Antenna systems

Abstract

An antenna system can include an electrically conductive base, a cover, and a multi-element multiband antenna. The cover can be coupled to the electrically conductive base to define an internal volume therebetween. The multi-element multi-band antenna can include one or more antenna groups. Each antenna group can include a first three-dimensional radiating element, a second threedimensional radiating element, and one or more radiating elements. The first three-dimensional radiating element can face in a first direction and the second three-dimensional radiating element can face in a second direction opposite the first direction. The one or more radiating elements can be disposed at least partially between the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element.

Description

ANTENNA SYSTEMSINCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 778,179, filed March 26, 2025, entitled “ANTENNA SYSTEMS”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 774,594, filed March 19, 2025, entitled “ANTENNA SYSTEMS”, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 635,556, filed April 17, 2024, entitled “ANTENNA SYSTEMS”, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57 and made a part of this specification.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless broadband communication, and more particularly to antenna systems and antennas that cover multiple frequency bands used in the telecommunication wireless spectrum.Description of the Related Art

[0003] Over the last few decades, 3 GPP as a collaborative organization has developed protocols for mobile telecommunications. The latest operational standard is known as 5G. Wireless communication relies on a variety of radio components including radio antennas that are used for transmitting and receiving information via electromagnetic waves. To communicate to specific devices without interference from other devices, radio transceivers and receivers communicate within a dedicated frequency bandwidth and have associated antennas that are configured to electromagnetically resonate at frequencies within the dedicated bandwidth. As more wireless devices are used on a frequency bandwidth, a communication bottleneck occurs as wireless devices compete for frequency channels within a dedicated bandwidth. 3GPP frequency bands range from 450 MHz to 8 GHz and beyond, however, antennas configured to resonate within this spectrum only resonate below 8 GHz for mobile 3 GPP telecommunication standards. To capture a greater portion of the 3 GPP or other telecommunication spectrum, either an antenna array of various antenna configurations is used, or a single geometrically complex antenna can be used. An antennaarray, in most instances, takes up too much space and is therefore impractical for small devices, but employing a single antenna will have a useable bandwidth that is limited by its geometrical configuration. In one example, a known antenna configuration permits a 700 MHz - 2.7 GHz frequency band; however, a single antenna configuration that permits a wider frequency band is desired. Additionally, it can be difficult and expensive to manufacture, assemble, and procure materials for components of antenna array systems. This may result in a system with poor functionality and / or coverage.SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure relates to antennas that cover multiple frequency bands that are prolific in today’s telecommunication wireless spectrum. The advances of telecommunications wireless devices have expanded the number of frequency bands that a radio can support for prolific coverage. For example, there are over 30 5G Bands that a radio may be asked to support if the radio is to provide ubiquitous coverage for a mobile device. While some of the LTE Bands overlap with one another, there are numerous gaps between the bands as well. A multi -band approach to the antenna’s frequency response provides a unique and novel radiating structure to support the numerous 5G bands.

[0005] According to some advantageous implementations, an antenna system is disclosed. The antenna system includes an electrically conductive base, a cover, and a multielement multi-band antenna. The cover is configured to be coupled to the electrically conductive base to define an internal volume therebetween. The multi-element multi-band antenna is housed within the internal volume and includes one or more antenna groups. Each antenna group includes a first three-dimensional radiating element, a second three-dimensional radiating element, and one or more radiating elements. The first three-dimensional radiating element faces in a first direction. The second three-dimensional radiating element faces in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction. The one or more radiating elements are disposed at least partially between the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element.

[0006] According to some advantageous implementations, an antenna system including an antenna group is disclosed. The antenna group included a first three-dimensional radiating element, a second three-dimensional radiating element, a third three-dimensionalradiating element, and a fourth radiating element. The first three-dimensional radiating element faces in a first direction. The second three-dimensional radiating element faces in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction. The third three-dimensional radiating element and the fourth radiating element are positioned between the first three- dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element.

[0007] Some advantageous features have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and to ensure that the present contribution to the art is appreciated. Additional features will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

[0008] Many objects of the present application will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

[0009] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0010] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the various purposes of the present design. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions in so far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present application.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 A illustrates a top perspective view of an antenna assembly, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0013] Figures 1B-1D illustrate a side view, a top view, and a bottom view respectively of the antenna assembly of Figure 1A, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2A illustrates a first top perspective view of the antenna assembly of Figure 1A with the cover removed, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2B illustrates a second top perspective view of the antenna assembly of Figure 1A with the cover removed, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2C illustrates a top view of the antenna assembly of Figure 1A with the cover removed, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0017] Figures 2D-2F illustrate a perspective view, a top view, and a bottom view respectively of the base of the antenna assembly of Figure 1 A, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3A illustrates a first top perspective view of an antenna grouping of the antenna assembly of Figure 1A, with some of the internal components removed, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3B illustrates a second top perspective view of an antenna grouping of the antenna assembly of Figure 1 A, with some of the internal components removed, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0020] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate perspective views of radiating elements and associated components of the antenna assembly of Figure 1 A in isolation, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4C illustrates a detail perspective view of radiating elements on the base of the antenna assembly of Figure 1A, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4D illustrates a detail perspective view of an elevated ground plane on the base of the antenna assembly of Figure 1 A, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0023] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a first side view and second side view respectively of a radiating element and a ground connection of the antenna assembly of Figure 1A, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0024] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a front view and a back view respectively of the radiating element of Figures 5 A and 5B, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0025] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a front view and a back view respectively of another radiating element of the antenna assembly of Figure 1 A, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure.

[0026] Figures 8A-8K illustrate various views of components of a multi-band radiator portion that can be included in the antenna assembly of Figure 1 A, in accordance with some aspects of this disclosure.

[0027] Figures 8L-8N illustrate various views of components of another implementation of a multi-band radiator portion that can be included in any antenna assembly described herein, in accordance with some aspects of this disclosure.

[0028] Figures 9A-9H illustrate various views of components of another implementation of a multi-band radiator portion that can be included in the antenna assembly of Figure 1A, in accordance with some aspects of this disclosure.

[0029] While the embodiments and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer’s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0031] In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devicesare depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the embodiments described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

[0032] The system and method will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system may be presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and / or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and / or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and / or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise described. As used herein, “system” and “assembly” are used interchangeably. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Dimensions provided herein provide for an exemplary embodiment, however, alternate embodiments having scaled and proportional dimensions of the presented exemplary embodiment are also considered. Additional features and functions are illustrated and discussed below.

[0033] The system and method in accordance with the present disclosure overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with traditional antenna systems. In particular, the system of the present disclosure can be an antenna system having a radome, one or more formed three-dimensional multi-band radiating elements supported by printed circuit board (PCB) structures, sheet metal, or other conductive surfaces that hold their three-dimensional shape, configured and adapted to be housed within the radome along with other multi-band radiating elements. The three-dimensional multi-band radiating element portions can be paired with a formed ground plane (e.g., a base of the antenna assembly) that permits afrequency range of 450 MHz to 8 GHz, which provides a wider range of frequencies than antenna systems currently known in the art, with improved cost effectiveness and simplicity of manufacture. The three-dimensional multi-band radiating element portions allow for the antenna to be compact, making it ideal for compact 3GPP or other telecommunication transmitters. These and other unique features of the system are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views. Figures 1 A ID illustrate various of an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly can include a multi-element multi-band antenna enveloped by a cover, which can be non-conductive. Figures 2A-2C illustrate various views of the antenna assembly, according to some embodiments, with the cover removed. Figures 2D-2F illustrate various views of the base of the antenna assembly in isolation. Figures 3A-7B illustrate various views of an example antenna system structures and radiating elements that can be included in the antenna assembly. Figures 8A-9H illustrate example embodiments of radiating elements and associated structures that can be included in the multi-element multi-band antenna.

[0035] According to some embodiments, features and aspects of this disclosure, a multi-band antenna system can be a multi-band monopole and / or three-dimensional inverted F antenna system that has a configuration that, when used in conjunction with high order electromagnetic modes generated or received by a transceiver and / or receiver, permit the multielement multi-band antenna system to have an operating frequency range of between about 450 MHz to about 8 GHz. According to some embodiments, the antenna system can include one or more radiating elements that can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 1 GHz to about 8 GHz. The antenna system can include one or more radiating elements can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 450 MHz to about 8 GHz.. The antenna assembly can include one or more radiating element(s) that can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 700 MHz to about 8 GHz. In some embodiments, one or more of the radiating elements can be similar in nature to what is commonly known as a monopole antenna. In some embodiments, the one or more of the radiating elements can be similar in nature to what is commonly known as a three-dimensional inverted F antenna.

[0036] In some implementations, the radiating elements, such as the three-dimensional inverted F antenna(s) can be configured to be formed out of one or more sheet metal potions. According to some embodiments, one or more of the radiating elements can comprise conductive material formed on one or more non-conductive support portions. The non-conductive support portions can be PCB portions that can be made of FR4, fiberglass reinforced epoxy, polyester reinforced epoxy, or other similar PCB support material that can support metallic (e.g., copper) features of one or more radiating elements etched into its structure on one or both side of the support material.

[0037] According to some embodiments, a tab and slot configuration in the PCB material is used to mechanically locate the individual PCB portions. When appropriate, in some embodiments the tab and slot arrangements are then soldered. The soldering process can be used to provide a mechanical and electrical connection between the individual PCB portions. In some embodiments, the tabs can include openings that facilitate an improved soldering process.

[0038] In some embodiments, the etched electrically conducting features can be formed on one surface of the PCB support material. In other embodiments, both sides of the PCB support material are used for supporting the etched electrically conducting features. The same surface of any one particular surface of the PCB support material can have separate etched electrically conducting features that perform different functions for the multi-band antenna system or for an individual multi-band radiating element.

[0039] The antenna assembly can include mechanical threaded fasteners that may not be shown in all of the Figures for clarity. The fasteners can be used to firmly hold structures and components in place and in contact with one another. In some embodiments, the mechanical fasteners provide an important role in establishing and maintaining a direct electrical connection between two components. In other embodiments, the mechanical fasteners are used to establish firm contact between two surfaces that are electrically conductive. In some embodiments, the mechanical fasteners provide structural fastening between one or more components that have wholly non-conductive components. In some embodiments, the radiating elements can be electromagnetically excited by a coaxial cable that can be unique for each of the radiating elements.

