flat antenna

Abstract

An antenna array having a plurality of test antenna elements 14 allows for practical testing of a device under test 12, thereby enabling numerous efficiencies (e.g., time savings, fewer errors, fewer mechanical components, etc.). At least a portion of each of the planar antenna elements 14 of the antenna array may be formed between an upper ground plane 16 and a lower ground plane 18, which may improve electromagnetic characteristics. In other configurations, imperfect ground structures {22, 23} may be formed on the upper ground plane 16 and / or the lower ground plane 18, which may improve electromagnetic characteristics. In some configurations, imperfect ground structures {22, 23} may be formed above the pole portion 14P of at least one planar antenna element 14. In other configurations, imperfect ground structures {22, 23} may be formed between the pole portions 14P of two adjacent planar antenna elements 14.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] The following Japanese patent applications are incorporated herein by reference: 63 / 432705 filed in the U.S. on December 15, 2022.

[0002] Essentially all consumer and commercial products, including electronic devices, emit some level of electromagnetic energy. This electromagnetic energy can be in the form of radio waves, which is electromagnetic noise. Depending on the application of the electronic device, a certain level of electromagnetic noise may be acceptable. However, in some applications of electronic devices, electromagnetic noise above a certain amount can generate unwanted electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI may be undesirable because it can impair the operation of nearby electronic devices. EMI may be undesirable because there are legal limits or industry requirements on the amount of EMI that an electronic device can emit.

[0003] Prior to the completion of a manufacturing process, electronic devices may need to be tested to determine whether they comply with all electromagnetic interference (EMI) requirements. During testing of an electronic device, the electronic device may be referred to as a device under test. Some of these electromagnetic energy emissions are near-field (NF) electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics, and therefore attributes of the device under test must be tested across the entire surface of the device under test. Because a test device with only a single test antenna element must be moved over the surface of the device under test to obtain multiple readings during the testing process, including only one test antenna element in the device under test to facilitate near-field (NF) scanning, or electromagnetic interference (EMI) analysis, of the device under test may be unnecessarily time-consuming or otherwise impractical. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments relate to an antenna array having a plurality of test antenna elements that allows for testing a device under test in a practical manner that does not require any movement of the device under test over the surface of the device under test, thereby enabling numerous efficiencies (e.g., time savings, reduced errors, reduced mechanical components, etc.). In some embodiments, at least a portion of each of the planar antenna elements of the antenna is formed between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, which may improve electromagnetic characteristics. In other embodiments, an imperfect ground structure is formed on the first ground plane and / or the second ground plane, which may improve electromagnetic characteristics. In some embodiments, the imperfect ground structure is formed above the pole portion of the planar antenna element. In other embodiments, the imperfect ground structure is formed between the pole portions of two adjacent planar antenna elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1A] Exemplary FIG. 1A illustrates a device under test and a device under test that include an antenna array, according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] Exemplary FIG. 1B illustrates a device under test and a device under test that include an antenna array, according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] Exemplary FIG. 2A illustrates a planar antenna element between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] Exemplary FIG. 2B illustrates a planar antenna element between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 2C] Exemplary FIG. 2C illustrates a planar antenna element between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] Exemplary FIG. 3A illustrates a planar antenna element (substrate not shown) between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B]Exemplary FIG. 3B illustrates a planar antenna element (substrate not shown) between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 3C] Exemplary FIG. 3C illustrates a planar antenna element (substrate not shown) between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] Exemplary FIG. 4A shows a planar antenna element having only one ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] Exemplary FIG. 4B illustrates a planar antenna element having only one ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 4C] Exemplary FIG. 4C illustrates a planar antenna element having only one ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] Exemplary FIG. 5A illustrates a planar antenna element between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] Exemplary FIG. 5B illustrates a planar antenna element between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 5C] Exemplary FIG. 5C illustrates a planar antenna element between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, according to an embodiment. [Figure 6A] Exemplary FIG. 6A illustrates multiple planar antenna elements in a one-dimensional array, according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] Exemplary FIG. 6B illustrates multiple planar antenna elements in a one-dimensional array, according to an embodiment. [Figure 6C] Exemplary FIG. 6C illustrates multiple planar antenna elements in a one-dimensional array, according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Exemplary FIG. 7 illustrates multiple planar antenna elements in a two-dimensional array, according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Exemplary FIG. 8 illustrates a planar antenna element with a pointed tip, according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] Exemplary FIG. 9 illustrates a planar antenna element having a curved shape, according to an embodiment. [Figure 10]Exemplary FIG. 10 illustrates a planar antenna element with rounded tips, according to an embodiment. [Figure 11A] Exemplary FIG. 11A illustrates an imperfect ground structure in a ground plane above one or more planar antenna elements, according to an embodiment. [Figure 11B] Exemplary FIG. 11B illustrates an imperfect ground structure in a ground plane above one or more planar antenna elements, according to an embodiment. [Figure 12A] Exemplary FIG. 12A illustrates an imperfect ground structure in a ground plane between two planar antenna elements, according to an embodiment. [Figure 12B] Exemplary FIG. 12B illustrates an imperfect ground structure in a ground plane between two planar antenna elements, according to an embodiment. [Figure 12C] Exemplary FIG. 12C illustrates an imperfect ground structure in a ground plane between two planar antenna elements, according to an embodiment. [Figure 13A] Exemplary FIG. 13A illustrates one or more imperfect ground structures in both the upper and lower ground planes, according to an embodiment. [Figure 13B] Exemplary FIG. 13B illustrates one or more imperfect ground structures in both the upper and lower ground planes, according to an embodiment. [Figure 14A] Exemplary FIG. 14A illustrates one or more imperfect ground structures in one of the upper or lower ground planes, according to an embodiment. [Figure 14B] Exemplary FIG. 14B illustrates one or more imperfect ground structures in one of the upper or lower ground planes, according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] 1A and 1B illustrate, according to an embodiment, a device under test 10 and a device under test 12 including an antenna array 14. In an embodiment, one or more planar antenna elements 14 are configured to detect electromagnetic propagation characteristics of the device under test 12.

