COMBINED ANTENNA

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an antenna device and in particular to an antenna device having at least a first antenna in the form of a flat antenna and at least a second antenna in the form of a three-dimensional antenna.

[0002] The antenna device according to the invention is also referred to below as Ndip antenna in reference to the inventor, Dr. Ivan Ndip.

[0003] Conventional antennas, such as monopole antennas, dipole antennas, patch antennas, bond wire antennas, etc., radiate the majority of their energy mainly in a preferred direction, i.e. either in the vertical direction (elevation plane) or in the horizontal direction (azimuthal plane).

[0004] For example, a patch antenna is a directional flat antenna that radiates the majority of its energy in a vertical direction. A well-known patch antenna is, for example, Figure 1A shown. Figure 1Bshows the corresponding directional characteristic, where it can be seen that little to no radiation is emitted in the horizontal plane (represented by points A and B). For this reason, communication in this plane is very difficult or even impossible.

[0005] To circumvent this problem, several solutions have already been proposed in the state of the art. For example, Figure 1C An antenna arrangement 5 known from the prior art is shown. This antenna arrangement 5 has four individual flat antennas 1, 2, 3, 4, which are arranged symmetrically around a power distribution unit 6.

[0006] As in Figure 1DAs can be seen, the four individual antennas 1, 2, 3, and 4 are folded together to form a cube, with each of the four flat antennas forming one side of the cube. This antenna cube thus radiates in the corresponding four directions. The disadvantage of this, however, is that the individual antennas must be controlled by electronic components such as phase shifters or phase rectifiers, switches, and the like in order to be able to radiate or receive their power in the preferred direction without destructive interference.

[0007] EP 0 163 454 A2 discloses an antenna device comprising at least a first antenna, a flat antenna parallel to and above the ground plane on the surface of the substrate, and at least one second antenna on a substrate, which are connected in series with each other, wherein the flat antenna has a main lobe extending substantially vertically upwards and the second antenna has a main lobe extending substantially in the horizontal plane.

[0008] EP 1 596 469 A1 discloses an antenna device having at least a first antenna, a flat antenna on the surface of a substrate, and at least one second antenna on the substrate, which are fed separately, wherein the flat antenna has a main lobe which extends substantially vertically upwards and the second antenna has a main lobe which extends substantially in the horizontal plane, and wherein on the second substrate side, opposite the two antennas, a metallization is arranged at least in sections.

[0009] EP 1 845 586 A1 discloses an antenna device having at least a first antenna, a flat antenna on the surface of the substrate, and at least one second antenna on a substrate, which are galvanically connected to one another at a common signal feed section, wherein the flat antenna has a main lobe which extends substantially vertically upwards and the second antenna has a main lobe which extends substantially in the horizontal plane, wherein a metallization is arranged at least in sections on the second substrate side.

[0010] DE 201 06 005 U1 discloses an antenna device having at least one first antenna, a flat antenna parallel to and above the ground plane on the surface of the substrate, and at least one second antenna, which are galvanically connected to one another at a common signal feed section, wherein the flat antenna has a main lobe which extends substantially vertically upwards and the second antenna has a main lobe which extends substantially in the horizontal plane.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to improve antenna devices so that they have the most advantageous radiation characteristics possible while at the same time being of simple construction.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the invention by an antenna device having the features of claim 1.

[0013] The antenna device according to the invention (Ndip antenna) has a substrate with a first main side and a second main side opposite the first main side, wherein metallization is arranged at least in sections on the second main side of the substrate. At least one first antenna in the form of a planar antenna is arranged on the first main side of the substrate. A planar antenna is an antenna whose length and width are significantly greater than its thickness. Planar antennas thus extend primarily in one plane, i.e. in at least two different spatial directions, e.g. in an x-direction and a y-direction. Planar antennas can include, for example, patch antennas, panel antennas and microstrip antennas. Planar antennas are generally arranged flatly on a substrate.They can also have a directional radiation characteristic, wherein the preferred direction of the radiation is generally directed vertically away from the surface of the planar antenna. In the antenna device according to the invention, at least one second antenna is additionally arranged on the first main side of the substrate. This second antenna can be a three-dimensional antenna which extends primarily three-dimensionally in space, i.e., in comparison to the planar antenna, in at least one further spatial direction, for example in a z-direction. The second antenna therefore extends in at least one of the two spatial directions (e.g. x-direction and / or y-direction) which span the extension plane (e.g. xy-plane) of the planar antenna and additionally in a further spatial direction different therefrom (e.g. z-direction).One can therefore say that the flat antenna extends in a plane parallel to one of the two main sides of the substrate, while the second antenna is at least partially spaced from the first main side of the substrate. According to the invention, the second antenna and the flat antenna are galvanically connected to one another. The two antennas have a common signal feed section. Both antennas are fed with the same signal. The advantage of this invention is that the radiation characteristic of the flat antenna can be advantageously combined with the radiation characteristic of the second antenna. The flat antenna preferably radiates in a vertical direction (with respect to the substrate plane), while the second antenna preferably radiates in a horizontal direction (with respect to the substrate plane).According to the invention, the two antennas are combined in such a way that the radiation coupling between the two antennas is lowest where they exhibit their extreme field strength values. For example, one of the two antennas exhibits a current maximum where the other of the two antennas exhibits a current minimum. This results in minimal radiation coupling between the two antennas. Therefore, constructive interference rather than destructive interference occurs. Such a suitable combination can be influenced, for example, by skillfully selecting the geometric lengths of the two antennas.

[0014] Conceivable further embodiments of the invention described here are defined in the dependent claims.