[0040] The following detailed description of certain embodiments presents various descriptions of specific embodiments. However, the innovations described herein can be embodied in a multitude of different ways, for example, as defined and covered by the claims. In thisdescription, reference is made to the drawings where like reference numerals can indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It will be understood that elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, it will be understood that certain embodiments can include more elements than illustrated in a drawing and / or a subset of the elements illustrated in a drawing. Further, some embodiments can incorporate any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings.

[0041] Objects that are coupled together can be permanently connected together or releasably connected together. Objects that are permanently connected together can be formed out of one sheet of material or multiple sheets of material. The type of connection can provide different means for the realization of particular advantages and / or convenience consistent with the suitable function and performance of the device. In some instances, object that have an electrical connection may also be mechanically connected as well due to the means by which the electrical connection is established.

[0042] With reference first to Figures 1A-1D, a top perspective view, a side view, a top view, and a bottom view of an antenna assembly 200 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly 200 can also be referred to herein as an “antenna system”. The antenna assembly 200 may include a multi-element multi-band antenna 202 (see e.g., Figure 2A). The multi-element multi-band antenna 202 may be configured to provide wireless internet connectivity for a plurality of uses (e g., data, voice communication, and / or the like). The multi-element multi-band antenna 202 can be configured to provide high performance of 5G frequencies for both mobile and enterprise network applications, in some implementations.

[0043] The antenna assembly 200 may have particular benefits when used in places such as kiosks and vehicles, however, the antenna assembly 200 including the multi-element multiband antenna 202 may be used in a wide range of applications. For example, the antenna assembly 200 may be a fixed or transportable solution, such as a hot spot accessory. In another example, the antenna assembly 200 can be a mobile unit utilized in emergency fleet vehicles. For example, the antenna assembly 200 can provide superior connectivity in both urban and rural regions, including areas with poor cellular infrastructure. The antenna assembly 200 can include an aerodynamic curved top and one or more gaskets to withstand highway speeds and inclement weather. In another example, the antenna assembly 200 can be used to provide cellular backup for internet connectivity for server rooms. Additionally, the antenna assembly 200 can be used for utility monitoring, last-mile wireless internet for homes, small offices, and courtyards, to fill a coverage hole in the WiFi network, as a portable or fixed WiFi hot spot for multiple IOT devices, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the antenna assembly 200 can be used for remote video monitoring and / or mobile broadband. The antenna assembly 200 can be an IP67-rated antenna that can be easy to install on kiosks, POTS replacement boxes, and / or other equipment using a magnetic or adhesive base. In some implementations, the antenna assembly 200 can include a screw on option for secured mounting.

[0044] In some embodiments, the antenna assembly 200 can include any of the features or structures, including radiating elements / radiator portions, that are described and / or illustrated in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 447,210, filed August 9, 2023, titled “ANTENNA SYSTEM,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0045] The components of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 may be concealed and / or secured within and / or between a radome 204 (also referred to herein as “cover” 204 and “non-conducive cover” 204) and a base 206. The base 206 can be electrically conductive. Accordingly, the antenna system 200 can comprise an electrically conductive base 206, a cover 204 configured to be coupled to the electrically conductive base to define an internal volume therebetween, and a multi-element multi-band antenna 202. The multi-element multi-band antenna 202 can be positioned in the internal volume. The multi-element multi-band antenna 202 can include one or more antenna groups, as described further herein.

[0046] As shown and described further with reference to at least Figures 2A and 2B, the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 may include one or more of the following: one or more first radiating element(s) 100, one or more second radiating element(s) 300, one or more third radiating elements(s) 400 and / or one or more GPS antenna(s) 216. In some implementations, the second radiating elements 300 can be combined with radiating elements 250 to form three- dimensional radiating elements 290. When included, the three-dimensional radiating elements 290 form part of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202. In some implementations, the multielement multi -band antenna 202 can include radiating elements 100, 290, 400 configured to radiate at specific frequency bands. For example, the radiating elements 100, 290, 400 can be configured for one or more of: low-band operation (approximately 600 MHz to 1 GHz), mid-band operation (approximately 1.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz), CBRS-band (“C-band”) operation (approximately 3.4 GHz to 4.2 GHz), and / or tri-band Wi-Fi-band (“Wi-Fi-band) operation (approximately 2.4 to 2.5 GHz,4.8 GHz to 5.9 GHz, and 6 GHz to 7.25 GHz), depending on the desired performance of the antenna assembly 200.

[0047] With continued reference to Figures 1 A-1D, the radome 204 may protect and / or provide mechanical support for the multi -element multi-band antenna 202. For example, the multielement multi-band antenna 202 can be enveloped by the radome 204. The radome 204 may be transparent to radiation from the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 and may serve as an environmental shield for the internal components of the antenna assembly 200, including the multielement multi-band antenna 202. The radome 204 may be made of a non-conductive material. The radome 204 may be generally rectangularly shaped, with an open bottom, in some configurations. In the illustrated example, the side walls of the radome 204 include tapers and curves upwardly and away from the base 206. For example, a front wall 205 of the radome 204 can curve to form a smooth transition to a top surface of the radome 204. Other suitable shapes can be used for the radome 204. Accordingly, the cover 204 can comprise one or more curved sidewalls and can have a length greater than its width.

[0048] The radome 204 can be configured to be removably coupled to the base 206. In some cases, the shape of the radome 204 can be selected based on the expected operating conditions for the antenna assembly 200. For example, the expected wind-load on the antenna assembly 200 when in use (e.g., when mounted to a vehicle) can impact the design of the radome 204. In some cases, the antenna assembly 200 may be deployed on a vehicle, as described above. For example, the antenna assembly 200 can be mounted to a vehicle with the curved front wall 205 facing in the same direction as the vehicle. Accordingly, the antenna assembly 200 and the radome 204, desirably has a low-profile design. In some implementations, radome 204 can include sidewalls with curves or smooth tapers that can reduce the drag on the antenna assembly 200 when the antenna assembly 200 is deployed. When wind resistance is not an important consideration, a low-profile design may not be used for the radome 204.

[0049] As shown in Figure ID, the base 206 of the antenna assembly 200 can have a substantially rectangular shape. The length and width of the base 206 can be variable, and can be selected for the desired use case, the expected operating conditions, the number of radiating elements included in the multi-element multi-band antenna 202, and / or the like. In some implementations the base 206 and radome 204 can have a larger length than width, which can provide an aerodynamic low-profile for the antenna assembly 200. In some implementations, thelength of the antenna assembly 200 can be significantly larger than the width of the antenna assembly 200. In some implementations, the base 206 can have a length of less than 16 inches (e.g., less than 16 inches, less than 15 inches, less than 12 inches, less than 10 inches, etc.). In some implementations the base 206 can have a width of less than 5 inches (e.g., less than 5 inches, less than 4 inches, less than 3.5 inches, less than 3 inches, etc.). With reference to Figure IB, in some implementations, the antenna assembly 200 may have a total height of less than 4 inches (e.g., less than 4 inches, less than 3.5 inches, less than 3 inches, less than 2.5 inches, etc.) when measured from the base 206 to the top of the radome 204.

[0050] The antenna assembly 200 may have a smaller volume and profile when compared to other antenna systems. For example, the antenna assembly 200 may have an internal cubic volume of about 140 cubic inches. In other examples, the antenna assembly 200 may have a cubic volume between 70 and 300 cubic inches (e.g., between 70 and 300 cubic inches, 100 and 200 cubic inches, 110 and 150 cubic inches, values between the foregoing, etc.).

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 A and IB, in some implementations, the base 206 can be received within the radome 204 in the assembled antenna assembly 200, such that the base 206 is not visible or only a portion of the base 206 is visible from a side view of the antenna assembly 200. This design can minimize exposed edges and sharp transitions or protrusions between the base 206 and the radome 204. As a result, the antenna assembly 200 can have streamlined contours, which can reduce drag by minimizing turbulent airflow around the antenna assembly 200. Reducing drag can be particularly beneficial when operating in high wind-load conditions, such as on an emergency vehicle.

[0052] Referring now to Figures 2A-2C, a first top perspective view, a second top perspective view, and a top view of the antenna assembly 200 are shown respectively, with the radome 204 removed to expose the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 and the base 206. The base 206 can provide mechanical support for the multi-element multi-band antenna 202. A top perspective view, a top view, and a bottom view of the base 206 in isolation are shown in Figures 2D-2F. The base 206 can also serve as the ground plane for the antenna assembly 200. For example, the base 206 can be electrically conductive. When used as the ground plane, the base 206 can be made of a conductive material, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum). In some embodiments, the base 206 can provide an electrical connection with a client ground plane, as described further below. In some implementations, the base 206 includes a plurality of small gaps (not shown) inthe surface of the base 206, which may facilitate the use of non-conductive weather resistant material. In some implementations, the size and proximity of the base 206 may be selected to provide an electromagnetic connection with the client ground plane. The combination of at least the non-conductive radome 204 and the conductive base 206 provide mechanical and environmental protection for the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 as well as grounding for the electrically active, radiating portions of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 that are internal to the antenna assembly 200.

[0053] In some implementations, the antenna assembly 200 may include a separate internal ground plane (not shown). In such an implementation, the base 206 may be non- conductive. In such an implementation, the internal ground plane can provide grounding for the electrically active, radiating portions of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 that are internal to the antenna assembly 200.

[0054] In some embodiments, the antenna assembly 200 may be mounted on a client ground plane (not shown). The client ground plane may be in the form of conducting surfaces on vehicles, buildings, indoor or outdoor equipment enclosures, and other such customer premise equipment. Those skilled in the art would understand that the nature of the deployment of the antenna assembly 200 will change slightly in the deployed performance based on type of structure the antenna assembly 200 is attached to as well as the surroundings in which it is deployed. Those skilled in the art realize that the lower frequency bands of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 may have optimal performance when placed on a client ground plane. When utilized, the client ground plane will be in close proximity to electrically conducting base 206. However, a client ground plane is not required for all applications, particularly where a reduction in the level of performance is acceptable. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the client ground plane is not required. For some deployments, an electrically non-conductive gasket is placed between base 206 and the client equipment or ground plane.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 A-1D, the radome 204 can be positioned on the base 206 to secure the internal components of the antenna assembly 200, including the multi-element multiband antenna 202. The radome 204 may include a plurality of fastener holes (not shown) which may extend up the side walls of the radome 204. In some implementations, the fastener holes may be tapered. In some implementations, the fastener holes may be threaded. These plurality of fastener holes may be aligned with fastener holes 211 of the base 206 (see e g., Figure 2F) in theassembled configuration, and fasteners 212 can be positioned within the holes 211 to secure the radome 204 and the internal components of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 to the base 206.