[0007] The embodiment relates to an antenna array 14 having multiple test antenna elements that allows testing of a device under test 12 in a practical manner that does not require any movement of the testing device 10 over the surface of the device under test 12, thereby enabling numerous efficiencies (e.g., time savings, reduced errors, fewer mechanical components, etc.).

[0008] Exemplary Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C show a planar antenna element 14 between a first ground plane 16 and a second ground plane 18, according to an embodiment. Figure 2A shows a perspective view, Figure 2B shows a side view, and Figure 2C shows a top view.

[0009] In an embodiment, the device under test 10 may include one or more planar antenna elements 14, a first ground plane 16, and a second ground plane 18. For simplicity, FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show only one antenna element 14. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the one or more antenna elements 14 is formed between the first ground plane 16 and the second ground plane 18. In an embodiment, the first ground plane 16 and the second ground plane 18 are conductive surfaces configured to reflect radio waves emitted from at least one planar antenna element 14. These reflections at the first ground plane 16 and the second ground plane 18 may improve electromagnetic properties.

[0010] According to an embodiment, one or more planar antenna elements 14 may be formed on a substrate 20. For example, the substrate 20 may be a Megtron-6 substrate. Exemplary properties of the substrate 20 may be a dielectric constant of 3.2, a loss tangent of 0.004, and a thickness of 300 micrometers. Those skilled in the art will understand suitable properties of the substrate 20.

[0011] According to an embodiment, one or more planar antenna elements 14 are substantially insulated from the first ground plane 16 and the second ground plane 18. In an embodiment, the planar antenna element 14 may be insulated and / or separated by air from either the first ground plane 16 or the second ground plane 18. In other embodiments, the isolation and / or separation may be provided by an insulating material instead of air formed by spacing the planar antenna element 14, the first ground plane, and the second ground plane 16 apart.

[0012] In an embodiment, at least one planar antenna element 14 is formed on a first plane, a first ground plane 16 is formed on a second plane, and a second ground plane 18 is formed on a third plane. The first plane, second plane, and third plane are all substantially parallel planes. Generally, the first ground plane 16, second ground plane 18, and planar antenna element 14 should be substantially parallel to promote ideal electromagnetic characteristics. Those skilled in the art will understand that some level of tolerance in the parallel attribute may be acceptable without significantly affecting the electromagnetic characteristics.