[0015] Some exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained below. They show: Fig. 1A a perspective view of a known patch antenna from the prior art, Fig. 1B a directional characteristic of the patch antenna from Figure 1A , Fig. 1C a top view of a flat spread three-dimensional antenna from the prior art, Fig. 1D perspective view of the assembled three-dimensional antenna from Figure 1C , Fig. 2A a perspective view of an inventive Ndip antenna according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2B a top view of the Ndip antenna from Figure 2A, Fig. 2C a side view of an inventive Ndip antenna with capacitive coupling between the three-dimensional antenna and the backside metallization, Fig. 2D a side view of an inventive Ndip antenna with galvanic coupling between the three-dimensional antenna and the backside metallization by means of a through-plating (Via), Fig. 3 a diagram showing the current density distribution of a three-dimensional antenna and a flat antenna, both of which are components of the inventive Ndip antenna, Fig. 4A a flat antenna and the associated antenna diagram, Fig. 4B a three-dimensional antenna and the associated antenna diagram, Fig. 4C an inventive Ndip antenna and the associated antenna diagram, Fig. 4D an overview of the antenna diagrams of a three-dimensional antenna, a flat antenna and an inventive Ndip antenna, Fig. 5A a plan view of a Ndip antenna according to the invention according to an embodiment, Fig.5B shows a plan view of an inventive Ndip antenna according to a further exemplary embodiment, Fig. 5C shows a plan view of an antenna not belonging to the invention according to an example, Fig. 5D shows a plan view of an inventive Ndip antenna according to a further exemplary embodiment, Fig. 6 shows a plan view of an inventive Ndip antenna according to a further exemplary embodiment, Fig. 7 shows a plan view of an inventive antenna array with two inventive Ndip antennas, Fig. 8A shows a plan view of an inventive antenna array with n inventive Ndip antennas, Fig. 8B shows a perspective view of an inventive antenna array with three inventive Ndip antennas on a common substrate, Fig. 9A shows a schematic side sectional view of an antenna device according to an exemplary embodiment, which comprises a housing, and Fig.9B is a schematic side sectional view of an antenna device according to a further embodiment, in which the housing is formed as a structure that focuses or scatters a radio signal.

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the figures, wherein elements with the same or similar functions are provided with the same reference numerals. The antenna device 10 according to the invention is also referred to below as an Ndip antenna in reference to the inventor, Dr. Ivan Ndip.

[0017] The Figure 2A and 2B show an inventive Ndip antenna 10 according to a first embodiment. The Ndip antenna 10 has a substrate 11 with a first main side 11A and a second main side 11B opposite the first main side 11A.

[0018] On the second main side 11B of the substrate 11, a metallization 12 is arranged at least in sections.

[0019] On the first main side 11A of the substrate 11, at least one first antenna 14 in the form of a flat antenna 14 and at least one second antenna 13 are arranged. The flat antenna 14 can be, for example, a patch antenna. The second antenna 13 can be a three-dimensional antenna 13, for example, a ribbon bond antenna. In the Figure 2A and 2B In the illustrated embodiment, the second antenna 13 is a thin wire, e.g. a bonding wire.

[0020] The flat antenna 14 extends in a plane 15 parallel to one of the two main sides 11A, 11B of the substrate 11. This means that the flat antenna 14 is arranged flat on the surface of the first main side 11A of the substrate 11. In other words, the substrate 11 and the flat antenna 14 arranged thereon extend in an XY plane with respect to the drawn-in coordinate system, wherein the flat antenna 14 can preferably be arranged along the entire first main side 11A of the substrate 11.

[0021] The second antenna 13, however, is at least partially spaced from the first main side 11A of the substrate 11. This means that the second antenna 13 extends from a first point 13A on the surface of the first main side 11A of the substrate 11 to a second point 13B on the surface of the first main side 11A of the substrate 11 and is spaced between these two points 13A, 13B from the surface of the first main side 11A of the substrate 11. The second antenna 13 is spaced vertically, or in a Z direction with respect to the drawn coordinate system, from the flat antenna 14 or from the surface of the first main side 11A of the substrate 11.

[0022] The second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14 are arranged symmetrically along a common straight line 51. The common straight line 51 runs parallel to the second antenna 13 and, in particular, the second antenna 13 lies exactly on this common straight line 51. The common straight line 51 also runs centrally through the flat antenna 14.

[0023] The second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14 are galvanically connected to each other. In the Figure 2A and 2B In the embodiment shown, the second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14 have a common signal feed section 16 according to the invention. According to the invention, the second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14 are galvanically connected to one another at this signal feed section 16.

[0024] A signal is fed into the common signal feed section 16, so that the same signal is present at both the flat antenna 14 and the second antenna 13. In this configuration, the flat antenna 14 and the second antenna 13 are connected in parallel.

[0025] Alternative embodiments of the invention provide that the two antennas 13, 14 are coupled in series. Corresponding embodiments will be described later with reference to the Figures 5A and 5B be explained in more detail.

[0026] First, however, the description of the invention will continue with reference to the Figure 2A and 2B take place.

[0027] As can be seen, a first fastening region 17 is arranged on the first main side 11A of the substrate 11. The second antenna 13 has a first attachment section 13A, with which the second antenna 13 is galvanically connected to the first fastening region 17. The attachment region 17 can be a bond pad, for example. The first attachment section 13A of the second antenna 13 is mechanically attached to this attachment region 17.

[0028] The second antenna 13 also has a second attachment section 13B, which galvanically and mechanically connects the second antenna 13 to the common signal feed section 16. Alternatively, the second attachment section 13B can also serve to galvanically and mechanically connect the second antenna 13 to the flat antenna 14, as shown, for example, in Figure 5C shown.

[0029] In the Figure 2A and 2BIn the illustrated embodiment, the first and second attachment sections 13A, 13B of the second antenna 13 are the respective ends or tips of the bonding wire 13. The bonding wire 13 is therefore arranged with its two wire ends or wire tips 13A, 13B on the flat antenna 14 and on the fastening area 17.

[0030] The first fastening region 17 is arranged opposite the common signal feed section 16 with respect to the flat antenna 14, wherein the second antenna 13 extends at least partially over the flat antenna 14 between the common signal feed section 16 and the first fastening region 17 and is spaced from the flat antenna 14 in a Z direction, ie orthogonal to the substrate plane (= XY plane).

