Antenna assembly and communication system

Abstract

The antenna assembly includes a phased array antenna having an array of spaced apart antenna elements disposed on a horizontal plane and having an axis of symmetry, and a lens disposed on the phased array antenna. The lens substantially covers the antenna elements. The lens includes a substantially flat bottom surface. The bottom surface and the top of the antenna elements define an air gap therebetween. In a second vertical plane orthogonal to the horizontal plane and including the axis of symmetry, the antenna assembly steers a beam in the second vertical plane that has a 3 dB beamwidth W1 when steered along a first direction that makes an angle of less than 10 degrees with a normal to the horizontal plane and a 3 dB beamwidth W2 when steered along a second direction that makes an angle of more than 40 degrees with the normal, W1 and W2 being within 35% of each other.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna assembly and a communication system including the antenna assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Directional antennas, such as phased array antennas, cannot provide wide-angle coverage (e.g., greater than 120 degrees) without significant gain degradation at relatively wide scan angles, which can be attributed to undesirable beam broadening that is typically observed at the relatively wide scan angles of phased array antennas. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna assembly including a phased array antenna. The phased array antenna includes an array of spaced apart antenna elements disposed on a first horizontal surface and having a first axis of symmetry. The antenna assembly further includes a first lens disposed on the phased array antenna and substantially covering the antenna elements. The first lens includes a substantially flat first bottom surface facing toward and substantially parallel to the first horizontal surface. The first bottom surface and the top of the antenna elements define a gap therebetween. The first lens further includes a first top surface facing away from the first horizontal surface. The first lens has a dielectric constant of about 1.2 to about 2 at an operating frequency of the antenna assembly. The first lens further has a dissipation factor of about 0.001 to about 0.005. In a second vertical plane substantially orthogonal to the first horizontal plane and containing the first axis of symmetry, the antenna assembly steers a beam in the second vertical plane having a 3 decibel (dB) beamwidth W1 when steered along a first direction that makes an angle of less than about 10 degrees with a normal to the first horizontal plane, and a 3 dB beamwidth W2 when steered along a second direction that makes an angle of more than about 40 degrees with the normal, the difference between W1 and W2 being within 35% of each other.

[0004] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna assembly configured to operate at an operating frequency having a free space wavelength W0. The antenna assembly includes a regular array of antenna elements arranged in substantially parallel rows and columns on a first major surface of a substrate. The regular array of antenna elements defines a plane of symmetry substantially orthogonal to the first major surface. The antenna assembly further includes one or more lenses arranged on and collectively covering the regular array of antenna elements. The one or more lenses and the antenna elements define a gap therebetween. Each of the one or more lenses includes a top surface facing away from the antenna elements. Each of the one or more lenses has a dielectric constant of about 1.2 to about 2 at the operating frequency. The antenna assembly is configured to steer a beam in a plane of symmetry having a 3 dB beamwidth W1 when steered along a first direction that makes an angle of less than about 10 degrees with a normal to the first major surface, and a 3 dB beamwidth W2 when steered along a second direction that makes an angle of more than about 40 degrees with the normal, W1 and W2 being within 35% of each other.

[0005] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna assembly including a regular array of at least 16 antenna elements. The 16 antenna elements are arranged on a first major surface of a substrate in an array of 4 substantially parallel rows and 4 substantially parallel columns. The regular array of 16 antenna elements defines a plane of diagonal symmetry that is substantially orthogonal to the first major surface and forms an angle of about 40 degrees to 50 degrees with the rows of antenna elements. The antenna assembly further includes a beam-shaping element, such as a beam-focusing element, disposed on and substantially covering the regular array of at least 16 antenna elements. The beam-shaping element and the 16 antenna elements define an air gap D therebetween, where 2 millimeters (mm)≦D≦3 mm. The beam-shaping element has a dielectric constant of about 1.2 to about 2 at a frequency of about 28 gigahertz (GHz) and a dielectric loss tangent of about 0.001 to about 0.005. When the antenna assembly steers a beam in a plane of symmetry along a first direction that forms an angle of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with the normal to the first major surface, the steered beam achieves maximum gain at least when the maximum phase difference among the 16 antenna elements is at least 2% greater than a comparative antenna assembly having the same structure but not including a beam-shaping element.

[0006] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication system including a regular array of antenna elements arranged in substantially parallel rows and substantially parallel columns on a first major surface of a substrate. The regular array of antenna elements defines a plane of diagonal symmetry that is substantially orthogonal to the first major surface and that forms an angle of about 40 degrees to 50 degrees with the rows of antenna elements. The communication system further includes a beam-shaping element disposed on and substantially covering the regular array of antenna elements. The beam-shaping element and the antenna element define an air gap D therebetween, where 2 mm≦D≦3 mm. The beam-shaping element has a dielectric constant of about 1.2 to about 2 and a dissipation factor of about 0.001 to about 0.005 at a frequency of about 28 GHz. The communication system further includes a controller coupled to the antenna element and operable to steer the beam in the plane of diagonal symmetry. The beam has a 3 dB beamwidth W1 when steered along a first direction that is at an angle of less than about 10 degrees with a normal to the first major surface, and a 3 dB beamwidth W2 when steered along a second direction that is at an angle of more than about 40 degrees with the normal, W1 and W2 being within 35% of each other. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be more fully understood upon consideration of the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a particular figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure bearing the same number.

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a phased array antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional schematic diagram of an antenna assembly including a phased array antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a substrate of a phased array antenna according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first lens of an antenna assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4B] 13 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first lens of an antenna assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4C] 13 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first lens of an antenna assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system including an antenna assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 6 is a graph illustrating the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beamwidth for the antenna assemblies of FIGS. 1 and 5 having different air gaps, and a comparative antenna assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an antenna assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 11 is a graph illustrating the relationship between scan angle and operational gain for the antenna assembly of FIGS. 1 and 5, the antenna assembly of FIG. 7, and a comparative antenna assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 11 is a graph illustrating the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beamwidth for the antenna assembly of FIGS. 1 and 5, the antenna assembly of FIG. 7, and a comparative antenna assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an antenna assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10 is a graph illustrating the relationship between scan angle and operational gain for the antenna assembly of FIGS. 1 and 5, the antenna assembly of FIG. 10, and a comparative antenna assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 11 is a graph illustrating the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beamwidth for the antenna assembly of FIGS. 1 and 5, the antenna assembly of FIG. 10, and a comparative antenna assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional schematic diagram of an antenna assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14]FIG. 13 is another schematic top view of a comparative antenna assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of an antenna assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0010] In the disclosure that follows, the following definitions apply:

[0011] All numbers recited herein are intended to be modified by the term "about." As used herein, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably.

[0012] The term "generally," when used herein as a modifier to a characteristic or attribute, unless specifically defined otherwise, means that the characteristic or attribute is one that would be readily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, but does not require absolute precision or perfect agreement (e.g., within ±20% for quantifiable characteristics).