[0056] Referring back to Figures 2A-2F, the base 206 (also referred to herein as the “ground reference”, “ground plane”, or “internal ground plane”) is shown in isolation. The base 206 can serve as a ground plane for the multi-element multi-band antenna 202. For example, the base 206 can serve as an electrical reference point for operation of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202. In some embodiments, the base 206 establishes a surface for coaxial cables (see e.g., coaxial cable 218 in at least Figures 2A and 2B) to use as a reference for continuation of the signal from the radio to the radiating elements 100, 290, 400, and / or the GPS antenna 216. In some implementations, the base 206 can support an internal ground plane (not shown) that serves as the electrical reference point for operation of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 instead of the base 206.

[0057] The base 206 can include mounting structures / portions for supporting the radiating elements 100, 290, 400 or can be configured to be coupled to removable mounting portions. For example, the base 206 can include mounting structures, opening, holes, and / or the like for removably coupling mounting portions 214, 315, 415. The mounting portions 214, 315, 415 are configured to support the radiating element(s) 100, 290, 400. For ease of illustration, not all of the mounting portions 214, 315, 415 are labeled in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0058] As shown in Figures 2D-2F, the base 206 can include a plurality of mounting structures. The mounting structures can be used to electrically and / or mechanically connect components of the antenna assembly 200 to the base 206. For example, the base 206 can include first mounting structures 222 and / or second mounting structures 224. The mounting structures 222, 224 can be electrically conductive. The mounting structures 222, 224 can be elevated surfaces of the base 206. For example, the mounting structures 222, 224 can be reliefs formed in the base 206 extending away from a bottom side of the base 206. In one example, mounting structures 222, 224 can be formed during the casting of the base 206. In this arrangement, the top side of the base 206 can have a three-dimensional shape, while the bottom side of the base 206 (see e.g., Figure 2F) can be substantially flat. Having a base 206 with a flat bottom surface can provide a benefit of easier mounting of the antenna assembly 200. For ease of illustration, not all of the mounting structures 222, 224 are labeled.

[0059] Each mounting structure 222 can include a cable groove 228. The cable groove 228 can be configured to receive and support a coaxial cable 218 of the antenna assembly 200. As shown in Figure 4C, the coaxial cable 218 can be sandwiched between the mounting structure 222 and a mounting bracket 232 and secured in the cable groove 228. The mounting structures 222 can include one or more fastener holes 226. For example, faster holes 226 can be disposed on either side of the cable groove 228 in the mounting structure 222. As shown in Figure 4C, fasteners 212 can be used to secure the mounting bracket 232 to the mounting structure 222 with the coaxial cable 218 therebetween and positioned in the cable groove 228. This arrangement can provide secure mechanical support and positioning for the coaxial cable 218 relative to the respective radiating elements 100, 290, 400. This arrangement can also provide an electrical connection between the outer conductor of the coaxial cable 218 and the base 206, which can act as the ground reference.

[0060] In some implementations, the mounting structures 222 can be used to ground electrically conductive structure of the antenna assembly 200. For example, the mounting structures 222 can electrically connect the elevated ground plane 270 to the base 206, as described further with reference to at least Figures 4C and 4D.

[0061] With continued refence to Figures 2D-2F, the base 206 can include a plurality of second mounting structures 224. One or more (e.g., a pair) of second mounting structures 224 can be disposed adjacent to each first mounting structure 222. In some cases, the mounting structures 224 can be used to provide mechanical support to respective radiating elements 100, 290, 400 or their associated supports. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, the mounting portions 214 of the multi -band radiator portions 100 can be secured to the second mounting structures 224. Where the mounting portions 214 are non-conductive, this arrangement provides mechanical support for the multi-band radiator portions 100 without creating an electrical connection with the base 206. In another example, as shown in Figure 2A, the mounting portions 315, 415 can also be mechanically coupled to the base 206 via the mounting structures 224.

[0062] In other cases, the mounting structures 224 can be used to create a ground connection between the base 206 and a ground connection of the antenna assembly 200. For example, as shown in Figure 2B, the ground connection 103 of the multi -band radiator portions 100 can be mechanically and electrically connected to the base 206 via the mounting structures224. Fasteners 212 can be used to provide the mechanical connection between the ground connection 103 and the mounting structures 224. The fasteners 212 can be electrically conductive.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the base 206 is configured to support up to four first radiating elements 100, up to two second radiating elements 300 (or two three-dimensional radiating elements 290), and up to two third radiating elements 400. In other implementations, more or less radiating elements 100, 290, 400 can be included in the multi-element multi -band antenna 202 and the base 206 can include a same number of corresponding mounting holes for the mounting portions 214, 315, 415.

[0064] In some embodiments, the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 can be assembled without including the maximum number of radiating elements 100, 290, 400. For example, the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 can include fewer than four first radiating elements 100, fewer than two second radiating elements 300, fewer than two three-dimensional radiating elements 290, and / or fewer than two third radiating elements 400. For example, there are sufficient mounting points in some embodiments for as many as nine third radiating elements 400. Some embodiments can have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 third radiating elements 400. Suitable combinations of first, second, and / or third radiating elements are contemplated. For reference, one additional mounting point for an additional third radiating element 400 is not populated in Figure 2A. In some embodiments, the multi-element multi -band antenna 202 can include a greater number of radiating elements 100, 290, 400. For example, the base 206 can be longer to support the greater number of radiating elements 100, 290, 400.

[0065] As shown in at least Figures ID and 2A, the base 206 can include a cable opening 210. The cable opening 210 can extend completely through the base 206 (e.g., from the top side to the bottom side). The cable opening 210 can allow coaxial cables of the antenna assembly 200 to be routed from the radiating elements of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 through the cable opening 210 to one or more transmitters / receivers of the antenna assembly 200.

[0066] As shown in Figure IB, the antenna assembly 200 can include coupling portion 208. The coupling portion 208 can form a portion of the base 206 or can be coupled to the base 206. The coupling portion 208 can include a threading. The coupling portion 208 can be a shaft with an opening extending through the coupling portion 208. The coupling portion 208 can extend from a bottom of the base 206 so that the coupling portion 208 aligns with the cable opening 210to facilitate cable routing through the base 206. For example, the coupling portion 208 can be used to secure the antenna assembly 200 to a vehicle or a mounting portion on the vehicle (e.g., to a threaded opening in the mounting portion on the vehicle) while also allowing the cables of the 200 to be routed into an interior of the mounting portion or into the vehicle itself. In some implementations, the coupling portion 208 and the base 206 may be integrally formed. A washer, a nut (e.g., a hex nut), and / or any other fastener can be coupled to the threading of the coupling portion 208 to secure the antenna assembly 200 to a deployment surface. For example, the coupling portion 208 can be used to attach the antenna assembly 200 to a vehicle, a roof, an enclosure, or any other structure, etc. In some implementations, the antenna assembly 200 can be attached to a client ground plane. In some implementations, a gasket (not shown) may be coupled to the bottom surface of the base 206 before the antenna assembly 200 is deployed. The gasket can help prevent fluid ingress into the internal volume of the antenna assembly 200 and / or can provide separation between the base 206 and the deployment surface. Including a gasket on the base 206 can also increase the traction between the base 206 and the deployment surface.

[0067] In the illustrated example, the base 206 includes a peripheral rim 220. The rim 220 can extend upwardly from an inner / lower surface of the base 206 near an edge of the perimeter of the base 206. In some implementations, a gasket (not shown) can be secured around an outer periphery of the rim 220 to prevent ingress (e.g., water, dust, etc.) into the internal volume of the antenna assembly 200. For example, when the radome 204 is coupled to the base 206, the gasket can create a seal or barrier to fluid ingress. As such, the antenna assembly 200 may be IP67 rated and the antenna assembly 200 may be able to operate in wet conditions (e.g., in the rain).

[0068] Referring back to Figures 2A-2C, the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 can include one or more first radiating elements 100, one or more second radiating elements 300 (which can form part of a three-dimensional radiating element 290), one or more third radiating elements 400, and / or one more GPS antenna 216. The radiating elements (e.g., radiating elements 100, 290, 400) of the multi-element multi -band antenna 202 may also be referred to herein as “radiating antenna elements”, “antenna elements”, “antennas”, “multi-band antennas”, “radiating portions”, or “radiators”. The radiating elements can be constructed of any suitable antenna material, such as metal, PCB substrates with conductive surfaces or portions, dielectric materials, plastics with conductive coatings, ceramics, composite materials, formed sheet metal, planar sheet metal, sheet metal supported by electrically non-conductive portions, and / or the like. In theillustrated example, the first radiating elements 100 of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 comprise or are formed of sheet metal portions and the second and third radiating elements 300, 400 are formed of one or more PCB substrates with electrically conductive portions. For example, the second and third radiating elements 300, 400 can include PCB portions that have electrically conductive portions, as described further with reference to at least Figures 5A-7B.

[0069] The multi-element multi-band antenna 202 may be a multi-band monopole or inverted F antenna or a combination of different antenna elements that has a configuration that, when used in conjunction with high order electromagnetic modes generated or received by a transceiver and / or receiver, permit the multi -element multi -band antenna 202 to have an operating frequency range of 450 MHz to 8 GHz, working in conjunction with the frequency bandwidth of the transceiver, transmitter, and / or receiver of the wireless telecommunication device or radio.

[0070] As noted above, the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 can optionally include one or more GPS antennas 216. In the illustrated example, the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 includes a single GPS antenna 216 (also referred to herein as a “GPS radiating device”). The GPS antenna 216 can be used to collect signal(s) from geosynchronous satellites so that the GPS function of a radio including the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 can determine where the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 is positioned relative to a global coordinate system. The GPS antenna 216 may be positioned within the radome 204 and may be mounted to the base 206. The GPS antenna 216 may be electrically and / or mechanically coupled to the base 206. In some implementations, an adhesive or adhesive pad can be used to secure the GPS antenna 216 to the base 206.