[0013] In the embodiment, the at least one planar antenna element 14 is at least one monopole antenna element, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate other types of antennas to which similar concepts as those described in the embodiment may be applied.

[0014] 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate a planar antenna element 14 (substrate not shown) between a first ground plane 16 and a second ground plane 18, according to an embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the substrate 20 is not shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C because the substrate 20 is generally a mechanical support structure for the planar antenna element 14 and may not be directly related to the intended electromagnetic propagation characteristics. As shown in FIG. 3B, the planar antenna element 14 is approximately halfway between the first and second ground planes 16 and 18. However, in embodiments, the planar antenna element 14 may not be halfway between the first and second ground planes 16 and 18. As shown in FIG. 3C, a portion of the planar antenna element extends beyond the boundary of the first and second ground planes 16 and 18 in a direction perpendicular to the first and second ground planes 16 and 18, thereby affecting the electromagnetic characteristics in an intended manner.

[0015] 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate planar antenna elements 14 having only one ground plane 16, according to embodiments. In some embodiments, the planar antenna elements 14 have only one ground plane 16. Because both a first ground plane 16 and a second ground plane 18 are not required in all embodiments, all embodiments described herein can be modified to include only a single ground plane 16. In other words, even when an embodiment describes both a first ground plane 16 and a second ground plane 18, or even when two ground planes are shown, illustrated, or described, there are other embodiments that include only a single ground plane 16.

[0016] Exemplary Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C show a planar antenna element 14 between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, according to an embodiment. Exemplary Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C are similar to exemplary Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, except that the first ground plane 16 is shown as transparent (dotted line), so that the planar antenna element 14 can be viewed unobstructed by the first ground plane 16.

[0017] 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate a plurality of planar antenna elements {14a, 14b, 14c} in a one-dimensional array according to an embodiment. One or more planar antenna elements 14 include a plurality of planar antenna elements {14a, 14b, 14c}. The plurality of planar antenna elements {14a, 14b, 14c} are formed in an array.

[0018] The array of planar antenna elements {14a, 14b, 14c} is a one-dimensional array of planar antenna elements {14a, 14b, 14c} sharing a substrate 20. In an embodiment, the planar antenna elements {14a, 14b, 14c} are substantially evenly spaced from one another. However, in other embodiments, the planar antenna elements {14a, 14b, 14c} may be irregularly spaced for any purpose of testing or electromagnetic characterization as would be understood by one skilled in the art. Although only three planar antenna elements {14a, 14b, 14c} are shown, any number of planar antenna elements 14 may be arranged in a one-dimensional array.

[0019] 7 illustrates a plurality of planar antenna elements {14aa, 14ab, 14ac, 14ba, 14bb, 14bc, 14ca, 14cb, 14cc} in a two-dimensional array according to an embodiment. The array of planar antenna elements {14aa, 14ab, 14ac, 14ba, 14bb, 14bc, 14ca, 14cb, 14cc} is a two-dimensional array of planar antenna elements 14.

[0020] The embodiments relate to a first one-dimensional array of planar antenna elements including a plurality of planar antenna elements {14aa, 14ab, 14ac}. The embodiments relate to a second one-dimensional array of planar antenna elements {14ba, 14bb, 14bc} associated with the third ground plane 16b and the fourth ground plane 18b. The embodiments relate to a third one-dimensional array of planar antenna elements {14ca, 14cb, 14cc} associated with the fifth ground plane 16c and the sixth ground plane 18c. The embodiments relate to a two-dimensional array of planar antenna elements including at least a first one-dimensional array of planar antenna elements {14aa, 14ab, 14ac} and a second one-dimensional array of planar antenna elements {14ba, 14bb, 14bc}. In the embodiments, any number of one-dimensional arrays of planar antenna elements may be used to form the two-dimensional array of planar antenna elements. The different one-dimensional arrays may be positioned apart from each other such that the tips of the planar antenna elements {14aa, 14ab, 14ac, 14ba, 14bb, 14bc, 14ca, 14cb, 14cc} have a uniform matrix spacing or irregular spacing.