[0013] The term "substantially" means, unless specifically defined otherwise, a close degree of approximation (e.g., within ±10% for quantifiable characteristics), but again does not require absolute precision or perfect agreement.

[0014] The term "about," unless specifically defined otherwise, means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within ±5% for quantifiable properties), but again does not require absolute precision or exact agreement.

[0015] As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" are used as identifiers. Thus, such terms should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure. When used in conjunction with features or elements, the terms "first" and "second" can be interchanged throughout the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] As used herein, "at least one of A and B" should be understood to mean "A only, B only, or both A and B."

[0017] As used herein, the term "between about" generally refers to an inclusive or closed range unless specifically defined otherwise. For example, if a parameter X is between about A and B, then A≦X≦B.

[0018] As used herein, the "gain" of an antenna is a measure of the maximum effectiveness with which the antenna can radiate the power delivered by a transmitter toward a target.

[0019] As used herein, "antenna boresight" is the axis of maximum antenna gain, i.e., maximum radiated power, of a directional antenna.

[0020] As used herein, "scanning range" is the 3 dB coverage of an antenna.

[0021] As used herein, a "scan angle" is a particular angle from the antenna boresight.

[0022] As used herein, "loss tangent" quantifies the electromagnetic energy dissipation inherent in a dielectric material. Specifically, the loss tangent is the phase angle between the resistive and reactive components of a dielectric system.

[0023] As part of upgrading current mobile network infrastructure to provide fifth generation (5G) voice and data services, millimeter wave (mmWave) phased array antennas have recently been installed at existing Radio Access Network (RAN) cell sites. These cell sites typically support three-sector antenna arrays, each of which provides 120 degrees of azimuth coverage within the cell site. The three-sector antennas collectively provide 360 ​​degrees of azimuth coverage within the cell site, thereby providing omnidirectional coverage within the cell site.

[0024] Highly directional mm-wave antennas are used to provide the same network coverage within existing RAN cell sites. Highly directional mm-wave antennas include multiple phased arrays that contain multiple radiating elements. However, highly directional mm-wave antennas may limit the azimuth scan range of the entire antenna assembly due to beam broadening. Beam broadening may occur when the phased array broadcasts further away from the antenna boresight, i.e., at wider azimuth scan angles. Thus, at wider azimuth scan angles, mm-wave phased arrays cannot provide 120 degree coverage without significant gain degradation. This may lead to reduced network coverage at the seams of cell sites (i.e., at wider azimuth scan angles). Additional cell sites may then be required to provide the same network coverage as existing RAN cell sites.

[0025] The present disclosure provides an antenna assembly including a phased array antenna. The phased array antenna includes an array of spaced apart antenna elements disposed on a first horizontal surface and having a first axis of symmetry. The antenna assembly further includes a first lens disposed on the phased array antenna and substantially covering the antenna elements. The first lens includes a substantially flat first bottom surface facing toward and substantially parallel to the first horizontal surface. The first bottom surface and the top of the antenna elements define a gap therebetween. The first lens further includes a first top surface facing away from the first horizontal surface. The first lens has a dielectric constant of about 1.2 to about 2 at an operating frequency of the antenna assembly. The first lens further has a dissipation factor of about 0.001 to about 0.005. In a second vertical plane substantially orthogonal to the first horizontal plane and containing the first axis of symmetry, the antenna assembly steers a beam in the second vertical plane having a 3 decibel (dB) beamwidth W1 when steered along a first direction that makes an angle of less than about 10 degrees with a normal to the first horizontal plane, and a 3 dB beamwidth W2 when steered along a second direction that makes an angle of more than about 40 degrees with the normal, the difference between W1 and W2 being within 35% of each other.

[0026] The antenna assembly of the present disclosure, including one or more lenses, such as a first lens, can limit beam broadening at wider azimuth scan angles without gain degradation. Specifically, the 3 dB beam width W1 steered along a first direction at an angle of less than about 10 degrees to the normal (i.e., the antenna boresight) and the 3 dB beam width W2 steered along a second direction at an angle of more than about 40 degrees to the normal are within 35% of each other. Thus, the antenna assembly of the present disclosure can extend the azimuth scan range that is typically limited due to beam broadening. Furthermore, additional cell sites may not be required to provide the same network coverage as existing RAN cell sites.

[0027] Furthermore, an antenna assembly that includes one or more lenses and a comparison antenna assembly that has the same structure as the antenna assembly but does not include the one or more lenses may have substantially similar gain values ​​at various azimuth scan angles.

[0028] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a phased array antenna 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] The phased array antenna 100 defines x-, y-, and z-axes that are mutually orthogonal. The x- and y-axes are in-plane axes of the phased array antenna 100, and the z-axis is a transverse axis disposed along the thickness of the phased array antenna 100. In other words, the x- and y-axes are along the plane of the phased array antenna 100 that defines the xy plane, and the z-axis is perpendicular to the plane of the phased array antenna 100.

[0030] The phased array antenna 100 includes an array of spaced apart antenna elements 10. Specifically, the antenna elements 10 are spaced apart along an xy plane of the phased array antenna 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the array of spaced apart antenna elements 10 includes 12 antenna elements 10. In some other embodiments, the array of spaced apart antenna elements 10 includes at least 16 antenna elements 10. In some embodiments, the array of spaced apart antenna elements 10 includes at least 64, at least 128, or at least 256 antenna elements 10. The array of spaced apart antenna elements 10 includes a first axis of symmetry 11. The antenna elements 10 are arranged in a number of substantially parallel rows 17 and columns 18. The rows 17 extend substantially along the x-axis and the columns 18 extend substantially along the y-axis.

[0031] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, rows 17 include three rows, specifically rows 17a, 17b, and 17c, and columns 18 include four columns, specifically columns 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, phased array antenna 100 includes twelve antenna elements 10. However, in some other embodiments, the array may include any number of rows 17 and columns 18 depending on desired application attributes.

[0032] In some embodiments, the array may include an equal number of rows 17 and columns 18. In other words, the array of spaced apart antenna elements 10 may be a regular array of antenna elements 10. In some embodiments, the regular array of antenna elements 10 may include a regular array of at least 16 antenna elements 10. The 16 antenna elements 10 may be arranged in an array of 4 substantially parallel rows 17 and 4 substantially parallel columns 18. In some other embodiments, the regular array includes a regular array of at least 64 antenna elements 10, of which 16 antenna elements 10 form 16 antenna elements 10 arranged in an array of 4 substantially parallel rows 17 and 4 substantially parallel columns 18. The regular array of antenna elements 10 may include a first axis of symmetry 11' (shown in FIG. 5). The first axis of symmetry 11' may be a diagonal axis of symmetry. The antenna elements may have any shape that may be desired in the application. For example, the antenna elements may have a polygonal shape, such as a square, rectangle, or hexagon, or a curved shape, such as a circle or ellipse.

[0033] The phased array antenna 100 may include one or more feed vias 15 to provide electrical connections by a power source (not shown) to corresponding antenna elements 10. In some embodiments, all of the antenna elements 10 are configured to operate at the same power level. In some other embodiments, at least two of the antenna elements 10 are configured to operate at different power levels. In other words, the power source may be configured to provide different amounts of power to at least two of the antenna elements 10.