[0031] One can therefore say that the second antenna 13 extends at a distance from the flat antenna 14 across the entire flat antenna 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the second antenna 13 is stretched in an arc shape across the flat antenna 14.

[0032] The flat antenna 14 has a geometric length L which is Figure 2A and 2B is identified by the reference numeral 21. Orthogonal to the current flow direction or to a main extension direction 21 of the flat antenna 14, various positions 22, 23, 24 are shown, at which the geometric length L of the flat antenna is indicated as a function of the wavelength λ of the fed-in signal.

[0033] For example, the straight line 22 marks a position L 1 at which the geometric length of the flat antenna 14 is equal to zero (L 1 =0). The straight line 23 marks a position L 2 at which the geometric length of the flat antenna 14 corresponds to a wavelength of L 2 = λ 4 The straight line 24 marks a position L 3 at which the geometric length of the flat antenna 14 corresponds to a wavelength of L 3 = λ 2 corresponds.

[0034] As particularly in Figure 2A As can be seen, the second antenna 13 has, approximately in the middle, a first vertical spacing 26, i.e., directed orthogonally to the substrate plane 15, from the first main side 11A of the substrate 11. Since the second antenna 13, as mentioned above, is stretched in an arc over the flat antenna 14, the second antenna 13 has a second vertical spacing 25 and a third vertical spacing 27 to the left and right of its middle.

[0035] More specifically, the second antenna 13 has a position corresponding to a geometric length L 2 = λ 4 of the flat antenna 14, a first spacing 26 directed orthogonally to the substrate plane from the flat antenna 14. Furthermore, the second antenna 13 has at a position corresponding to a geometric length L 1 = 0 or L 3 = λ 2 corresponds to the flat antenna 14, a second or third spacing 25, 27 directed orthogonally to the substrate plane from the flat antenna 14, wherein the amount of the first spacing 26 is greater than the amount of the second or third spacing 25, 27.

[0036] The second antenna 13 has a total length of L 3 D = λ 2 , ie the second antenna 13 is a λ / 2 radiator in this embodiment. The second antenna 13 thus has approximately in the middle 28 of its total length L 3 D = λ 2 a geometric length L 4 = λ 4 on.

[0037] As in the Figure 2A and 2BAs can be seen, the center 28 of the second antenna 13, ie the point 28 at which the second antenna 13 has a geometric length L 4 = λ 4 the point at which the flat antenna 14 has a geometric length of L 2 = λ 4 This means that the second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14 are aligned to each other in such a way that they are located opposite each other exactly where both antennas 13, 14 each have a geometric length of L 2 = L 4 = λ 4 Furthermore, the second antenna 13 can have the greatest vertical spacing 26 from the flat antenna 14 at precisely this location.

[0038] In general, in the Ndip antenna 10 according to the invention, at least the flat antenna 14 or at least the second antenna 13 can be galvanically or capacitively coupled to the metallization 12 on the second main side 11B of the substrate 11.

[0039] In other words, either the flat antenna 14 or the second antenna 13 can be coupled to the metallization 12, or both the flat antenna 14 and the second antenna 13 can be coupled to the metallization 12.

[0040] The coupling can be, for example, a capacitive coupling, as in Figure 2C In this case, the respective antenna 13, 14 could be capacitively coupled to the metallization 12 on the second main side 11B of the substrate 11 due to the displacement current density 29 passing through the dielectric substrate 11. The capacitive coupling or the quality of the capacitive coupling depends on the frequency of the input signal.

[0041] The coupling can also be, for example, a galvanic coupling, as in Figure 2DIn this case, the respective antenna 13, 14 could be galvanically coupled to the metallization 12, for example by means of a through-contact 30 extending through the substrate 11, a so-called via 30.

[0042] In the Figure 2A and 2B In the embodiment shown, the fastening region 17 is capacitively coupled to the metallization 12.

[0043] If the second antenna 13 is galvanically connected to the fastening area 17, the second antenna 13 is thus also electrically coupled to the metallization 12.

[0044] The metallization 12 can serve as a reflector. However, the metallization 12 can also serve as a current-carrying return line. Figure 3shows an approximate schematic representation of the current flow or the current density distribution along an antenna 13, 14 over its geometric length L as a function of the wavelength λ of a common radio signal. The diagram represents the signal flow at the two Figure 2A shown antennas 13, 14, whereby both antennas 13, 14 are fed with the same signal.

[0045] Curve 31 represents an approximate current profile in the second antenna 13. Curve 32 represents an approximate current profile in the flat antenna 14.

[0046] Since the second antenna 13 is short-circuited or terminated, its current flow 31 is proportional to the magnitude of the cosine function cos 2 πL 3 D λ , where L 3D is the geometric length of the second antenna 13 plotted on the x-axis as a function of the wavelength λ.

[0047] Since the flat antenna 14 is not terminated, its current curve 32 is proportional to the magnitude of the sine function sin 2 πL FLAT λ , where L FLAT is the geometric length of the second antenna 13 plotted on the x-axis as a function of the wavelength λ.

[0048] As in the Figure 3 As can be seen in the diagram, curve 31 has a current maximum at the point L=0. Curve 32, however, has a current maximum at this point

[0049] L=0 a current minimum occurs. At the point L = λ 4 this relationship is reversed, ie curve 31 has a current minimum, while curve 32 has a current maximum. At the point L = λ 2 This relationship is reversed again, meaning that curve 31 exhibits a current maximum, while curve 32 exhibits a current minimum. This results in constructive interference.

[0050] In somewhat more general terms, one can say that the flat antenna 14 and the second antenna 13 each have a geometric length L 3D , L FLAT , at which, when the flat antenna 14 and the second antenna 13 are fed with the same signal, a current density distribution in the form of a standing wave 32 is established along the geometric length L FLAT of the flat antenna 14, which current density distribution has a phase offset 33 compared to a current density distribution in the form of a standing wave 31 established in the second antenna 13 along the geometric length L 3D of the second antenna 13, wherein the amount of the phase offset |Δ φ | = 90° ±20%, or |Δ φ | = 90° ±10%, and preferably 90°.

