Directivity Control Antenna

Abstract

The antenna assembly includes a first antenna having a first length in an elevational direction and a second antenna including a reflective surface having a second length in an elevational direction equal to or greater than the first length, the reflective surface of the second antenna being oriented toward a primary signal reception direction of the first antenna, the reflective surface being configured to reflect communication signals associated with the first antenna to increase the directional gain of the first antenna in the primary signal reception direction.

Description

background

[0001] Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications is a technology that enables vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians to improve safety, energy / fuel efficiency, and traffic flow. V2X can be based on V2X wireless technology, cellular-based V2X technology (CV2X), or other types of related technologies that communicate via radio signals.

[0002] Vehicles equipped with V2X technology may include an on-board communications module and antenna. The on-board module transmits information about the vehicle's speed, direction, location, etc. The V2X antenna may be located on top of the vehicle or in the passenger compartment. However, a roof-mounted V2X antenna may not provide full 360-degree coverage around the vehicle. Other types of vehicle antennas may face similar limitations.

[0003] The location and number of antennas placed on a vehicle may be limited for additional reasons: for example, antennas may be placed on the vehicle's windshield, but this space is crowded with other items such as forward mounted cameras, rain sensors, heating elements, etc., and the adoption of autonomous vehicles is expected to further reduce available space.

[0004] An antenna assembly may comprise multiple components. As the number and complexity of components increases, the available space within the antenna housing may be limited, thereby resulting in interference between components and reduced performance. Furthermore, the size, shape and specifications of the antenna assembly may be restricted by local and international regulations.

[0005] These and other issues are addressed in the present application.

[0006] Disclosed herein is an example of an antenna assembly with directional gain. The antenna assembly may include a first antenna having a first length in an elevation direction. Additionally, the antenna assembly may include a second antenna including a reflective surface having a second length in the elevation direction that is greater than the first length. The reflective surface of the second antenna is oriented toward a primary signal reception direction of the first antenna. The reflective surface is configured to reflect a communication signal associated with the first antenna to increase the directional gain of the first antenna in the primary signal reception direction.

[0007] Further disclosed herein is an example of an antenna assembly with directional gain, including a first antenna having a first length in an elevation direction. The first antenna is configured to receive a first communication signal having a first frequency. The antenna assembly also includes a second antenna including a reflective surface having a second length in an elevation direction equal to or greater than the first length. The second antenna is configured to receive a second communication signal having a second frequency lower than the first frequency. The reflective surface of the second antenna is oriented toward a primary signal reception direction of the first antenna. The reflective surface is configured to reflect the first communication signal to increase the directional gain of the first antenna in the primary signal reception direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an antenna assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the antenna assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an antenna assembly including an antenna housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the antenna assembly of FIG. 3 mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example radiation pattern for an antenna in a first cross-sectional view. [Figure 5B] 5B illustrates an example of the radiation pattern of FIG. 5A shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. [Figure 6A]2 illustrates, in a first cross-sectional view, an example of a radiation pattern for an antenna assembly including a reflective surface. [Figure 6B] 6B shows an example of the radiation pattern of FIG. 6A shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows a conceptual diagram of two electric field sources spaced apart from a ground plane. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 shows a conceptual diagram of an electric field source located between a ground plane and a first signal reception point. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified radiation pattern associated with the electric field source of FIG. 8. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9 illustrates the generation of a final signal at the first signal reception point of FIG. 8. [Figure 10A] 9 shows simplified radiation patterns associated with second and third signal reception points corresponding to the electric field source of FIG. 8. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B illustrates the generation of final signals at the second and third signal reception points of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] 9A-9C show simplified radiation patterns associated with fourth and fifth signal reception points corresponding to the electric field sources of FIG. 8. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B illustrates the generation of final signals at the fourth and fifth signal reception points of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern associated with an electric field source positioned a first distance from the ground plane of FIG. 8. [Figure 13] 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern associated with an electric field source positioned at a second distance from the ground plane of FIG. 8. [Figure 14A] FIG. 9 shows a simplified radiation pattern associated with an electric field source located at a third distance from the ground plane of FIG. 8. [Figure 14B] 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern associated with an electric field source located a third distance from the ground plane of FIG. 8. [Figure 15A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a reflective surface associated with a first width. [Figure 15B] 15B is a first cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern of an antenna assembly including the reflective surface of FIG. 15A. FIG. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern of FIG. 15B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. [Figure 16A] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a reflective surface associated with a second width. [Figure 16B] 16B is a first cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern of an antenna assembly including the reflective surface of FIG. 16A. FIG. [Figure 16C] FIG. 16C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern of FIG. 16B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. [Figure 17A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a reflective surface associated with a first height. [Figure 17B] 17B is a first cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern of an antenna assembly including the reflective surface of FIG. 17A. FIG. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern of FIG. 17B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. [Figure 18A] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a reflective surface associated with a second height. [Figure 18B] 18B is a first cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern of an antenna assembly including the reflective surface of FIG. 18A. FIG. [Figure 18C] FIG. 18C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern of FIG. 18B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. [Figure 19A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an antenna assembly including a reflective surface and an antenna. [Figure 19B] 19B is a first cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern of the antenna assembly of FIG. 19A. FIG. [Figure 19C] FIG. 19C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern of FIG. 19B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. [Figure 20A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an antenna assembly including a lower signal receiver. [Figure 20B] 20B is a first cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern of the antenna assembly of FIG. 20A. FIG. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern of FIG. 20B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. [Figure 21A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an antenna assembly including an upper signal receiver. [Figure 21B] 21B is a first cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a radiation pattern of the antenna assembly of FIG. 21A. FIG. [Figure 21C] FIG. 21C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern of FIG. 21B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. [Figure 22A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an antenna assembly including an upper signal receiver having an extended length. [Figure 22B] 22B is a first cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern of the antenna assembly of FIG. 22A. FIG. [Figure 22C] FIG. 22C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern of FIG. 22B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. [Figure 23A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an antenna assembly. [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern of the antenna assembly of FIG. 23A. [Figure 24A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of an antenna assembly. [Figure 24B] FIG. 24B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern in the antenna assembly of FIG. 24A. [Figure 25A] A diagram showing yet another example of an antenna assembly. [Figure 25B] FIG. 1 shows an antenna assembly with an inclined reflective surface. [Figure 26A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a signal receiver in an antenna assembly. [Figure 26B] FIG. 26B shows a rear view of the signal receiver of FIG. 26A. [Figure 27]FIG. 2 shows an example of a reflective surface with holes. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 shows another example of a reflective surface with a meandering serpentine structure. Detailed Description

[0009] In the following description, with reference to the drawings, the same reference numbers are assigned to the same components or similar components having the same functions, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] V2X antennas are used in vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, pedestrians, etc. to prevent accidents, ease traffic congestion, assist vehicle occupants with services such as quicker access to available parking, and provide other services. V2X operating frequencies are currently 5.85-5.925 GHz in the United States, with many other countries defining similar operating frequency ranges.

[0011] There are many technologies that can be used for V2X, including Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) and C-V2X. Regardless of the technology chosen, the same frequency spectrum is generally used in a given country. To obtain a good omnidirectional radiation pattern, two or more antennas can be used to cover the area around the vehicle. For example, two or more antenna assemblies can be separately mounted on the sides, front, rear, top, spoilers, bumpers, mirrors, windows, etc. of the vehicle.

[0012] Vehicles may be equipped with additional types of antennas. For example, cellular antennas may be used to communicate with cellular towers to facilitate communication with infrastructure or other cellular devices outside the vehicle. Cellular antennas for vehicles may be configured to cover bandwidths in Fourth Generation / Long Term Evolution (4G / LTE) networks and Fifth Generation (5G) networks, which may include bandwidths of 6 GHz and above.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary antenna assembly 10 including a first antenna 5 and a second antenna 15. The first antenna 5 has a first length 5H in an elevation direction 25 and is configured to receive a first communication signal having a first frequency. The second antenna 15 includes a reflective surface 2 having a second length 2H in the elevation direction 25 that is equal to or greater than the first length 5H. In some examples, the length 2H of the reflective surface 2 is between 30 mm and 50 mm. Additionally, the second antenna 15 is configured to receive a second communication signal having a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency.