[0034] The phased array antenna 100 may further include one or more ground vias 16 for connecting corresponding antenna elements 10 to a common ground (shown in FIG. 2).

[0035] 2 is a detailed cross-sectional schematic diagram of an antenna assembly 300, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly 300 is configured to operate at an operating frequency having a free-space wavelength W0. In some embodiments, the operating frequency of the antenna assembly 300 is between about 24 gigahertz (GHz) and 100 GHz. In some embodiments, the operating frequency of the antenna assembly 300 is one or more of about 24 GHz, about 28 GHz, about 39 GHz, about 60 GHz, and about 95 GHz.

[0036] The antenna assembly 300 includes a phased array antenna 100. Specifically, the antenna assembly 300 includes a phased array antenna 100 that includes an array of spaced apart antenna elements 10. The spaced apart antenna elements 10 are disposed on a first horizontal plane 21. In some embodiments, the spacing between rows 17 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of antenna elements 10 is between about 0.2W0 and 0.35W0. In some embodiments, the spacing between columns 18 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of antenna elements 10 is between about 0.2W0 and 0.35W0.

[0037] In some embodiments, the antenna assembly 300 includes a regular array of antenna elements 10. Specifically, in some embodiments, the phased array antenna 100 of the antenna assembly 300 may include a regular array of antenna elements 10. In some embodiments, the antenna assembly 300 includes a regular array of at least 16 antenna elements 10. In some embodiments, the antenna assembly 300 includes a regular array of at least 64 antenna elements 10.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first horizontal plane 21 may be synonymously referred to as the "first major surface 21." In some embodiments, a regular array of antenna elements 10 is disposed on the first major surface 21 of the substrate 20. In some embodiments, a regular array of at least 16 antenna elements 10 is disposed on the first major surface 21 of the substrate 20. In some embodiments, a regular array of at least 64 antenna elements 10 is disposed on the first major surface 21 of the substrate 20.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first horizontal plane 21 is substantially flat. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first horizontal plane 21 is flat and is defined along the xy plane of the phased array antenna 100.

[0040] In some embodiments, each of the antenna elements 10 includes a top portion 12. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the top portions 12 of the antenna elements 10 are substantially flat.

[0041] The one or more feed vias 15 may include openings on the first horizontal surface 21 of the substrate 20. The one or more feed vias 15 may be drilled through the substrate 20 to provide an electrical connection between a corresponding antenna element 10 and a power source. The one or more feed vias 15 may include an electrical connector. Each electrical connector may be electrically connected to a bus 15z that is electrically coupled to the power source.

[0042] The one or more ground vias 16 may include openings on a first horizontal surface 21 of the substrate 20. The one or more ground vias 16 may be drilled through the substrate 20. The one or more ground vias 16 may include electrical connectors. Each electrical connector of the ground vias 16 may be electrically connected to a bus 16z that is electrically coupled to a common ground.

[0043] The antenna assembly 300 further includes one or more lenses 30. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the one or more lenses 30 are a single lens covering the regular array of antenna elements 10. Specifically, the one or more lenses 30 include a first lens 30. The one or more lenses 30 may be synonymously referred to as a "first lens 30". The first lens 30 is disposed on the phased array antenna 100 and substantially covers a plurality of antenna elements 10. Specifically, the first lens 30 is disposed on and substantially covers the array of antenna elements 10. The first lens 30 may be synonymously referred to as a "beam-shaping element 30". Thus, the beam-shaping element 30 is disposed on and substantially covers the regular array 12 of antenna elements 10. In some embodiments, the beam-shaping element 30 is disposed on and substantially covers the regular array of antenna elements 10. In some embodiments, the beam-shaping element 30 is disposed on and substantially covers the regular array of at least 16 antenna elements 10. In some embodiments, the first lens 30 is a solid lens.

[0044] The first lens 30 includes a substantially flat first bottom surface 31 facing and substantially parallel to the first horizontal plane 21. A gap D is formed between the first lens 30 and the antenna elements 10. Specifically, a gap D is formed between the first bottom surface 31 and the top 12 of the antenna elements 10. In some embodiments, the beam-shaping element 30 and the regular array of antenna elements 10 define a gap D therebetween. In some embodiments, the beam-shaping element 30 and the sixteen antenna elements 10 define a gap D therebetween.

[0045] In some embodiments, the gap D may be substantially equal distance between the first bottom surface 31 of the first lens 30 and the top 12 of the plurality of antenna elements 10. In other words, the first bottom surface 31 may be substantially equidistant from each top 12 of the antenna elements 10. In some embodiments, the first bottom surface 31 is substantially parallel to the first horizontal plane 21. In some embodiments, the gap D is about 1.5 millimeters (mm) or more and about 5 mm or less, i.e., 1.5 mm≦D≦5 mm. In some embodiments, the gap D is about 2 mm or more and about 3 mm or less, i.e., 2 mm≦D≦3 mm. In some embodiments, the gap D is 1.75 mm≦D≦4.5 mm, 2 mm≦D≦3 mm, or 2 mm≦D≦4 mm. In some embodiments, the gap D is a function of the free space wavelength W0. In some embodiments, the gap D is about 1.5W0 or more and about 5W0 or less, i.e., 1.5W0≦D≦5W0. In some embodiments, 1.75W0≦D≦4.5W0, or 2W0≦D≦4W0. In some embodiments, 0.1W0≦D≦W0, or 0.2W0≦D≦0.9W0, or 0.2W0≦D≦0.8W0, or 0.2W0≦D≦0.7W0, or 0.2W0≦D≦0.6W0, or 0.2W0≦D≦0.5W0.

[0046] The first lens 30 further includes a first top surface 32 facing away from the first horizontal plane 21. In some embodiments, a portion of the first top surface 32 may be curved. In some embodiments, the first lens 30 is a spherical lens. In some embodiments, the first top surface 32 of the first lens 30 is curved and has a best approximation spherical radius of curvature R. In some embodiments, the first top surface 32 is curved such that the first top surface 32 has a best approximation radius of curvature R in at least one cross section perpendicular to the flat first bottom surface 31. The radius of curvature R is about 50 mm or more and about 75 mm or less, i.e., 50 mm≦R≦75 mm. In some embodiments, 55 mm≦R≦70 mm, 60 mm≦R≦70 mm, or 62 mm≦R≦66 mm. In some embodiments, the best approximation radius of curvature R of the first top surface 32 can be determined using a conventional least squares approximation method. In some embodiments, the best approximation radius of curvature R is a function of the free space wavelength W. In some embodiments, the best approximation radius of curvature R is greater than or equal to 50W and less than or equal to 75W, i.e., 50W≦R≦75W. In some embodiments, 55W≦R≦70W, 60W≦R≦70W, or 62W≦R≦66W.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first lens 30 has a height H. The height H may be substantially along the z-axis. The height H may correspond to the maximum distance between the first bottom surface 31 and the first top surface 32. In some embodiments, the height H of the first lens 30 is about 10 mm or more and about 30 mm or less, i.e., 10 mm≦H≦30 mm. In some embodiments, the height H is 15 mm≦H≦25 mm, or 20 mm≦H≦25 mm.

