 on the rear side of the substrate 122, e.g., free of the electrically conductive layer 124. In addition, a second subsection 510 can be an area that covers a projection of the meandering structure 104 onto the rear side of the substrate 122, e.g., the electrically conductive section (i.e.,the meandering line 112) as well as the insulating sections between the respective sections of the meandering line 112. A third sub-area 512 can surround the polarization structure 202.

[0050] The 500 antenna can have a base area of ​​1.1 * 0.5λ 2 The antenna has a profile of 0.03λ, an IBW (I-BW = -10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 19.39%, a gain of -0.7 dBi to 3.3 dBi, an efficiency of 37% to 67%, circular polarization, an axis ratio of less than or approximately 3%, and a 3 dB axis ratio bandwidth of approximately 19.39%. The Antenna 500 can be small (compact) and have a wide bandwidth.

[0051] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B shows an antenna 600 according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 6A a top view of the antenna 600 and Fig. Figure 6B shows a rear view of antenna 600. One or more of the antennas 600 can be implemented in the antenna system 1312. The antenna 600 of the Fig. 6A and Fig. The 6B is similar to the 500 antenna described above. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B. Therefore, only the differences between the 600 antenna from will be discussed below. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B and the 500 antenna from Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B is described. For the remaining features, refer to the description of antenna 500. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the antenna 200 of the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B and the antenna 100 of the Fig. 1A and Fig. referred to 1B.

[0052] The front surface structure of the Antenna 500 from Fig. 5A is identical to the front surface structure of the 200 antenna. Fig. 2A, as described above.

[0053] The back of the 600 antenna from Fig. However, the 6B differs from the back of the 500 antenna. Fig. 5B by a third subsection 602 of the rear of the antenna 600 of Fig. 6B exposes an inner area of ​​a rectangular enclosure 604 of a projection of the polarization structure 202 onto the back of the substrate 122.

[0054] The 600 antenna can have a base area of ​​1.1 * 0.5λ 2 The antenna features a profile of 0.03λ, an IBW (I-BW = -10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 16.38%, a gain of 0.9 dBi to 3.0 dBi, an efficiency of 39% to 87%, circular polarization, an axis ratio of less than or approximately 3%, and a 3 dB axis ratio bandwidth of approximately 16.38%. The 600 antenna can be small (compact), have a wide bandwidth, and high efficiency.

[0055] Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B shows an antenna 700 according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 7A a top view of the 700 antenna and Fig. Figure 7B shows a rear view of antenna 700. One or more of the antennas 700 can be implemented in antenna system 1312. The antenna 700 of the Fig. 7A and Fig. The 7B is similar to the 300 antenna described above. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B. Therefore, only the differences between the 700 antenna from will be discussed below. Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B and the 300 antenna from Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B is described. For the remaining features, please refer to the description of antenna 300. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, the antenna 200 of the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B and the antenna 100 of the Fig. 1A and Fig. referred to 1B.

[0056] The front surface structure of the Antenna 700 from Fig. 7A is identical to the front surface structure of the 300 antenna from Fig. 3A, as described above.

[0057] The back of the 700 antenna from Fig. However, 7B differs from the back of antenna 300. Fig. 3B by the fact that the back of the antenna 700 of Fig. 7B is not completely covered with the electrically conductive layer 124, but only partially. In other words, the back side of antenna 700 of Fig. 7B has a first section 702 of the substrate 122 which is covered by the electrically conductive layer 124 and a second section 704 of the substrate 122 which is free from the electrically conductive layer 124, so that a back side 706 of the substrate 122 is exposed.

[0058] The second section 704 corresponds to the structure of the electrically conductive sections of the front-side structure. Those sections of the front-side structure formed from electrically conductive material include, for example, a first subsection 708 in the rear-side structure, which exposes an inner region of a circular enclosure 710 of a projection of the annular structure 106 onto the rear of the substrate 122. A second subsection 712 of the rear of the antenna 700 of Fig. 7B exposes an inner area of ​​a rectangular enclosure 714 of a projection of the polarization structure 202 onto the back of the substrate 122.

[0059] The 700 antenna can have a base area of ​​1.1 * 0.5λ 2The antenna has a profile of 0.03λ, an IBW (I-BW = -10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 50.00%, a gain of 0.9 dBi to 5.2 dBi, an efficiency of 35% to 85%, circular polarization, an axis ratio of less than or approximately 3%, and a 3 dB axis ratio bandwidth of approximately 50.00%. The Antenna 700 can be small (compact), have a very wide bandwidth, and high efficiency.

