Communication devices and related methods

Abstract

The present invention discloses a communication device having a glazing and at least one antenna designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves at an operating frequency between 400 MHz and 70 GHz, the glazing panel having an exterior surface and an interior surface facing the antenna. The communication device has a metasurface disposed between the antenna and the exterior surface, the metasurface having at least one periodic conductive structure having thin periodic conductive elements. The communication device further comprises a dielectric slab disposed between the antenna and the interior surface at a non-zero distance from the interior surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to a communication device, in particular a Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, V2X, and dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) device having at least one antenna designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves in the operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 70 GHz. [Background technology]

[0002] Mobile usage is increasing every year, with 80% of mobile calls occurring inside buildings. Buildings and dwellings have relatively high requirements in terms of thermal insulation and the materials used to fulfill the needs, which have a strong influence on indoor signal attenuation.

[0003] Distributed antenna systems can be a solution for mobile indoor coverage, but they also present drawbacks. First, they require complex installation and hardware that can be expensive. This, in turn, means maintenance and replacement costs. Finally, they often serve a single operator and therefore cannot cover all situations.

[0004] A method for significantly improving transmission through a glazing panel without compromising its thermal performance and / or aesthetics is to treat the low-E coating when present on the glazing panel to create a low-pass and / or band-pass frequency selective surface (FSS). This method can be applied over the entire glazing panel or in parts, depending on the building conditions and customer needs for relatively good indoor mobile coverage.

[0005] However, at relatively high frequency bands, such as 5G mm-wave frequencies, low-E coating treatment alone is not sufficient to sufficiently improve the transmission of electromagnetic waves through a glazing panel because a glazing panel that includes one or more dielectric panels with a thickness comparable to the effective wavelength at these frequencies can act as a filter and significantly reduce the transmission of electromagnetic waves that pass through.

[0006] As a result, the level of degradation depends not only on the glazing panel configuration, i.e., the number, thickness and configuration of the dielectric panels, the polarization and direction of arrival of the electromagnetic waves, but also on their frequency.

[0007] In parallel, the continuous growth of mobile data traffic, with a dramatic increase due to 5G, is putting mobile network operators under CAPEX pressure. Higher frequency bands for 5G mean more challenges for coverage deployment, especially in dense urban areas where capacity is needed and strict EMF limits apply. Deploying small cells is said to be a good solution for improving capacity, which requires the installation of a large number of antennas to stably transmit and receive electromagnetic waves.

[0008] However, a number of drawbacks limit the deployment of small cells. First, it is very difficult to find space for new antennas. Second, it is expensive to bring fiber and electricity outdoors. Finally, city regulations can limit the viability of small cells.

[0009] Additionally, with the advent of connected and autonomous vehicles, an ever-increasing number of on-board antennas are required, and therefore finding suitable locations becomes more complex, especially for Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, and DSRC.

[0010] Therefore, placing antennas on or just behind vehicle glazing panels is seen as an attractive alternative to other locations.

[0011] However, due to their composition and non-negligible thickness compared to usable wavelengths, vehicle glazing panels may provide attenuation of EM waves passing through them, this attenuation being primarily produced by interference between the incoming wave and multiple other waves reflected by the several interfaces contained within the vehicle glazing.

[0012] To mitigate the above-mentioned issues and remove barriers to outdoor 4G and 5G network densification, there is a demand for indoor installation of antennas that is in harmony with urban aesthetics and EMF constraints.

[0013] However, as mentioned above, glazing panels can significantly reduce outward antenna radiation, especially for Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, sub-6 GHz, mmWave bands, and DSRC, even when treated with a low-E coating such as FSS. In addition, windows can also reflect signals indoors, thus increasing the electromagnetic field for building occupants.

[0014] WO2019177144 describes an antenna unit for use in a state where it is mounted on a window glass of a building, the antenna unit being provided with a radiating element, a waveguide member positioned on the outdoor side relative to the radiating element, and a conductor positioned on the indoor side relative to the radiating element, thereby generating a Yagi-Uda-like parasitic director. The drawback is that the design is very complex and may depend on the antenna structure itself. Therefore, it cannot be generalized to any type of window device, and may require a specific design for each window device.

[0015] WO2016203180 describes a conductive element having a periodic pattern arranged on a glazing comprising a coated glass sheet, one surface of which is covered by a conductive layer.

[0016] These two patent documents describe solutions to increase the transmission of high frequency electromagnetic waves for a given frequency by having zero transmission at frequencies substantially half to substantially twice the frequency.

[0017] These solutions therefore do not make it possible to minimize the transmission losses of electromagnetic waves for a specific range of frequencies and glazing configurations.