[0048] The first lens 30 has a dielectric constant of about 1.2 to about 2 at the operating frequency of the antenna assembly 300. In some embodiments, the first lens 30 has a dielectric constant of about 1.3 to about 1.8, about 1.4 to about 1.6, or about 1.4 to about 1.55 at the operating frequency of the antenna assembly 300. In some embodiments, the beam shaping element 30 has a dielectric constant of about 1.2 to about 2 at a frequency of about 28 GHz. In some embodiments, the beam shaping element 30 has a dielectric constant of about 1.3 to about 1.8, about 1.4 to about 1.6, or about 1.4 to about 1.55 at a frequency of about 28 GHz. In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the first lens 30 is substantially constant across the first lens 30. In some other embodiments, the dielectric constant of the first lens 30 varies across the first lens 30. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the first lens 30 is smaller near the first bottom surface 31 and larger near the first top surface 32. The relatively low dielectric constant of the first lens 30 may result in less gain reduction. In other words, the gain of the antenna assembly may not be adversely affected by the first lens 30.

[0049] The first lens 30 further has a dielectric loss tangent of about 0.001 to about 0.005. In some embodiments, the first lens has a dielectric loss tangent of about 0.002 to about 0.004, or about 0.0025 to about 0.004.

[0050] 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a substrate 20' according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Substrate 20' may be substantially similar to substrate 20 (shown in FIG. 2). However, substrate 20' includes a first horizontal surface 21'. In some embodiments, first horizontal surface 21' may be synonymously referred to as a "first major surface 21'". In some embodiments, first horizontal surface 21' is not flat. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, first horizontal surface 21' of substrate 20' is curved. Specifically, first horizontal surface 21' has a substantially convex cross-sectional shape.

[0051] 4A is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first lens 34 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The first lens 34 may be substantially similar to the first lens 30 (shown in FIG. 2). However, the first lens 34 is a hollow lens. In some embodiments, the first lens 34 has a first bottom surface 43 and a curved first top surface 45. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first lens 34 defines a hollow cavity 44. The hollow cavity 44 may include a vacuum space or may include a gas or gas mixture, such as air. In some embodiments, the first lens 34 may be disposed within the antenna assembly 300 (shown in FIG. 2) such that the curved first top surface 45 faces away from the first horizontal plane 21.

[0052] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first lens 35 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The first lens 35 may be substantially similar to the first lens 30 (shown in FIG. 2). However, the first lens 35 includes a plurality of voids 36. The plurality of voids 36 may direct heat, if any, generated by the antenna assembly 300 (shown in FIG. 2) away from the antenna element 10 (shown in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the first lens 35 includes a first bottom surface 31' and a first top surface 37' opposite the first bottom surface 31'. In some embodiments, the first bottom surface 31' is substantially flat and the first top surface 37' is not flat. In some embodiments, the plurality of voids 36 may be introduced into the first lens 35 during manufacturing of the first lens 35. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, the voids 36 are substantially spherical voids. In some embodiments, the first lens 35 may be positioned within the antenna assembly 300 such that the first top surface 37' faces away from the first horizontal plane 21 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0053] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first lens 35′ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The first lens 35′ may be substantially similar to the first lens 30 (shown in FIG. 2). However, the first lens 35′ includes a plurality of generally cylindrical voids 36′ extending from the first bottom surface 31″ to the first top surface 37 to direct heat generated by the antenna assembly 300 away from the antenna element 10. In some embodiments, the first bottom surface 31″ is substantially flat and the first top surface 37 is not flat. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4C, the first top surface 37 is curved. In some embodiments, the first lens 35′ may be positioned within the antenna assembly 300 such that the first top surface 37 faces away from the first horizontal plane 21 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0054] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the communication system 400 includes the antenna assembly 300 of Figure 2. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the array of spaced apart antenna elements 10 is a regular array and includes an axis of symmetry 11'. The regular array includes 64 antenna elements 10 arranged along rows 17 (shown in Figure 1) and columns 18 (shown in Figure 1). The communication system 400 further includes a controller 60 coupled to and operable with the antenna elements 10.

[0055] 2 and 5, the array of antenna elements 10 defines a second vertical plane 40 that is substantially orthogonal to the first horizontal plane 21. In some embodiments, the second vertical plane 40 is a plane of symmetry of the array of antenna elements 10 and may be synonymously referred to as the "plane of symmetry 40". In some embodiments, the second vertical plane 40 is a plane of diagonal symmetry and may be synonymously referred to as the "plane of diagonal symmetry 40". Thus, in other words, the plane of symmetry 40 is substantially orthogonal to the first major surface 21. The second vertical plane 40 includes a first axis of symmetry 11'. In some embodiments, the second vertical plane 40 may include the first axis of symmetry 11. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the array of antenna elements 10 is symmetrically arranged about the first axis of symmetry 11'.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the array of antenna elements 10 defines a diagonal plane of symmetry 40 that is substantially perpendicular to the first major surface 21 and that forms an angle β of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with the column 17 of antenna elements 10 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates a graph 600 showing the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beam width of the antenna assembly 300 (shown in FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The scan angle is represented in degrees (deg) on ​​the horizontal axis. The 3 dB beam width is represented in degrees (deg) on ​​the vertical axis. The graph 600 includes curves 602, 604, 606, and 608. The curve 602 shows the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beam width of the antenna assembly 300 having an air gap D of 2.65 mm. The curve 604 shows the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beam width of an antenna assembly having the same configuration as the antenna assembly 300 but without the first lens 30 (shown in FIG. 2). The curve 606 shows the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beam width of the antenna assembly 300 having an air gap D of about 6 mm, and the curve 608 shows the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beam width of the antenna assembly 300 having an air gap D of about 0 mm.

[0058] 5 and 6, in a second vertical plane 40, substantially orthogonal to the first horizontal plane 21 and including the first axis of symmetry 11', the antenna assembly 300 steers a beam 50 in the second vertical plane 40 having a 3 dB beam-width W1 when steered along a first direction 52 that forms an angle α1 of less than about 10 degrees with a normal 53 of the first horizontal plane 21. Furthermore, in the second vertical plane 40, the antenna assembly 300 steers a beam 51 in the second vertical plane 40 having a 3 dB beam-width W2 when steered along a second direction 54 that forms an angle α2 of more than about 40 degrees with the normal 53. Furthermore, a controller 60 coupled to the antenna element 10 steers the beam 50 in the second vertical plane 40 or in the diagonal symmetry plane 40.

[0059] As shown by curve 602, the 3 dB beamwidth W1 of beam 50 is about 12.8 degrees when steered along a first direction 52 that forms an angle α1 of less than about 10 degrees with a normal 53 of first horizontal surface 21. In graph 600, angle α1 corresponds to a scan angle of about 7 degrees. Furthermore, the 3 dB beamwidth W2 of beam 51 is about 17 degrees when steered along a second direction 54 that forms an angle α2 of more than about 40 degrees with respect to normal 53. In graph 600, angle α2 corresponds to a scan angle of about 55 degrees. As is evident from curve 602, W1 and W2 are within 35% of each other.