[0014] In some examples, the first antenna 5 may include a V2X antenna and the second antenna 15 may include a resonant antenna, a radio antenna, a telecommunications antenna, or a digital audio broadcast (DAB) antenna. The telecommunications antenna may include a 4G or 5G antenna.

[0015] The first antenna 5 may include an antenna element 6, such as a folded dipole antenna. The antenna element 6 may be formed on a surface of a vertically oriented antenna substrate 7 oriented in a height direction 25. In some examples, the surface of the antenna substrate 7 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the reflective surface 2. A first length 5H associated with the antenna 5 may include a height of the antenna element 6.

[0016] The first communication signal associated with the first antenna 5 may include a main signal wavelength, and a distance 5D between the first antenna 5 and the reflective surface 2 may be less than or equal to about ½ of the main signal wavelength. The distance 5D may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the elevation direction 25, such as in a reflection direction 24 perpendicular to the elevation direction 25. The distance 5D associated with the antenna 5 may include a distance between the reflective surface 2 and the antenna element 6. In some examples, the distance 5D may be between about 13 mm and 26 mm.

[0017] The second antenna 15 may comprise a signal receiver 4 offset from the reflecting surface 2. The signal receiver 4 may be offset in the reflecting direction 24. In some examples, the signal receiver 4 may be angularly offset from the reflecting surface 2 by 4A along a vertically oriented plane formed perpendicular to the reflecting surface 2, for example, a vertically oriented plane formed by the reflecting direction 24 and the elevation direction 25. The reflecting surface 2 may be located between the signal receiver 4 and the first antenna 5 along the vertically oriented plane. Furthermore, the signal receiver 4 may have an effective antenna length different from that of the reflecting surface 2 to form a multi-band antenna. For example, the effective antenna length of the signal receiver 4 may be longer than the effective antenna length of the reflecting surface 2.

[0018] The reflective surface 2 may be electrically coupled to the signal receiver 4 at a bottom end 16 of the second antenna 15. The bottom end 16 may be spaced from the ground plane 12 by a gap 14. The gap 14 may function to electrically isolate the second antenna 15 from the ground plane 12. The second antenna 15 may further include a second signal receiver 8 electrically coupled to the signal receiver 4. In some examples, the second signal receiver 8 may include an upper signal receiver that extends over the first antenna 5. In some examples, the bottom end 16 may include a lower signal receiver of the second antenna 15.

[0019] Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the antenna assembly 10 of Figure 1, in which the reflective surface 2 of the second antenna 15 can be seen pointing towards or facing a primary signal reception direction 26 of the first antenna 5. In some examples, the primary signal reception direction 26 is the same direction as the reflection direction 24 shown in Figure 1. The reflective surface 2 is configured to reflect the first communication signal to increase the directional gain of the first antenna 5 in the primary signal reception direction 26.

[0020] 2 further illustrates a width 2W of the reflective surface 2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to both the elevation direction 25 and the primary signal reception direction 26. In some examples, the width 2W of the reflective surface 2 is between about 10 mm and 25 mm.

[0021] The elevation direction 25 may be taken perpendicular to the surface of the ground plane 12. In some examples, the ground plane 12 may comprise the base of an antenna housing or the mounting surface of the antenna assembly 10. The ground plane 12 may be understood to be formed by the "x" and "y" coordinates of the example Cartesian system shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, the elevation direction 25 may be understood to be in the "z" coordinate shown. Angular coordinates associated with the example Cartesian system may be constructed with reference to an angle "θ" between the "x" and "y" coordinates and an angle "φ" between the "y" and "z" coordinates. Stated differently, the angle "θ" is the rotation angle about the coordinate "z" and the angle "φ" is the rotation angle about the coordinate "x".

[0022] Further references made herein to "x", "y" and "z" coordinates and angles "θ" and "φ" may be understood with reference to the Cartesian system shown in Figure 2. Additionally, the "xy" plane may also be referred to herein as the "H-plane", while the "yz" plane may also be referred to herein as the "E-plane".

[0023] 3 illustrates an example of an antenna assembly 30 that includes an antenna housing 33 associated with a height direction 35. In some examples, the antenna housing 33 may be attached to a vehicle mounting structure, and the height direction 35 may be understood to extend away from the vehicle mounting structure. A maximum vertical clearance of the antenna assembly 30 may be determined with respect to the height of the antenna housing 33 in the height direction 35.

[0024] The antenna housing 33 may include a first compartment 32 configured to accommodate both the first antenna 5 and the second antenna 15 including the reflective surface 2. The ground plane 12 may be located at the base of the antenna housing 33.

[0025] Additionally, the antenna housing 33 may include a second compartment 34 and a third compartment 36. The second compartment 34 may be configured to house various media or communication circuitry, and the third compartment 36 may be configured to house one or more additional receivers, such as, for example, a global positioning satellite receiver or other type of navigation receiver.

[0026] 1, a first length 5H of the first antenna 5 and a second length 2H of a reflective surface associated with the second antenna 15 may be determined with respect to a height direction 35 of the antenna housing 33 shown in FIG. 3. In some examples, the second length 2H is greater than the first length 5H in the height direction 35.

[0027] The antenna assembly may be configured such that the first antenna 5 is spaced from the second antenna 15 in a primary signal reception direction 26 (e.g., along the length of the antenna housing 33) such that the radiation pattern of the first antenna 5 is maximized in a rearward direction of the vehicle. In some examples, the rearward direction corresponds to the primary signal reception direction 26 of the first antenna 5.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates the antenna assembly 30 of FIG. 3 mounted on a vehicle 45. The antenna assembly 30 may be configured to provide a hemispherical or partial hemispherical signal reception area 40. In some examples, the reception area may be associated with one or more antenna assemblies. By way of example only, the partial hemispherical signal reception area 40 may be formed to provide 360 ​​degree signal reception coverage around the vehicle 45, which may be determined within a range of +10 degrees to -6 degrees from a horizontal plane (0 degrees) passing through one or more reference points, such as the antenna assembly 30. Other ranges are contemplated herein, for example, to accommodate communication with other vehicles, cell phone towers, satellite systems, other communication systems, or any combination thereof.

[0029] Some types of vehicular communications may be configured to provide signal reception coverage 360 ​​degrees around the vehicle at a particular height or height range. To obtain satisfactory performance around 360 degrees, the vehicle may be equipped with multiple antennas. As an example, one antenna may be located at the front of the vehicle and another antenna may be located at the rear of the vehicle. In another example, one antenna may be located on the right side of the vehicle and another antenna may be located on the left side of the vehicle. In these examples, each antenna may be configured to primarily cover half of the 360 ​​degree radiation pattern area, i.e., 180 degrees.

[0030] In the case of antenna assemblies that include multiple antennas within the same antenna housing, the antennas may interfere with each other's ability to obtain sufficient signal strength throughout the entire 360 ​​degree radiation pattern area. However, by configuring each antenna to cover primarily half of the radiation pattern, interference between the antennas within the housing can be mitigated. Additionally, antennas may be used to enhance each other's directional gain, depending on the size, location, and spacing of the antennas relative to each other, and as further described herein.

[0031] Figure 5A shows an example radiation pattern 50 for an antenna in a first cross-sectional view taken with respect to the "x" and "y" coordinates of the example Cartesian system shown in Figure 2. It can be seen that the radiation pattern 50 varies according to angular position from 0 to 360 degrees, which corresponds to an angle "θ" in the "xy" plane, i.e., in the H-plane. The radiation pattern 50 is for a "stand-alone" antenna, i.e., when there are no other antenna structures or obstacles in the vicinity.