[0071] As shown in at least Figures 2A and 2B, each radiating element 100, 290, 400, and the GPS antenna 216 can be connected to a coaxial cable 218. The coaxial cables 218 are shown as terminated for illustrative purposes. The coaxial cables 218 are the transmission lines that allow for the radio frequency “RF” signal to travel from the output of the radio used to establish the wireless link from the base station to the mobile radio of the users of the wireless network. The terminated coaxial cables 218 may require proper connection to the particular components of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 so that it can function properly. The terminated coaxial cables 218 may each include a center conductor 219 (see e.g., Figures 4A and 4B) positioned within an outer conductor (not shown). The outer conductors can be mechanically and electrically connected to the base 206. For example, the outer conductor can be positioned incable grooves 228 in the mounting structures 222 when included, and coupled to the base 206 at the structures 214 using brackets 232, in some implementations. A similar arrangement can be provided by the mounting portions 315 and / or mounting portions 415 for the radiating elements 300 and the radiating elements 400 respectively.

[0072] The number of coaxial cables 218 included in the antenna assembly 200 can be determined by the number of radiating elements included in the multi-element multi-band antenna 202. In the illustrated example, the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 includes nine radiating portions (e.g., four first radiating elements 100, two three-dimensional radiating element 290, two third radiating elements 400, and the GPS antenna 216). As such, the antenna assembly 200 can include nine coaxial cables 218. For illustrative purposes, not all of the terminated coaxial cables 218 are labeled.

[0073] With continued reference to Figures 2A and 2B, the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 can include one or more antenna groupings 201. In the illustrated example, a first antenna grouping 201 A and a second antenna grouping 20 IB are included in the antenna assembly 200. Perspective views of an antenna grouping 201 are shown in isolation with various components not shown for illustrative purposes in Figures 3A and 3B. When included, the first antenna grouping 201 A and the second antenna grouping 20 IB can be aligned along a longitudinal axis of the base 206. Such an arrangement can allow the antenna assembly 200 to have a narrow aerodynamic profile.

[0074] While the antenna assembly 200 is shown as including two antenna groupings 201A, 201B, more or less antenna groupings are possible. For example, in some implementations, it may be desirable to include more than two antenna groupings 201 or less than two antenna groupings 201. Any number of antenna groupings 201 can be longitudinally aligned along the length of the base 206.

[0075] The antenna groupings 201 can each include two first radiating elements 100 and one or more additional radiating elements. For example, the additional radiating elements can include the three-dimensional radiating element 290 and / or the radiating element 400. A first radiating element 101 of the antenna grouping 201 can face in a first direction and a second radiating element 101 of the antenna grouping 201 can face is an opposite second direction. Accordingly, the two radiating elements 101 on an antenna grouping 201 can face each other. The additional radiating elements (e g., the three-dimensional radiating element 290 and / or theradiating element 400) can be disposed or positioned at least partially between the first radiating element 101 and the second radiating element 101. The radiating elements 101 can be three- dimensional inverted F antennas and the additional radiating elements can be or can include a monopole antenna, in some implementations.

[0076] In the illustrated example, each antenna grouping 201 includes two first radiating elements 100, one three-dimensional radiating element 290, and one third radiating element 400. In other implementations, each antenna grouping 201 can include any combination of radiating elements 100, 290, 400, and / or additional or alternative radiating elements. The radiating element 300 can be included individually in the antenna grouping 201 or can be combined with additional radiating elements to form a radiating structure 230. As described further herein, the radiating structure 230 can include one or more radiating elements, such as the radiating element 300 and / or the radiating element 250 (e.g., the three-dimensional radiating element 290). The radiating structure 230 can also include one or more ground connections, such as the ground connection 350. In some cases, the radiating structure 230 can include an elevated ground plane 270.

[0077] Optionally, the radiating structure 230 can include the radiating element 400. The non-conductive supporting material for radiating element 400 can be extended to also provide support and a coupling feature for radiating element 290. As demonstrated in the illustrated example, the radiating element 400 only provides structural support to components of the radiating structure 230 and is not electrically connected to the components of the radiating structure 230. The radiating structures 230 and associated components are described further herein with reference to at least Figures 4A-6B.

[0078] The first radiating elements 100 can be multi -band radiator portions and can be used for wireless telecommunication purposes (e.g., cellular telecommunication). Each multi-band radiator portion 100 may be a dual -band monopole antenna, a multi-band 3D inverted F antenna, or a version of a 2D inverted F antenna similar to a PIFA, that has a configuration that, when used in conjunction with high order electromagnetic modes generated or received by a transceiver and / or receiver, permit the antenna to have an operating frequency range of 600 MHz to 7.25 GHz.

[0079] Depending on the particular use, the number of multi-band radiator portions 100 included in the antenna assembly 200 can vary. In the illustrated example, the antenna assembly 100 includes four multi -band radiator portions 100; however, more or less multi -bandradiator portions 100 are possible. The multi-band radiator portions 100 are described further herein with reference to at least Figures 8A-8K. While the multi -band radiator portions 100 are shown in Figures 2A-3B, either the multi-band radiator portion 100’ or the multi-band radiator portion 100” can be used instead of or in addition to the multi-band radiator portions 100 in the antenna assembly 200. For example, the antenna assembly 200 can include any combination of multi -band radiator portions 100, multi -band radiator portion 100’, and multi -band radiator portion 100”. The multi -band radiator portion 100’ are described further with reference to at least Figures 8L-8N and the multi -band radiator portion 100” are described further with reference to at least Figures 9A-9H. In some implementations, the base 206 can promote isolation between the multiband radiator portions 100. In some implementations, the length and width of the base 206 can be selected for the desired isolation between the multi -band radiator portions 100.

[0080] Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, perspective views of the radiating structure 230, the radiating element 400, and associated components as shown. As described herein, each radiating structure 230 can include a radiating element 300, a radiating element 250, a ground connection 350, and / or an elevated ground plane 270. The elevated ground plane 270 may be desirable when using a base 206 with elevated mounting structures 222, 224, but is not required for all applications. In some cases, the elevated ground plane 270 may be considered separate from the radiating structure 230.

[0081] The radiating structure 230 can be partially supported by radiating element 400, in some implementations. As shown, the radiating structure 230 and the radiating element 400 can be coupled to and supported by mounting portions 315, 415. One or more fasteners can be used to support the connection between the mounting portions 315, 415 and the radiating structure 230 and the radiating element 400. The mounting portions 315, 415 can be non-conductive, in some implementations and can provide separation between the base 206 and the radiating structure 230 and the radiating element 400. The mounting portions 315, 415 can also be used to support or facilitate a connection between the radiating elements 300, 400 and the terminated coaxial cables 218. The mounting portions 315, 415 can be utilized with the mounting structures 222, 224 of the base 206.

[0082] In some embodiments, the radiating elements 300, 400 and / or the radiating structure 230 can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 450 MHz to about 8 GHz. For example, the radiating elements 250, 300, 400 may be configured forone or more of: low-band operation (approximately 600 MHz to 1 GHz), mid-band operation (approximately 1.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz), CBRS-band (“C-band”) operation (approximately 3.4 GHz to 4.2 GHz), and / or tri-band Wi-Fi-band (“Wi-Fi-band) operation (approximately 2.4 to 2.5GHz, 4.8 GHz to 5.9 GHz, and 6 GHz to 7.25 GHz).

[0083] In some embodiments, the conductive material of the radiating elements 400 can be triangularly shaped and configured for wide band and / or C-band communication. Radiating element 400, as shown for example in Figure 4A, can be configured to work from about 1.4 GHz to about 8 GHz. In some implementations, the radiating element 400 can be optimized for particular communication frequency bands, such as C-band frequency communication. Radiating element 400 is advantageously configured and arranged in a two dimensional (2D) configuration providing advantages over some other antenna elements, including for example manufacturing and size advantages, as well as being specially adapted for uses to cover tri-band Wi-Fi and C-band. Configurations of radiating element 400 can be designed such that it also covers mid band applications. In some applications, a radiating element 400 has superior properties and functionality when compared with some versions of 3D mono cone elements.

[0084] The radiating structure 230 and / or the radiating element 400 can comprise PCB portions with conductive material. The PCB portions described herein and forming part of the radiating structures 230 and radiating elements 400 may be made of rigid substrate materials (e.g., FR4) that act as the non-conductive support material and may include a conductive layer (e.g., copper or other suitable conductive material) on one or more sides for the electrically conductive features and the desired sides or surfaces. As such, the PCB portions may be a one-layer, a two- layer, or a multi-layer PCB of standard processing for the PCB industry. The PCB portions may provide one portion of a multi-portion structure for a respective radiating element (e.g., the radiating structure 230). In some embodiments, a single PCB portion may be used to realize radiating elements / portions. In some embodiments, conductive material may be etched into the structure of the PCB to form the radiating elements.

[0085] To facilitate mechanical and / or electrical connections between various PCB portions, the PCB portions can include projections (e.g., tabs) and / or openings (e.g., slots). The projections can be received within slots. In some cases, one or both of the projections and slots of the PCB portions can be plated or otherwise conductive. This arrangement can promote or facilitate an electrical connection between the conductive portions of the various PCB portions. Forexample, the conductive portions can extend along the projections. In another example, the slots can extend through conductive portions of the PCB portions. In some implementations, solder can be used to improve the mechanical connection between the PCB portions and / or the electrical connection between the conduction portions on the PCB portions.

[0086] In the illustrated example, the projections of the PCB portions can include openings (e.g., openings 416 on the projection 414 of the radiating element 400). The openings can extend through the plated portion of the projections or otherwise be surrounded by a conductive material. When included, these openings can be soldering holes. The soldering holes can provide certain benefits when assembling or coupling the PCB portions together. For example, the soldering holes can allow solder to be placed on one side of a PCB portion and the soldering iron to be place on the opposite side of the PCB portion. This arrangement can allow both sides of the PCB portions to be soldered at the same time, which can improve the manufacturability / assembly of the PCB portions of the antenna assembly 200. For example, this arrangement can reduce the total amount of time required to solder the various PCB portions, which can be time consuming where the soldering holes are not included. While various PCB portions are shown as including soldering holes, it is recognized that neither solder nor soldering holes are required to form mechanical or electrical connections between the PCB portions.

[0087] Figures 5 A and 5B illustrate side views of an example second radiating element 300 with a ground connection 350. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a front view and a back view of the second radiating element 300. The radiating element 300 and the ground connection 350 can form part of the radiating structure 230. The radiating element 300 and the ground connection 350 can comprise of one or more PCB substrates with conductive features. For example, the radiating element 300 can include PCB portion 302 and the ground connection 350 can include PCB portion 352.