[0060] Referring now to curves 602, 604, at angle α1, a beam steered along a first direction 52 in the second vertical plane 40 by an antenna assembly 300 having the same configuration but not including the first lens 30 has a 3 dB beamwidth W1'. Furthermore, at angle α2, a beam steered along a second direction 54 in the second vertical plane 40 by an antenna assembly 300 having the same configuration but not including the first lens 30 has a 3 dB beamwidth W2'. As is evident from curves 602, 604, W1' is greater than W1, and W2' is substantially greater than W2.

[0061] Furthermore, for at least one first angle α3 between about 4 degrees and about 60 degrees, a beam steered by the antenna assembly 300 in the second vertical plane 40 along a direction 55 that forms a first angle α3 with a normal 53 to the first horizontal plane 21 has a 3 dB beamwidth W3. W3 is about 13.5 degrees. The first angle α3 is about 25 degrees.

[0062] Furthermore, for at least one first angle α3, a beam steered in the second vertical plane 40 along a direction 55 that makes a first angle α3 with the normal 53 to the first horizontal plane 21 by an antenna assembly having the same configuration but not including the first lens 30 has a 3 dB beamwidth W3'. W3' is about 15.5 degrees. The first angle α3 is about 25 degrees.

[0063] Thus, as can be seen from the graph 600, a beam steered by the antenna assembly 300 in the second vertical plane 40 along a direction 55 that forms a first angle α3 with the normal 53 of the first horizontal plane 21 has a 3 dB beamwidth W3 that is at least 0.5% smaller than the 3 dB beamwidth W3' of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30. In some embodiments, for at least one first angle α3 between about 4 degrees and about 60 degrees, a beam steered by the antenna assembly 300 in the second vertical plane 40 along a direction 55 that forms a first angle α3 with the normal 53 of the first horizontal plane 21 has a 3 dB beamwidth W3 that is at least 0.75%, at least 1%, at least 1.25%, at least 1.5%, at least 1.75%, or at least 2% smaller than the 3 dB beamwidth W3' of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30. In some embodiments, for each first angle α3 between about 4 degrees and about 60 degrees, a beam steered by the antenna assembly 300 in the second vertical plane 40 along a direction 55 that forms a first angle α3 with a normal 53 to the first horizontal plane 21 has a 3 dB beamwidth W3 that is at least 0.5% smaller than a 3 dB beamwidth W3' of an antenna assembly having the same structure but not including the first lens 30. In some embodiments, for each first angle α3 between about 4 degrees and about 60 degrees, a beam steered by the antenna assembly 300 in the second vertical plane 40 along a direction 55 that forms a first angle α3 with a normal 53 to the first horizontal plane 21 has a 3 dB beamwidth W3 that is at least 0.75%, at least 1%, at least 1.25%, at least 1.5%, at least 1.75%, or at least 2% smaller than a 3 dB beamwidth W3' of an antenna assembly having the same structure but not including the first lens 30.

[0064] In some embodiments, for each angle between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees, a beam steered by the antenna assembly 300 in the second vertical plane 40 along a direction 55 that forms an angle between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees with the normal 53 of the first horizontal plane 21 has a 3 dB beam width W3 that is at least 1.5% smaller than the 3 dB beam width W3' of an antenna assembly having the same structure but without the first lens 30. In some embodiments, for each angle between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees, a beam steered by the antenna assembly 300 in the second vertical plane 40 along a direction 55 that forms an angle between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees with the normal 53 of the first horizontal plane 21 has a 3 dB beam width W3 that is at least 1.75%, or at least 2% smaller than the 3 dB beam width W3' of an antenna assembly having the same structure but without the first lens 30.

[0065] Thus, the antenna assembly 300 including the first lens 30 may substantially limit beam broadening at large scan angles (e.g., angles of about 40 degrees to 60 degrees) compared to an antenna assembly having the same structure but without the first lens 30. Thus, the scanning range that is typically limited in conventional antenna assemblies due to beam broadening may be extended in the antenna assembly 300.

[0066] As shown by curves 602, 606, and 608, for each angle between about 0 degrees and about 60 degrees, the 3 dB beam-width of the beam steered by the antenna assembly 300 having an air gap D of about 6 mm between the antenna element 10 and the bottom surface 31 and the 3 dB beam-width of the beam steered by the antenna assembly 300 having an air gap D of 0 mm between the antenna element 10 and the bottom surface 31 are also substantially similar to the 3 dB beam-width of the beam steered by the antenna assembly 300 having an air gap D of 2.65 mm between the antenna element 10 and the bottom surface 31.

[0067] 7 is a schematic diagram of an antenna assembly 700 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly 700 is substantially similar to the antenna assembly 300 of FIG. 2. Components common between the antenna assembly 700 and the antenna assembly 300 are referenced by the same reference numerals. However, the antenna assembly 700 includes a first lens 30', which is a cylindrical lens. For illustrative purposes, some elements of the antenna assembly 700 are not shown in FIG. 7.

[0068] The first lens 30' includes a first top surface 32'. The first top surface 32' of the first lens 30' is a partial cylindrical surface centered about the first lens axis 13. In some embodiments, the first lens axis 13 forms an angle α4 with the first axis of symmetry 11' of greater than about 50 degrees. In some embodiments, the first lens axis 13 forms an angle α4 with the first axis of symmetry 11' of greater than about 60 degrees, greater than about 70 degrees, greater than about 80 degrees, or greater than about 85 degrees. In some embodiments, the first lens axis 13 is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of symmetry 11. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the angle α4 between the first lens axis 13 and the first axis of symmetry 11 is about 90 degrees.

[0069] 8 shows a graph 800 illustrating scan angle vs. operational gain for the antenna assembly 700 of FIG. 7 including a first lens 30', the antenna assembly 300 of FIG. 5 including a first lens 30, and an antenna assembly having the same structure but without the first lens 30, 30', according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The scan angle is represented in degrees (deg) on ​​the horizontal axis. The operational gain is represented in decibels (dB) on the vertical axis.

[0070] In graph 800, the relationship between scan angle and operational gain for antenna assembly 700 including a first lens 30' is shown by curve 802, the relationship between scan angle and operational gain for antenna assembly 300 including a first lens 30 is shown by curve 804, and the relationship between scan angle and operational gain for an antenna assembly having the same configuration but not including a first lens 30, 30' is shown by curve 806.

[0071] As shown by curve 802, the operational gain of antenna assembly 700 is approximately 21.7 dB when the scan angle is approximately 0 degrees. Furthermore, the operational gain of antenna assembly 700 changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the operational gain of antenna assembly 700 decreases to approximately 20.2 dB when the scan angle is approximately 55 degrees.

[0072] As shown by curve 804, the operational gain of antenna assembly 300 is approximately 21.95 dB when the scan angle is approximately 0 degrees. Furthermore, the operational gain of antenna assembly 300 changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the operational gain of antenna assembly 300 decreases to approximately 20.4 dB when the scan angle is approximately 55 degrees.