[0032] The radiation pattern 50 includes a front gain 52 within a designated radiation pattern area 56 (e.g., 180 degrees) of the antenna, and a rear gain 54. The radiation pattern 50 in a stand-alone antenna may have a slightly larger front gain 52 compared to the rear gain 54. The radiation pattern 50 may be understood to visually indicate the signal strength of the antenna, measured in decibels (dB), over a 360 degree view. Additionally, the radiation pattern 50 may be taken at an elevation of 0 degrees, which corresponds to an angle "φ" in the "yz" or E-plane.

[0033] Figure 5B shows the example radiation pattern 50 of Figure 5A shown in a second cross-sectional view taken with respect to the "y" and "z" coordinates of the example Cartesian system shown in Figure 2, which are perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. It can be seen that the radiation pattern 50 varies according to angular position from 0 to 360 degrees, which corresponds to the angle "φ" in the "yz" or E-plane.

[0034] The front gain 52 and rear gain 54 form two lobes in the E-plane, each corresponding to a beamwidth 59 within a respective designated radiation pattern area 56 .

[0035] Figure 6A illustrates an example of a radiation pattern 60 for an antenna assembly including a reflective surface, such as antenna assembly 10, in a first cross-sectional view taken with respect to "x" and "y" coordinates in the example Cartesian system shown in Figure 2. It can be seen that the radiation pattern 60 varies with angular position from 0 to 360 degrees, which corresponds to an angle "θ" in the "xy" or H-plane.

[0036] The designated radiation pattern area 66 of the antenna is from the negative "x" axis to the positive "x" axis, proceeding clockwise and passing through the positive "y" direction. The antenna with the reflector is configured to cover half of the 360 ​​degree radiation pattern area, and the other antenna covers the other half.

[0037] 5A, it can be readily seen that the forward gain 62 associated with radiation pattern 60 is greater than the forward gain 52 associated with radiation pattern 50. For example, the forward gain 62 may be several decibels (dB) greater than the forward gain 52.

[0038] It can further be seen that the rear gain 64 associated with radiation pattern 60 is less than the rear gain 54 associated with radiation pattern 50. It can further be seen that radiation pattern 60 has a much larger front gain 62 compared to the rear gain 64. However, for an antenna with a reflector associated with radiation pattern 60, the reduced rear gain 64 does not have a direct impact on the performance of the antenna within a specified radiation pattern area 66.

[0039] Figure 6B shows the example radiation pattern 60 of Figure 6A shown in a second cross-sectional view taken with respect to the "y" and "z" coordinates of the example Cartesian system shown in Figure 2, perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. It can be seen that the radiation pattern 60 varies according to angular position from 0 to 360 degrees, which corresponds to the angle "φ" in the "yz" or E-plane.

[0040] 6A, the forward gain 62 associated with radiation pattern 60 in the second cross-sectional view is significantly greater than the forward gain 52 associated with radiation pattern 50. For example, the forward gain 62 is several decibels greater within beamwidth 69 in each designated radiation pattern area 66. Meanwhile, the rearward gain 64 may be somewhat reduced compared to the rearward gain 54, at least for certain angular positions.

[0041] The forward gain 62 may be at maximum signal strength along a primary signal reception direction 65 associated with the antenna, which may be at an elevation of about 0 degrees in the E-plane, and in some instances may be adjusted toward the positive or negative "z" axis to modify the signal reception region 40 (FIG. 4).

[0042] 7 shows a conceptual diagram of two electric field sources including a first electric field source 7A and a second electric field source 7B spaced apart from a ground plane 72. One or both of the electric field sources 7A, 7B may be configured to generate an electric field that reflects relative to a ground plane 72, such as an infinite ground plane or a conducting E-plane.

[0043] The reflection of the electric field can be understood to conceptually create a virtual additional electric field source on the other side of the ground plane 72. For example, a first virtual electric field source 7A' may correspond to the first electric field source 7A, and a second virtual electric field source 7B' may correspond to the second magnetic field source 7B. The virtual electric field sources may have either a 0 degree phase change or a 180 degree phase change from the original electric field source. In some examples, the first virtual electric field source may have a 0 degree phase change (+1) from the first electric field source 7A, and the second virtual electric field source may have a 180 degree phase change (-1) from the second electric field source 7B.

[0044] 8 shows a conceptual diagram of an electric field source 8A located between a ground plane 82 and a first signal reception point 8P1. The electric field source 8A may be spaced a distance 8D from the ground plane 82. Furthermore, the first signal reception point 8P1 may be spaced a distance 8D1 from the electric field source 8A.

[0045] The reflection of the electric field associated with electric field source 8A can be understood to conceptually create a virtual electric field source 8A' on the other side of ground plane 82. Virtual electric field source 8A' may be spaced a distance 8D' from ground plane 82. Distance 8D may be equal to distance 8D' in absolute value. Distance 8D1 may be greater than distance 8D.

[0046] 9A shows a simplified radiation pattern associated with the electric field source 8A of FIG. 8, where the electric field source 8A is located ½λ from the ground plane 82, and the distance 8D1 is greater than λ. In some instances, the distance 8D1 may be much greater than λ. Furthermore, the signal strength or gain at the first signal reception point 8P1 may be zero.

[0047] Figure 9B, in relation to Figure 9A, illustrates the generation of a final signal 96 at the first signal reception point 8P1. The final signal 96 is generated based on a combination of a reflected (or virtual) signal 94 associated with the virtual electric field source 8A' and the original DC signal 92 associated with the electric field source 8A.

[0048] Considering that the reflected signal 94 is initially 180 degrees out of phase, it must travel 1λ further than the original DC signal 92 to reach the first signal reception point 8P1. Furthermore, the reflected signal 94 associated with the virtual electric field source 8A' can be seen to destructively add to the DC signal 92 associated with the electric field source 8A. Thus, the DC signal and the reflected signal may ultimately be approximately 180 degrees out of phase, producing a zero or insubstantial final signal 96.

[0049] Figure 10A shows a simplified radiation pattern corresponding to the electric field source 8A of Figure 8 and associated with a second signal reception point 8P2 and a third signal reception point 8P3. The second and third signal reception points 8P2, 8P3 can be understood to be located adjacent to the ground plane 82.

[0050] Again, assuming a distance of ½λ between the electric field source 8A and the ground plane 82, the distance 8D2 between the electric field source 8A and the second signal reception point 8P2 may be greater than 1λ, and in some instances much greater than 1λ. Similarly, the distance 8D3 between the electric field source 8A and the third signal reception point 8P3 may be greater than 1λ. The distance 8D2 associated with the second signal reception point 8P2 may be equal to the distance 8D3 associated with the third signal reception point 8P3.

[0051] Figure 10B illustrates the generation of a final signal 106 at the second and third signal receiving points 8P2, 8P3 of Figure 10A. The final signal 106 is generated based on a combination of a reflected (or virtual) signal 104 associated with the virtual electric field source 8A' and the original DC signal 102 associated with the electric field source 8A.

[0052] In this case, the distance 8D traveled by the DC signal 8A and the distance 8D' traveled by the reflected or virtual electric field source 8A' are substantially equal, but they are still 180 degrees out of phase at the second and third signal reception points 8P2, 8P3. In some instances, the reflected signal 104 associated with the virtual electric field source 8A' may be seen to destructively add to the DC signal 102 associated with the electric field source 8A to produce a zero or insubstantial final signal 106. Thus, it can be seen that there is again a zero value for the final signal 106 at one or both of the second and third signal reception points 8P2, 8P3.

[0053] Figure 11A shows a simplified radiation pattern corresponding to the electric field source 8A of Figure 8 and associated with a fourth signal reception point 8P4 and a fifth signal reception point 8P5. The fourth signal reception point 8P4 may be understood to be located midway along the arcuate path between the first signal reception point 8P1 and the second signal reception point 8P2. The fifth signal reception point 8P5 may be understood to be located midway along the arcuate path between the first signal reception point 8P1 and the third signal reception point 8P3.