[0018] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020048958 describes a film bonded onto the surface of a window and configured to reduce transmission losses of EM waves through the window, which controls the phase of the EM wave but not the gain. Summary of the Invention

[0019] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a communication device comprising a glazing panel and at least one antenna designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic (EM) waves at an operating frequency between 400 MHz and 70 GHz, the glazing panel comprising an exterior surface and an interior surface facing the antenna.

[0020] The solution defined in a first aspect of the present invention is based on the fact that a communication device comprises a metasurface arranged between an antenna and an external surface, the metasurface comprising at least one periodic conductive structure comprising thin periodic conductive elements, and the communication device further comprises a dielectric slab arranged between the antenna at a non-zero distance (Dds) from the internal surface.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for optimizing transmission and reception of a communication device including a glazing panel and an antenna designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves at frequencies between 400 MHz and 70 GHz, wherein the glazing panel includes an exterior surface and an interior surface facing the antenna.

[0022] The solution defined in a second aspect of the present invention is based on a method comprising the step of placing a metasurface between an antenna and an outer surface. The metasurface comprises at least one periodic conductive structure comprising thin periodic conductive elements. The method further comprises the step of placing a dielectric slab disposed between the antenna and the inner surface at a non-zero distance (Dds) from the inner surface.

[0023] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a metasurface and a dielectric slab to improve transmission and reception in a communication device including a glazing panel and an antenna designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves at frequencies between 400 MHz and 70 GHz, the glazing panel having an exterior surface and an interior surface facing the antenna, the metasurface including at least one periodic conductive structure including thin periodic conductive elements, the metasurface being located between the antenna and the exterior surface, and the dielectric slab being located between the antenna and the interior surface at a non-zero distance (Dds) from the interior surface.

[0024] Surprisingly, this solution allows for improved gain while controlling the phase of the transmitted EM wave. The dielectric slab boosts and improves the gain of the EM wave by creating a cavity between the glazing panel and the dielectric slab, while the metasurface controls the phase of the EM wave reflected onto the glazing panel interface. The metasurface can effectively manipulate the phase of the incoming and reflected waves so that they have constructive interference at the operating frequency.

[0025] Thus, the metasurface and dielectric slab allow for compensation of the attenuation of EM waves passing through the glazing panel, and in addition, the metasurface and dielectric slab allow for a boost of EM waves passing through the glazing panel.

[0026] The present invention increases the transmission of EM waves by having a metasurface between the antenna and the outer surface and a dielectric slab positioned between the antenna and the inner surface at a non-zero distance from the inner surface.

[0027] Thus, the present invention solves the need to place antennas behind glazing panels, particularly glazing panels used as windows in buildings or vehicle glazing panels, while boosting communication performance and reducing transmission losses.

[0028] The object of the present invention is to alleviate the above-mentioned problems and to solve the need to place antennas behind glazing panels while boosting communication performance and reducing transmission losses.

[0029] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides the ability to position the antenna in front of and at a minimized distance from the glazing panel to irradiate through the dielectric support while maintaining the antenna's impedance response as well as the antenna's radiation characteristics within specifications.

[0030] Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be used to minimize transmission losses of TE (Transverse Electric) polarized EM waves through glazing panels at highly oblique angles of incidence, and to provide a better balance between the transmission and / or reception of TE polarized and TM (Transverse Magnetic) polarized electromagnetic waves.

[0031] Another advantage of the present invention is that it may be used to change the direction of propagation of electromagnetic waves transmitted through a device compared to the direction of propagation of EM waves incident on the device.

[0032] It is to be noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features set forth in the claims or the described embodiments.

[0033] Although the following description relates to building and vehicle glazing applications, it should be understood that the present invention may also be applicable to other areas such as transportation applications and other road users and / or services. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] This and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various exemplary embodiments of the invention, provided for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The drawings are schematic representations and are not to scale. The drawings are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Further advantages will be explained by way of example.

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a communication device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a communication device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a communication device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a communication device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a periodic conductive structure according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The present specification relates to particular embodiments, including various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0037] As used herein, spatial or directional terms such as "inside," "outside," "upper," "lower," "top," "lower," and the like relate to the present invention as they appear in the drawing figures. However, it should be understood that the present invention is susceptible to various alternative orientations, and therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, all numerical values ​​expressing dimensions, physical properties, processing parameters, and quantities of components, reaction conditions, and the like used in the specification and claims should be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical values ​​set forth in the following specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially" means within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0038] Furthermore, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to include the beginning and ending range values ​​and any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a range stated as "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and including) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10, i.e., all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g., 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "deposited over" or "provided over" mean deposited or provided on top of something without necessarily being in surface contact with it. For example, a coating "deposited over" a substrate does not exclude the presence of one or more other coating films, of the same or different composition, disposed between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0039] Where the term "comprising" is used in the description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. When an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g., "a," "an," or "the," this includes a plural of that noun unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, "configured to" (or "set to") can be used interchangeably between "suitable to," "capable to," "modified to," "made to," "capable to," or "designed to," for hardware and software, depending on the context, for example. In any context, the phrase "apparatus configured to perform" can mean that the apparatus "can perform" together with another apparatus or component.