[0073] As shown by curve 806, the operational gain of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30' is about 21.6 dB when the scan angle is about 0 degrees. Furthermore, the operational gain of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30' changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the operational gain of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30' decreases to about 19.8 dB when the scan angle is about 55 degrees.

[0074] As is evident from the graph 800, the operational gain of the antenna assembly 700 (shown by curve 802) and the operational gain of the antenna assembly 300 (shown by curve 804) are both greater than the operational gain of an antenna assembly having the same structure but not including the first lens 30, 30' (shown by curve 806) at each scan angle value between about 0 degrees and about 55 degrees. Furthermore, the operational gain of the antenna assembly 300 (shown by curve 804) is greater than the operational gain of the antenna assembly 700 (shown by curve 802) at each scan angle value between about 0 degrees and 55 degrees. Thus, in some embodiments, the antenna assembly 300 including the first lens 30 may provide improved gain compared to the antenna assembly 700 including the first lens 30'. In other words, the antenna assembly 300 including a spherical lens may provide improved gain compared to the antenna assembly 700 including a cylindrical lens having a first lens axis 13 that forms an angle α4 of more than about 50 degrees with the first axis of symmetry 11'.

[0075] 9 shows a graph 900 illustrating the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beamwidth for the antenna assembly 700 of FIG. 7 including a first lens 30', the antenna assembly 300 of FIG. 5 including a first lens 30, and an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30', according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The scan angle is represented in degrees (deg) on ​​the horizontal axis. The 3 dB beamwidth is represented in degrees (deg) on ​​the vertical axis.

[0076] In graph 900, the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beamwidth for antenna assembly 700 including a first lens 30' is shown by curve 902, the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beamwidth for antenna assembly 300 including a first lens 30 is shown by curve 904, and the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beamwidth for an antenna assembly having the same configuration but not including a first lens 30, 30' is shown by curve 906.

[0077] As shown by curve 902, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 700 including the first lens 30' is about 13.3 degrees when the scan angle is about 0 degrees. Furthermore, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 700 changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 700 increases to about 18 degrees when the scan angle is about 55 degrees.

[0078] As shown by curve 904, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 300 including the first lens 30 is about 12.8 degrees when the scan angle is about 0 degrees. Furthermore, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 300 changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 300 increases to about 17 degrees when the scan angle is about 55 degrees.

[0079] As shown by curve 906, the 3 dB beamwidth of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30' is about 13.95 degrees when the scan angle is about 0 degrees. Furthermore, the 3 dB beamwidth of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30' changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the 3 dB beamwidth of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30' increases to about 22 degrees when the scan angle is about 55 degrees.

[0080] As is evident from the graph 900, the 3 dB beam width of the antenna assembly 700 (shown by curve 902) and the 3 dB beam width of the antenna assembly 300 (shown by curve 904) are both smaller than the 3 dB beam width of an antenna assembly having the same structure but not including the first lens 30, 30' (shown by curve 906) at each scan angle between about 0 degrees and about 55 degrees. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the 3 dB beam width of the antenna assembly 300 (shown by curve 904) is smaller than the 3 dB beam width of the antenna assembly 700 (shown by curve 902) at each scan angle between about 0 degrees and about 55 degrees. In other words, the antenna assembly 300 including a spherical lens may provide better reduction in beam broadening compared to the antenna assembly 700 including a cylindrical lens having a first lens axis 13 that forms an angle α4 of more than about 50 degrees with the first axis of symmetry 11'.

[0081] 10 is a schematic diagram of an antenna assembly 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly 1000 is substantially similar to the antenna assembly 700 of FIG. 7. Components common between the antenna assembly 700 and the antenna assembly 1000 are referenced by the same reference numbers. However, the antenna assembly 1000 includes a first lens 30'', which is a cylindrical lens. For illustrative purposes, some elements of the antenna assembly 1000 are not shown in FIG. 10.

[0082] The first lens 30'' includes a first top surface 32''. In some embodiments, the first top surface 32'' of the first lens 30'' is a partial cylindrical surface centered about the first lens axis 13'. In some embodiments, the first lens axis 13' forms an angle α5 of about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees with the first axis of symmetry 11'. In some embodiments, the first lens axis 13' forms an angle α5 of about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees, or about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees with the first axis of symmetry 11'. In some embodiments, the first lens axis 13' can be substantially perpendicular to the first axis of symmetry 11'. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the angle α5 between the first lens axis 13' and the first axis of symmetry 11' is about 90 degrees.

[0083] FIG. 11 shows a graph 1100 illustrating scan angle vs. operational gain for the antenna assembly 1000 of FIG. 10 including a first lens 30'', the antenna assembly 300 of FIG. 5 including a first lens 30, and an antenna assembly having the same structure but without the first lens 30, 30'', according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The scan angle is represented in degrees (deg) on ​​the horizontal axis. The operational gain is represented in decibels (dB) on the vertical axis.

[0084] In graph 1100, the relationship between scan angle and operational gain for antenna assembly 1000 is shown by curve 1102, the relationship between scan angle and operational gain for antenna assembly 300 is shown by curve 1104, and the relationship between scan angle and operational gain for an antenna assembly having the same structure but not including the first lens 30, 30'' is shown by curve 1106.

[0085] As shown by curve 1102, the operational gain of antenna assembly 1000 is approximately 21.75 dB when the scan angle is approximately 0 degrees. Furthermore, the operational gain of antenna assembly 1000 changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the operational gain of antenna assembly 1000 decreases to approximately 20 dB when the scan angle is approximately 50 degrees.

[0086] As shown by curve 1104, the operational gain of antenna assembly 300 is approximately 21.9 dB when the scan angle is approximately 0 degrees. Furthermore, the operational gain of antenna assembly 300 changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the operational gain of antenna assembly 300 decreases to approximately 20 dB when the scan angle is approximately 50 degrees.

[0087] As shown by curve 1106, the operational gain of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30' is approximately 21.7 dB when the scan angle is approximately 0 degrees. Furthermore, the operational gain of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30'' changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the operational gain of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30'' decreases to approximately 20.2 dB when the scan angle is approximately 50 degrees.

[0088] As is evident from graph 1100, the operational gain of antenna assembly 1000 (shown by curve 1102) and antenna assembly 300 (shown by curve 1104) are both greater than the operational gain of an antenna assembly having the same structure but not including a first lens 30, 30'' (shown by curve 1106) at at least one value of scan angle between about 0 degrees and about 55 degrees. In the illustrated graph 1100, the operational gain of antenna assembly 1000 (shown by curve 1102) and antenna assembly 300 (shown by curve 1104) are both greater than the operational gain of an antenna assembly having the same structure but not including a first lens 30, 30'' (shown by curve 1106) at each value of scan angle between about 0 degrees and about 45 degrees. Thus, in some embodiments, antenna assembly 300 and antenna assembly 1000 may each provide improved gain at scan angles ranging from about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees compared to an antenna assembly having the same structure but not including the first lens 30, 30''.