[0054] Again, assuming that the distance between the electric field source 8A and the ground plane 82 is ½λ, the distance 8D4 between the electric field source 8A and the fourth signal reception point 8P4 may be approximately ½λ. Similarly, the distance 8D5 between the electric field source 8A and the fifth signal reception point 8P5 may be approximately ½λ. In some examples, the distance 8D4 is equal to the distance 8D5. Furthermore, the distance that the reflected signal must travel to reach either the fourth signal reception point 8P4 or the fifth signal reception point 8P5 from the virtual electric field source 8A′ is approximately ½λ less than the distance that the DC signal must travel from the electric field source 8A.

[0055] Figure 11B shows the generation of a final signal 116 at the fourth and fifth signal reception points 8P4, 8P5 of Figure 11A. The final signal 116 is generated based on a combination of a reflected (or virtual) signal 114 associated with the virtual electric field source 8A' and the original DC signal 112 associated with the electric field source 8A.

[0056] 9A and 9B, it can be seen that at the first signal reception point 8P1, there is a zero value. This is because in the far field, the reflected signal 94 is shifted by 1λ compared to the original DC signal 92. Furthermore, due to reflection, there is a 180 degree shift, which results in a zero at the first signal reception point 8P1. Similarly, with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, it can be seen that at the second and third signal reception points 8P2, 8P3, there is a 0λ difference between the electric field source 8A and the reflected signal 94, again resulting in a zero due to the 180 degree reflection phase shift.

[0057] Furthermore, it can be seen that in the far field, the distance between the electric field source 8A and the reflected signals 94, 104 decreases from 1λ at the first signal reception point 8P1 to 0λ at ​​the second signal reception point 8P2 or the third signal reception point 8P3. This creates two signals that increase the signal strength of the final signal 116 by constructively increasing. Thus, there are peaks at the fourth and fifth signal reception points 8P4, 8P5.

[0058] Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern 120 associated with electric field source 8A located a first distance from ground plane 82 of Figure 8. In some examples, the first distance, such as distance 8D of Figure 8, may be about ½λ.

[0059] The radiation pattern 120 can be understood to include two peaks at points 8P4, 8P5. The two points 8P4, 8P5 can be symmetrically located in a 180 degree region of interest. In the illustrated example, the two points 8P4, 8P5 are located at approximately 60 degrees from a reference point of 0 degrees. Each peak can correspond to a forward gain 120 having a maximum or peak value at a main signal reception direction 126 located within a beamwidth 124. The beamwidth 124 can correspond to a portion of the radiation pattern 120 equal to a certain percentage of the peak value, for example, at least 90% of the peak value. The main signal reception direction 126 can be located approximately at a centerline of the beamwidth 124. In some examples, there can be more than one main signal reception direction associated with an electric field source, for example, an antenna.

[0060] In addition to the two peaks at points 8P4, 8P5, three further points 8P1, 8P2, 8P3 are identified as zeros or insubstantial signals. Point 8P1 is located at zero degrees, and the other two zero value points 8P2, 8P3 are located 90 degrees from point 8P1 and 180 degrees from each other. The radiation pattern 120 can be defined or controlled according to the number and location of the various peaks and / or zeros. For example, the peak(s) can be configured to point the radiation pattern 120 away from a ground plane, e.g., a reflector.

[0061] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an example radiation pattern 130 associated with electric field source 8A located at a second distance from ground plane 82 of Figure 8. In some examples, the second distance, such as distance 8D of Figure 8, may be about ¼λ.

[0062] The signal can be seen to increase constructively and have a maximum peak at point 13P1 with zero values ​​at points 13P2, 13P3. In this example, the maximum peak can extend substantially symmetrically on either side of peak point 13P1 and have a relatively wide beamwidth 134. For example, beamwidth 134 can extend up to about 60 degrees on either side of peak point 13P1.

[0063] A primary signal reception direction 136 located within the beamwidth 134 may be associated with a portion of the beamwidth 134 having a peak value. For example, the primary signal reception direction 136 may correspond to an angular range in which the radiation pattern 130 is substantially equal to the peak value. The beamwidth 134 may include additional angular ranges on either side of the primary signal reception direction 136 in which a portion of the radiation pattern 130 is equal to a percentage of the peak value or a standard deviation from the peak value. In other examples, the primary signal reception direction 136 may be associated with approximately the centerline of the beamwidth 134, e.g., peak point 13P1.

[0064] It can be seen that in radiation pattern 130 there are no zero values ​​within the 180 degree region of interest. For distance 8D in Figure 8, the virtual (reflected) electric field source signal at P1 must travel a distance of 1 / 2λ, also taking into account that it is initially 180 degrees out of phase. The final signal at point 13P1 is obtained by constructive multiplication with the maximum signal multiplication being at 13P1.

[0065] Comparing the radiation pattern 120 associated with a first distance of ½λ to the radiation pattern 130 associated with a second distance of ¼λ, it is noted that there is a reduced peak at point 8P1, but a larger forward gain at 60 degrees for the radiation pattern 120. Thus, some example antenna assemblies may select a distance 8D between ½λ and ¼λ to blend the effects of the two radiation patterns 120, 130.

[0066] FIG. 14A shows a simplified radiation pattern associated with the electric field source 8A of FIG. 8 located at a third distance from the ground plane 82. Assuming that the distance between the electric field source 8A and the ground plane 82 is 1λ, the first point 14P1 may be located at a distance of 1λ from the ground plane 82. Further, the radiation pattern 140 may be associated with second and third receiving points 14P2, 14P3 located 90 degrees on either side of the first point 14P1. The first, second and third receiving points 14P1, 14P2, 14P3 may be associated with zero or immaterial values. The distance between the direct path and the virtual (reflected) path may be 2λ at point 14P1 and 0λ at ​​points 14P2, 14P3.

[0067] A first set of intermediate points 14P4, 14P6, 14P8 may be located between the first point 14P1 and the second point 14P2 and may be uniformly spaced from one another. Further, a second set of intermediate points 14P5, 14P7, 14P9 may be located between the first and third points 14P1, 14P3 and may also be uniformly spaced from one another. The first and second sets of points may alternate between peak values ​​and zero values.

[0068] Figure 14B shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern 140 associated with electric field source 8A of Figure 8 located at a third distance from ground plane 82. Between points 14P1 and 14P2 there are two peaks at points 14P4 and 14P8, and another zero at point 14P6. The same situation exists between points 14P1 and 14P3, with two peaks at points 14P5 and 14P9, and another zero at point 14P7.

[0069] The main signal reception direction 146 and the beamwidth 142 may be associated with one or more of the peak points 14P4, 14P5. In some examples, one or more of the peaks, such as the peaks at the secondary peak points 14P8, 14P9, may be slightly smaller than the peak values ​​at other points of the radiation pattern, such as the peak points 14P4, 14P5. A maximum gain value associated with one or more of the secondary peak points 14P8, 14P9 may be associated with an effective gain 145 of the radiation pattern 140. In some examples, the effective gain 145 or the forward gain may be used to determine approximate upper and lower boundaries of the beamwidth 142.

[0070] FIG. 15A shows an example of a reflective surface 154 associated with a first width 154W and a first height 154H, and FIG. 15B shows a first cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern 150 for an antenna assembly including the reflective surface 154 of FIG. 15A.

[0071] The reflective surface 154 (FIG. 15A) may be configured to face or be oriented toward a main signal receiving direction 156 (FIG. 15B) corresponding to an antenna, for example, a first antenna. Additionally, the reflective surface 154 may be configured to reflect communication signals associated with the first antenna to increase the directional gain of the first antenna in the main signal receiving direction 156 or forward direction of the antenna radiation pattern 150. In some examples, the reflective surface 154 may be part of or connected to a second antenna of the antenna assembly.