[0040] Furthermore, in this specification and claims, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe ordering in time, space, or in any other manner. It is to be understood that terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein. When a component (e.g., a first component) is described as being "(functionally or communicatively) coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), it is to be understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component or may be connected to the other component through another component (e.g., a third component).

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a communication device 1 includes a glazing panel 3 and at least one antenna 21 designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves at an operating frequency (frw) of 400 MHz to 70 GHz.

[0042] The glazing panel 3 may be a window used to close an opening in a stationary object such as a building, and as a window to close an opening in a moving object such as a train, boat, etc. The glazing panel may also be a panel used as a decorative and / or functional panel such as a B-pillar, a panel used between windows in a vehicle, a vehicle bumper, or the like.

[0043] The glazing panels can be made from plastic, glass, or any suitable material.

[0044] In some embodiments, the glazing panel includes a first glass sheet having a surface S1 corresponding to surface 311 and a surface S2.

[0045] In embodiments in which the glazing panel includes only this first glass sheet, surface S2 corresponds to surface 322.

[0046] In some preferred embodiments, the glazing panel is a multi-layer window.

[0047] A multi-layer window can be at least partially transparent to visible light and to natural or artificial light for visibility. A multi-layer window is fabricated from multiple glass sheets, with at least a first and a second glass sheet separated by at least one interlayer, thereby forming multiple interfaces. Thus, the panels can be separated by interlayers that are gas-filled spaces and / or by polymer interlayers. The second glass sheet has a surface S3 and a surface S4.

[0048] In some embodiments, the multi-pane window 2 can include at least two glass sheets 31, 32 separated by a spacer 33 that allows for the creation of a space filled with a gas, such as argon, to improve the insulation of the multi-pane window, thereby creating an insulated, double-pane window. The present invention is not limited to devices used on multi-pane windows having two panels. The devices and methods of the present invention are suitable for any multi-pane window, such as double-pane windows, triple-pane windows, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, the panel interlayer 33 is a thermoplastic interlayer that bonds the first and second glass sheets together, meaning that the glazing panel can be a laminated multi-layer window, such as for noise reduction and / or penetration safety. The thermoplastic interlayer can be made with one or more interlayers positioned between the glass sheets. The interlayers are typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), whose stiffness can be tuned. These interlayers keep the glass sheets bonded together in a way that prevents the glass from breaking into large, sharp shards when broken.

[0050] The first and / or second glass sheets of a multi-layer window may be made from glass, from polycarbonate, from PVC, or from any other material used for windows mounted on stationary or moving objects.

[0051] Typically, the material of the glass sheets of the multi-layer window 3 is, for example, soda-lime silica glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, or other materials such as thermoplastic polymers or polycarbonates known in particular for automotive applications. References to glass throughout this application should not be considered as limiting.

[0052] The multi-layer window 3 can be manufactured by known manufacturing methods such as the float process, fusion process, redraw process, press molding process, or pulling process. From the viewpoint of productivity and cost, the float process is preferably used as the manufacturing method for the multi-layer window.

[0053] Each panel can be independently treated and / or stained, etc., to improve aesthetics, thermal insulation, safety, etc., and / or can have a different thickness. The thickness of the multi-layer window 2 is set according to the requirements of the application.

[0054] The multi-layer window 3 may be any known window used in situ. For example, the multi-layer window 3 may be treated, i.e., annealed, tempered, etc., to meet security and anti-theft requirements. The window may be clear glass or tinted glass, and may be tinted by a specific glass composition or, for example, by applying an additional coating or plastic layer. The window may have any shape to fit an opening, such as a rectangular shape in plan, using known cutting methods. For example, a method in which laser light is projected onto the surface of the multi-layer window to cut the multi-layer window, or a cutting wheel may mechanically cut the multi-layer window. The multi-layer window may have any shape to fit applications such as automobile windshields, sidelights, sunroofs, train lateral glazing, building windows, etc.

[0055] Each glass sheet can be treated, i.e., annealed, tempered, etc., to meet the specifications of security requirements. The transparent dielectric slab can be a clear or tinted transparent dielectric panel, either independently, by a specific composition, or by applying, for example, an additional coating or plastic layer.

[0056] Each glass sheet can be independently treated and / or tinted, etc., and / or can have different thicknesses to improve aesthetics, safety, etc.

[0057] The shape of the multi-layer window in plan view is usually rectangular, but depending on the application, the shape is not limited to rectangular, but can also be trapezoidal, especially in the case of vehicle windshields or backlights, triangular, especially in the case of vehicle sidelights, circular or similar.