[0088] Figures 6A and 6B show a front side 302A and a back side 302B respectively of the radiating element 300. One or more electrically conductive portions can be formed, etched, or otherwise disposed on the front side 302A of the PCB portion 302. For example, a first conductive portion 304 can be formed on the front side 302A. The first conductive portion 304 can extend vertically along at least a portion of the front side 302A. The first conductive portion 304 can be located centrally on the front side 302A. Accordingly, the first radiating element can comprise a PCB portion 302 and a first conductive portion 304 etched onto the PCB portion 302.

[0089] The radiating elements 300 may include one or more second conductive portions 306. In the illustrated example, the radiating elements 300 includes two second conductive portions 306. The second conductive portions 306 can extend from the first conductive portion 304. The second conductive portions 306 can form a cross or t-shape with the first conductive portion 304, in some implementations. The second conductive portions 306 can have a smaller width than a width of the first conductive portion 304.

[0090] The radiating element 300 can include one or more third conductive portions 320. In the illustrated example, the radiating elements 300 includes two third conductive portions 320 on the back side 302B. The third conductive portions 320 can be formed on a portion of the PCB portion 302 near the outside edges of the PCB portion 302 such that there is no overlap between the first conductive portion 304 and the third conductive portions 320. The third conductive portions 320 can be aligned with or partially overlap with the second conductive portions 306 on opposite sides of the PCB portion 302.

[0091] Having conductive portions on both sides of the PCB portion 302 for the radiating element 300 can provide certain advantages. For example, forming the third conductive portions 320 on the second side of the PCB portion 302 can prevent contact between the conductive portions 320 of the radiating element 300 and the arms 127 of the multi-band radiator portions 100 when arranged in the antenna grouping 201, as shown in Figure 3A. Such an arrangement allows the radiating element 300 to benefit from larger conductive surfaces, while allowing the radiating element 300 to be positioned between the two multi-band radiator portions 100 of the antenna grouping 201 in a compact arrangement. For example, the two arms 127 of each multi-band radiator portions 100 can partially extend around the radiating structure 230. Accordingly, the radiating element(s) of a antenna grouping 201 can be at least partially disposed between the left arm 127 and the right arm 127 of the first three-dimensional radiating element 101 and between the left arm 127 and the right arm 127 of the second three-dimensional radiating element 101.

[0092] The radiating element 300 can include on or more openings 310 that extend through both the third conductive portions 320 and the second conductive portions 306. The openings 310 can be used to electrically connect the conductive portions 304, 306, 320 together by mechanical coupling, during the PCB manufacturing process, or in another suitable manner. In some cases, the openings 310 can include conductive material or can be plated. The conductiveportions 306 and 320 can provide an enhancement to the radiation performance of radiating element 300 for frequencies above 1 GHz, in some implementations.

[0093] The first conductive portion 304 can be configured to connect to a coaxial cable 218. For example, the first conductive portion 304 can include a feed point or opening 308 for receiving and electrically connecting to a center conductor 219 of the coaxial cable / transmission line 218. The coaxial cable 218 (shown as terminated) is utilized to establish a connection between radiating element 300 and the radio that is part of the 5G wireless communication link (see e.g., Figure 4B).

[0094] Optionally, the radiating element 300 can include one or more openings 312. The openings 312 can be used to couple the radiating element 300 to the mounting portion 315, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. For example, fasteners can extend through the openings 312 and be connected or secured to the mounting portion 315. The openings 312 can extend through portions of the PCB portion 302 without conductive material.

[0095] In some implementations, the radiating element 300 can be configured to be mechanically or electrically connected to one or more additional radiating elements to form a three- dimensional radiating element 290. For example, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the radiating element 300 can be electrically and / or mechanically coupled to a radiating element 250. When included, the radiating element 250 and the radiating element 300 may be considered substructures or components of the three-dimensional radiating element 290. When included, the three-dimensional radiating element 290 can form part of the radiating structure 230.

[0096] The radiating element 250, shown in at least Figure 4A, can comprise a conductive portion 254 formed on a PCB portion 252. The conductive portion 254 can extend along at least a portion of the length of the PCB portion 252. The radiating element 250 can include a plurality of holes or openings 260 extending through the conductive portion 254. In some implementations, a second conductive portion can be formed on the opposite side of the PCB portion 252. The second conductive portion can mirror the conductive portion 254 on opposite sides of the PCB portion 252. The openings 260 can electrically connect the two conductive portions of the radiating element 250. One or more of the openings 260 can be used as soldering holes.

[0097] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the radiating elements 300 can support the radiating elements 250. The radiating element 250 can extend substantially orthogonally to theradiating element 300. To facilitate the mechanical and / or electrical connection, the radiating element 300 can include an opening or slot 316. The slot 316 can extend through the first conductive portion 304. As shown in Figure 6B, the slot 316 can be plated or otherwise surrounded by conductive material. The slot 316 can receive a projection 256 of the radiating element 250. The conductive portion 254 of the radiating element 250 can extend along the projection 256. As such, when the projection 256 is received within the slot 316, the conductive portions 304, 306, 320 of the radiating element 300 are electrically connected to the conductive portion(s) 254 of the radiating element 250. In some cases, solder can be used to improve the electrical and / or mechanical connection between the radiating element 250 and the radiating elements 300 at the slot 316. For example, the openings 260 in the projection 256 can be used for the soldering connection, as described herein. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive portions 254 of radiating element 250 can be integral to the 450 MHz to 1 GHz communication of the three- dimensional radiating element 290, as well as for the higher order modes in the 1 GHz to 8 GHz portion of the frequency band.

[0098] Accordingly, the three-dimensional radiating element 290 can include a radiating element 300 comprising a PCB portion 302 with a first conductive portion 304 etched onto the PCB portion 302 and a radiating element 250 comprising a PCB portion 252 with a conductive portion 254 etched onto PCB portion 252. The three-dimensional radiating element 290 can be arranged with the radiating element 300 supporting the radiating element 250.

[0099] With continued reference to Figures 4A-6B, each radiating element 300 can be configured to be electrically and mechanically connected to a ground connection 350. A first side and a second side of the ground connection 350 are shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The ground connection 350 can comprise a PCB portion 352. Conductive portions 354 can be formed on one or both sides of the PCB portion 352. In the illustrated example, the conductive portions 354 are shaped like an upside-down L.

[0100] The ground connection 350 can include a first projection 358 and a second projection 360. The conductive portions 354 can extend at least partially along the projections 358, 360. One or more openings 362, 364 can extend through the conductive portions 354 at the projections 358, 360 respectively. The openings 362, 364 can be soldering holes. The projections 358, 360 can be used to mechanically couple the ground connection 350 to other structures and electrically connect the conductive portions 354 to other electrically conductive portions of saidstructures. For example, the radiating elements 300 can include an opening or slot 314. The slot 314 of the radiating element 300 can be configured to receive the projection 358 of the ground connection 350, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B. When the projection 358 is received within the slot 314, the conductive portions 304, 306, 320 of the radiating element 300 are electrically connected to the conductive portions 354 of the ground connection 350. In some cases, solder can be used to improve the electrical and / or mechanical connection between the ground connection 350 and the radiating element 300 at the slot 314. For example, the openings 364 can be used as soldering holes.

[0101] In some implementations, the radiating element 300 can be connected either directly or indirectly to an elevated ground plane 270. For example, as shown in Figures 4A-4D, the radiating elements 300 and the radiating element 250 (e.g., the three-dimensional radiating element 290) can be electrically connected to the elevated ground plane 270 via the ground connection 350. The elevated ground plane 270 can serve as an intermediate ground plane between the three-dimensional radiating element 290 and the base 206, when included. In other implementations, the three-dimensional radiating element 290 can be grounded only via the base 206.

[0102] The elevated ground plane 270 can comprise a conductive portion 274 formed on a PCB portion 272. The elevated ground plane 270 can be electrically connected via the conductive portion 274 to the ground reference provided by the base 206. For example, as shown in Figure 4D, the elevated ground plane 270 can extend between a pair of mounting structures 222. The fasteners 212 can be used to secure the elevated ground plane 270 to the base 206 via the mounting structures 222. For example, the fasteners 212 can extend through openings in the elevated ground plane 270. As shown in Figure 4D, the at least one fastener 212 can extend through the conductive portion 274 of the elevated ground plane 270 to provide an electrical connection between the elevated ground plane 270 and the base 206. In the illustrated example, at least one fastener 212 extends through the conductive portion 274 on both sides of the elevated ground plane 270, such that the elevated ground plane 270 is grounded to the base 206 on both sides.

[0103] In some implementations, the elevated ground plane 270 can conductive surfaces formed on both sides of the PCB portion 272. For example, a conductive surface similar to conductive portion 274 can be formed on an opposite side of the PCB portion 272. When included, the multiple conducting portions 274 can be electrically connected to each other. Forexample, one or more conductive openings can extend between the multiple conductive portions 274.

[0104] The elevated ground plane 270 can include an opening or slot 276 that extends through the conductive portion 274. The slot 276 can receive the projection 360 of the ground connection 350. As such, the conductive portions 354 of the ground connection 350 can be electrically and mechanically connected to the conductive portion 274 when the projection 360 is received within the slot 276. The openings 362 of the projection 360 can be used as soldering holes to facilitate a soldered connection. In this arrangement, the conductive portions of the radiating elements 300, 250 and the ground connections 350 can be electrically connected to the elevated ground plane 270, which can be electrically connected to the base 206. When assembled, the radiating elements 300, 250 and the ground connections 350 can form the radiating structure 230.

[0105] Establishing this electrical connection in the imbedded environment with other radiating portions of multi-element multi-band antenna 202 provides basis for the frequency response of the input impedance and radiation characteristics of radiating structure 230. According to some implementations, it is advantageous to provide an elevated ground plane 270 positioned above the base 206 as described herein. For example, in the disclosed configurations, a low band bar (e.g., first conductive portion 304 of radiating element 300) is preferably connected to the base 206. In some implementations it is advantageous to have a conductive portion 274 to make a small bit of ground (e.g., the elevated ground plane 270) that extends from one coax connection 218 to another coax connection 218, which can provide an advantageous elevated ground plane 270 that resides above the base 206 and is electrically connected to the base 206 on either end (e.g., via the mounting structures 222). According to some implementations a radiating element (e.g., the three- dimensional radiating element 290) can be advantageously positioned in a compact and / or confined space and / or between other radiating elements and / or structures (e g., the multi -band radiator portions 100) and can access an elevated ground plane 270 that is positioned above the base 206. Other implementations including variations of the three-dimensional radiating element 290 and / or secondary ground plane 270 configurations are also contemplated.