[0072] The radiation pattern 150 may be associated with a forward gain bounded by a beamwidth 152. The beamwidth 152 may correspond to a portion of the radiation pattern 150 equal to a percentage of a peak value or a standard deviation from the peak value of the radiation pattern 150. In another example, the beamwidth 152 may correspond to a threshold gain value that corresponds to a predetermined signal strength of the first antenna, measured in decibels (dB).

[0073] Figure 15C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern 150 of Figure 15B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. The beamwidth 152 can have directional components, such as a main signal reception direction 156, in both the E-plane and H-plane of the radiation pattern. Additionally, the beamwidth 152 can have different angular ranges in the two cross-sectional views. In some examples, the angular range associated with the first cross-sectional view of Figure 15B can be greater than the angular range associated with the second cross-sectional view of Figure 15C.

[0074] 16A illustrates an example of a reflective surface 164 associated with a width 164W (second width) and a height 164H (second height). In some examples, the second height 164H may be the same height as the first height 154H in FIG. 15A, while the second width 164W may be less than the first width 154W.

[0075] FIG. 16B illustrates in a first cross-sectional view an example of a radiation pattern 160 for an antenna assembly including the reflective surface 164 of FIG. 16A.

[0076] 15A, the reflective surface 164 may be configured to face or be oriented toward a main signal receiving direction 166 corresponding to an antenna, for example, a first antenna. Additionally, the reflective surface 164 may be configured to reflect a communication signal associated with the first antenna to increase the directional gain of the first antenna in the main signal receiving direction 166 or forward direction of the radiation pattern 160. The radiation pattern 160 may be associated with a forward gain bounded by a beamwidth 162.

[0077] By decreasing the second width 164W of the reflecting surface 164 compared to the first width 154W of the reflecting surface 154, the performance of the radiation pattern 160 can be controlled or changed on the sides of the reflecting surface in the positive "y" direction and the negative "y" direction. For example, compared to the radiation pattern 150 shown in FIG. 15B, the beam width 162 has a wider angular range than the beam width 152.

[0078] A back lobe 168 may be associated with the peak rearward gain 165 of radiation pattern 160 in the rearward direction (negative "x"). It can be seen that in radiation pattern 150, the rearward gain (between 90 degrees and 270 degrees) is zero or substantially zero. It can be seen that while the peak rearward gain 165 of back lobe 168 may be larger compared to radiation pattern 150, the forward gain in the main signal reception direction 166 of radiation pattern 160 is nevertheless still significantly larger than the peak rearward gain 165.

[0079] FIG. 16C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern 160 of FIG. 16B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view.

[0080] The beamwidth 162 can have directional components, such as a main signal reception direction 166, in both the E-plane and the H-plane of the radiation pattern. Additionally, the beamwidth 162 can have different angular extents in the two cross-sectional views. In some examples, the angular extent associated with the first cross-sectional view of FIG. 16B may be greater than the angular extent associated with the second cross-sectional view of FIG. 16C.

[0081] As previously discussed, it can be seen that a back lobe 168 forms behind the E-plane because the second width 164W of the reflecting surface 164 is smaller than the corresponding first width 154W of the reflecting surface 154. The second width 164W of the reflecting surface 164 can be reduced until there is only an edge having a width, for example, a few millimeters or less, and in some instances less than a millimeter. Reducing the second width 164W can further increase the beam width 162 in the "xy" or H-plane (FIG. 16B).

[0082] FIG. 17A illustrates an example of a reflective surface 174 associated with a height 174H (first height) and a width 174W (first width), and FIG. 17B illustrates a first cross-sectional view of an example of a radiation pattern 170 for an antenna assembly including the reflective surface 174 of FIG. 17A.

[0083] The reflective surface 174 may be configured to face or be oriented toward a main signal receiving direction 176 corresponding to an antenna, for example, a first antenna. Additionally, the reflective surface 174 may be configured to reflect communication signals associated with the first antenna to increase the directional gain of the first antenna in the main signal receiving direction 176 or forward direction of the antenna radiation pattern 170. In some examples, the reflective surface 174 may be part of or connected to a second antenna of the antenna assembly.

[0084] The radiation pattern 170 may be associated with a forward gain bounded by a beamwidth 172. The beamwidth 172 may correspond to a portion of the radiation pattern 170 equal to a percentage of or a standard deviation from the peak value of the radiation pattern 170. In another example, the beamwidth 172 may correspond to a threshold gain value that corresponds to a predetermined signal strength of the first antenna, measured in decibels (dB).

[0085] FIG. 17C shows an example of the radiation pattern 170 of FIG. 17B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view.

[0086] The beamwidth 172 can have directional components, such as a main signal reception direction 176, in both the E-plane and the H-plane of the radiation pattern. Additionally, the beamwidth 172 can have different angular extents in the two cross-sectional views. In some examples, the angular extent associated with the first cross-sectional view of FIG. 17B can be greater than the angular extent associated with the second cross-sectional view of FIG. 17C.

[0087] 18A illustrates an example of an antenna assembly 189 including an antenna 181 and a reflective surface 184 associated with a width 184W (second width) and a height 184H (second height). In some examples, the second width 184W may be the same width as the first width 174W of FIG. 17A, while the second height 184H may be less than the second height 174H. Additionally, the second height 184H may be approximately equal to an antenna height 181H associated with the antenna 181 (first antenna). In some examples, the second height 184H of the reflective surface 184 may be less than the antenna height 181H.

[0088] FIG. 18B illustrates in a first cross-sectional view an example of a radiation pattern 180 for an antenna assembly including the reflective surface of FIG. 18A.

[0089] 15A, the reflective surface 184 may be configured to face or be oriented toward a primary signal receiving direction 186 corresponding to the antenna 181. Additionally, the reflective surface 184 may be configured to reflect communication signals associated with the antenna 181 to increase the directional gain of the antenna 181 in the primary signal receiving direction 186 or forward direction of the radiation pattern 180. The radiation pattern 180 may be associated with a forward gain bounded by a beamwidth 182.

[0090] By decreasing the second height 184H of the reflecting surface 184 compared to the first height 174H of the reflecting surface 174, the performance of the radiation pattern 180 on the side of the reflecting surface in the positive "y" direction and the negative "y" direction can be controlled or changed. For example, compared to the radiation pattern 170 shown in FIG. 17B, the beam width 182 of the radiation pattern 180 has a narrower angular range than the beam width 172.

[0091] A back lobe 188 may be associated with the peak rear gain 185 of radiation pattern 180 in the rearward direction (negative "x"). It can be seen that in radiation pattern 180, the peak rear gain 185 is larger than the peak rear gain 175 of radiation pattern 170 (FIG. 17B). In addition to the back lobe 188 being larger compared to the back lobe 178 of radiation pattern 170, it can be seen that the peak gain 185 in the main signal reception direction 186 of radiation pattern 180 is in the rearward direction. Furthermore, the forward gain 185 is slightly smaller than the rear gain associated with the back lobe 188.

[0092] FIG. 18C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern 180 of FIG. 18B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view.

[0093] The beamwidth 182 can have directional components, such as a main signal reception direction 186, in both the E-plane and the H-plane of the radiation pattern. Additionally, the beamwidth 182 can have different angular ranges in the two cross-sectional views. In some examples, the angular range associated with the first cross-sectional view of FIG. 18B can be greater than the angular range associated with the second cross-sectional view of FIG. 18C.

[0094] A back lobe 188 is formed behind the E-plane because the second width 184W of the reflective surface 184 is greater than the corresponding first width 174W of the reflective surface 174. The second width 184W of the reflective surface 184 may be increased until the second width 184W is approximately equal to the second height 184H. In some examples, the second width 184W may be greater than the second height 184H.