[0051] To ensure that the radiation pattern of the inventive Ndip antenna 10 represents a true hybrid of the two individual antennas 13, 14, the second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14 are combined in such a way that coupling between the two antennas 13, 14 is minimal at those points where they each have their maximum field strength values. This then results in constructive interference, as in Figure 3 is shown.

[0052] For example, the Figure 2A The second antenna 13 shown and the flat antenna 14 may be two resonant antennas. That is, the flat antenna 14 is tuned to a first resonant frequency, and the second antenna 13 is tuned to a second resonant frequency. The two resonant frequencies are preferably the same.

[0053] However, the two resonant frequencies can also have a certain tolerance range, meaning the first and second resonant frequencies can differ slightly from each other. According to one embodiment of the Ndip antenna, the first and second resonant frequencies differ by less than 5%. The smaller the deviation, the higher the antenna gain achievable with the Ndip antenna.

[0054] According to another embodiment, the first and second resonant frequencies differ from each other by 5% or more. According to one conceivable embodiment, the first and second resonant frequencies simultaneously differ from each other by less than 30%. This allows the N-DIP antenna to be broadband, i.e., the greater the deviation between the first and second resonant frequencies, the wider the achievable broadband spectrum. A multiband N-DIP antenna, so to speak, can be realized.

[0055] The two antennas 13, 14 are combined with each other according to the previous description in such a way that their mutual coupling at L=0, at L = λ 4 and at L = λ 2 is minimal.

[0056] If the aforementioned criteria are met when combining the flat antenna 14 with the second antenna 13, the respective radiation characteristics of these two antennas 13, 14 can be optimally combined. Furthermore, no complex circuits or phase shifters are required to further adjust the phase position of the two antenna signals 31, 32.

[0057] The two antennas 13, 14 therefore influence each other as little as possible, so that the Figure 3 shown signal curve with a phase shift of 90°, or in other words, when the radiation coupling of the two antennas 13, 14 is minimal where one of the two antennas 13, 14 has its power maximum.

[0058] According to embodiments of the invention, the second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14 are designed such that both the geometric length L FLAT of the flat antenna 14 and the geometric length L 3D of the second antenna 13 each correspond to an integer multiple of λ 4 corresponds.

[0059] In this case, the two antennas 13, 14 influence each other as little as possible if the radiation coupling at the points L=0, at L = λ 4 and at L = λ 2 is minimal.

[0060] If this criterion underlying the invention is observed, the combination of the radiation characteristics of both antennas 13, 14 to form an overall radiation characteristic of the Ndip antenna 10 according to the invention is particularly advantageous.

[0061] To illustrate this, we will refer to the Figure 4A , 4B , 4C and 4D reference is made to the radiation characteristics shown.

[0062] Figure 4A shows a patch antenna 14 arranged on a substrate 11. The adjacent diagram shows the radiation characteristic of this patch antenna 14. Here, it can be seen that the main lobe 41 extends essentially vertically upwards, ie away from the substrate 11.

[0063] Figure 4B shows a three-dimensional bond wire antenna 13 arranged on a substrate 11. The adjacent diagram shows the radiation characteristic of this bond wire antenna 13. Here, it can be seen that two approximately kidney-shaped main lobes 42, 43 propagate essentially in the horizontal plane, ie, along the substrate plane.

[0064] Figure 4C shows one, as previously with reference to Figure 2A described Ndip antenna 10 according to the invention with a flat antenna 14 and a second antenna 13. The radiation characteristic of the Ndip antenna 10 is shown in the diagram shown next to it.

[0065] Figure 4D For visual comparison, the previously mentioned radiation characteristics are shown in a single diagram. Curve 44 represents the radiation characteristic of the flat antenna 14, curve 45 represents the radiation characteristic of the second antenna 13, and curve 46 represents the radiation characteristic of the inventive Ndip antenna 10.

[0066] Curve 44 shows the radiation characteristic of a flat antenna 14. The previously mentioned main lobe can be seen, which extends preferably in the vertical direction.

[0067] Curve 45 shows the radiation characteristic of a second antenna 13. The previously mentioned kidney-shaped main lobe can be seen, which preferably propagates horizontally along the substrate plane.

[0068] Curve 46 shows the radiation pattern of the inventive Ndip antenna 10. It can be seen that radiation occurs both vertically and horizontally along the substrate plane. The inventive Ndip antenna 10 thus achieves a radiation pattern that is significantly superior to the radiation patterns of the individual antennas 13, 14, specifically such that the two antennas 13, 14 influence each other as little as possible, and the signals from the two antennas 13, 14 overlap as constructively as possible.

[0069] In addition to the Figure 4C and with reference to Figure 2A In addition to the previously described embodiments, further embodiments of the Ndip antenna 10 according to the invention are conceivable. These further embodiments will be described below with reference to the Figures 5A to 5D be described, whereby the Figures 5A, 5B and 5Cshow a series connection of the second antenna 13 with the flat antenna 14.

[0070] Figure 5A shows an Ndip antenna 10 with a flat antenna 14 arranged on a substrate 11 and a second antenna 13 arranged on the substrate 11. According to the invention, the two antennas 13, 14 are connected to one another at a common signal feed section 16. A first end 13A or a first attachment section 13A of the second antenna 13 is arranged on a first fastening region 17 arranged on the substrate 11, and an opposite second end 13B or a second attachment section 13B of the second antenna 13 is arranged on the common signal feed section 16.

[0071] The first attachment portion 13A of the second antenna 13 can be mechanically, and optionally galvanically, coupled to the first mounting area 17. The second attachment portion 13B of the second antenna 13 can be mechanically, and optionally galvanically, coupled to the common signal feed portion 16.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the first attachment region 17 is arranged opposite the flat antenna 14 with respect to the signal feed section 16, so that the signal feed section 16 is spatially arranged between the first attachment region 17 and the flat antenna 14, wherein the first attachment region 17, the signal feed section 16 and the flat antenna 14 are all arranged along a common straight line 51.