[0106] Referring now to Figures 7A and 7B, a front side 402A and a back side 402B of the third radiating element 400 are shown respectively. The radiating element 400 can comprise a PCB portion 402. One or more electrically conductive portions can be formed, etched, or otherwise disposed on the front side 402A of the PCB portion 302. For example, an electricallyconductive portion 404 can be formed on the front side 402A.The conductive portion 404 can have a generally triangle shape. Accordingly, the radiating element 400 can comprise a PCB portion 402 with a conductive portion 404 etched onto the PCB portion 402, where the conductive portion 404 is generally triangularly shaped. In some implementations, the conductive portion 404 is configured to resonate between approximately 1.4 GHz and 8 GHz during use.

[0107] The radiating element 400 can be included in the antenna grouping 201. For example, the radiating element 400 can be positioned between the pair of radiating elements 101 in the antenna grouping 201. When included with the three-dimensional radiating element 290, the radiating element 400 can optionally support the radiating element 250 without being electrically connected to the three-dimensional radiating element 290.

[0108] In some implementations, the conductive portion 404 can be configured for at least C-band communication. In some embodiments, the conductive portion 404 can be configured for wide-band communication. The conductive portion 404 can extend upwardly and outwardly from a feed portion 406. The feed portion 406 can be configured to be electrically connected to the center conductor 219 of a coaxial cable 218. For example, the center conductor 219 can be received in an opening 408, as shown in Figure 4A.

[0109] Optionally, the radiating element 400 can include one or more openings 412. The openings 412 can be used to couple the radiating element 400 to the mounting portion 415, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. For example, fasteners can extend through the openings 412 and be connected or secured to the mounting portion 415. The openings 412 can extend through portions of the PCB portion 402 without conductive material.

[0110] In some implementations, each radiating element 400 can be configured to mechanically support one or more components of a corresponding radiating structure 230 in an antenna grouping 201. For example, the radiating elements 400 can provide mechanical support for the radiating element 250, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. The radiating element 400 can include a projection 414. The projection 414 can include one or more openings 416. The openings 416 can be conductive or plated, which can improve the mechanical connection, as described herein. For example, the openings 416 can be soldering holes. As shown in Figure 4A, the radiating element 250 can include an opening or slot 258. The slot 258 can receive the projection 414 of the radiating element 400. In this arrangement, the radiating element 250 and the radiating elements 400 are mechanically connected, with the radiating elements 400 supporting the radiating element250 via a top edge of the PCB portion 402. Solder can be used to couple the radiating element 400 and the radiating element 250 at the soldering holes 416. In the illustrated example, the radiating elements 400 is not electrically connected to the radiating element 250. In other implementations, the radiating elements 400 may be electrically connected to the radiating element 250.[OHl] In some implementations, the radiating elements 400 can be configured to work from about 1.4 GHz to about 8 GHz. The large coverage of the radiating elements 400 can allow them to be used with radomes 204 of varying thicknesses, with minimal reduction in performance. Advantageously, the radiating elements 400 can have a substantially two-dimensional shape, while providing similar coverage as a three-dimensional structure. For example, the triangular conductive tracing 404 can be a two-dimensional version of a three-dimensional mono-cone. Having a two-dimensional radiating element can provide an advantage of improved manufacturing at a reduced cost. In another example, having a two-dimensional radiating element can also reduce the overall size of the radiating element 400, which can allow the antenna assembly 200 to be more compact, which is desirable in some applications. In some implementations, the radiating element 400 can be configured to include mid-band coverage. In some implementations, the radiating element 400 has superior properties and functionality when compared with some versions of three- dimensional mono cone elements.

[0112] With continued reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the various PCB portions of the radiating elements 250, 300, 400 can provide mechanical support for each other and can provide a compact three-dimensional structure. For example, the three-dimensional radiating element 290 can be formed from the radiating elements 300, 250 and the radiating structure 230 can be formed from the three-dimensional radiating element 290 and the ground connection 350.

[0113] Utilizing three-dimensional radiating structures in the multi-element multiband antenna 202, as opposed to a two-dimensional antenna, may provide certain benefits. For example, having a three-dimensional antenna can reduce the overall size of the antenna assembly 200 when compared to a two-dimensional antenna, while still maintaining the effectiveness of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202. In some implementations, it is desirable to make the multielement multi-band antenna 202 as compact as possible. Having three-dimensional antenna(s) can help reduce the overall size of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202, which is desirable in some use cases. For example it can desirable to reduce the overall size of the antenna assembly 200 and the multi-element multi-band antenna 202, when it is not desirable to see the antennaassembly 200, when trying to minimize the drag or aerodynamic profde of the 200, when there are installation space constraints on the physical size of the antenna assembly 200, and / or the like.

[0114] As described herein, the radiating element 300 and the radiating element 400 can be supported by one or more brackets of mounting portion. For example, the radiating element 300 can be supported by the mounting portion 315 and the radiating element 400 can be supported by the mounting portion 415. Accordingly, the radiating structure 230 can also be supported via the mounting portions 315, 415. The mounting portions 315, 415 can be constructed from non- conductive or electrically conductive material that can be mechanical rigid in form and function. Mounting portions 315, 415 may not be required or necessary for the performance of radiation elements 300, 400 but can offer additional alignment features that may provide long term reliability for the electrical performance of radiating elements 300, 400 over the required lifetime of the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 in its deployed environment and intended use.

[0115] Figures 8A-8K illustrate various views of components of the multi-band radiator portions 100, in accordance with some aspects of this disclosure. Each multi-band radiator portion 100 can include a multi -band radiating element 101 and a ground connection 103. The ground connection 103 is configured to couple the multi -band radiating element 101 to the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206). Figures 8A and 8C-8F illustrate assorted view of the multiband radiating element 101. Figures 8B and 8G-8K illustrate the ground connection 103. It is recognized that the multi -band radiator portions 100 described herein are just one example of multi-band radiator portions that can be included in the antenna assembly 200. In other implementations, different multi-band radiator portions can be included. The antenna assembly 200 can include multi-band radiator portions that are similar or identical to any of the antennas described and / or illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 11,283,149, filed September 30, 2019, titled “ANTENNA SYSTEM” and in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 712,000, filed April 1, 2022, titled “ANTENNA SYSTEM,” the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0116] As shown in Figure 8 A, a radiating element 101 can be one element or component of the multi -band radiator portion 100. An upright low band radiation portion 125 (also referred to herein as the “body portion 125”) can be a body portion of the radiating element 101. The upright low band radiation portion 125 can be coupled to a feeding portion at a feed point 119 (see e.g., Figure 8C) to electrically excite the radiating element 101. As shown in Figure 8A, asecond low band radiation portion 129 (also referred to herein as the “head portion 129”) can be positioned at an angle relative to the body portion (e.g., the upright low band radiation portion 125) and extend such that the second low band radiation portion 129 is not coplanar with the upright low band radiation portion 125. In some other implementations, the second low band radiation portion 129 can be configured without a bend such that it is coplanar with the upright low band radiation portion 125. In some implementations, advantages of a bend can include having two distinct low band radiating portions, reducing the total height of the system to be more compact and conserve space, and configuring the system to be able to easily cover and provide protection for the system in a compact configuration with multi-band coverage (e.g., in the antenna assembly 200). In some other implementations the second low band radiation portion 129 can be coupled to a third low band radiation portion, a fourth low band radiation portion, and / or other radiation portions. In some implementations, material forming the second low band radiation portion 129 can extend in a direction further away from the upright low band radiation portion 125 and comprise a slit between the material such that portion of material on each side of the slit may form a third low band radiation portion and a fourth low band radiation portion respectively, that may be coplanar with and extend beyond the second low band radiation portion 129. In some implementations the third and fourth low band radiation portions can be the same length and width. In some implementations, the length and / or width of the third low band radiation portion may be different from the length and / or width of the fourth low band radiation portion. In some implementations, one or more of the third low band radiation portion and the fourth low band radiation portion may be angled or bent or attached such that it is not coplanar with the second low band radiation portion 129. Adding variations in radiation portions can provide advantageous coverage in different areas of bandwidth in some implementations.

[0117] In some cases, the radiating element 101 is a modified printed inverted-F antenna (PIFA) modified to have three bent arm members that make the radiating element 101 a three-dimensional antenna as opposed to a two-dimensional antenna generally practiced in the art for printed inverted F antenna. Furthermore, the radiating element 101 can be a dual-band monopole antenna, a multi-band 3D inverted F antenna, or a version of a 2D inverted F antenna similar to a PIFA. that has a configuration that, when used in conjunction with high order electromagnetic modes generated or received by a transceiver and / or receiver (as is typicallyperformed for PIFA antenna), permit the radiating element 101 to have an operating frequency range of 600 MHz to 7.25 GHz.

[0118] The low band portions (e.g., upright low band radiation portion 125, the second low band radiation portion 129, and / or any additional low band radiation portions) can be configured for radiation in the low band, including low band odd multiples. The high band radiation portion can comprise one or more arms 127 configured for high band radiation. In the illustrated example, the radiating element 101 includes two arms 127. The two arms 127 can be coupled to a lower portion of the upright low band radiation portion 125. In some implementations, the arms 127 can be coupled to an upper portion of the upright low band radiation portion 125. In some other implementations, one or more additional arms can be coupled to an upper portion of a low band radiation portion (e.g., upright low band radiation portion 125, the second low band radiation portion 129, etc ). In some implementations the arms 127 can have the same length. In some implementations arms 127 can have different lengths. In some implementations, one or more of the arms 127 can be positioned at an angle relative to the upright low band radiation portion 125 and / or relative to the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206). The arms 127 can be positioned at the same angle or at different angles. The arms 127 can be configured for radiation in the high band, including high even order resonances. In some implementations, additional arm portions can be added or formed at selected locations to add coverage for additional high frequency bandwidth areas. For example, in some implementations portions of the arms may be slit, extended, angled, bent, modified, and / or otherwise connected to provide improved coverage areas.