[0060] Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 8B shows an antenna structure 800 according to various aspects of this revelation, wherein Fig. 8A a top view of the antenna structure 800 and Fig. Figure 8B shows a rear view of the 800 antenna structure.

[0061] The antenna structure 800 can have a multitude of antennas (e.g., two or more antennas) arranged side by side on a common support, e.g., a common substrate (e.g., substrate 122). In the Fig. 8A and Fig. The example shown in 8B consists of two 400 mm antennas. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are arranged on the substrate 122. Furthermore, an insulating structure 806 can be arranged between a first antenna 400, 802 and a second antenna 400, 804. This insulating structure has a plurality of electrically conductive elements 808 (e.g., electrically conductive pins 808, illustratively, short-circuit pins 808) in a first element density and extends into the substrate 122. The insulating structure 806 can separate the first antenna 400, 802 and the second antenna 400, 804 and extend between them. The insulating structure 806 can extend substantially parallel to the electrically conductive lines 114 of the antennas 400, 802, 804. The insulation structure 806 can, for example, run in a straight line from a top surface 810 of the substrate 122 to a bottom surface 812 of the substrate 122. The insulation structure 806 can be formed on the front surface of the substrate 122.

[0062] The antenna structure 800 can have a base area of ​​1.1 * 1.1λ2 The antenna structure exhibits a profile of 0.03λ, an IBW (I-BW = -10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 8.84%, isolation between the first antenna (400, 802) and the second antenna (400, 804) of 40 dB to 58 dB, a gain of 3.6 dBi to 6.4 dBi, an efficiency of 50% to 65%, circular polarization, an axis ratio of less than or approximately 3%, an axis ratio bandwidth of approximately 8.84% of 3 dB, an envelope correlation coefficient of less than 0.2, and a diversity gain of -10 dB. The 800 antenna structure can exhibit high isolation and high gain.

[0063] Fig. 9A and Fig. Figure 9B shows an antenna structure 900 according to various aspects of this revelation, wherein Fig. 9A a top view of the antenna structure 900 and Fig. Figure 9B shows a rear view of the antenna structure 900. One or more of the antenna structures 900 can be implemented in the antenna system 1312. The antenna structure 900 of the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B is the antenna structure 800 described above. Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B is similar. Therefore, only the differences between the 900 antenna structure and the 8B will be discussed below. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B and the antenna structure 800 of the Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B is described. For the remaining features, refer to the description of the antenna structure in section 800. Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B referred.

[0064] In the antenna structure 900, the insulating structure 902 comprises a plurality of electrically conductive elements 904 (e.g., electrically conductive pins 904, illustratively short-circuit pins 904) with a second element density. The second element density is lower than the first element density. The insulating structure 902 can separate the first antenna 400, 802 and the second antenna 400, 804 and extend between them. The insulating structure 902 can extend essentially parallel to the electrically conductive lines 114 of the antennas 400, 802, 804. The insulating structure 806 can run in, for example, a straight line from a top 906 of the substrate 122 to a bottom 908 of the substrate 122. The insulating structure 902 can be formed on the front of the substrate 122.

[0065] The antenna structure 900 can have a base area of ​​1.1 * 1.1λ 2The antenna structure exhibits a profile of 0.03λ, an IBW (I-BW = -10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 33.01%, isolation between the first antenna (400, 802) and the second antenna (400, 804) of 31 dB to 56 dB, a gain of 3.9 dBi to 7.1 dBi, an efficiency of 55% to 87%, circular polarization, an axis ratio of less than or approximately 3%, a bandwidth of approximately 33.01% at an axis ratio of 3 dB, an envelope correlation coefficient of less than 0.2, and a diversity gain of -10 dB. The 800 antenna structure can exhibit high isolation, high gain, a wide bandwidth, and high efficiency.

[0066] Fig. 10A and Fig. Figure 10B shows an antenna structure 1000 according to various aspects of this revelation, wherein Fig. 10A a top view of the antenna structure 1000 and Fig. Figure 10B shows a rear view of the antenna structure 1000. One or more of the antenna structures 1000 can be implemented in the antenna system 1312.