[0021] Exemplary FIG. 8 illustrates a planar antenna element 14 having a pointed tip, according to an embodiment. In the embodiment, each of the one or more planar antenna elements 14 includes a head portion 14H and a pole portion 14P continuous with the head portion 14H. In the embodiment, the pole portion 14P is located in the area between the first ground plane 16 and the second ground plane 18. In the embodiment, the head portion 14H is located in an area extending beyond the boundary between the first ground plane 16 and the second ground plane 18. See also FIGS. 2C, 3C, 4C, 5C, and 6C, according to an embodiment. In the embodiment, each of at least one antenna element 14 includes a tail portion 14T continuous with the pole portion 14P. The pole portion 14P is located between the tail portion 14T and the head portion 14H.

[0022] In the embodiment, the width W of the tail portion 14T T is the width W of the pole part 14P P In the embodiment, the width W of the tail portion 14T is smaller than TIn the embodiment, the length L of the tail portion 14T is approximately 500 micrometers. T In an embodiment, the length L of the tail portion 14T is between approximately 6,800 micrometers and 9,500 micrometers. T is approximately between 8,900 and 9,100 micrometers.

[0023] In the embodiment, the width W of the head portion 14H H The width W of the head portion 14H varies depending on the distance from the pole portion 14P. H The width W of the head portion 14H is the maximum width at the point closest to the pole portion 14P. H has the smallest width at the point farthest from the pole portion 14P.

[0024] Those skilled in the art will appreciate other dimensions for the planar antenna element 14 depending on the application and / or intended electromagnetic characteristics.

[0025] In an embodiment, the head portion 14H has an arrow shape as shown in Figure 8. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other shapes of the head portion 14H may be implemented according to an embodiment.

[0026] In an embodiment, the head portion 14H has a pointed tip. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other shapes of the head portion 14H may be implemented without a pointed tip. In some embodiments, a blunt tip may be implemented for intended electromagnetic properties. In other embodiments, a blunt tip may be implemented to facilitate practical and / or efficient manufacturing techniques for the planar antenna element 14.

[0027] In an embodiment, the point of the head portion 14H furthest from the tail portion 14T is the tip. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the head portion 14H has a substantially straight profile. However, in other embodiments, other profiles may be implemented, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0028] Exemplary FIG. 9 illustrates a planar antenna element 15 having a curved shape, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the head portion 15H has a curved profile, either for electromagnetic propagation reasons or for practical manufacturing reasons. In an embodiment, the head portion 15H has a substantially radial profile. In an embodiment, the head portion 15H has a substantially exponentially varying profile. The embodiments relate to any profile of the head portion 15H of the planar antenna element 15, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0029] 10 illustrates an embodiment of a planar antenna element 17 having a rounded tip. As discussed above, embodiments in which the head portion 17H has a rounded tip may be for reasons of intended electromagnetic properties and / or practical manufacturing techniques.

[0030] 11A and 11B illustrate imperfect ground structures {22a, 22b, 22c} in a ground plane above one or more planar antenna elements {14a, 14b, 14c}, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the imperfect ground structures {22a, 22b, 22c} are configured to minimize the return loss of the first planar antenna element {14a, 14b, 14c}.

[0031] In an embodiment, the imperfect ground structure {22a, 22b, 22c} is at least one slot in at least one of the first ground plane 16 or the second ground plane 18. In other words, in an embodiment, the imperfect ground structure {22a, 22b, 22c} is the removal of, or prevention of the formation of, a portion of the first ground plane 16 during the manufacturing process.

[0032] In an embodiment, at least one of the planar antenna elements {14a, 14b, 14c} includes an incomplete ground structure 22 that overlaps with the pole portion 14P of the first planar antenna element 14 in a direction perpendicular to the first planar antenna element 14 and at least one of the first ground plane 16 or the second ground plane 18. Although the planar antenna element 14 is shown as an example, other embodiments may implement other shapes (e.g., the planar antenna element 15, the planar antenna element 17, etc.).

[0033] In an embodiment, at least one slot of the imperfect ground structure 22 is a single slot. However, in other embodiments, the imperfect ground structure 22 can be multiple slots.

[0034] In an embodiment, at least one slot of the imperfect ground structure 22 has an I-shape. However, in other embodiments, the imperfect ground structure 22 may have another shape as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, the longest dimension of the I-shape is parallel to the boundary between the head portion 14H and the pole portion 14P, and the shortest dimension of the I-shape is perpendicular to the boundary between the head portion 14H and the pole portion 14P.