[0058] In addition, the multi-layer window can be assembled in a frame or attached to a double-skin facade, to a car body, or to any other means that can hold the multi-layer window. Some plastic elements can also be fixed onto the multi-layer window to ensure gas and / or liquid tightness, to ensure the fixation of the multi-layer window, or to add external elements to the multi-layer window. In some embodiments, a masking element, such as an enamel layer, can be added to part of the periphery of the multi-layer window.

[0059] For the purpose of thermal comfort inside stationary or mobile objects, a coating system can be present on one interface of the multi-layer windows 211, 212, 221, 222. This coating system generally uses metal-based layers, and infrared light is highly refracted by this type of layer. Such coating systems are usually used to realize low-energy multi-layer windows.

[0060] In some embodiments, the coating system may be a heatable coating applied over a multi-layer window, for example, to add defrosting and / or anti-fogging functionality and / or to reduce heat buildup inside a building or vehicle, or to maintain heat inside during cold weather, for example. The coating system is thin and primarily transparent to the eye.

[0061] Typically, the coating system covers most of the surface of the interface of the multi-layer window 3 .

[0062] Coating systems can be made from layers of various materials. In some embodiments, such as in automotive window seals, the coating system can be conductive across most of one major surface of a multi-layer window. This can create problems such as hot spots if the area to be de-coated is not well designed.

[0063] A suitable coating system is, for example, a conductive film. A suitable conductive film is, for example, a laminate film obtained by sequentially laminating a transparent dielectric, a metal film, and a transparent dielectric, ITO, fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), or the like. A suitable metal film may be, for example, a film containing at least one selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Cu, and Al as a main component.

[0064] Typically, the coating system has an emissivity of 0.4 or less, preferably 0.2 or less, especially 0.1 or less, 0.05 or less, or in some cases 0.04 or less.

[0065] The coating system can include a metal-based low-emissivity coating system. Such coating systems are typically thin-layer systems containing one or more functional layers, e.g., two, three, or four, based on an infrared radiation-reflecting material and at least two dielectric coatings, each surrounded by a dielectric coating. The coating system of the present invention can specifically have an emissivity of at least 0.010. The functional layers are typically silver layers having a thickness of a few nanometers, mostly about 5-20 nm. The dielectric layers are typically transparent and are made of one or more layers of metal oxides and / or nitrides. These various layers are deposited using vacuum deposition techniques, such as magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering, more commonly referred to as "magnetron sputtering." In addition to the dielectric layer, each functional layer may be protected by a barrier layer or improved by deposition of a wetting layer on top.

[0066] In some embodiments, stripped portions can be used to reduce attenuation due to the coating system so as to maximize transmission and reception through a glazing panel having the coating system.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the glazing panel 3 includes a first glass sheet 31 and a second glass sheet 32 ​​separated by a panel interlayer 33 .

[0068] The glazing panel includes an exterior surface 311 and an interior surface 322 facing the antenna. The term "facing" denotes that the antenna is located in front of the interior surface as shown.

[0069] The antenna 21 is designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves at operating frequencies (frw) between 400 MHz and 70 GHz, depending on the desired application.

[0070] In some embodiments, when the communication device 1 is used as a 4G communication device, the operating frequency is 400 MHz to 2.3 GHz.

[0071] In some embodiments, when communication device 1 is used as a 5G device, the operating frequency may be between 1.5 GHz and 6 GHz in the low band, or approximately 28 GHz, 35 GHz, or even up to over 70 GHz depending on the particular 5G application.

[0072] In some embodiments, when the communication device 1 is used as a DSRC device, the operating frequency is 5.7 GHz to 6 GHz.

[0073] DSRC is a one-way or two-way short- to medium-range wireless communication channel that allows vehicles to communicate directly with each other and other road users or services without the need for cellular or other telecommunications infrastructure.

[0074] The metasurface includes at least one periodic conductive structure including thin periodic conductive elements, each of which is isolated from the others. By thin conductive elements, we mean periodic elements having a thickness measured perpendicular to the surface on which they are disposed. This thickness is preferably between 1 μm and 140 μm. More preferably, to avoid delamination and / or peel-off, this thickness is between 3 μm and 30 μm.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the material of the conductive element can be a metal-based material such as copper, silver, a conductive metal alloy with or without a plated material such as gold, or any other material that can be electrically conductive.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the array of conductive elements may be a layer of metal oxide or polymer.

[0077] According to the present invention, the thin periodic conductive elements can be fabricated from thin metal sheets such as copper foil, silver print, etc., thin metal wires, thin copper mesh, or the like.

[0078] According to one embodiment, each non-conductive element has the shape of a square, rectangle, or circular ring, or any other closed shape.

[0079] According to one embodiment, each non-conductive element has a straight, bent, curved slot shape or a crossed configuration.

[0080] According to one embodiment, each non-conductive element has the shape of two rings, one surrounded by the other.