[0067] The antenna structure 1000 can have a multitude of antennas (e.g., two or more antennas) arranged side by side on a common support, e.g., a common substrate (e.g., substrate 122). In the Fig. 10A and Fig. The example shown in 10B consists of two 500 antennas. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are arranged on the substrate 122. Furthermore, an insulating structure 1006 with a plurality of electrically conductive elements 1008 (e.g., electrically conductive pins 1008, figuratively short-circuit pins 1008) extending into the substrate 122 can be arranged between a first antenna 500, 1002, and a second antenna 500, 1004. The insulating structure 1006 can separate the first antenna 500, 1002 and the second antenna 500, 1004 and extend between them. The insulating structure 1006 can extend substantially parallel to the electrically conductive lines 114 of the antennas 500, 1002, 1004. The insulation structure 1006 can run in, for example, a straight line from the top 1010 of the substrate 122 to the bottom 1012 of the substrate 122. The insulation structure 1006 can be formed on the front of the substrate 122 and extend through the substrate 122 to the back of the substrate 122 (as in Fig. 10B shown).

[0068] The antenna structure 1000 can have a base area of ​​1.1 * 1.1λ 2 The antenna structure exhibits a profile of 0.03λ, an IBW (I-BW = -10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 31.64%, isolation between the first antenna (500, 1002) and the second antenna (500, 1004) of 24 dB to 48 dB, a gain of 1.2 dBi to 4.7 dBi, an efficiency of 56% to 94%, circular polarization, an axis ratio of less than or approximately 3%, a bandwidth of approximately 31.64% at an axis ratio of 3 dB, an envelope correlation coefficient of less than 0.2, and a diversity gain of -10 dB. The antenna structure 1000 can exhibit high isolation, a wide bandwidth, and high efficiency.

[0069] Fig. 11A and Fig. Figure 11B shows an antenna structure 1100 according to various aspects of this revelation, wherein Fig. 11A a top view of the antenna structure 1100 and Fig. Figure 11B shows a rear view of the antenna structure 1100. One or more of the antenna structures 1100 can be implemented in the antenna system 1312.

[0070] The antenna structure 1100 can have a plurality of antennas (e.g., two or more antennas) arranged side by side on a common support, e.g., a common substrate (e.g., substrate 122). In the Fig. 11A and Fig. The example shown in 11B consists of two 600 antennas. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B is provided on the substrate 122. Furthermore, an insulating structure 1106 with a plurality of electrically conductive elements 1108 (e.g., electrically conductive pins 1108, illustratively short-circuit pins 1108) extending into the substrate 122 can be arranged between a first antenna 600, 1102, and a second antenna 600, 1104. The insulating structure 1106 can separate the first antenna 600, 1102 and the second antenna 600, 1104 and can extend between them. The insulating structure 1106 can extend substantially parallel to the electrically conductive lines 114 of the antennas 600, 1102, 1104. The insulation structure 1106 can, for example, run in a straight line from a top surface 1110 of the substrate 122 to a bottom surface 1112 of the substrate 122. The insulation structure 1106 can be formed on the front surface of the substrate 122 and extend through the substrate 122 to the back surface of the substrate 122 (as in Fig. 11B shown).

[0071] The antenna structure 1100 can have a base area of ​​1.1 * 1.1λ 2 The antenna structure 1100 exhibits a profile of 0.03λ, an IBW (I-BW = -10 dB impedance bandwidth) of 29.01%, isolation between the first antenna 600, 1102 and the second antenna 600, 1104 of 21 dB to 45 dB, a gain of 2.8 dBi to 5.8 dBi, an efficiency of 45% to 76%, circular polarization, an axis ratio of less than or approximately 3%, a bandwidth of approximately 29.01% at an axis ratio of 3 dB, an envelope correlation coefficient of less than 0.2, and a diversity gain of -10 dB. The antenna structure 1100 can exhibit high isolation and a wide bandwidth.

[0072] Fig. 12A and Fig. Figures 12B show an antenna structure 1200 according to various aspects of this revelation, wherein Fig. 12A a top view of the antenna structure 1200 and Fig. Figure 12B shows a rear view of the antenna structure 1200. One or more of the antenna structures 1200 can be implemented in the antenna system 1312.

