Ultra Wideband Antenna Assembly

Abstract

An exemplary antenna assembly is provided. In one implementation, the antenna assembly includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The antenna assembly includes a ground plane. The antenna assembly includes a curved conical portion and a top portion. The top portion includes a corrugated annular ring disposed on the curved conical portion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Priority claim This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 336,442, entitled “ULTRA-WIDEBAND ANTENNA ASSEMBLY,” having a filing date of April 29, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to antenna assemblies, and more particularly to ultra-wideband antenna assemblies configured to provide more uniform gain and uniform phase in multiple directions over a large bandwidth of frequencies, such as from about 3 GHz to about 10 GHz. [Background technology]

[0003] Antennas can be used to facilitate wireless communication between devices. It may be desirable for antennas to operate over a wide range of frequencies, such as in the ultra-high frequency band, such as from about 3 GHz to about 10 GHz. Frequencies in the ultra-high frequency band can span S-band, C-band, and X-band. Antennas operable in these frequency bands can be used for a variety of applications, including satellite communications, radar, weather radar, navigation aids, ship identification and tracking, air traffic control, in-flight Wifi, spacecraft telemetry, and other applications. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description that follows, or may be learned from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments.

[0005] One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The antenna assembly includes a ground plane. The antenna assembly includes a curved conical portion and a top portion. The top portion includes a corrugated annular ring disposed on the curved conical portion.

[0006] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain relevant principles.

[0007] Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to those skilled in the art is set forth herein with reference to the accompanying figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an antenna assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a side view of an antenna assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a top view of an antenna assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an electronic device having an antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 depicts an antenna assembly including an array of antenna elements according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 depicts an antenna assembly including an array of antenna elements according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 depicts S11 parameters for an example antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 depicts efficiency for an example antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A]1 depicts an example radiation pattern for an example antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 1 depicts an example radiation pattern for an example antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] 1 depicts an example radiation pattern for an example antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 1 depicts an example radiation pattern for an example antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] 1 depicts an example radiation pattern for an example antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] 1 depicts an example radiation pattern for an example antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 1 depicts an example radiation pattern for an example antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 1 depicts an example radiation pattern for an example antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11C] 1 depicts an example radiation pattern for an example antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided as an explanation of the embodiments and not as a limitation of the disclosure. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still further embodiments. It is therefore intended that aspects of the disclosure encompass such modifications and variations.

[0010] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed to antenna assemblies. In some antenna applications, such as applications where it is important to determine the angle of arrival or time of flight, it can be useful to have an antenna or antenna elements of an antenna array that can provide uniform gain and uniform phase in all or nearly all directions over a wide range of frequencies, such as frequencies in the range from about 3 GHz to about 10 GHz.

[0011] For example, in one example, it can be useful to provide an ultra-wideband antenna array with antenna elements having more uniform phase and more uniform gain in all or nearly all directions to determine angles of arrival over short distances, such as less than 50 meters, such as less than 100 meters. In some implementations, it can be useful to provide an ultra-wideband antenna array with antenna elements having more uniform phase and gain in all or nearly all directions to determine angles of arrival over short distances, such as less than 50 meters, such as less than 100 meters.

[0012] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the antenna assembly can include a substrate (e.g., a circuit board) having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The antenna assembly can include a ground plane. The antenna assembly can include an antenna having a curved conical portion and a top portion. The top portion can include a corrugated annular ring disposed on the base portion. In some embodiments, the top portion can be integral with the base portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the antenna can include a base portion. The curved conical portion can extend from the base portion. The base portion can be integral with the curved conical portion or can be a separate structure that is coupled to the curved conical portion. The base portion can be used to secure the antenna to a substrate. An electronic feed for the antenna can be coupled directly to the curved conical portion and / or to the base portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wavy annular ring may include multiple curved peaks and multiple curved valleys. The height of the curved peaks may be greater than the height of the curved valleys. In some embodiments, the wavy annular ring may include three curved peaks and three curved valleys. In some embodiments, the multiple curved peaks may occur at regular intervals around the annular ring. In some embodiments, the wavy annular ring comprises a sinusoidal structure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the combined height of the curved conical structure and the top portion can range from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the wavy annular ring can range from about 8.5 mm to about 12.5 mm. As used herein, the use of the term "about" in conjunction with a numerical value refers to a value that falls within 15% of the stated numerical value.