[0073] Figure 5B shows a further embodiment. This embodiment differs from the one previously described with reference to Figure 5Adescribed embodiment in that the first fastening area 17 is arranged offset by 90°.

[0074] In the Figure 5B In the illustrated embodiment, the flat antenna 14 and the common signal feed section 16 are arranged along a first common straight line 52, and the first fastening region 17 and the common signal feed section 16 are arranged along a second common straight line 53, wherein the first common straight line 52 and the second common straight line 53 are orthogonal to one another.

[0075] In principle, the second fastening region 17 or the first attachment section 13A of the second antenna 13, which is not arranged on the common signal feed section 16, can be arranged at any location, ie 360° around the flat antenna 14, on the substrate 11.

[0076] Figure 5Cshows an example not belonging to the invention with a flat antenna 14 arranged on a substrate 11 and a second antenna 13 arranged on the substrate 11. One difference from the previously mentioned embodiments is that a first end 13A or a first attachment section 13A of the second antenna 13 is still arranged on the fastening area 17. The second end 13B or the second attachment section 13B, however, is arranged on the flat antenna 14 and can be mechanically and optionally galvanically coupled to the flat antenna 14.

[0077] According to this embodiment, a first attachment portion 13A of the second antenna 13 is arranged on the substrate 11, or the first attachment region 17, and a second attachment portion 13B of the second antenna 13 is arranged on the flat antenna 14.

[0078] The first attachment portion 13A of the second antenna 13 can be mechanically, and optionally galvanically, coupled to the first mounting area 17. The second attachment portion 13B of the second antenna 13 can be mechanically, and optionally galvanically, coupled to the flat antenna 14.

[0079] In principle, the second fastening region 17 or the first attachment section 13A of the second antenna 13, which is not coupled to the flat antenna 14, can be arranged at any location on the substrate 11, ie 360° around the flat antenna 14.

[0080] Figure 5Dshows a further embodiment with a flat antenna 14 arranged on a substrate 11 and a second antenna 13 arranged on the substrate 11. A difference from the previously mentioned embodiments is that a first end 13A or a first attachment section 13A of the second antenna 13 is arranged on the flat antenna 14, while the second end 13B or the second attachment section 13B of the second antenna 13 is arranged on the common signal feed section 16.

[0081] The first mounting portion 13A of the second antenna 13 can be mechanically, and optionally galvanically, coupled to the flat antenna 14. The second mounting portion 13B of the second antenna 13 can be mechanically, and optionally galvanically, coupled to the common signal feed portion 16.

[0082] According to embodiments of the present invention, the second antenna 13 may be a bond wire antenna comprising at least one bond wire 13. Alternatively, the second antenna 13 may be a ribbon bond antenna comprising at least one conductor ribbon or ribbon.

[0083] Alternative embodiments provide for the second antenna 13 to be a bond wire antenna comprising at least two bond wires 13, or for the second antenna 13 to be a ribbon bond antenna comprising at least two ribbons. This can improve the performance of the Ndip antenna 10.

[0084] The at least two or more bonding wires or ribbons can either be of equal length or they can have different lengths from one another. The at least two bonding wires or ribbons can each be arranged at the same locations, for example, on the common signal feed section 16 and on the first fastening region 17. In this case, it is a second antenna 13 that has multiple bonding wires or ribbons.

[0085] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of an Ndip antenna 10 according to the invention. The Ndip antenna 10 here has, in addition to the previously mentioned second antenna 13, at least one further second antenna 13', 13", 13‴, which can also be designed as three-dimensional antennas. Each of these further three-dimensional antennas 13', 13", 13‴ can, as previously described, in turn have two or more bonding wires or ribbons.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the Ndip antenna 10 here comprises a further second antenna 13' and a second mounting region 17' arranged on the first main side 11A of the substrate 11. The first mounting region 17 and the second mounting region 17' can be galvanically isolated from one another. A first attachment section 13A' of the further second antenna 13' is arranged on the second mounting region 17'.

[0087] A second mounting portion 13B' of another second antenna 13' is arranged on the common signal feed portion 16.

[0088] Optionally, a further second or yet another (third) second antenna can be arranged on the first fastening area 17 and the second fastening area 17'. This is illustrated in the form of the optional (third) second antenna 13" shown in dashed lines. Here, a first attachment section 13A" is arranged on the second fastening area 17', and a second attachment section 13B" is arranged on the first fastening area 17.

[0089] Optionally, the second or yet another additional (fourth) three-dimensional antenna can be arranged on the first fastening region 17 and on the flat antenna 14. This is illustrated in the form of the optional yet another additional (fourth) second antenna 13‴ shown in dashed lines. Here, a first attachment section 13A‴ is arranged on the second fastening region 17', and a second attachment section 13B‴ is arranged on the flat antenna 14.

[0090] Such a further second antenna 13', 13", 13‴ can generally be connected to any of the Figures 5A, 5B and 5D can be combined with the illustrated embodiments.

[0091] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment with an antenna array 100 according to the invention. The antenna array 100 has an Ndip antenna 10 as previously described with reference to the Figures 2A to 6described. That is, the antenna array 100 comprises an Ndip antenna 10 with a flat antenna 14 arranged on a substrate 11 and a second antenna 13 arranged on the substrate 11.

[0092] In addition, the antenna array 100 has a second antenna device 70 arranged on the same substrate 11. The second antenna device 70 corresponds in structure and with regard to its possible configurations to the previously described Ndip antenna 10.

[0093] The second antenna device 70 thus also has a second flat antenna 74 arranged on the first main side 11A of the substrate 11 and at least one further second three-dimensional antenna 73.

[0094] The second flat antenna 74 extends in a plane parallel to one of the two main sides 11A, 11B of the substrate 11, and the at least one further second antenna 73 is at least partially spaced from the first main side 11A of the substrate 11.