[0073] The antenna structure 1200 can have a plurality of antennas (e.g., two or more antennas) arranged side by side on a common support, e.g., a common substrate (e.g., substrate 122). In the Fig. 12A and Fig. The example shown in 12B consists of two 700 antennas. Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B is provided on the substrate 122. Furthermore, an insulating structure 1206 with a plurality of electrically conductive elements 1208 (e.g., electrically conductive pins 1208, illustratively short-circuit pins 1208) extending into the substrate 122 can be arranged between a first antenna 700, 1202 and a second antenna 700, 1204. The insulating structure 1206 can separate the first antenna 700, 1202 and the second antenna 700, 1204 and can extend between them. The insulating structure 1206 can extend substantially parallel to the electrically conductive lines 114 of the antennas 700, 1202, 1204. The insulation structure 1206 can run in, for example, a straight line from the top 1210 of the substrate 122 to the bottom 1212 of the substrate 122. The insulation structure 1206 can be formed on the front of the substrate 122 and extend through the substrate 122 to the back of the substrate 122 (as in Fig. 12B shown).

[0074] Fig. 14A and Fig. Figure 14B shows the antenna structure 1200 of the Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B according to various aspects of this revelation, whereby Fig. 14A a top view of the antenna structure 1400 and Fig. 14B a rear view of the antenna structure 1200 of the Fig. 12A and Fig. Figure 12B shows that one or more of the antenna structures 1200 can be implemented in the antenna system 1312. Fig. 14A and Fig. Figure 14B also shows various physical parameters of the antenna structure 1200. Fig. 14C shows a table 1400 with exemplary concrete values ​​for the various parameters.

[0075] The following explains various aspects of this revelation:

[0076] Example 1 is an antenna. The antenna may have an antenna connector, a meandering structure connected to the antenna connector, an annular structure that at least partially surrounds the meandering structure, and an electrically conductive conductor structure coupled to the antenna connector and extending outside the annular structure. The electrically conductive conductor structure may include a polarization structure configured to provide circular polarization of a signal transmitted or received by the antenna.

[0077] In Example 2, the object from Example 1 may optionally have a meandering structure of uneven size.

[0078] In Example 3, the object of one of Examples 1 or 2 may optionally have that the meander structure is substantially axially symmetric with respect to the center of the meander structure with respect to an axis that is perpendicular to the main orientation of the meander structure and in the middle of the meander structure, viewed in the main orientation of the meander structure.

[0079] In Example 4, the object of one of Examples 1 to 3 may optionally have the circular annular structure completely surrounding the meandering structure and being connected to the antenna connection.

[0080] In Example 5, the object of one of Examples 1 to 4 may optionally exhibit that the polarization structure has a further meandering structure.

[0081] In Example 6, the object of Example 5 may optionally have a main orientation of the meander structure optionally perpendicular to the main orientation of the electrically conductive conductor structure.

[0082] In Example 7, the object of one of Examples 5 to 6 may optionally exhibit that the meander structure and the further meander structure have the same main orientation.

[0083] In Example 8, the subject of one of Examples 1 to 7 may optionally include an antenna that further comprises an impedance matching structure coupled to the antenna connector.

[0084] In Example 9, the subject of Example 8 may optionally have the impedance matching structure as part of the electrically conductive conductor structure.

[0085] In Example 10, the object of one of Examples 1 to 9 may optionally include an antenna with a support having a front and a back. The antenna connector, the meandering structure, and the annular structure are formed on the front of the support. An electrically conductive material is attached to the back of the support.

[0086] In Example 11, the object of Example 10 may optionally have the electrically conductive material arranged in such a way that it at least partially overlaps or laterally surrounds the meandering structure and / or the annular structure.

[0087] In Example 12, the object of one of Examples 1 to 11 may optionally have the antenna configured as a microstrip-based antenna.

[0088] In Example 13, the subject of any of Examples 1 to 12 may optionally feature an antenna configured for operation in a frequency band from 4 GHz to 9 GHz, e.g., in a frequency band from 4.42 GHz to 8.24 GHz. Although various aspects of this disclosure have been configured for operation in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi spectrum, it should be noted that configurations of alternative examples for operation in other frequency bands can be provided by simply increasing / decreasing the size of the radiating elements, i.e., the meandering lines. More precisely, increasing the size of the radiating elements shifts the resonance to lower frequencies, while decreasing the size of the radiating elements shifts the resonance to higher frequencies. At very high frequencies, e.g., above 60 GHz, cost-effective production may not be possible because the designs are too small and high-precision equipment / tooling is required.

[0089] Example 14 is an antenna structure. The antenna structure can include a support, a first antenna from one of Examples 1 to 13 formed on the support, a second antenna from one of Examples 1 to 13 formed on the support, and electrically conductive elements extending into the support and arranged between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0090] In Example 15, the object from Example 14 can optionally have the support being a dielectric support.