[0035] In the embodiment, only the ground plane 16 is present, and the ground plane 18 is not present. In the embodiment, the device includes at least one planar antenna element {14a, 14b, 14c} and the single ground plane 16. The single ground plane 16 has an imperfect ground structure {22a, 22b, 22c}. The imperfect ground structure {22a, 22b, 22c} is at least one slot in the single ground plane 16. In the embodiment, the at least one planar antenna element {14a, 14b, 14c} includes a first planar antenna element 14, and the imperfect ground structure 22 overlaps with the pole portion 14P of the first planar antenna element 14 in a direction perpendicular to the single ground plane 16.

[0036] 12A, 12B, and 12C show imperfect ground structures {23d, 23e} {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc} in the ground plane 16 between two planar antenna elements {14a, 14b} or {14b, 14c} according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the imperfect ground structures {23d, 23e} {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc} are configured to minimize the return loss of the first planar antenna element {14a, 14b, 14c}. In an embodiment, the imperfect ground structures {23d, 23e} {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc} are configured to minimize coupling between the first planar antenna element 14a and the second planar antenna element 14b, or between the second planar antenna element 24b and the third planar antenna element 24c.

[0037] In embodiments, the imperfect ground structure {23d, 23e} or {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc} is at least one slot in at least one of the first ground plane 16 or the second ground plane 18. In some embodiments, the imperfect ground structure {23d, 23e} or {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc} is at least one slot in only one of the first ground plane 16 or the second ground plane 18.

[0038] In the embodiment, the imperfect ground structure {23d, 23e} or {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc} has a pole portion {14 P , 15 P , 17 P} within an area of ​​at least one of the first ground plane 16 or the second ground plane 18 that does not overlap with

[0039] In embodiments, there is only ground plane 16 and no ground plane 18. In other words, some embodiments include two ground planes and some embodiments include only a single ground plane.

[0040] In an embodiment, the at least one planar antenna element 14 includes a first planar antenna element 14a adjacent to a second planar antenna element 14b. Both the first planar antenna element 14a and the second planar antenna element 14b at least partially overlap with at least one of the first ground plane 16 or the second ground plane 18 in a direction perpendicular to at least one of the first ground plane 16 or the second ground plane 18. The imperfect ground structure 23d is between the first planar antenna element 14a and the second planar antenna element 14b. The imperfect ground structure 23d does not overlap with either the first planar antenna element 14a or the second planar antenna element 14b in a direction perpendicular to at least one of the first ground plane or the second ground plane. Similarly, in an embodiment, the imperfect ground structure 23e is between the second planar antenna element 14b and the third planar antenna element 14c.

[0041] In an embodiment, at least one of the slots {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc} is a matrix of slots. In an embodiment, each slot of the matrix of slots {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc} has a square shape and a gap at one end of the square shape. In an embodiment, the orientation of the gap at one end of the square shape is different for at least two slots of the matrix of slots {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc}.

[0042] In one embodiment, the slot matrix includes multiple columns of slots {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc}. Each of the multiple columns of slots is parallel to both the first planar antenna element 14a and the second planar antenna element 14b. The orientation of the gaps at one end of the square shape of each slot {23aa, 23ab, 23ac} {23ba, 23bb, 23bc} {23ca, 23cb, 23cc} in the same row of slots is the same. The multiple columns of slots include a first column of slots adjacent to a second column of slots. The orientation of the gaps at one end of the square shape of each slot in the first column of slots is different from the orientation of the gaps at one end of the square shape of each slot in the second column of slots. In other embodiments, other patterns of variation in gap orientation are possible, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0043] In an embodiment, one end of the square shape with the gap thereon is an edge that is perpendicular to both the first planar antenna element 14 a and the second planar antenna element 14 b. In an embodiment, the matrix of slots may be at the edge of the boundary of the first ground plane 16, while in other embodiments, the matrix of slots may be spaced away from the edge of the boundary of the first ground plane 16.