[0089] FIG. 12 shows a graph 1200 illustrating the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beamwidth for the antenna assembly 1000 of FIG. 10 including a first lens 30'', the antenna assembly 300 of FIG. 5 including a first lens 30, and an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30'', according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The scan angle is represented in degrees (deg) on ​​the horizontal axis. The 3 dB beamwidth is represented in degrees (deg) on ​​the vertical axis.

[0090] In graph 1200, the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beamwidth for antenna assembly 1000 is shown by curve 1202, the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beamwidth for antenna assembly 300 is shown by curve 1204, and the relationship between scan angle and 3 dB beamwidth for an antenna assembly having the same structure but not including the first lens 30, 30'' is shown by curve 1206.

[0091] As shown by curve 1202, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 1000 is approximately 12.6 degrees when the scan angle is approximately 0 degrees. Furthermore, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 1000 changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 1000 increases to approximately 16.3 degrees when the scan angle is approximately 50 degrees.

[0092] As shown by curve 1204, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 300 is approximately 12.5 degrees when the scan angle is approximately 0 degrees. Furthermore, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 300 changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna assembly 300 increases to approximately 16.6 degrees when the scan angle is approximately 50 degrees.

[0093] As shown by curve 1206, the 3 dB beamwidth of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30'' is approximately 13.9 degrees when the scan angle is approximately 0 degrees. Furthermore, the 3 dB beamwidth of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30'' changes as the scan angle increases. Specifically, the 3 dB beamwidth of an antenna assembly having the same configuration but without the first lens 30, 30'' increases to approximately 19.4 degrees when the scan angle is approximately 50 degrees.

[0094] As is apparent from graph 1200, the 3 dB beamwidth of antenna assembly 1000 (shown by curve 1202) and the 3 dB beamwidth of antenna assembly 300 (shown by curve 1204) are both smaller than the 3 dB beamwidth of an antenna assembly having the same structure but not including the first lens 30, 30'' (shown by curve 1206) for each scan angle value from about 0 degrees to about 50 degrees.

[0095] FIG. 13 is a detailed cross-sectional schematic diagram of an antenna assembly 1300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly 1300 is substantially similar to the antenna assembly 300 of FIG. 2. The antenna assembly 1300 includes a phased array antenna 100. The antenna assembly 1300 further includes one or more lenses 30. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the one or more lenses 30 are at least two lenses. In some embodiments, each of the at least two lenses covers a different group of the array of antenna elements 10. Specifically, the one or more lenses 30 of FIG. 13 include multiple lenses. More specifically, the one or more lenses 30 include four lenses 30a-30d. In some other embodiments, the one or more lenses 30 may include any number of lenses depending on the desired application attributes. Components common between the antenna assembly 300 and the antenna assembly 1300 are referred to by the same reference numbers. For illustrative purposes, some elements of the antenna assembly 1300 are not shown in FIG. 13.

[0096] In some embodiments, each of the one or more lenses 30a-30d is substantially similar to the first lens 30 (shown in FIG. 2). The one or more lenses 30a-30d include corresponding substantially flat first bottom surfaces 31a-31d. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses 30a-30d are disposed proximate the phased array antenna 100 such that the substantially flat first bottom surfaces 31a-31d of the one or more lenses 30a-30d are substantially parallel to the first major surface 21. The one or more lenses 30a-30d are disposed on and collectively cover the regular array of antenna elements 10. The one or more lenses 30a-30d and the antenna elements 10 define respective gaps D1-D4 therebetween. Specifically, the first bottom surfaces 31a-31d of the one or more lenses 30a-30d and the tops 12 of the antenna elements 10 define respective gaps D1-D4 therebetween. In some embodiments, a gap (e.g., D1) defined by at least one lens (e.g., 30a) of the plurality of lenses 30a-30d is different from a gap (e.g., D2) defined by at least one other lens (e.g., 30b) of the plurality of lenses 30a-30d. For example, spacing D1 may be greater than spacing D2 but less than spacing D3.

[0097] Further, each of the one or more lenses 30 includes a top surface 32 (shown in FIG. 2). Specifically, the one or more lenses 30a-30d include respective top surfaces 32a-32d. Each of the one or more lenses 30 has a dielectric constant of about 1.2 to about 2. In some embodiments, each of the one or more lenses 30 has a dielectric constant of about 1.3 to about 1.8, about 1.4 to about 1.6, or about 1.4 to about 1.55 at the operating frequency. In some embodiments, each of the one or more lenses 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d has a dielectric loss tangent of about 0.001 to about 0.005.

[0098] In some embodiments, each of the top surfaces 32a-32d is curved and has a best approximation spherical radius of curvature R that is greater than or equal to 50W0 and less than or equal to 75W0, i.e., 50W0≦R≦75W0. In some embodiments, each of the top surfaces 32a-32d has a best approximation spherical radius of curvature R such that 55W0≦R≦70W0, 60W0≦R≦70W0, or 62W0≦R≦66W0.

[0099] One or more of the lenses 30a-30d have a dielectric constant of about 1.2 to about 2. In some embodiments, one or more of the lenses 30a-30d have a dielectric constant of about 1.3 to about 1.8, about 1.4 to about 1.6, or about 1.4 to about 1.55. Further, one or more of the lenses 30a-30d each have a dielectric loss tangent of about 0.001 to about 0.005. In some embodiments, one or more of the lenses 30a-30d each have a dielectric loss tangent of about 0.002 to about 0.004, or about 0.0025 to about 0.004.

[0100] 14 illustrates a top schematic view of a comparative antenna assembly 1400 including a regular array of at least 16 antenna elements 10 arranged on a first major surface 21 of a substrate 20 (shown in FIG. 2) in an array of four substantially parallel rows 17, specifically rows 17a-17d, and four substantially parallel columns 18, specifically columns 18a-18d. The values ​​in the regular array of at least 16 antenna elements 10 represent the phase differences, in degrees, of corresponding antenna elements 10.

[0101] The array of 16 antenna elements 10 defines a diagonal plane of symmetry 40 that is substantially orthogonal to the first main surface 21 and that forms an angle α6 of about 40 degrees to 50 degrees with the rows 17 of the antenna elements 10. The array of 16 antenna elements 10 arranged on the first main surface 21 of the substrate 20 defines a plane of symmetry 40 that is substantially orthogonal to the first main surface 21 such that the diagonal plane of symmetry 40 forms an angle α6 of about 40 degrees to 50 degrees with the rows 17 of the antenna elements 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the angle α6 is equal to about 45 degrees. Furthermore, the angle α6 is defined between the diagonal plane of symmetry 40 and the x-axis.

[0102] 15 is a schematic top view of an antenna assembly 1500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly 1500 includes an array of 16 antenna elements 10 and a beam-shaping element 30 (shown in FIG. 2). The beam-shaping element 30 includes a curved top surface (e.g., top surface 32). For illustrative purposes, some elements of the antenna assembly 1500 are not shown in FIG. 15. The values ​​in the regular array of at least 16 antenna elements 10 represent the phase difference of the corresponding antenna elements 10 in degrees.