[0081] 5, at least one periodic conductive structure can include conductive squares 41. Metasurfaces can be fabricated from any periodic conductive structure that exhibits bandpass or bandstop behavior. In some other embodiments where the metasurface has bandstop behavior, the shape can be a square loop, a circular loop, a hexagonal loop, or the like, and in the case of a multiband effect, it could also be, for example, a dual loop, or any other shape that imparts a multiband effect.

[0082] In some embodiments, at least one periodic conductive structure of the metasurface has zero reflection at at least one frequency (fr) within a range of substantially one-third to substantially three times the determined frequency, preferably substantially one-half to substantially two times the operating frequency.

[0083] In some other embodiments, at least one periodic conductive structure of the metasurface has zero transmission at at least one frequency (fr) within a range of substantially one-third to substantially three times the determined frequency, preferably substantially one-half to substantially two times the operating frequency. Preferably, in such embodiments, each conductive element is isolated from the others.

[0084] As shown in Figures 1-4, the communication device further includes a metasurface 4 disposed between the antenna and the external surface.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the metasurface can be disposed on one surface 312, 321, 322 of the glazing panel, as shown in Figures 1-3. It should be understood that in such embodiments, the metasurface is disposed on one surface of the glazing panel 3 that is between the exterior surface 311 and the antenna.

[0086] In embodiments where the glazing panel has a single glass sheet, which is the first glass sheet, the metasurface can be disposed on surface S2, which corresponds to surface 322. In embodiments where the glazing panel includes a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet, the metasurface can be disposed on surfaces S2, S3, or S4, which correspond to surfaces 312, 321, or 322, respectively.

[0087] In some embodiments, the metasurface may be disposed on or within an intermediate layer 33 to facilitate handling and processing of the device.

[0088] A metasurface disposed on surface 312, 321 or on or within an interlayer of a glazing panel means that the metasurface is preferably not in contact with the outer glazing panel.

[0089] In some embodiments, the window device may include at least two metasurfaces, either to optimize the same operating frequency or to optimize different operating frequencies.

[0090] In some preferred embodiments, the metasurface is transparent to allow visible light to pass through the device interface. The term "transparent" refers to a property that exhibits an average TL (light transmittance) of visible light transmitted through a material in the visible spectrum of at least 1%. Preferably, transparency relates to a TL property of at least 10%. More preferably, transparency exhibits a TL of at least 50%. Ideally, transparency exhibits a TL of at least 70%.

[0091] In some embodiments, the metasurface may further include a dielectric foil to support the conductive elements, the conductive elements being disposed on the dielectric foil. The dielectric foil is a foil that is not electrically conductive.

[0092] In some embodiments, the dielectric foil is a flexible dielectric foil.

[0093] In some embodiments, the dielectric foil is not transparent, such as a PCB.

[0094] Preferably, the dielectric foil is a transparent dielectric support. The transparent dielectric foil can have different chemical compositions, such as plastic-based compositions, which can be based on PET, polycarbonate, PVC or any other transparent dielectric plastic that can be used as a foil.

[0095] Preferably, the dielectric foil comprises a glass panel, which may comprise at least 50% SiO2 by weight, such as glass, such as soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, or borosilicate glass.

[0096] Preferably, the dielectric foil can have a loss tangent of 0.03 or less, more preferably the loss tangent of the dielectric foil is 0.02 or less, and even more preferably the loss tangent of the dielectric foil is 0.01 or less to reduce energy losses within the foil.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the dielectric foil has a loss tangent of 0.005 or less, and more preferably the loss tangent of the dielectric foil is 0.003 or less to reduce energy losses within the foil.

[0098] Preferably, the dielectric foil is a borosilicate glass foil to reduce the loss tangent to a value of 0.01 or less.

[0099] The dielectric foil can be manufactured by known manufacturing methods such as the float method, the fusion method, the redraw method, the press molding method, or the pulling method. As a manufacturing method for glass panels, the float method is preferably used from the viewpoints of productivity and cost.

[0100] The dielectric foil can be treated, i.e. annealed, tempered, etc., to meet the specifications of the security requirements. The dielectric slab can be a colored, clear or colored transparent dielectric panel, either independently, by a specific composition, or by applying, for example, an additional coating or plastic layer.

[0101] In some embodiments, the surface size of the metasurface is substantially the same as the surface size of the glazing unit.

[0102] In some other and preferred embodiments, the size of the metasurface is less than the surface of the glazing unit. Preferably, the size of the metasurface is substantially less than 1 cm. 2 ~1m 2Preferably, the metasurface is a parallelepiped with a width and / or length of 20 mm to 1000 mm, such as a 210 mm x 250 mm rectangular shape, a 150 mm x 160 mm rectangular shape, or a 255 mm x 500 mm rectangular shape, depending on the operating frequency and application.