[0044] In an embodiment, only the ground plane 16 is present, and the ground plane 18 is not present. In an embodiment, the device may include at least one planar antenna element {14a, 14b, 14c} and a single ground plane 16. The single ground plane 16 may have an imperfect ground structure {23d, 23e} {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc}. The imperfect ground structure {23d, 23e} {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc} is at least one slot in the single ground plane 16. In an embodiment, the at least one planar antenna element {14a, 14b, 14c} includes a first planar antenna element 14a adjacent to a second planar antenna element 14b. Both the first planar antenna element 14a and the second planar antenna element 14b at least partially overlap with the ground plane in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane. The imperfect ground structures {23d, 23e} {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc} are located between the first planar antenna element and the second planar antenna element. The imperfect ground structures {23d, 23e} {23aa, 23ab, 23ac, 23ba, 23bb, 23bc, 23ca, 23cb, 23cc} do not overlap with either the first planar antenna element 14a or the second planar antenna element 14b in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane.

[0045] 13A and 13B illustrate one or more imperfect ground structures {22aa, 22ab, 22ac, 22ba, 22bb, 22bc} or {22a, 22b, 22c, 22d} in both the upper and lower ground planes 16, 18, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the imperfect ground structure {22aa, 22ab, 22ac, 22ba, 22bb, 22bc} or {22a, 22b, 22c, 22d} is at least one slot in at least one of the first or second ground planes 16, 18.

[0046] In an embodiment, at least one of the first ground plane 16 or the second ground plane 18 has imperfect ground structures {22aa, 22ab, 22ac, 22ba, 22bb, 22bc} or {22a, 22b, 22c, 22d}, as shown in Figure 13A. In an embodiment, imperfect ground structures {22aa, 22ab, 22ac, 22ba, 22bb, 22bc} or {22a, 22b, 22c, 22d} are present on both the first ground plane 16 and the second ground plane 18, as shown in Figure 13B.

[0047] Exemplary FIGS. 14A and 14B show one or more incomplete ground structures {22aa, 22ab, 22ac} or {22a, 22b} on only one of the upper ground plane 16 or the lower ground plane 18, according to an embodiment.

[0048] In an embodiment, the imperfect ground structure {22aa, 22ab, 22ac} or {22a, 22b} is at least one slot in at least one of the first ground plane 16 or the second ground plane 18. While Figures 14A and 14B show imperfect ground structures {22aa, 22ab, 22ac} or {22a, 22b} only in the first ground plane 16 and no imperfect ground structures in the second ground plane 18, embodiments relate to imperfect ground structures in the second ground plane 18 and no imperfect ground structures in the first ground plane 16.

[0049] It will be obvious and apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed embodiments, and the disclosed embodiments are intended to cover all such obvious modifications and variations, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. at least one planar antenna element; a first ground plane; and A second ground plane is provided. An apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the at least one planar antenna element is formed between the first ground plane and the second ground plane.

2. the at least one planar antenna element comprises a plurality of planar antenna elements; The plurality of planar antenna elements are formed in an array.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one planar antenna element is configured to detect an electromagnetic characteristic of a device under test.

4. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one planar antenna element is at least partially insulated from the first and second ground planes.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the array of planar antenna elements is a one-dimensional array of planar antenna elements.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the array of planar antenna elements is a two-dimensional array of planar antenna elements.

7. a first one-dimensional array of planar antenna elements comprising the plurality of planar antenna elements; a second one-dimensional array of planar antenna elements associated with the third and fourth ground planes; and a two-dimensional array of planar antenna elements including the first one-dimensional array of planar antenna elements and the second one-dimensional array of planar antenna elements; The apparatus of claim 2 , comprising:

8. the at least one planar antenna element is formed on a first plane; the first ground plane is formed on a second plane; the second ground plane is formed on a third plane; The first plane, the second plane, and the third plane are all substantially parallel planes.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one planar antenna element is at least one monopole antenna element.

10. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second ground planes are conductive surfaces configured to reflect radio waves emitted from the at least one planar antenna element.

11. Each of the at least one antenna element: a head portion; and The head portion and the pole portion are continuous.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the pole portion is in an area between the first ground plane and the second ground plane; The head portion is in an area extending beyond the boundary between the first and second ground planes.

12. The apparatus of claim 11.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first ground plane or the second ground plane has an imperfect ground structure.

14. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the imperfect ground structure is configured to minimize return loss of a first planar antenna element included in the at least one planar antenna element.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the imperfect ground structure is at least one slot in at least one of the first ground plane or the second ground plane.