[0016] In some embodiments, the substrate (e.g., a circuit board) can have a first surface and an opposing second surface. The ground plane can be disposed on the first surface. The antenna can extend from the second surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface. As used herein, the term "substantially perpendicular" refers to within 15 degrees of normal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the antenna can be configured to provide an S11 parameter of about -3 dB or less at frequencies in the range of about 5 GHz to about 14.5 GHz. In some embodiments, the antenna can be configured to provide an omnidirectional radiation pattern at frequencies in the range of about 3 GHz to about 10 GHz. As used herein, the term "omnidirectional radiation pattern" refers to a radiation pattern that has uniform gain (e.g., gain within 5% of a "specified gain magnitude") for at least 345 degrees around the antenna in at least one plane. In some embodiments, the antenna can be configured to provide an efficiency of -5 dB or better at frequencies in the range of about 6 GHz to about 10 GHz.

[0018] Another example aspect of the present disclosure can include an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., at least two antenna elements, such as at least three antenna elements). Each antenna element can include, for example, a curved conical portion and a top portion. The top portion can be integral with the curved conical portion. The top portion can include a wavy sinusoidal annular ring. In some embodiments, each antenna element can include one or more aspects of any of the antennas described in this disclosure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the antenna array may include antenna elements extending in different directions. For example, the antenna array may include a first antenna element extending in a first direction. The antenna array may include a second antenna element extending in a second direction. The antenna array may include a third antenna element extending in a third direction. Each of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be different directions. In some embodiments, each of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0020] Another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an electronic device including an antenna assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly can include any one or more aspects of the antenna assembly described herein. In some embodiments, the antenna assembly can be an antenna array. The electronic device can be used for various purposes and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly can be used to facilitate wireless communication of the electronic device with one or more remote devices over a variety of frequency bands, such as frequency bands including frequencies in the range of about 3 GHz to about 10 GHz.

[0021] Antenna assemblies according to example embodiments of the present disclosure can provide numerous technical advantages and benefits, for example, antenna assemblies according to example embodiments of the present disclosure can provide increased uniformity in gain and phase across an omnidirectional radiation pattern over a wide range of frequencies, such as frequencies in the range between about 3 GHz and about 10 GHz.

[0022] In one example, the antenna assembly can be used for angle of arrival and / or time of flight applications in short range applications, such as for distances of less than about 100 meters, such as less than about 75 meters, such as less than about 50 meters, such as less than about 25 meters. For example, the antenna assembly can include multiple antenna elements according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Each of the antenna elements can have uniform gain and / or phase in an omnidirectional pattern. For example, signals incident on different antenna elements can be processed to determine the time of flight and / or angle of arrival by processing timing and phase information for received signals on the different antenna elements (e.g., measuring the difference in the receive time or receive phase at each antenna element). The difference in receive phase can be used to determine the angle of arrival of the received signal at the array. The difference in receive time can be used to determine the time of flight of the received signal at the array. Providing the antenna elements with omnidirectional uniformity in phase and in gain can improve the accuracy of angle of arrival and time of flight determination.

[0023] Determining angle of arrival and time of flight over short distances can be particularly useful. For example, in keyless entry applications, angle of arrival and / or time of flight determinations can be used to determine whether signals are being received by a legitimate entry device or whether they are coming from a security-compromising device (e.g., a device that is not located where it should be). This can be particularly useful, for example, in preventing unauthorized keyless entry or acquisition of information therefor by devices that are not located in close proximity to the equipment (e.g., motor vehicle) or facility (e.g., building).

[0024] Referring now to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described.

[0025] 1-3 depict an example antenna assembly 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly 100 includes an antenna 102 having a curved conical portion 110 and a top portion 120. As particularly illustrated in FIG. 2, the antenna assembly 100 may include a substrate 140 (e.g., a circuit board). The antenna 102 may extend in a generally vertical direction from the substrate 140. The substrate 140 may have a first surface 142 and an opposing second surface 144 separated by a thickness 145. The substrate 140 may be made of any suitable material, such as any suitable dielectric material. The substrate 140 may include various elements other than the antenna 102, such as one or more traces, surface mounted devices, transmission lines, antenna feeds, or other elements.

[0026] The antenna 102 includes a curved conical portion 110. The curved conical portion 110 can include curved edges. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , a portion of the curved conical portion 110 can be removed at a first end of the curved conical structure 110 to provide an opening 117. The first end of the curved conical structure 110 can extend from a base portion 130. A second end of the curved conical portion 110 can be coupled to the top portion 120 such that the curved conical portion 110 extends between the base portion 130 and the top portion 120.