[0103] In some embodiments, the thickness of the metasurface is less than the thickness of the glazing panel. Preferably, the thickness of the metasurface is less than the thickness of the relatively thin glass panel of the glazing unit.

[0104] 1, 2, and 3 show a metasurface disposed on top of a surface of a glazing panel, either the inner surface 322 or one of the surfaces between one of the second or first glass sheets and the interlayer, i.e., surface 321 and surface 312, respectively.

[0105] 1 to 4, the communication device further includes a dielectric slab disposed between the antenna and the inner surface, and therefore, the dielectric slab is not electrically conductive.

[0106] The dielectric slab is positioned a non-zero distance Dds from the interior surface, thereby creating a cavity for EM waves between the glazing panel and the dielectric slab.

[0107] By having a metasurface and a dielectric slab, the antenna can be placed at a reduced distance Da from the interior surface 322. This reduced distance Da is greater than a non-zero distance Dds (Da>Dds).

[0108] In some embodiments, the dielectric slab further comprises a glazing panel.

[0109] In some embodiments, the dielectric slab is the flexible dielectric support.

[0110] In some embodiments, the dielectric slab is not transparent, such as a PCB.

[0111] Preferably, the dielectric slab is a transparent dielectric support, meaning that the dielectric slab is transparent to allow visible light to pass through the device interface. The transparent dielectric slab can have different chemical compositions, such as plastic-based compositions. The plastic-based compositions can be based on PET, polycarbonate, PVC, or any other transparent dielectric plastic that can be used as a panel.

[0112] In some embodiments, the dielectric slab comprises a glass panel. The glass sheet may comprise at least 50% SiO by weight, such as a glass such as soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, or borosilicate glass.

[0113] In some embodiments, the dielectric slab can have a loss tangent of 0.03 or less, and more preferably, the loss tangent of the dielectric panel is 0.02 or less, and even more preferably, the loss tangent of the dielectric panel is 0.01 or less to reduce energy loss within the panel.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the dielectric slab has a loss tangent of 0.005 or less, and more preferably the loss tangent of the dielectric panel is 0.003 or less to reduce energy losses within the panel.

[0115] In some embodiments, the dielectric slab is a borosilicate glass sheet to reduce the loss tangent to a value of 0.01 or less.

[0116] The dielectric slab can be manufactured by known manufacturing methods such as the float method, the fusion method, the redraw method, the press molding method, or the pulling method. As a method for manufacturing glass panels, the float method is preferably used from the viewpoints of productivity and cost.

[0117] The dielectric slab can be treated, i.e., annealed, tempered, etc., to meet the specifications of the security requirements. The dielectric slab can be a colored, clear, or colored transparent dielectric panel, either independently, e.g., by a specific composition or by applying an additional coating or plastic layer.

[0118] The dielectric slab can have any shape: the shape of the transparent dielectric panel 5 in plan view is not limited to a rectangle, but can also be a trapezoid, a triangle, a square, a circle, or the like.

[0119] In some embodiments, the thickness of the dielectric slab is less than the thickness of the glazing panel. Preferably, the thickness of the dielectric slab is less than the thickness of the relatively thin glass sheet of the glazing panel.

[0120] The dielectric slab 5 is separated from the glazing panel 3, preferably from the interior surface 322, by a space 51. This space can be filled with air, thereby defining a non-zero distance Dds (Dds>0). In some embodiments, the distance can be adapted to increase the transmission of EM waves through the device. In some preferred embodiments, slab fixing means can be used to ensure and / or adapt the distance Dds to the interior surface.

[0121] Also, the space 52 between the antenna and the dielectric slab can be filled with air, which is the difference between Da and the sum of the thickness of the dielectric slab and Dds.

[0122] Preferably, the distance Dds is substantially between 1 mm and 20 mm for sub-6 GHz frequencies and between 0.1 mm and 5 mm for mm-wave frequencies.

[0123] In some specific embodiments, when the communication device is used for DSRC operating at an operating frequency of 5.9 GHz, the distance Dds can be approximately 1 mm, while Da is approximately 11 mm with a dielectric slab, preferably, but not limited to, an FR4-based dielectric slab having a thickness of approximately 3.7 mm. The at least one periodic conductive structure of the metasurface can have zero reflection at at least one frequency (fr) within a range of substantially one-third to substantially three times the determined frequency, preferably substantially one-half to substantially two times the operating frequency, and can have a surface (L×H) of approximately 85 mm (L=85 mm) by 85 mm (H=85 mm) disposed on the external surface, as shown in FIG. 5 . The square can have sides Ls, Hs of approximately 11 mm (in the case of a square, Ls = Hs). The distance between each square in the same row Le is approximately 1.5 mm. The distance between each square in the same column He is approximately 1.5 mm. The thickness of the square, meaning the thickness of the perimeter, is approximately 0.2 mm.