[0095] Similarly to the first Ndip antenna 10, in the second antenna device 70, the at least one further second antenna 73 and the second planar antenna 74 are galvanically connected to one another. According to a first exemplary embodiment, the at least one further second antenna 73 and the second planar antenna 74 have a common signal feed section 76. According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the at least one further second antenna 73 and the second planar antenna 74 are serially coupled.

[0096] As previously mentioned, the second antenna device 70 may also have the same embodiments as previously described with reference to the Figures 2 to 6were described.

[0097] Figure 8A shows a further embodiment of an antenna array 100 according to the invention. Figure 8A is intended to illustrate that any number of n Ndip antennas 10 can be provided on the common substrate 11, which together form an antenna array 100 according to the invention.

[0098] So in Figure 8B An antenna array 100 according to the invention with three Ndip antennas 10, 70, 80 is shown as an example, which are all arranged together on a substrate 11. All the features and functions previously mentioned with reference to a single Ndip antenna 10 also apply to the same extent to each of the Figure 8B Ndip antennas 10, 70, 80 shown.

[0099] Each of the previously described antenna devices 10 according to the invention, also referred to as an Ndip antenna, can be designed as a reconfigurable and / or controllable antenna device. Such an Ndip antenna 10 has a means for controlling the phase and / or amplitude of the second antenna 13 and / or the planar antenna 14. Such a means can, for example, be a switch configured to switch the signal applied to the second antenna 13 and / or the planar antenna 14 such that the amplitude and / or phase of this signal is controllable. Alternatively or additionally, the second antenna 13 and / or the planar antenna 14 can be reconfigurable so that the zero crossing of the applied signal can be redetermined.

[0100] Figure 9Ashows a schematic side sectional view of an antenna device 90 according to an embodiment. The antenna device 90 comprises a housing 34 in the interior of which an antenna device is arranged, for example the Ndip antenna 10. The housing 34 is formed, at least in regions, comprising a dielectric or electrically insulating material in order to enable the radio signal to exit the housing 34. For example, the housing 34 can comprise a plastic material or a glass material. Plastic material can be arranged during dicing and encapsulation of the Ndip antenna 10 from a wafer. Alternatively or additionally, one or more antenna arrays 100 according to embodiments described herein can be arranged inside the housing 34.An internal volume 36 of the housing 34 may be at least partially filled with a gas, such as air or a material having a low dielectric constant or resulting in low power loss.

[0101] The housing 34 includes a terminal 38 connected to the NDIP antenna 10. The terminal 38 is configured to be connected to a signal output of a radio-frequency chip. This means that, for example, a radio-frequency signal can be received via the terminal 38, which can be converted into a radio signal by the NDIP antenna 10. The housing 34 can have a further terminal connected to the metallization 12. Alternatively, the metallization 12 can also form an outer wall of the housing 34 to easily enable contacting of the metallization 12 with other components. The terminal 38 can be connected to the electrically conductive structure, which is embodied, for example, as a via. The terminal 38 can serve to provide a vertical connection to the NDIP antenna 10 in order to excite the NDIP antenna 10, for example, by means of a probe feed.Thus, the terminal 38 can provide contact to the environment of the antenna device 90.

[0102] Figure 9B shows a schematic side sectional view of an antenna device 90' according to an embodiment, in which the housing 34 is in comparison to Figure 9A is designed as a structure configured to influence a radiation characteristic of the radio signal 26. Such a structure can be referred to, for example, as a lens. For example, the structure of the housing 34 can be configured to focus the radio signal of the Ndip antenna. For example, the interior 36 of the housing 34 can be at least partially filled with a dielectric material, and an outer shape of the housing 34 can have a concave or convex shape in order to achieve a scattering or focusing function of the lens.

[0103] The invention will be briefly summarized below in other words.

[0104] The present invention relates to a novel Ndip antenna 10 having the features of claim 1. This Ndip antenna 10 solves the disadvantages and problems of the prior art mentioned above, which result from many technical limitations in known antennas.

[0105] The Ndip antenna 10 according to the invention can be referred to as a hybrid antenna, which can be achieved by combining one or more second antennas 13, 13', 13", 13‴ (e.g., bonded wire antennas, ribbon bond antennas, etc.) with one or more planar antennas 14, 74 (e.g., patch, monopole, dipole, etc.) in order to achieve a desired performance that cannot be achieved with a single three-dimensional or planar antenna.

[0106] To ensure that the radiation pattern of the inventive Ndip antenna 10 represents a true hybrid of the two individual antennas 13, 14, the second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14 are combined in such a way that radiation coupling between the two antennas 13, 14 is minimal at those points where they each exhibit their maximum field strength values. This then results in constructive interference.

[0107] For example, the Figure 2 The Ndip antenna 10 shown has two resonant antennas, e.g. a patch 14 and a bond wire antenna 13. These two antennas 13, 14 are combined in such a way that the radiation coupling at the points L=0, L=λ / 4 and L=λ / 2 is minimal, where L is the geometric length of the respective antenna 13, 14 and λ is the wavelength of the jointly fed signal.

[0108] So, for example, if the Figure 2When the Ndip antenna 10 shown is excited at the common signal feed section 16, a standing wave is generated at the flat antenna 14 and at the second antenna 13. The current distribution on the patch 14 is proportional to sin 2 πL λ , because the patch 14 has an open end, ie the patch antenna 14 is not terminated. At the second antenna 13, a current distribution is established which is proportional to cos 2 πL λ because the end of the second antenna 13 is terminated or short-circuited.

[0109] Therefore, the maximum value of the current on the second antenna 13 is approximately where the minimum value of the current of the patch antenna 14 is, as in Figure 3 For this reason, the Ndip antenna 10 according to the invention radiates very well both in the horizontal (azimuthal) plane and in the vertical (elevation) plane, as shown in Figure 4C is shown.