[0027] The upper portion 120 can be a corrugated annular ring. The corrugated annular ring can be a sinusoidal structure. For example, the corrugated ring can have a shape that resembles a sine wave (e.g., a curve having a sinusoidal form) if stretched in a straight line. In some embodiments, the corrugated annular ring can have multiple curved peaks 122 and multiple curved valleys 124, such as three curved peaks 122 and three curved valleys 124. The height of the curved peaks 122 can be greater than the height of the curved valleys 124. While the annular ring of FIGS. 1-3 has three curved peaks 122 and three curved valleys 124, the annular ring can include more or fewer curved peaks and curved valleys without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the curved peaks 122 and curved valleys 124 can occur at regular intervals around the annular ring.

[0028] In some embodiments, the combined height 155 of the curved conical portion 110 and the top portion 120 ranges from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter 160 of the corrugated annular ring ranges from about 8.5 mm to about 12.5 mm.

[0029] In some embodiments, the curved conical portion 110 and the top portion 120 can be formed entirely from a conductive material, such as a metal. In some embodiments, the curved conical portion 110 and the top portion 120 can be formed as a metal surface on a dielectric material (e.g., using a laser direct sintering technique). For example, in one exemplary implementation, the curved conical portion 110 and the top portion 120 can include a dielectric material. A metal layer can be formed on one or more surfaces of the dielectric material, such as only on an outer surface of the dielectric material (and not on an inner surface of the dielectric material).

[0030] The base portion 130 can be a rectangular structure, such as a three-dimensional rectangular structure with at least one surface being rectangular (e.g., square). The base portion 130 can be used to secure or mount the antenna 102 to a substrate 140. In some embodiments, the antenna feed 115 can be coupled to the base portion 130 and / or the curved conical portion 110 of the antenna 102. The base portion 130 can be a conductive structure or a non-conductive structure (e.g., used only to provide support for the antenna 102). In some embodiments, the antenna 102 may not include the base portion 130, but only include the conical portion 110 and the top portion 120.

[0031] 2, the substrate 140 (e.g., a circuit board) can have a first surface 142 and a second surface 144 separated by a thickness 145 of the substrate 140. A ground plane 150 (e.g., a conductive ground plane) can be disposed on the second surface 144 of the substrate 140. The antenna 102 can extend in a generally perpendicular direction from the first surface 142 of the substrate 140. The ground plane 150 can have an area substantially larger than an area associated with a footprint of the antenna 102 on the substrate 140. For example, the ground plane 150 can have an area at least three times larger, such as five times larger, such as ten times larger, such as twenty times larger, or more, than an area associated with a footprint of the antenna 102 on the substrate 140.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an example electronic device 200 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device 200 can be any suitable electronic device configured to have wireless communication with one or more remote devices. For example, the electronic device can be a computing device (e.g., a laptop, a desktop, a display with one or more processors), a mobile device (e.g., a phone, a tablet, a wearable device (e.g., a watch)), a vehicle, a marine vehicle, an aircraft, a satellite, a keyless entry device, or other electronic device. Using the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any of the antenna assemblies described herein can be used for a variety of applications and devices without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] As illustrated in Figure 4, electronic device 200 includes antenna assembly 100. Antenna assembly 100 can have one or more aspects of any of the antenna assemblies described herein, such as the antenna assemblies described with reference to Figures 1-3, 5, 6, or any other portion of this disclosure.

[0034] The electronic device 200 may include one or more processors 202 and one or more memory devices 204. The one or more processors 202 may be any suitable processing device, including, but not limited to, one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, integrated circuits, logic devices, or other suitable processing devices. The one or more memory devices 204 may be any suitable memory device, including, but not limited to, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, a RAM, a ROM, a hard drive, a flash drive, or other memory device. The one or more memory devices 204 may store data 206 and computer-readable instructions 208. The computer-readable instructions 208, when executed by the one or more processors 202, may cause the one or more processors 202 to perform operations. The computer-readable instructions 208 may be implemented as software, hardware, and / or a combination of software and hardware. If implemented as software, the computer-readable instructions 208 may be in any suitable language.

[0035] The electronic device 200 may include one or more communications circuits 214 to facilitate communication of information by the antenna assembly 100. The communications circuits may include one or more receivers, transmitters, transceivers, front-end modules, baseband circuits, matching circuits, tuning circuits, control circuits, transmission lines, or other elements to facilitate communication of radio frequency signals by the antenna assembly, such as radio frequency signals in a frequency band associated with frequencies in the range from about 3 GHz to about 10 GHz.