[0095] Figure 19A illustrates an example antenna assembly 199 including a reflective surface 194 and an antenna 191, and Figure 19B illustrates an example radiation pattern 190 in a first cross-sectional view for the antenna assembly 199 of Figure 19A. The reflective surface 194 includes a height 194H (first height) and a width 194W (first width). The antenna 191 can be spaced from the reflective surface 194 by a distance 19D.

[0096] The reflective surface 194 may be configured to face or be oriented toward a primary signal receiving direction 196 corresponding to the antenna 191. Additionally, the reflective surface 194 may be configured to reflect communication signals associated with the antenna 191 to increase the directional gain of the antenna 191 in the primary signal receiving direction 196 or forward direction of the radiation pattern 190. In some examples, the reflective surface 194 may be part of or connected to a second antenna of the antenna assembly 199.

[0097] The radiation pattern 190 may be associated with a forward gain bounded by a beamwidth 192. The beamwidth 192 may correspond to a portion of the radiation pattern 190 equal to a percentage of a peak value or a standard deviation from the peak value of the radiation pattern 190. In another example, the beamwidth 192 may correspond to a threshold gain value that corresponds to a predetermined signal strength of the antenna 191, measured in decibels (dB).

[0098] Figure 19C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern 190 of Figure 19B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. The beamwidth 192 can have directional components, such as a main signal reception direction 196, in both the E-plane and the H-plane of the radiation pattern. Additionally, the beamwidth 192 can have different angular ranges in the two cross-sectional views. In some examples, the angular range associated with the first cross-sectional view of Figure 19B can be greater than the angular range associated with the second cross-sectional view of Figure 19C.

[0099] 20A illustrates an example of an antenna assembly 209 including a reflective surface 204, a first antenna 201, and a lower signal receiver 203. The reflective surface may include a width 204W (second width) and a height 204H (second height). In some examples, the second width 204W may be the same width as the first width 194W of FIG. 19A, and the second height 204H may be the same height as the first height 194H. The first antenna 201 may be spaced apart from the reflective surface 204 by an antenna distance 20D. In some examples, the second antenna includes a lower signal receiver 203 electrically coupled to the reflective surface 204.

[0100] The lower signal receiver 203 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the reflective surface 204. In some examples, the lower signal receiver 203 and the reflective surface 204 are the same width. The lower signal receiver 204 may extend away from the reflective surface 204 by a distance 203D. In some examples, the lower signal receiver 203 may extend a distance 203D that is equal to or greater than the distance 20D between the first antenna 201 and the reflective surface 204 such that the lower signal receiver 203 extends below the first antenna. The lower end of the first antenna 201 may be positioned a distance 203H above the lower signal receiver 203.

[0101] FIG. 20B illustrates a first cross-sectional view of an example radiation pattern 200 for the antenna assembly 209 of FIG. 20A.

[0102] 15A, the reflective surface 204 may be configured to face or be oriented toward a main signal reception direction 206 corresponding to the first antenna 201. Additionally, the reflective surface 204 may be configured to reflect communication signals associated with the first antenna 201 to increase the directional gain of the first antenna 201 in the main signal reception direction 206 or forward direction of the radiation pattern 200. The radiation pattern 200 may be associated with a forward gain bounded by a beamwidth 202.

[0103] The performance of radiation pattern 200 on the side of the reflective surface can be controlled or modified by including lower signal receiver 203. For example, compared to radiation pattern 190 shown in FIG. 19B, beamwidth 202 of radiation pattern 200 has a wider angular range than beamwidth 192.

[0104] A back lobe 208 may be associated with the peak rear gain 205 of the radiation pattern 200 in the rear direction. It can be seen that in the radiation pattern 200, the peak rear gain 205 is less than the peak rear gain 195 of the radiation pattern 190 (FIG. 19B).

[0105] FIG. 20C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern 200 of FIG. 20B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view.

[0106] By adding the lower signal receiver 203, the radiation pattern 200 can be controlled in the H-plane. When the lower signal receiver 203 extends below the first antenna 201, the radiation pattern 200 is shifted downward in the H-plane. Meanwhile, in some examples, by extending the lower signal receiver 203 beyond the first antenna 201, the radiation pattern 200 can be shifted upward in the H-plane.

[0107] By decreasing the distance 203H or gap between the first antenna 201 and the lower signal receiver 203, the radiation pattern 200 can be shifted further toward the bottom. In some examples, the radiation pattern 200 can shift in the opposite direction when the antenna is lowered for an antenna assembly that includes a reflective surface without a lower signal receiver, such as reflective surface 194 (FIG. 19A). In that case, lowering the antenna 191 can shift the radiation pattern 190 upward.

[0108] 21A shows an example of an antenna assembly 219 that includes a reflective surface 214, a first antenna 211, a lower signal receiver 213, and an upper signal receiver 217. The reflective surface 214 may also include a signal receiver. The first antenna 211 may be spaced a distance 21D from the reflective surface 214.

[0109] In some examples, the second antenna includes an upper signal receiver 217 electrically coupled to the reflective surface 214, and the lower signal receiver 213 may be electrically coupled to the reflective surface 214. The upper signal receiver 217 may include a length 217D that extends away from the reflective surface 214 at a height 217H that is higher than the top of the first antenna 211. The upper signal receiver 217 and the top of the first antenna 211 may be spaced apart in height from one another to electrically isolate the second signal receiver 217 from the first antenna 211.

[0110] Additionally, the lower signal receiver 213 may extend a distance 213D that is greater than or equal to the distance 21D between the first antenna 211 and the reflective surface 214, such that the lower signal receiver 213 extends below the first antenna 211. The lower ends of the lower signal receiver 213 and the first antenna 211 may be spaced apart from each other in the height direction by a height 213H to electrically isolate the lower signal receiver 213 from the first antenna 211.

[0111] FIG. 21B illustrates a first cross-sectional view of an example radiation pattern 210 for the antenna assembly 219 of FIG. 21A.

[0112] The reflective surface 214 may be configured to face or be oriented toward a main signal reception direction 216 corresponding to the first antenna 211. Additionally, the reflective surface 214 may be configured to reflect communication signals associated with the first antenna 211 to increase the directional gain of the first antenna 211 in the main signal reception direction 216 or forward direction of the antenna radiation pattern 210. In some examples, the reflective surface 214 may be part of or connected to a second antenna of the antenna assembly 219.

[0113] The radiation pattern 210 may be associated with a forward gain bounded by a beamwidth 212. The beamwidth 212 may correspond to a portion of the radiation pattern 210 equal to a percentage of the peak value of the radiation pattern or a standard deviation from the peak value. In another example, the beamwidth 212 may correspond to a threshold gain value that corresponds to a predetermined signal strength of the first antenna 211, measured in decibels (dB).

[0114] FIG. 21C illustrates an example of the radiation pattern 210 of FIG. 21B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view.

[0115] The beamwidth 212 can have directional components, such as a main signal reception direction 216, in both the E-plane and the H-plane of the radiation pattern. Additionally, the beamwidth 212 can have different angular extents in the two cross-sectional views. In some instances, the angular extent associated with the first cross-sectional view of FIG. 21B may be greater than the angular extent associated with the second cross-sectional view of FIG. 21C.

[0116] Figure 22A shows an example of an antenna assembly 229 including a reflective surface 224, a first antenna 221, a lower signal receiver 223, and an upper signal receiver 227. The upper signal receiver 227 of Figure 22A has an extended length 227D compared to the length 217D of the upper signal receiver 217 of Figure 21A. The first antenna 221 can be spaced apart from the reflective surface 224 by an antenna distance 22D.

[0117] In some examples, the spacing or gap between the first antenna 221 and the upper and lower signal receivers 223, 227 may be the same for both antenna assemblies 219, 229. For example, height 223H may be substantially equal to height 213H and height 227H may be substantially equal to height 217H. Furthermore, antenna distance 22D may be substantially equal to antenna distance 21D.