[0124] Also, slab or antenna fixing means may be used to maintain and / or adapt the distance Da between the antenna and the interior surface.

[0125] 4 shows another embodiment in which the Metasurface 4 is disposed on the surface of a dielectric slab. It should be understood that any surface of the device interlayer may be attached to any surface of the glazing panel.

[0126] The metasurface can be disposed on a surface by any known method, such as gluing, lamination with a device interlayer, peeling off a coating in embodiments where a coating is present on the surface, or the like.

[0127] Such device interlayers can be transparent plastic interlayers such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), styrene methyl methacrylate copolymer (SMMA), and any mixtures thereof, crosslinked resins, ionoplasts, ionomers, cycloolefin polymers (COP), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), or optically clear adhesives (OCA).

[0128] Crosslinked or cured resins are known to those skilled in the art and are three-dimensional polymer networks obtained by reaction with curing agents, also called crosslinkers, or by crosslinking / curing of low molecular weight species upon exposure to heat, UV radiation (UV), or electron beam (EB). Non-exhaustive examples of crosslinked resins are epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, UV or EB curable resins. In the present invention, the precursors of the crosslinked resins may be transparent or may not be provided so that the crosslinked resin is transparent.

[0129] It should be noted that some polymer blends, copolymers, and some semi-crystalline polymers may be opaque or non-transparent due to the dispersed phase or the presence of crystallites. Therefore, not all compositions of the polymers listed above may be transparent. Those skilled in the art have the ability to identify compositions that are transparent, and therefore, whether a given polymer is included in the claimed transparent polymers.

[0130] In some embodiments, the periodic conductive elements can be disposed directly on the glazing panel.

[0131] In some embodiments, the periodic conductive element is a periodic pattern of conductive elements, and preferably the periodic conductive element is an array of conductive elements.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the array of conductive elements has a sheet resistance in the range of 0.02 to 1000 Ω / □, preferably in the range of 0.02 to 3 Ω / □, to avoid further losses in the conductive elements.

[0133] Preferably, the conductive elements comprise unit cells 41 repeated in two dimensions defined by at least one column and / or at least one row to form a surface. More preferably, the array comprises several columns and several rows.

[0134] In some embodiments, the array of conductive elements comprises rows of non-periodic unit cells repeated in columns to form a surface.

[0135] In some other embodiments, the array of conductive elements comprises different unit cells in a non-periodic structure.

[0136] In some embodiments, the metasurface includes a second array of conductive elements, and thus the metasurface has the ability to increase the transmission of high frequency electromagnetic waves through the device at a second determined frequency fd2.

[0137] In some embodiments, the metasurface includes an array of multiple conductive elements, and thus the metasurface has the ability to increase the transmission of high frequency electromagnetic waves through the device at different determined frequencies for each array of conductive elements.

[0138] The metasurface has zero reflection at at least one frequency fr within the range of substantially one-third to substantially three times the determined frequency, preferably substantially one-half to substantially two times the determined frequency.

[0139] The term "zero reflection" means a reflection of at least less than -6 dB, preferably at least less than -10 dB, and more preferably at least less than -15 dB.

[0140] In some embodiments, the metasurface comprises an array of conductive elements so that a bandpass FSS is used to have zero reflection at frequency fr.

[0141] In some other embodiments, to have zero reflection at frequency fr, the metasurface includes two arrays of conductive elements that are parallel to and not in contact with each other, such that the first array resembles a low-pass FSS and the second array resembles a high-pass FSS.

[0142] In some embodiments, a dielectric slab is applied over a coated glazing panel. If a laser treatment is applied to the coating to locally increase its RF transparency at the desired frequency of operation, overall performance can be maintained similar to the case without the coating. The laser coating removal must be designed to provide bandpass (e.g., bandpass FSS), lowpass (e.g., stripped grid), or highpass (e.g., stripped patch) behavior for the coating, and to locally increase the transmission level of the coating at the desired frequency of operation.

[0143] One embodiment provides a vehicle including at least one communication device according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0144] In some embodiments, several communication devices may be located in different locations on the vehicle.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment, the communication device uses a windshield as the glazing panel.

[0146] In some other embodiments, the communication device uses the B-pillar as a glazing panel.

[0147] In some other embodiments, the communication device uses the vehicle's bumper as a glazing panel.

[0148] In some preferred embodiments, a communication device for a toll collection system uses the windshield as a glazing panel, while another communication device uses the B-pillar as a glazing panel to communicate with a payment terminal.

[0149] One embodiment provides a method for optimizing transmission and reception of a communication device including a glazing panel and an antenna designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves at an operating frequency (frw) of 400 MHz to 70 GHz, wherein the glazing panel includes an exterior surface and an interior surface facing the antenna.