[0036] As illustrated, the instructions 208 may include, for example, time-of-flight instructions 210 and angle-of-arrival instructions 212. The time-of-flight instructions 210 may be used to determine time-of-flight information associated with signals received by the antenna assembly 100. For example, differences in the timing of receipt of signals received by one or more antennas or antenna elements in the antenna assembly 100 may be processed using the time-of-flight instructions 210 to determine time-of-flight information. Differences in the phase of signals received by one or more antennas or antenna elements in the antenna assembly 100 may be processed using the angle-of-arrival instructions 212 to determine angle-of-arrival information.

[0037] The antenna assembly 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can provide more uniform gain and phase in an omnidirectional pattern in a frequency range from about 3 GHz to about 10 GHz. In that regard, the antenna assembly 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be suitable for angle of arrival and / or time of flight determination over short distances, such as less than 50 m, such as less than 100 m.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates an antenna assembly 300 including an antenna array. The antenna array can have multiple antenna elements 310 (e.g., at least three antenna elements 310) disposed on a substrate 302. Each of the antenna elements 310 can have the configuration of the antenna 102 described with reference to FIG. 1. Each of the antenna elements 310 can extend (e.g., in a generally vertical direction) from a first surface of the substrate 302. In the example of FIG. 5, all of the antenna elements 310 extend in the same direction from the substrate 302. The spacing 315 between each of the antenna elements can range from about 1 mm to about 6 mm.

[0039] A ground plane 305 can be disposed on an opposing second surface of the substrate 302. The ground plane 305 can have an area at least three times larger than an area associated with the footprint of each antenna element 310 on the substrate 302, such as five times larger, such as ten times larger, such as twenty times larger, or more.

[0040] 5 depicts an antenna assembly 300 having nine antenna elements 310 arranged in a grid pattern with equal spacing 315 between all antenna elements 310. As indicated by the ellipses in FIG. 5 extending in different directions, more or fewer antenna elements 310 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the antenna elements 310 may be arranged in different patterns with regular or irregular spacing. For example, the antenna elements 310 may be arranged in a circular pattern, a geometric pattern, or an irregular random pattern.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates an example antenna assembly 350 having an antenna array according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna array can have multiple elements 352, 354, 356 extending from a support structure 360 ​​(e.g., a structure with multiple support surfaces, a substrate, etc.). Each of the antenna elements 352, 354, 356 can have the configuration of the antenna 102 described with reference to FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 6, each of the antenna elements 352, 354, 356 can extend in a different direction. For example, the first antenna element 352 can extend from the support structure 360 ​​in a first direction 372. The second antenna element 354 can extend from the support structure 360 ​​in a second direction 374. The third antenna element 356 can extend from the support structure in a third direction 376.

[0042] 6, each of the first direction 372, second direction 374, and third direction 376 are substantially perpendicular to one another. However, any suitable direction or combination of directions and angles relative to the directions may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, more or fewer antenna elements may be included in the antenna array of the antenna assembly 350 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] 7 depicts a plot 402 of an S11 parameter associated with an antenna (e.g., antenna 102 of FIG. 1) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG 7 plots frequency in GHz along the x-axis and the magnitude of the S11 parameter (e.g., return loss) in dB along the y-axis. As shown, an antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an S11 parameter of about -3 dB or less at frequencies in the range from about 5 GHz to about 14.5 GHz.

[0044] 8 illustrates a plot 404 of antenna efficiency associated with an antenna (e.g., antenna 102 of FIG. 1) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 plots antenna efficiency in GHz along the x-axis and in dB along the y-axis. As shown, an antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure can provide antenna efficiency of -4 dB or better at frequencies in the range from about 5 GHz to about 10 GHz.

[0045] 9A, 9B, and 9C depict antenna radiation patterns associated with a far-field operating gain of about -8 dB for an antenna (e.g., antenna 102 of FIG. 1) at 3 GHz in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9A depicts φ / deg vs. dBi for the θ=90° plane. FIG. 9B depicts θ / deg vs. dBi for the φ=90° plane. FIG. 9C depicts θ / deg vs. dBi for the φ=0° plane.

[0046] Figures 10A, 10B and 10C depict antenna radiation patterns associated with a far-field operating gain of about 3.6 dB for an antenna (e.g., antenna 102 of Figure 1) at 6 GHz in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10A depicts φ / degree vs. dBi for the θ=90° plane. Figure 10B depicts θ / degree vs. dBi for the φ=90° plane. Figure 10C depicts θ / degree vs. dBi for the φ=0° plane.