[0091] Example 16 is a device. The device may have an antenna structure according to either Example 14 or 15.

[0092] In Example 17, the subject of Example 16 may optionally include a transmitter circuit coupled to the first antenna and a receiver circuit coupled to the second antenna.

[0093] In Example 18, the subject of one of Examples 16 or 17 may optionally have the device configured as an integrated detection and communication device.

[0094] In Example 19, the subject of Example 16 may optionally include a transmitter circuit coupled to the first antenna and a transmitter circuit coupled to the second antenna.

[0095] In Example 20, the subject of Example 16 may optionally include a receiver circuit coupled to the first antenna and a receiver circuit coupled to the second antenna.

[0096] In Example 21, the subject of one of Examples 16 to 20 may optionally include that the device also has at least one further antenna structure from one of Examples 14 or 15.

[0097] Although the invention has been shown and described, particularly with reference to specific embodiments, the person skilled in the art should understand that various modifications in form and detail can be made to it without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. The scope of the invention is therefore specified by the accompanying claims, and all modifications that fall within the meaning and equivalence of the claims are thus to be included.

Claims

[1] Antenna (100), comprising: an antenna connection (102); a meandering structure (104) connected to the antenna connection (102); and a circular structure (106) that at least partially surrounds the meander structure (104); an electrically conductive conductor structure (114) connected to the antenna terminal (102) and extending outside the annular structure (106), wherein the electrically conductive conductor structure (114) has a polarization structure (202) which is configured to provide a circular polarization of a signal transmitted or received by the antenna (100). [2] Antenna (100) according to claim 1, wherein the meander structure (104) has a non-uniform size. [3] Antenna (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the meander structure (104) is substantially axially symmetric with respect to the center of the meander structure (104) with respect to an axis that is perpendicular to the main orientation of the meander structure (104) and in the center of the meander structure (104), viewed in the main orientation of the meander structure (104). [4] Antenna (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the annular structure (106) completely surrounds the meander structure (104) and is connected to the antenna connection (102). [5] Antenna (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the polarization structure (202) has a further meandering structure (204). [6] Antenna (100) according to claim 5, wherein a main orientation of the meander structure (104) is optionally perpendicular to the main orientation of the electrically conductive line structure (114). [7] Antenna (100) according to one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the meander structure (104) and the further meander structure (204) have the same main orientation. [8] Antenna (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: an impedance matching structure connected to the antenna connector (102). [9] Antenna (100) according to claim 8, wherein the impedance matching structure is part of the electrically conductive line structure (114). [10] Antenna (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a carrier with a front and a back; wherein the antenna connection (102), the meander structure (104) and the annular structure (106) are formed on the front of the carrier; where electrically conductive material is formed on the back of the carrier. [11] Antenna (100) according to claim 10, wherein the electrically conductive material is arranged such that it at least partially overlaps or laterally surrounds the meander structure (104) and / or the annular structure (106). [12] Antenna (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, configured as a microstrip-based antenna. [13] Antenna (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, configured for operation in a frequency band from 4 GHz to 9 GHz, e.g. in a frequency band from 4.42 GHz to 8.24 GHz. [14] Antenna structure (800), comprising: a carrier; a first antenna (400, 802) according to one of claims 1 to 13, who is trained on the carrier; a second antenna (400, 804) according to one of claims 1 to 13, which is formed on the carrier; electrically conductive elements (808) extending into the carrier and arranged between the first antenna (400,802) and the second antenna (400,804). [15] Antenna structure (800) according to claim 14, wherein the support is a dielectric support. [16] Device (1300) comprising: an antenna structure (800) according to one of claims 14 or 15. [17] Device (1300) according to claim 16, further comprising: a transmitter circuit coupled to the first antenna (400, 802); and a receiver circuit coupled with the second antenna (400, 804). [18] Device (1300) according to one of claims 16 or 17, configured as an integrated detection and communication device. [19] Device (1300) according to claim 16, further comprising: a transmitter circuit coupled to the first antenna (400,802); and a transmitter circuit coupled with the second antenna (400,804). [20] Device (1300) according to claim 16, further comprising: a receiver circuit coupled to the first antenna (400,802); and a receiver circuit coupled with the second antenna (400,804). [21] Device (1300) according to one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising: at least one further antenna structure (800) according to one of claims 14 or 15.

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