[0150] The method includes disposing a metasurface between the antenna and the interior surface, the metasurface including at least one periodic conductive structure including thin periodic conductive elements.

[0151] The method further includes placing a dielectric slab between the antenna and the interior surface at a non-zero distance (Dds) from the interior surface.

[0152] Each step can be performed separately.

[0153] This method allows for a boost of EM transparency on new and / or already installed glazing panels.

[0154] In some embodiments where the metasurface is disposed on a dielectric slab, these two steps can be performed simultaneously.

[0155] One embodiment provides the use of a metasurface and a dielectric slab to improve transmission and reception of a communication device including a glazing panel and an antenna designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves at an operating frequency (frw) of 400 MHz to 70 GHz, wherein the glazing panel includes an exterior surface and an interior surface facing the antenna, the metasurface includes at least one periodic conductive structure including thin periodic conductive elements, each of which is isolated from one another, the metasurface being positioned between the antenna and the exterior surface, and the dielectric slab being positioned between the antenna and the interior surface at a non-zero distance (Dds) from the interior surface.

[0156] One embodiment provides the use of a communication device according to the invention for improving Wi-Fi communications.

[0157] An embodiment provides the use of a communication device according to the invention for improving 4G communications.

[0158] An embodiment provides a use of a communication device according to the invention for improving at least a portion of a band for 5G communication.

[0159] One embodiment provides the use of a communication device as a DSRC according to the present invention to improve toll collection communications.

[0160] One embodiment provides for the use of a communication device according to the invention for improving payment communication between a vehicle and a fixed device such as a payment terminal at a fuel / electric charging station, parking, etc.

[0161] One embodiment provides for the use of a communication device according to the invention to improve specific communications between vehicles and fixed devices such as gates in restricted opening areas, rescheduling of bus stop schedules, etc.

[0162] One embodiment provides for the use of the communication device as a V2X communication device according to the present invention for improving communication between the vehicle and the driver's environment, such as other vehicles, other users, infrastructure, etc.

Claims

1. A communication device (1) comprising a glazing panel (3) and at least one antenna (21) designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves at an operating frequency (frw) between 400 MHz and 70 GHz, said glazing panel comprising an outer surface (311) and an inner surface (322) facing said antenna, the communication device comprises a metasurface (4); the metasurface comprises at least one periodic conductive structure comprising thin periodic conductive elements; the communication device further includes a dielectric slab between the antenna and the interior surface, the dielectric slab being spaced a distance (Dds) greater than zero from the interior surface; and The glazing panel (3) comprises at least a first glass sheet (31) and a second glass sheet (32), and an interlayer (33) between the first glass sheet (31) and the second glass sheet (32), and the metasurface (4) is disposed between the first glass sheet (31) and the interlayer (33), between the interlayer (33) and the second glass sheet (32), or inside the interlayer (33). A communication device comprising:

2. The communication device of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate layer is a thermoplastic intermediate layer.

3. 3. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the at least one periodic conductive structure of the metasurface has zero reflection at at least one frequency (fr) within a range of one-third to three times the operating frequency.

4. The communication device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the metasurface comprises a dielectric foil, and the at least one periodic conductive structure is disposed on the dielectric foil.

5. 3. The communication device of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one periodic conductive structure of the metasurface comprises a thin metal sheet such as copper foil or silver print, a thin metal wire, a thin copper mesh, or the like.

6. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the operating frequency is between 5.7 GHz and 6 GHz.

7. A vehicle comprising at least one communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. 1. A method for optimizing transmission and reception of a communication device comprising a glazing panel and an antenna designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves at an operating frequency (frw) of 400 MHz to 70 GHz, the glazing panel including an exterior surface and an interior surface facing the antenna, the glazing panel including at least a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet, and an interlayer between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet, the method comprising: the method comprising disposing a metasurface between the first glass sheet and the interlayer, between the interlayer and the second glass sheet, or inside the interlayer; the metasurface comprises at least one periodic conductive structure comprising thin periodic conductive elements; and the method including the step of placing a dielectric slab between the antenna and the interior surface such that the dielectric slab is spaced a distance (Dds) from the interior surface that is greater than zero; A method characterized by:

9. A use of a metasurface and a dielectric slab to improve transmission and reception of a communication device including a glazing panel and an antenna designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves at an operating frequency (frw) of 400 MHz to 70 GHz, wherein the glazing panel includes an exterior surface and an interior surface facing the antenna, the glazing panel including at least a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet, and an interlayer between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet, the metasurface including at least one periodic conductive structure including thin periodic conductive elements, each conductive element being isolated from each other, the use characterized in that the metasurface is located between the first glass sheet and the interlayer, between the interlayer and the second glass sheet, or inside the interlayer, and the dielectric slab is located between the antenna and the interior surface such that the dielectric slab is spaced from the interior surface by a distance (Dds) greater than zero.

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