[0118] The length 227D of the upper signal receiver 227 may be greater than or equal to the antenna distance 22D between the first antenna 221 and the reflective surface 224 such that the upper signal receiver 227 extends directly above the top end of the first antenna 221.

[0119] By adding one or both of the lower signal receiver 223 and the upper signal receiver 227, the performance and shape of the associated radiation pattern 220 can be controlled. Additionally, the length of the receivers and their spacing from the first antenna 221 can be varied to control the radiation pattern. Additionally, the size and direction of the beamwidth can also be controlled as will be further described with respect to the following figures.

[0120] FIG. 22B illustrates in a first cross-sectional view an example of a radiation pattern 220 for the antenna assembly 229 of FIG. 22A.

[0121] 15A, the reflective surface 224 may be configured to face or be oriented toward a main signal receiving direction 226 corresponding to the first antenna 221. Additionally, the reflective surface 224 may be configured to reflect communication signals associated with the first antenna 221 to increase the directional gain of the first antenna 221 in the main signal receiving direction 226 or forward direction of the radiation pattern 220. The radiation pattern 220 may be associated with a forward gain bounded by a beamwidth 222.

[0122] The performance of radiation pattern 220 on the side of the reflective surface can be controlled or modified by including lower signal receiver 223. For example, compared to radiation pattern 210 shown in FIG. 21B, beamwidth 222 of radiation pattern 220 has a wider angular range than beamwidth 212.

[0123] A back lobe 228 may be associated with the peak rear gain 225 of the radiation pattern 220 in the rear direction. It can be seen that in the radiation pattern 220, the peak rear gain 225 is greater than the peak rear gain 215 of the radiation pattern 210 (FIG. 21B).

[0124] Figure 22C shows an example of the radiation pattern 220 of Figure 22B shown in a second cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view. By extending the length 227D of the upper signal receptor 227, the radiation pattern 220 can be further controlled in the H-plane. If the upper signal receptor 227 is extended above the first antenna 221, the radiation pattern 220 shifts upward in the H-plane.

[0125] 23A shows an example of an antenna assembly 239 including a first antenna 231 and a second antenna 232. The second antenna 232 includes a reflective surface 234 and an upper signal receiving body 238. The second antenna 232 may be positioned above a ground plane 233.

[0126] The first antenna 231 may be spaced apart from the reflective surface 234 by an antenna distance 23D. The top end of the first antenna 231 may be spaced apart from the upper signal receiver 238 by a distance 238H. Additionally, the bottom end of the first antenna 231 may be spaced apart from the ground plane 233 by a distance 233H.

[0127] FIG. 23B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example radiation pattern 230 for the antenna assembly 239 of FIG. 23A.

[0128] The reflective surface 234 ( FIG. 23A ) may be configured to face or be oriented toward a main signal reception direction 236 corresponding to the first antenna 231. Additionally, the reflective surface 234 may be configured to reflect communication signals associated with the first antenna 231 to increase the directional gain of the first antenna 231 in the main signal reception direction 236 or forward direction of the antenna radiation pattern 230.

[0129] The radiation pattern 230 may be associated with a forward gain bounded by a beamwidth 235 that corresponds to a portion of the radiation pattern 230 equal to a percentage of the peak value of the radiation pattern 230 or a standard deviation from the peak value.

[0130] 24A shows another example of an antenna assembly 249 including a first antenna 241 and a second antenna 242. The second antenna 242 includes a reflective surface 244 and an upper signal receiver 248. The second antenna 242 may be positioned above a ground plane 243.

[0131] The first antenna 241 may be spaced apart by an antenna distance 24D from the reflective surface 244. The top end of the first antenna 241 may be spaced apart by a distance 248H from the upper signal receiver 248. Additionally, the bottom end of the first antenna 241 may be spaced apart by a distance 243H from the ground plane 243.

[0132] Antenna distance 24D may be substantially equal to antenna distance 23D (FIG. 23A). In some examples, first antenna 241 may be raised to a higher height corresponding to distance 243H compared to distance 233H (FIG. 23A). At the same time, distance 248H between the top end of first antenna 241 and upper signal receiver 248 may be less than distance 238H.

[0133] FIG. 24B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example radiation pattern 240 of the antenna assembly 249 of FIG. 24A.

[0134] Comparing radiation pattern 240 with radiation pattern 230 (FIG. 23B) shows that radiation pattern 240, along with main signal reception direction 246 and beamwidth 245, can be controlled in the H-plane by adjusting the height (distance 243H) of first antenna 242 relative to ground plane 243. In this case, main signal reception direction 246 is shifted downwards compared to main signal reception direction 236 (FIG. 23B).

[0135] The radiation pattern in the E-plane can also be controlled by adjusting the height of the first antenna 241 relative to the ground plane 243. Meanwhile, the side performance of the radiation pattern (positive "x" to negative "x") can be controlled by changing the antenna distance 24D between the first antenna 242 and the reflecting surface 244. Also, the gain in the positive "y" direction can be controlled by changing the antenna distance 24D.

[0136] FIG. 25A illustrates yet another example of an antenna assembly 250 including a first antenna 251 and a reflective surface 252. In some examples, the first antenna 251 may comprise a monopole antenna, a folded dipole antenna, or other types of antennas, such as a metal plate, a metal wire, a metal rod, a round bar, a film, and a surface or layer of a printed circuit board (PCB). Furthermore, the reflective surface 252 may be part of a second antenna. In some examples, the second antenna may comprise a metal plate, a metal wire, a metal rod, or a round bar. The first antenna 251 is spaced apart from the reflective surface 252 by an antenna distance 25D. The first antenna 251 and the reflective surface 252 are substantially parallel such that the distance from the top of the first antenna 251 to the reflective surface 252 is equal to the distance from the bottom of the first antenna 251 to the reflective surface 252.

[0137] 25B shows an antenna assembly 255 with a reflective surface 252 tilted at an angle 254. The first antenna 251 and the reflective surface 252 are non-parallel to each other such that the distance from the top of the first antenna 251 to the reflective surface 252 is less than the distance from the bottom of the first antenna 251 to the reflective surface 252. In other examples, the distance from the top of the first antenna 251 to the reflective surface 252 may be greater than the distance from the bottom of the first antenna 251 to the reflective surface 252. By tilting the reflective surface 252 so that it is tilted relative to the first antenna 251, the radiation pattern can be controlled in the H-plane.

[0138] In some examples, instead of or in addition to tilting the reflecting surface 252, the reflecting surface 252 may be rotated so that it is coplanar with the first antenna. With further reference to FIG. 2, the reflecting surface 252 may be rotated 90 degrees in the E-plane so that the reflecting surface 252 is coplanar with the first antenna (e.g., antenna 5). Thus, in addition to the edge of the reflecting surface 252 proximate the first antenna, both sides of the reflecting surface 252 may function to reflect signals corresponding to the first antenna.

[0139] Figure 26A illustrates an example of a signal receiver 260 in an antenna assembly, such as the antenna assembly 10 shown in Figure 1. With further reference to Figure 1, the signal receiver 260 can include one or more tapered antenna elements that extend above the top end of the first antenna 5. For example, the signal receiver 260 can include a first set of elements 261, 262 located at the rear end of the signal receiver 260. Additionally, the signal receiver 260 can include a second set of elements 265 that extend above the top end of the first antenna 5.

[0140] Figure 26B shows a rear view of the signal receptacle 260 of Figure 26A where the first set of elements 261, 262 includes one or more vertices 266, 267. In some examples, the signal receptacle 260 may include a holder 264 that may be connected to a second antenna, such as the second antenna 15 of Figure 1. The shape of the signal receptacle 260 may include a tapered or umbrella shape to partially control the radiation pattern associated with the first antenna 5.