[0110] The starting and end points of the second antenna 13 (e.g., wire ends or wire tips) can, for example, be located on the common signal feed section 16 and the first mounting area 17. However, at least one of the two end points can also be arranged arbitrarily, 360° around the flat antenna 14, on the substrate 11.

[0111] A variety of wires, ribbons, etc. can also be used. In this case (see Figure 6 ), for example, a wire 13 or ribbon 13, etc. could be arranged on the common signal feed section 16 and the first fastening region 17, while another wire or ribbon 13', 13", 13‴ is arranged at other locations on the substrate 11, the flat antenna 14, the first and / or a second fastening region 17, 17' and / or the common signal feed section 16.

[0112] The number and position of the second antenna 13 can be varied to change the radiation pattern of the Ndip antenna 10. This radiation pattern can also be adjustable, e.g., depending on whether the flat antenna 14 is arranged at the beginning or end of the second antenna 13.

[0113] Two or more Ndip antennas 10, 70, which may be arranged on a common substrate 11, may also be combined to form an antenna array 100.

[0114] The inventive Ndip antenna 10 can also be designed to have a very high bandwidth compared to conventional antennas. To achieve this, the second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14 can be optimized such that their resonant frequencies overlap. The resulting bandwidth will thus be significantly larger than that of conventional antennas.

[0115] The inventive Ndip antenna 10 can also be designed as a multiband antenna. To achieve this, the second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14 can be optimized for different resonant frequencies or multiples of the fundamental resonant frequency. Thus, multiple transmission bands can be achieved.

[0116] Since at least one of the two antennas 13, 14 of the inventive Ndip antenna 10 is always vertically spaced or "suspended" from the dielectric substrate 11, most of the losses associated with dielectrics (e.g., losses due to surface waves, dielectric conductivity, and loss factor) are minimized. For this reason, a significantly higher radiation efficiency can be achieved with the inventive Ndip antenna 10.

[0117] For example, in order to maintain ambient air as a dielectric surrounding the second antenna 13, a cover, e.g., a glass lid, may be provided to cover the inventive Ndip antenna 10. This cover may, for example, be arranged on the first main side 11A of the substrate 11 to cover at least the second antenna 13.

[0118] The Ndip antenna 10 can be fed in different ways. For example, a planar feed (e.g., microstrip line, coplanar feed) can be used for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, the common signal feed section 16 can be connected to a microstrip line to receive an electrical signal. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical signal can be fed by means of electromagnetic coupling, such as an aperture feed or a proximity feed, and / or by vertical contacting, such as using a via.

[0119] A reconfigurable Ndip antenna 10 can be realized, for example, by placing a switch between the second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14. For example, if a switch is placed on the common signal feed section 16 ( Figure 2 ), the current flow to the second antenna 13 and to the flat antenna 14 can be controlled. By controlling the current flow of the individual antennas 13, 14, the radiation pattern of the Ndip antenna 10 can also be controlled.

[0120] The second antenna 13 and the flat antenna 14 can be connected in parallel or in series.

[0121] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the following claims and not by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

Claims

1. Antenna device (10) comprising a substrate (11) comprising a first upper main side (11A) and a second lower main side (11B) located opposite the first upper main side (11A), wherein at least one first antenna (14) and at least one second antenna (13) are arranged on the first main side (11A) of the substrate (11), wherein a metallization (12) is arranged, at least in portions, on the second main side (11B) of the substrate (11), opposite the two antennas (13, 14), wherein the first antenna (14) is a flat antenna extending, within a plane (15), in parallel with one of the two main sides (11A, 11B) of the substrate (11), and wherein the flat antenna (14) is arranged flat on the surface of the first main side (11A) of the substrate (11), wherein the second antenna (13), compared to the flat antenna (14), extends in at least one further spatial direction and is spaced apart, at least in portions, from the first main side (11A) of the substrate (11), and wherein the second antenna (13) and the flat antenna (14) are galvanically connected to each other at a shared signal feeding portion (16), wherein the flat antenna (14) comprises a main lobe (41) substantially extending vertically upward, that is, away from the substrate (11), whereby the flat antenna (14) is configured for radiating in a vertical direction with respect to the substrate plane, and wherein the second antenna (13) comprises a main lobe substantially propagating in a horizontal plane, that is, along the substrate plane, whereby the second antenna (13) is configured for radiating in a horizontal direction with respect to the substrate plane.

2. Antenna device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flat antenna (14) and the second antenna (13) are combined such that a radiation coupling between the two antennas (13, 14) is minimal at the points at which they each have their maximum field strength values.

3. Antenna device (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second antenna (13) extends from a first point (13A) on the surface of the first main side (11A) of the substrate (11) to a second point (13B) on the surface of the first main side (11A) of the substrate (11) and is spaced apart between these two points (13A, 13B) from the surface of the first main side (11A) of the substrate (11).

4. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second antenna (13) is suspended vertically spaced apart from the substrate (11).

5. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second antenna (13) runs across the entire flat antenna 14 spaced apart from the flat antenna (14).

6. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second antenna (13) is spanned in an arcuate manner across the flat antenna (14).

7. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flat antenna (14) comprises an expansion parallel to the substrate plane (15), wherein the flat antenna (14) comprises a geometric length LFLAT which is measured along a direction parallel to its expansion, and wherein the second antenna (13) comprises a geometric length L3D which is measured along a direction parallel to the expansion of the flat antenna (14) as well as along a direction orthogonal to the expansion of the flat antenna (14), wherein, when the flat antenna (14) and the second antenna (13) are fed with the same signal, a current density distribution in the form of a standing wave occurs along the geometric length LFLAT of the flat antenna (14), said current density distribution comprising a phase offset (Δφ) in relation to a current density distribution which occurs within the second antenna (13) in the form of a standing wave along the geometric length L3D of the second antenna (13), the phase offset amounting to 90° ± 20%, or 90° ± 10%, and preferably 90°.

8. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the flat antenna (14) and the second antenna (13) are short-circuited with each other, wherein a current density distribution proportional to sin 2 π ⋅ L λ occurs at the flat antenna (14), and wherein a current density distribution proportional to cos 2 π ⋅ L λ occurs at the second antenna (13), wherein L is a geometric length of the respective antenna (13, 14) seen in a current flow direction and λ is the wavelength of the fed-in signal.

9. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat antenna (14) comprises an expansion parallel to the substrate plane (15), wherein the flat antenna (14) comprises a geometric length LFLAT which is measured along a direction parallel to its expansion, and wherein the second antenna (13) comprises a geometric length L3D which is measured along a direction parallel to the expansion of the flat antenna (14) as well as along a direction orthogonal to the expansion of the flat antenna (14), wherein both the geometric length LFLAT of the flat antenna (14) and the geometric length L3D of the second antenna (13) each correspond to an integer multiple of λ / 4, wherein λ is the wavelength of the fed-in signal.

10. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat antenna (14) and the second antenna (13) each are resonant antennas, wherein the flat antenna (14) is tuned to a first resonant frequency and the second antenna (13) is tuned to a second resonant frequency, the first and second resonant frequencies deviating from each other by less than 5%.

11. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flat antenna (14) and the second antenna (13) each are resonant antennas, wherein the flat antenna (14) is tuned to a first resonant frequency and the second antenna (13) is tuned to a second resonant frequency, the first and second resonant frequencies deviating from each other by 5% or more.

12. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the second antenna (13) is galvanically or capacitively coupled to the metallization (12) located on the second main side (11B) of the substrate (11).

13. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first mounting portion (13A) of the second antenna (13) is arranged on a first fastening area (17) arranged on the first main side (11A) of the substrate (11), and a second mounting portion (13B) of the second antenna (13) is arranged on the flat antenna (14) or on the shared signal feeding portion (16).

14. Antenna device (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first fastening area (17) is galvanically or capacitively connected to the metallization (12) located on the second main side (11B) of the substrate (11).

15. Antenna device (10) as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the first fastening area (17) is arranged, in relation to the flat antenna (14), opposite the shared signal feeding portion (16), and wherein the second antenna (13) extends, at least in portions, across the flat antenna (14), between the shared signal feeding portion (16) and the first fastening area (17), while being spaced apart from the flat antenna (14) in a direction (26) orthogonal to the substrate plane (15).

16. Antenna device (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the flat antenna (14) comprises an expansion parallel to the substrate plane (15), wherein the flat antenna (14) comprises a geometric length LFLAT which is measured along a direction parallel to its expansion, and wherein the second antenna (13) comprises, at a position corresponding to a geometric length of L FLAT = λ 4 of the flat antenna (14), a first distance (26) from the flat antenna (14) which is directed orthogonally to the substrate plane (15), and wherein the second antenna (13) comprises, at a position corresponding to a geometric length of LFLAT = 0 or L FLAT = λ 2 of the flat antenna (14), a second distance (25, 27) from the flat antenna (14) which is directed orthogonally to the substrate plane (15), λ being the wavelength of the fed-in signal and the amount of the first distance (26) exceeding the amount of the second distance (25, 27).

17. Antenna device (10) as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the first fastening area (17) is arranged, in relation to the shared signal feeding portion (16), opposite the flat antenna (14), so that the shared signal feeding (16) portion is spatially arranged between the first fastening area (17) and the flat antenna (14), the first fastening area (17), the shared signal feeding portion (16), and the flat antenna (14) all being arranged along a shared straight line (51).

18. Antenna device (10) as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the flat antenna (14) and the shared signal feeding portion (16) are arranged along a first shared straight line (52), and the first fastening area (17) and the shared signal feeding portion (16) are arranged along a second shared straight line (53), the first shared straight line (52) and the second shared straight line (53) extending orthogonally to each other.

19. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a first mounting portion (13A) of the second antenna (13) is arranged on the flat antenna (14), and a second mounting portion (13B) of the second antenna (13) is arranged on the shared signal feeding portion (16).

20. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second antenna (13) is a bond wire antenna comprising at least one bond wire (13), or wherein the second antenna is a ribbon bond antenna comprising at least one ribbon.

21. Antenna device as (10) claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second antenna (13) is a bond wire antenna comprising at least two bond wires (13), or wherein the second antenna is a ribbon bond antenna comprising at least two ribbons.

22. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the antenna device (10) comprising at least one further second antenna (13', 13", 13‴) and a second fastening area (17') arranged on the first main side (11A) of the substrate (11), a first mounting portion (13A', 13A", 13A‴) of the at least one further second antenna (13', 13", 13‴) being arranged on the second fastening area (17'), and a second mounting portion (13B', 13B", 13B‴) of the at least one further second antenna (13', 13", 13‴) being arranged on the first mounting area (17) arranged on the first main side (11A) of the substrate (11) or on the flat antenna (14) or on the shared signal feeding portion (16).

23. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the antenna device (10) being implemented as a reconfigurable and / or controllable antenna device which further comprises a unit for controlling the phase and / or the amplitude of the second antenna (13) and / or of the flat antenna (14).

24. Antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a housing (34) which has the antenna device (10) arranged therein, and comprising a terminal (38) for connecting the antenna device (10) to a highfrequency chip.

25. Antenna device (10) as clamed in claim 24, wherein the housing (34) forms a lens configured to focus or scatter a radio signal generated by the antenna device.

26. Antenna array (100) comprising an antenna device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and, additionally, comprising a second flat antenna (74) arranged on the first main side (11A) of the substrate (11), as well as at least one further second antenna (73), wherein the second flat antenna (74) extends, within a plane, in parallel with one of the two main sides (11A, 11B) of the substrate (11), and wherein the at least one further second antenna (73) extends in at least one further spatial direction and is spaced apart, at least in portions, from the first main side (11A) of the substrate (11), and wherein the at least one further second antenna (73) and the second flat antenna (74) are galvanically connected to each other at a shared signal feeding portion (76).