[0119] As shown in Figure 8B, a ground connection 103 (also referred to herein as the “tuner 103” or the “grounding portion 103”) can be adapted and configured to couple the radiating element 101 with the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206). The ground connection 103 can include a face plate 171 that is configured to be coupled to the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206). The ground connection 103 can include an arm portion 173, which can be an arm portion coupled to the face plate 171. The width of arm portion 173 can be adjusted to accommodate clearance for transmission lines (e.g., coaxial cables 218) of the antenna assembly 200, which can be used to excite the radiating element 101. Low band operation of the multi -band radiator portions 100 is enhanced and can be adjusted by the length and width of body portion 125 and head portion 129 as well as the location, placement, and configuration of an opening 117b (see e.g., Figure 8C) in body portion 125. The ground connection 103 can include a base portion 177. The base portion177 can be adapted and configured to be positioned against the body portion 125 of the radiating element 101 such that the opening in the base 177 and the opening 117b can be a point of coupling creating a ground connection for the multi -band radiator portion 100. The raised ground connection 103 being elevated relative to the feed location provides advantages to achieve the multiband coverage. Dimensions can be selected to provide harmonic resonance at higher odd orders in some implementations. The grounding portion 103 provides advantages for achieving multiple advantageous resonances. For example, in some implementations, the height, width, and clearance provided for by the size of arm portion 173 can be advantageously selected. Additionally, the length and width of body portion 175 can also be advantageously selected. The location of opening 117b and the corresponding connecting location of the coupling point 181b, shown in Figure 8J, when coupled together for the grounding connection create a symbiotic connection to provide a resonance of desired impedance to match a desired frequency and bandwidth for a low band frequency configuration in some implementations. Figure 8C shows twin coupling points 117a of the radiating element 101. The twin coupling points 117a can be used to attach the multiband radiator portion 100 to a nonconductive structural stand (e.g., the mounting portion 214) coupled to the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206). More isolation can be created from the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206) by expanding the space 111 as well as decreasing the width 109. The feed point location 119 is configured to receive an electrical connection to excite the radiating element 101.

[0120] In some other implementations, features and aspects of the multi-band radiator portions 100 can be further described as follows. Figure 8C illustrates the radiating element 101 that can be coupled to the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206) of the antenna assembly 200 shown in at least Figures 2A and 2B, and electrically excited at the feed point 119. The feed point 119 can be coupled to the upright low band radiation portion 125 with what can be a narrow width tab 109. Additional isolation between the upright low band radiation portion 125 and the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206) can be obtained by adjusting 111 and consequently the coupling location reference 113. For additional mechanical support, the upright low band radiation portion 125, can have a non-conductive coupling mechanism (e.g., the mounting portions 214) to the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206). The upright low band radiation portion 125 can have a coupling point 117b for attaching the grounding portion 103 with the coupling point 181b (see e.g., Figure 8J). As noted above, also coupled to the upright low band radiation portion 125can be two arms 127. The arms 127 can assist with the dominate radiation in the high band for the multi-band radiator portion 100. One or more portions similar to the arms 127 may be used for assisting in the high band portion of the radiation are realizable in the implementation of this approach. Higher even order resonances may radiate from portions similar to the arms 127 of the radiating element 101 to assist in the multi -band properties of the device. Furthermore, there can be the additional head portion 129 coupled to the upright low band radiation portion 125 that may be perpendicular in nature for its orientation. Though it is not necessary for it to be bent near 90- degrees as depicted in this illustration and can be shown to be perceptibly straight in other implementations, by bending the low band radiation portion of the radiating element 101 to realize two distinct portions (e.g., the upright low band radiation portion 125 and the second low band radiation portion 129), the total height of the radiating element 101 is reduced and as such the total volume of the antenna assembly 200 to most likely provide environmental protection is consequently reduced. The low band operation of the radiating element 101 is determined by several factors. Some of the factors are the length and width of upright low band radiation portion 125 and of second low band radiation portion 129, the location of opening 117b, and / or the grounding portion 103.

[0121] As described above, the radiating element 101 can include an upright portion 125, a head portion 129, a left arm 127, and a right arm 127. The head portion 129 can extend from a top side or edge of the upright portion 125. The left arm 127 can extend from a left side or edge of the upright portion 125. The right arm 127 can extend from a right side or edge of the upright portion 125.

[0122] In some implementations, the upright portion 125 and the head portion 129 can be configured to resonate within a low-frequency band approximately between 600 MHz and 1 GHz during use, and the left arm 127 and the right arm 127 are configured to resonate within a mid-frequency band approximately between 1.7 GHz and 2.7 GHz during use.

[0123] In some implementations (and shown in the embodiment of the radiating element 101’ of Figures 9A-9H), the radiating element 101 can include a second left arm extending from the left side of the upright portion 125 and a second right arm extending from the right side of the upright portion 125. When included, the second left arm and the second right arm can be configured to resonate within a CBRS-frequency band approximately between 3.4 GHz and 4.2 GHz during use.

[0124] As shown in Figure 3 A, in some implementations, the radiating element 101 can include a cable support portion 121. The cable support portion 121 may be positioned on the back of the upright portion 125. The cable support portion 121 can be configured to receive the center conductor 219 of a coaxial cable 218. For example, the center conductor 219 can be electrically connected at the feed point 119 of the radiating element 101 and can be bent to extend up the upright portion 125 and secured via the cable support portion 121. In some cases, solder can be used to secure the center conductor 219 to the cable support portion 121. Such an arrangement can provide a stronger coupling between the coaxial cable 218 and the radiating element 101, which can be desirable.

[0125] Figure 8B illustrates the ground connection 103. The face plate 171 can be coupled to the arm 173. The width of the arm 173 can be adjusted to accommodate clearance for assembly purposes for a transmission line (e g., coaxial cable 218) of the antenna assembly 200 that may be used for excitation of the multi -band radiator portion 100. The body 175 can be coupled to arm 173. The base 177 can be coupled to the body 175. The base 177 can also have a coupling point 178 that is configured to couple to the opening 117b of the radiating element 101 in the assembled multi-band radiator portion 100. The height of the arm 173, the width of the arm 173, the clearance provided for in the arm 173, the length of body 175, and the symbiotic location of opening 117b and coupling point 181b all provide for a reactance that counterbalances the reactance of the low band impedance to provide a resonance of desired impedance match for the desired frequency and bandwidth for the low band radiation. The location of the coupling point 181b and the length and width of the grounding portion 103 are also chosen to provide higher odd order resonant harmonics at the desired locations to cover a portion of the frequency band of the multi-band performance of the antenna assembly 200.

[0126] Figure 8C illustrates a back side view of the radiating element 101. Twin coupling points 117a in the radiating element 101 may be coupled to a non-conductive object (not shown), which can be coupled to the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206) of the antenna assembly 200 shown in at least Figures 2A and 2B. This coupling may provide mechanical stability for the multi-band radiator portions 100 while not disturbing or inhibiting the ground connection provided by the ground connection 103.

[0127] Figures 8D-8F provide additional views of the radiating element 101. As shown in Figures 8D and 8F, the second low band radiation portion 129 can include one or moreclearances. For example, the second low band radiation portion 129 can include one or more first clearances 157a, one or more second clearances 157b, and / or one or more third clearances 157c. The clearances 157a, 157b, 157c may allow for ease of assembly of the completed multi-band radiator portions 100. Figure 8G-8K provide additional views of the ground connection 103 of the multi-band radiator portions 100.

[0128] In some implementations, a different ground connection, such as the ground connection 103’ or a similar ground connection, can be used with the multi -band radiator portions 100, as shown in at leastFigure 3A and 3B. For example, Figures 8L-8N shown an implementation of the multi-band radiator portion 100 in the form of multi -band radiator portion 100” that includes a ground connection 103”. The radiating element 101” of the multi-band radiator portion 100” differs from the radiating element 101 of the multi -band radiator portion 100 in that the radiating element 101” includes slots 131” instead of opening 117b for coupling to the ground connection 103”. The ground connection 103” is similar to the ground connection 103’ described with reference to Figures 9A-9H below and includes like reference numbers ending in a “double prime” instead of a single “prime” accordingly. The multi-band radiator portion 100” can be used in the antenna assembly 200 in addition to or instead of the multi -band radiator portions 100.

[0129] Figures 9A-9H illustrate various views of components of the multi-band radiator portions 100’, in accordance with some aspects of this disclosure. Each multi-band radiator portion 100’ can include a multi-band radiating element 101’ and a ground connection 103’ (also referred to herein as a “grounding portion” or a “tuner”). The ground connection 103’ is configured to couple multi-band radiating element 101’ to the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206). Figures 9A and 9C-9F illustrate assorted views of the multi-band radiating element 101’. Figures 9B and 9G-9H illustrate the ground connection 103’. In some implementations, a different ground connection, such as the ground connection 103 illustrated in at least Figure 8B can be used with the radiating element 101’ to form the multi-band radiator portions 100’. It is recognized that the multi -band radiator portions 100’ described herein are just one example of multi-band radiator portions that can be included in the antenna assembly 200. In other implementations, different multi-band radiator portions can be included. For example, the antenna assembly 200 can include multi-band radiator portions that are similar or identical to the multiband radiator portions 100 described herein. In the illustrated implementation, the radiating element 101’ and the ground connection 103’ are constructed of metal (e.g., a conductive sheet).In some cases, the conductive sheet can have a thickness between 0.01 inches and 0.03 inches. In other implementations, the radiating element 101’ and / or ground connection 103’ could be constructed out of several rigid PCB portions or a single flex circuit PCB (e.g., supported by the radome 204 or another RF -transparent supporting structure). Additional disclosure regarding antenna systems and assemblies including the multi-band radiator portions 100’ of Figures 9A-9H is further described in U.S. Application No. 18 / 894,607, filed September 24, 2024, entitled “Antenna Systems,” the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The disclosure and Figures in U.S. Application No. 18 / 894,607 can be used in connection with the disclosure and Figures described and shown herein.