[0141] The signal receiver 260 may, from a rear view perspective, taper from a narrow top to a wider bottom. In some instances, the narrow top may be closed or joined and the wider bottom may be open. With further reference to FIG. 26B, the tapered shape of the first set of elements 261, 262 may form an angle such that the distance between the top ends of the first set of elements 261, 262 is smaller than the distance between the bottom ends located on opposite sides of the reflective surface 264.

[0142] Signal receiver 260 may comprise other shapes or types of tapered antenna elements, including inverted V-shaped receivers, chevron-shaped receivers, and as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,825,351, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, signal receiver 260 may be formed from a single metal sheet or from multiple sheets, including one or more sheets having a serpentine configuration and / or having one or more slits formed therein.

[0143] 27 shows an example of a reflective surface 270 having multiple holes 271, 272. The reflective surface 270 can include a height 276H and a width 276W. In some examples, the multiple holes 271, 272 are oriented linearly in the height direction.

[0144] The holes 271, 272 may also be associated with a height 271H and a width 271W. The number and size of the holes may be configured to control the shape of a radiation pattern associated with an antenna (such as the first antenna 5 of FIG. 1) and to reduce the weight of the reflective surface. In some examples, the reflective surface 270 may form part of a second antenna, such as the second antenna 15 of FIG.

[0145] 28 illustrates another example of a reflective surface 280 having a meandering serpentine structure 285. The reflective surface 280 may form part of a second antenna, such as the second antenna 15 of FIG. 1, and may include a reflective pattern etched or otherwise formed on a substrate 286. The reflective pattern may include the serpentine structure 285. In other examples, the serpentine structure 285 may be cut or otherwise removed from the substrate 286, in which case the substrate 286 may be configured to reflect the signal.

[0146] The serpentine structure 285 can be associated with a height 285H and a width 285W. In some examples, the height 285H and width 285W may be less than the height 286H and width 286W, respectively, of the substrate 286. The height 285H, width 285W, and number of turns of the serpentine structure 285 may be varied to control the radiation pattern associated with an antenna, such as the first antenna 5 of FIG.

[0147] It should be understood that not necessarily all aspects, advantages, and features described herein are achieved or included in any particular exemplary embodiment, Indeed, while various examples have been described and illustrated herein, it will be apparent that other examples may vary in arrangement and detail.

[0148] While the particular examples described herein may be understood to operate with V2X technology, in other examples, one or more antennas may be configured to receive signals and / or control radiation patterns associated with frequency modulation (FM), amplitude modulation (AM), digital audio broadcast (DAB), digital television (DTV), telephone, cellular, other types of transmissions, or any combination thereof.

[0149] In some example antenna assemblies, such as antenna assemblies including V2X antennas, antenna components may be configured to primarily increase gain in one direction of a desired radiation pattern to cover at least half of the desired radiation pattern, assuming, for example, that another antenna covers the other half of the desired radiation pattern.

[0150] Antenna gain can be increased by using a reflector, such as a cellular antenna in the same housing as the V2X antenna. Other types of antenna combinations may include, for example, Wi-Fi and cellular. The antenna assembly with the reflector surface can be configured for roof mounted vehicle packages that include multiple antennas. However, one or more of the examples disclosed herein may also be used in other applications, such as hidden antennas in a vehicle, glass antennas in the glass of a vehicle, or non-automotive antenna applications where three or more antennas are in the same package.

[0151] In addition to 4G / 5G and V2X antenna assemblies, one or more of the examples disclosed herein may be used with other types and combinations of different antennas.

[0152] We claim all modifications and variations that come within the spirit and scope of the subject matter claimed herein.

Claims

1. a first antenna having a first length in an elevation direction; a second antenna including a reflecting surface having a second length in the height direction that is greater than the first length; Equipped with the reflecting surface of the second antenna is oriented toward a primary signal reception direction of the first antenna, the reflecting surface being configured to reflect a communication signal associated with the first antenna to increase the directional gain of the first antenna in the primary signal reception direction. Antenna assembly.

2. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second antenna comprises a signal receiver offset from the reflective surface.

3. 3. The antenna assembly of claim 2, wherein the signal receiver is angularly offset from the reflecting surface along a vertically oriented plane formed perpendicular to the reflecting surface, the reflecting surface being located between the signal receiver and the first antenna along the vertically oriented plane.

4. 3. The antenna assembly of claim 2, wherein the second antenna comprises a second signal receiving body electrically coupled to the signal receiving body, the second signal receiving body extending from the signal receiving body at a height in the elevation direction that is higher than a top end of the first antenna.

5. 5. The antenna assembly of claim 4, wherein the second signal receiving body and the top end of the first antenna are spaced apart from each other in the elevation direction to electrically isolate the second signal receiving body from the first antenna.

6. 5. The antenna assembly of claim 4, wherein the length of the second signal receiving body is equal to or greater than the distance in the primary signal receiving direction between the first antenna and the reflective surface, thereby extending directly above the top end of the first antenna.

7. 5. The antenna assembly of claim 4, wherein the second signal receiver comprises a tapered antenna element extending above the top end of the first antenna.

8. 5. The antenna assembly of claim 4, wherein the second antenna further comprises a third signal receiving body electrically coupled to the signal receiving body, the third signal receiving body extending from the signal receiving body at a height in the elevation direction that is below a lower end of the first antenna.

9. 9. The antenna assembly of claim 8, wherein the third signal receiving body and the bottom end of the first antenna are spaced apart from each other in the elevation direction to electrically isolate the third signal receiving body from the first antenna.

10. 9. The antenna assembly of claim 8, wherein the length of the third signal receiving body is equal to or greater than the distance in the primary signal reception direction between the first antenna and the reflective surface, thereby extending just below the bottom end of the first antenna.

11. 3. The antenna assembly of claim 2, wherein the signal receiver is electrically coupled to the reflective surface to form a multi-band antenna, the signal receiver and the reflective surface having different effective antenna lengths.

12. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, further comprising an antenna housing positioned at least partially above the first and second antennas in the elevation direction, the first and second antennas being spatially spaced apart from one another along the primary signal reception direction, the primary signal reception direction being substantially perpendicular to the elevation direction.

13. a first antenna having a first length in an elevation direction, the first antenna being configured to receive a first communication signal having a first frequency; a second antenna including a reflective surface having a second length in the elevation direction that is equal to or greater than the first length, the second antenna being configured to receive a second communication signal having a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency; Equipped with the reflecting surface of the second antenna is oriented toward a primary signal reception direction of the first antenna, the reflecting surface being configured to reflect the first communication signal to increase the directional gain of the first antenna in the primary signal reception direction. Antenna assembly.

14. 14. The antenna assembly of claim 13, wherein the first communication signal associated with the first antenna has a dominant signal wavelength, and a distance between the first antenna and the reflective surface in a direction perpendicular to the elevation direction is less than or equal to about 1 / 2 of the dominant signal wavelength.

15. 14. The antenna assembly of claim 13, wherein the first antenna comprises a vehicle-to-vehicle / road-to-vehicle communication antenna and the second antenna comprises a resonant antenna selected from the group consisting of a radio antenna, a remote communication antenna, and a digital audio broadcast antenna.

16. 16. The antenna assembly of claim 15, wherein the first antenna comprises a folded dipole antenna.

17. 16. The antenna assembly of claim 15, wherein the first antenna is formed on a vertically oriented antenna substrate surface in the elevation direction, the antenna substrate surface being oriented substantially perpendicular to the reflecting surface.

18. 14. The antenna assembly of claim 13, wherein the reflective surface of the second antenna comprises a plurality of holes linearly oriented in the elevation direction.

19. 14. The antenna assembly of claim 13, wherein the reflective surface of the second antenna comprises a reflective pattern formed on a substrate, the reflective pattern comprising a meandering serpentine structure.

20. 14. The antenna assembly of claim 13, further comprising an antenna housing mounted to a vehicle mounting structure, the elevation direction extending away from the vehicle mounting structure, and both the first antenna and the second antenna including the reflective surface being positioned within the antenna housing.

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