[0103] A beam-forming element 30 (not shown in FIG. 15 ) is disposed on and substantially covers the regular array of at least 16 antenna elements 10. The beam-forming element 30 and the 16 antenna elements 10 define an air gap (e.g., air gap D) therebetween. Specifically, a flat bottom surface 31 defines the air gap between the beam-forming element 30 and the 16 antenna elements. In some embodiments, the air gap varies across the 16 antenna elements.

[0104] 5 and 15, as is apparent from FIGS. 14 and 15, when the antenna assembly 1500 steers a beam 50 in the plane of symmetry 40 along a first direction 52 that forms an angle α3 of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with the normal 53 to the first major surface 21, the steered beam 50 achieves maximum gain at least when the maximum phase difference among the 16 antenna elements 10 is at least 2% greater than that of a comparative antenna assembly 1400 having the same structure but not including a beam-shaping element 30. In some embodiments, when the antenna assembly 1500 steers a beam 50 in the plane of symmetry 40 along a first direction 52 that forms an angle α3 of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with a normal 53 to the first major surface 21, the steered beam 50 achieves maximum gain at least when the maximum phase difference between the 16 antenna elements 10 is at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 12%, or at least 15% greater than a comparative antenna assembly 1400 having the same structure but not including a beam-shaping element 30.

[0105] Therefore, to compensate for the shift in the scan angle of the antenna assembly 1500 due to the beam-shaping element 30, the antenna assembly 1500 requires a relatively large phase difference.

[0106] Unless otherwise specified, all numbers expressing feature sizes, quantities and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term "about." Accordingly, unless specifically indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the above specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties one of ordinary skill in the art would seek to obtain using the teachings disclosed herein.

[0107] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the specific embodiments illustrated and described may be replaced by various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. An antenna assembly comprising: a phased array antenna comprising an array of spaced apart antenna elements disposed in a first horizontal plane and having a first axis of symmetry; a first lens disposed on the phased array antenna and substantially covering the antenna elements, the first lens comprising: a substantially planar first bottom surface oriented toward and substantially parallel to the first horizontal plane, the first bottom surface and a top of the antenna element defining an air gap D therebetween; a first top surface facing away from the first horizontal surface; a dielectric constant of about 1.2 to about 2 at an operating frequency of the antenna assembly; a dielectric loss tangent of about 0.001 to about 0.005; in a second vertical plane substantially orthogonal to the first horizontal plane and including the first axis of symmetry, the antenna assembly is adapted to steer a beam in the second vertical plane that has a 3 dB beamwidth W1 when steered along a first direction that makes an angle of less than about 10 degrees with a normal to the first horizontal plane, and a 3 dB beamwidth W2 when steered along a second direction that makes an angle of more than about 40 degrees with the normal, the difference between W1 and W2 being within 35% of each other. Antenna assembly.

2. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the first top surface of the first lens is curved and has a best approximation spherical radius of curvature R, where 50 mm≦R≦75 mm.

3. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the first top surface of the first lens is a partial cylindrical surface centered about a first lens axis, the first lens axis forming an angle of greater than about 50 degrees with the first axis of symmetry.

4. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the first top surface of the first lens is a partial cylindrical surface centered about a first lens axis, the first lens axis forming an angle of about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees with the first axis of symmetry.

5. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein for at least one first angle between about 4 degrees and about 60 degrees, a beam steered by said antenna assembly in said second vertical plane along a direction making said first angle with a normal to said first horizontal plane has a 3 dB beamwidth W3 that is at least 0.5% smaller than W3' of an antenna assembly having the same structure but without said first lens.

6. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein for each first angle between about 4 degrees and about 60 degrees, a beam steered by said antenna assembly in said second vertical plane along a direction that forms said first angle with a normal to said first horizontal plane has a 3 dB beamwidth W3 that is at least 0.5% smaller than W3' of an antenna assembly having the same structure but without said first lens.

7. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein for each first angle between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees, a beam steered by said antenna assembly in said second vertical plane along a direction that makes said first angle with a normal to said first horizontal plane has a 3 dB beamwidth W3 that is at least 1.5% smaller than W3' of an antenna assembly having the same structure but without said first lens.

8. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein 1.5 mm≦D≦5 mm.

9. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the first top surface is curved such that in at least one cross section perpendicular to the flat first bottom surface, the first top surface has a best approximation radius of curvature R of 50 mm≦R≦75 mm.

10. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lens has a height H, where 10 mm≦H≦30 mm.

11. 10. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the operating frequency of the antenna assembly is one or more of about 24 GHz, about 28 GHz, about 39 GHz, about 60 GHz, and about 95 GHz.

12. 1. An antenna assembly configured to operate at an operating frequency having a free space wavelength W0, a regular array of antenna elements arranged in substantially parallel rows and columns on a first major surface of a substrate, the regular array of antenna elements defining a plane of symmetry substantially orthogonal to said first major surface; one or more lenses disposed on and collectively covering the regular array of antenna elements, the one or more lenses and the antenna elements defining an air gap D therebetween, each of the one or more lenses comprising: a top surface facing away from the antenna element; and a dielectric constant between about 1.2 and about 2 at said operating frequency; the antenna assembly is configured to steer a beam in the plane of symmetry having a 3 dB beamwidth W1 when steered along a first direction that makes an angle of less than about 10 degrees with a normal to the first major surface and a 3 dB beamwidth W2 when steered along a second direction that makes an angle of more than about 40 degrees with the normal, W1 and W2 being within 35% of each other; Antenna assembly.

13. The antenna assembly of claim 12 , wherein at least two of the antenna elements are configured to operate at different power levels.

14. 1. An antenna assembly comprising: a regular array of at least 16 antenna elements, the 16 antenna elements being arranged in an array of four substantially parallel rows and four substantially parallel columns on a first major surface of a substrate, the regular array of 16 antenna elements defining a plane of diagonal symmetry that is substantially orthogonal to the first major surface and that forms an angle of approximately 40 degrees to 50 degrees with the rows of antenna elements; a beam shaping element disposed on and substantially covering the regular array of at least 16 antenna elements, the beam shaping element and the 16 antenna elements defining an air gap D therebetween, where 2 mm≦D≦3 mm, the beam shaping element having a dielectric constant of about 1.2 to about 2 and a dissipation factor of about 0.001 to about 0.005 at a frequency of about 28 GHz; Equipped with the antenna assembly is configured such that when steering a beam in the plane of symmetry along a first direction that forms an angle of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with a normal to the first major surface, the steered beam achieves maximum gain at least when a maximum phase difference between the 16 antenna elements is at least 2% greater compared to a comparative antenna assembly having the same structure but not including the beam-shaping element; Antenna assembly.

15. 15. The antenna assembly of claim 14, comprising a regular array of at least 64 antenna elements, 16 of which form the 16 antenna elements arranged in an array of four substantially parallel rows and four substantially parallel columns on the first major surface of the substrate.

Images