[0047] 11A, 11B, and 11C depict antenna radiation patterns associated with a far-field operating gain of about 3.6 dB for an antenna (e.g., antenna 102 of FIG. 1) at 10 GHz in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11A depicts φ / deg vs. dBi for the θ=90° plane. FIG. 11B depicts θ / deg vs. dBi for the φ=90° plane. FIG. 11C depicts θ / deg vs. dBi for the φ=0° plane.

[0048] As demonstrated by the radiation patterns in Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B, 10C, 11A, 11B, and 11C, an antenna assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an omnidirectional radiation pattern in at least one plane at frequencies in the range of about 3 GHz to about 10 GHz. An omnidirectional radiation pattern refers to a radiation pattern that provides uniform gain (e.g., gain that remains within 5% of a specified value) for 345° around the antenna in at least one plane.

[0049] Although the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be recognized that those skilled in the art, upon achieving the above understanding, may readily produce modifications, variations, and equivalents of such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than limitation, and the present disclosure does not exclude the inclusion of such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 100 Antenna Assembly 102 Antenna 110 Curved cone section 115 Antenna feeder 117 Aperture 120 Upper part 122 Curve Peak 124 Curve Valley 130 Base part 140 Substrate 142 First Surface 144 Second Surface 145 Thickness 150 Ground plane 155 Combined Height 160 diameter 200 Electronic Devices 202 Processor 204 Memory Devices 206 Data 208 Computer Readable Instructions 210 Flight Time Command 212 Angle of arrival command 214 Communication Circuit 300 Antenna Assembly 302 Substrate 305 Ground plane 310 Antenna Element 315 interval 350 Antenna Assembly 352, 354, 356 Antenna elements 360 support structure 372 First Direction 374 Second Direction 376 The Third Direction

Claims

1. a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface; The ground surface and an antenna comprising a curved conical portion and a top portion, the top portion comprising a corrugated annular ring disposed on the curved conical portion; An antenna assembly comprising:

2. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the corrugated annular ring comprises a plurality of curved peaks and a plurality of curved valleys, the height of the curved peaks being greater than the height of the curved valleys.

3. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the antenna further comprises a base portion, the curved conical portion extending from the base portion, the base portion comprising a rectangular structure.

4. The antenna assembly of claim 2 , wherein said curved peaks occur at regular intervals around said annular ring.

5. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the corrugated annular ring comprises a sinusoidal structure.

6. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the combined height of said curved conical portion and said top portion ranges from about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

7. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the substrate has a first surface and an opposing second surface, the ground plane is disposed on the first surface, and the antenna extends from the second surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the second surface.

8. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the corrugated annular ring ranges from about 8.5 mm to about 12.5 mm.

9. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the curved conical portion and the top portion are unitary.

10. 10. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the antenna is configured to provide an S11 parameter of about -3 dB or less at frequencies in the range of about 5 GHz to about 14.5 GHz.

11. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the antenna is configured to provide an omnidirectional radiation pattern at frequencies in the range from about 3 GHz to about 10 GHz.

12. 10. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the antenna is configured to provide an efficiency of -4 dB or better at a frequency in the range of about 5 GHz to about 10 GHz.

13. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein an antenna feed is coupled to the curved conical portion of the antenna.

14. A plurality of antenna elements, each of the antenna elements comprising: A curved cone portion; an upper portion integral with said curved conical portion, said upper portion comprising a sinusoidal wavy annular ring.

15. 15. The antenna array of claim 14, wherein said sinusoidal annular ring comprises three curved peaks and three curved valleys.

16. 15. The antenna array of claim 14, wherein each antenna element has a height in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, and the diameter of said sinusoidal wavy annular ring is in the range of about 8.5 mm to about 12.5 mm.

17. 15. The antenna array of claim 14, wherein the antenna array comprises at least three antenna elements, each antenna element extending in a different direction.

18. A communication circuit; and an antenna assembly, the antenna assembly comprising: a circuit board having a first surface and an opposing second surface; The ground surface and an antenna having a curved conical portion and a top portion, the top portion comprising a corrugated annular ring disposed on the curved conical portion; An electronic device comprising:

19. 20. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the circuit board has a first surface and an opposing second surface, the ground plane is disposed on the first surface, and the antenna extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the second surface.

20. The electronic device of claim 18 , wherein the corrugated annular ring comprises a sinusoidal structure.

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