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one planar antenna element includes a first planar antenna element, and the imperfect ground structure overlaps with the pole portion of the first planar antenna element in a direction perpendicular to at least one of the first ground plane or the second ground plane.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the at least one slot of the imperfect ground structure has an I-shape.

18. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one slot is a single slot.

19. the longest dimension of the I-shape is parallel to the boundary between the head portion and the pole portion; The shortest dimension of the I-shape is perpendicular to the boundary between the head portion and the pole portion.

18. The apparatus of claim 17.

20. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the imperfect ground structure is in an area of ​​at least one of the first ground plane or the second ground plane that does not overlap with the pole piece in a direction perpendicular to at least one of the first ground plane or the second ground plane.

21. the at least one planar antenna element includes a first planar antenna element adjacent to a second planar antenna element; both the first planar antenna element and the second planar antenna element at least partially overlap with at least one of the first ground plane or the second ground plane in the direction perpendicular to at least one of the first ground plane or the second ground plane; the imperfect ground structure is between the first planar antenna element and the second planar antenna element; the imperfect ground structure does not overlap with either the first planar antenna element or the second planar antenna element in the direction perpendicular to at least one of the first ground plane or the second ground plane; 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

22. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the imperfect ground structure is configured to minimize coupling between the first planar antenna element and the second planar antenna element.

23. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one slot comprises a matrix of slots.

24. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein each slot of the matrix of slots has a square shape with a gap at one end of the square shape.

25. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the orientation of the gaps at one end of the square shape is different for at least two slots of the matrix of slots.

26. the matrix of slots includes a plurality of columns of slots; each of the plurality of rows of slots parallel to both the first planar antenna element and the second planar antenna element; the orientation of the gap at one end of the square shape of each slot in the same row of slots is the same; the plurality of rows of slots including a first row of slots adjacent to a second row of slots; The orientation of the gap at one end of the square shape of each slot in the first row of slots is different from the orientation of the gap at one end of the square shape of each slot in the second row of slots.

26. The apparatus of claim 25.

27. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the one end of the square shape on which the gap resides is an edge that is perpendicular to both the first planar antenna element and the second planar antenna element.

28. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the imperfect ground structure is on both the first ground plane and the second ground plane.

29. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the imperfect ground structure is present on only one of the first ground plane or the second ground plane.

30. Each of the at least one antenna element: a tail portion continuous with the pole portion, The pole portion is between the tail portion and the head portion.

12. The apparatus of claim 11.

31. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the width of the tail portion is less than the width of the pole portion.

32. 31. The device of claim 30, wherein the tail has a width of approximately 500 micrometers.

33. 31. The device of claim 30, wherein the length of the tail is between approximately 6,800 micrometers and 9,500 micrometers.

34. 34. The device of claim 33, wherein the length of the tail is between approximately 8,900 micrometers and 9,100 micrometers.

35. the width of the head portion varies based on the distance from the pole portion; the width of the head portion having a maximum width at a point closest to the pole portion; The width of the head portion is smallest at the point farthest from the pole portion.

12. The apparatus of claim 11.

36. 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the head has an arrow shape.

37. The head portion comprises: a substantially straight profile; curved profile; a substantially radial profile; and Virtually exponentially varying profile 36. The apparatus of claim 35, comprising at least one of:

38. Each of the at least one antenna element: a tail portion continuous with the pole portion, 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the point furthest from the tail is the tip.

39. 39. The device of claim 38, wherein the tip is a rounded tip.

40. at least one planar antenna element; and With a ground surface, the ground plane has an imperfect ground structure; The imperfect ground structure is at least one slot in the ground plane. Device.

41. the at least one planar antenna element includes a first planar antenna element; The imperfect ground structure overlaps with the pole portion of the first planar antenna element in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane.

41. The apparatus of claim 40.

42. the at least one planar antenna element includes a first planar antenna element adjacent to a second planar antenna element; the first planar antenna element and the second planar antenna element both at least partially overlap the ground plane in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane; the imperfect ground structure is between the first planar antenna element and the second planar antenna element; the imperfect ground structure does not overlap with either the first planar antenna element or the second planar antenna element in the direction perpendicular to the ground plane.

42. Apparatus according to claim 40 or 41.

Images