[0130] As shown in Figure 9A, a radiating element 101’ can be one element or component of the multi-band radiator portion 100’. An upright low-band radiation portion 125’ (also referred to herein as the “body portion 125’”) can be a body portion of the radiating element 101’. The upright low-band radiation portion 125’ can be coupled to a feeding portion at a feed point 119’ (see e.g., Figure 9C) to electrically excite the radiating element 101’. As shown in Figure 9A, a second low-band radiation portion 129’ (also referred to herein as the “head portion 129’”) can be positioned at an angle relative to the body portion 125’ (e.g., the upright low-band radiation portion 125’) and extend such that the second low-band radiation portion 129’ is not coplanar with the upright low-band radiation portion 125’. In some other implementations, the second low-band radiation portion 129’ can be configured without a bend such that it is coplanar with the upright low-band radiation portion 125’. In some implementations, advantages of a bend can include having two distinct low-band radiating portions, reducing the total height of the system to be more compact and conserve space, and configuring the system to be able to easily cover and provide protection for the system in a compact configuration with multi -band coverage (e.g., in the antenna assembly 200). Having a compact radiating element 101’ (e.g., in part due to the bend between the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ and the second low-band radiation portion 129’) can allow the multi-band radiator portions 100’ to be utilized in antenna assemblies where a low profile is required or desired. For example, it can be desirable for the antenna assembly 200 to have as low a profile as possible, to allow the antenna assembly 200 to be used in high wind operating conditions or applications that require low visual impact. Accordingly, as the multi-band radiator portions 100’ represent the limiting factor in terms of total height of the antenna assembly 200, the low-profile multi -band radiator portions 100’ are particularly advantageous. In someimplementations, the multi-band radiator portions 100’ can have a total height (e.g., from the bottom of the feed point 119’ to the top of the second low-band radiation portion 129’) of between 0.75 inch and 3 inches. For example, the multi-band radiator portions 100’ may have a total height of less than 3 inches, less than 2.5 inches, less than 2 inches, less than 1.5 inches, less than 1 inches, and / or the like.

[0131] In some other implementations, the second low-band radiation portion 129’ can be coupled to a third low-band radiation portion, a fourth low-band radiation portion, and / or other radiation portions. In some implementations, material forming the second low-band radiation portion 129’ can extend in a direction further away from the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ and comprise a slit between the material such that portion of material on each side of the slit may form a third low-band radiation portion and a fourth low-band radiation portion respectively, that may be coplanar with and extend beyond the second low-band radiation portion 129’. In some implementations the third and fourth low-band radiation portions can be the same length and width. In some implementations, the length and / or width of the third low-band radiation portion may be different from the length and / or width of the fourth low-band radiation portion. In some implementations, one or more of the third low-band radiation portion and the fourth low-band radiation portion may be angled or bent or attached such that it is not coplanar with the second low-band radiation portion 129’. Adding variations in radiation portions can provide advantageous coverage in different areas of bandwidth in some implementations.

[0132] In some cases, the radiating element 101 ’ is a modified printed inverted-F antenna (PIFA) modified to have three bent arm members that make the radiating element 101’ a three-dimensional antenna as opposed to a two-dimensional antenna generally practiced in the art for printed inverted-F antennas. Furthermore, the radiating element 101’ can be a dual-band monopole antenna, a multi-band 3D inverted F antenna, or a version of a 2D inverted F antenna similar to a PIFA that has a configuration that, when used in conjunction with high order electromagnetic modes generated or received by a transceiver and / or receiver (as is typically performed for PIFA antennas), permit the radiating element 101’ to have an operating frequency range of 500 MHz to 8 GHz.

[0133] The low-band portions (e.g., upright low-band radiation portion 125’, the second low-band radiation portion 129’, and any additional low-band radiation portions) can be configured for radiation in the low-band (e.g., approximately 600 MHz to 900 MHz), includinglow-band odd multiples. The radiating element 101 ’ can also include additional portions configured for radiation above the low-band. For example, the radiating element 101’ can include one or more primary arms 127’ and / or one or more secondary arms 137’. The primary arms 127’ and the secondary arms 137’ may be configured for operation on different bands or the same bands. For example, the primary arms 127’ can be configured for radiation in the mid-band (e.g., approximately 1.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz) and the secondary arms 137’ can be configured for radiation in the C-band (e.g., approximately 3.4 GHz to 4.2 GHz). In the illustrated example, the radiating element 101’ includes two primary arms 127’ and two secondary arms 137’. However, more or fewer arms 127’, 137’ are possible. Further, in other implementations, the arms 127’, 137’ or additional / alternative arms can be included in the radiating element 101’ and configured for radiation in the high band Wi-Fi band (e g., approximately 4.8 GHz to 7.25 GHz).

[0134] The arms 127’ can be coupled to a lower portion of the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ . In some implementations, the arms 127’ can be coupled to an upper portion of the upright low-band radiation portion 125’. In some other implementations, one or more additional arms 127’ can be coupled to an upper portion of a low-band radiation portion (e.g., upright low-band radiation portion 125’, the second low-band radiation portion 129’, etc.). In some implementations the arms 127’ can have the same length. In some implementations arms 127’ can have different lengths. In some implementations, one or more of the arms 127’ can be positioned at an angle relative to the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ and / or relative to a ground plane (e.g., the base 206). The arms 127’ can be positioned at the same angle or at different angles. The arms 127’ can be configured for radiation in the mid-band, including higher even order resonances. In some implementations, additional arm portions can be added or formed at selected locations to add coverage for additional high frequency bandwidth areas (e.g., the high band Wi-Fi band). For example, in some implementations, portions of the arms 127’ (and / or the arms 137’) may be slit, extended, angled, bent, modified, and / or otherwise connected to provide improved coverage areas.

[0135] As shown in Figure 9E, in some implementations, each arm 127’ can include a first arm portion 133’ and a second arm portion 135’. The first arm portions 133’ can be coupled to or extend from the upright low-band radiation portion 125’, and the second arm portions 135’ can be coupled to or extend from the first arm portions 133’. The second arm portions 135’ can be at a different angle relative to the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ and the ground reference / plane (e.g., the base 206) compared to the first arm portions 133’. The second armportions 135’ can have a different width, thickness, length, and / or bend angle compared to the first arm portions 133’. These variations can improve return loss and radiation pattern performance in some cases. In the illustrated example, the first arm portions 133’ extend from a lower portion of the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ in a direction towards the second low-band radiation portion 129’. The first arm portions 133’ and the second low-band radiation portion 129’ can both extend away from the upright low-band radiation portion 125’. In some implementations, the arms 127’ can have a maximum height (relative to the base 206) that is substantially the same as the maximum height of the second low-band radiation portion 129’ (relative to the base 206).

[0136] The arms 137’ can extend from or be coupled to the upright low-band radiation portion 125’. For example, the arms 137’ can be coupled to an upper portion of the upright low- band radiation portion 125’. In some implementations, the arms 137’ can be positioned above the arms 127’, relative to the base 206. In some implementations, the arms 137’ can be coupled to a lower portion of the upright low-band radiation portion 125’. For example, the arms 137’ may be positioned below the arms 127’. In some other implementations, one or more additional arms 137’ can be coupled to a low-band radiation portion of the radiating element 101’ (e.g., the upright low- band radiation portion 125’, the second low-band radiation portion 129’, etc.). In some implementations the arms 137’ can have the same length. In some implementations arms 137’ can have different lengths. In some implementations, one or more of the arms 137’ can be positioned at an angle relative to the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ and / or relative to a ground plane (e g., the base 206). The arms 137’ can be positioned at the same angle or at different angles. As described herein, the arms 137’ can be configured for radiation in the C-band (e.g., approximately 3.4 GHz to 4.2 GHz), including high even order resonances. In some implementations, additional arm portions can be added or formed at selected locations to add coverage for additional high frequency bandwidth areas (e.g., the C-band or higher). For example, in some implementations portions of the arms may be slit, extended, angled, bent, modified, and / or otherwise connected to provide improved coverage areas. In some implementations, the arms 137’ can be coplanar to the upright low-band radiation portion 125’, as shown in Figure 9E. In some implementations, the arms 137’ can improve return loss at the upper end of the mobile telecommunications spectrum relative to the radiating element 101’, which may not include the additional arms similar to the arms 137’.

[0137] As shown in Figure 9B, a ground connection 103’ (also referred to herein as the “tuner 103”’) can be adapted and configured to couple the radiating element 101’ with the base 206. The ground connection 103’ can include a face plate 171’ that is configured to be coupled to a ground plane (e.g., the base 206). The ground connection 103’ can include an arm portion 173’, which can be an arm portion coupled to the face plate 171’. The width of arm portion 173’ can be adjusted to accommodate clearance for transmission lines, such as coaxial cables 218 of the antenna assembly 200, which can be used to excite the radiating element 101’. For example, the illustrated width of the arm portion 173’ allows the coaxial cables to extend past the arm portion 173’, under the body 175’, and to be positioned adjacent the arm portion 173’ when coupled to the radiating element 101’. Low-band operation of the multi -band radiator portion 100’ is enhanced and can be adjusted by the length and width of body portion 125’ and head portion 129’ as well as the location, placement, and configuration of an opening (not shown) in body portion 125’. The ground connection 103’ can include a body 175’ that includes an engagement portion 177’. The engagement portion 177’ can be adapted and configured to be positioned against the body portion 125’ of the radiating element 101’. For example, the engagement portion 177’ can be positioned against the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ such that the body 175’ is substantially orthogonal to the upright low-band radiation portion 125’. The engagement portion 177’ can include one or more tabs 183’. The tabs one or more tabs 183’ can be twist tabs. The one or more tabs 183’ can be received within one or more slots 131’ of the upright low-band radiation portion 125’. As such, the extension of the tabs 183’ through the slots 131’ can be a point of coupling, creating a ground connection for the multi -band radiator portion 100’ . Use of the tabs 183 ’ and the slot 131’ for the ground connection can improve grounding, reduce the part count, and / or reduce assembly time, compared to other coupling means such as a nut and threaded fastener. For example, to couple the ground connection 103’ to the radiating element 101’, the tabs 183’ can be inserted in the slots 131’ and twisted (e.g., with pliers) to create the connection. This type of connection can be completed more quickly than other connections (such as soldering, nut and fastener, etc.) and can provide a secured connection. In some cases, solder can optionally be used to improve the electrical connection between the ground connection 103’ and the radiating element 101’; however, the solder is generally not required for the mechanical or electrical connection to be established. The lateral position of the arm portion 173’ relative to body 175’ can also be selected to accommodate clearance for transmission lines. For example, while the arm portion 173’is shown as positioned on one side of the body 175’, this position is not required and the arm portion 173’ could be centrally positioned on the body 175’ in other implementations. The position and width of the arm portion 173’ can also impact the performance of the multi -band radiator portion 100’ across the various bands.

[0138] The ground connection 103’ can be elevated relative to the feed location 119’ of the radiating element 101’ in the assembled antenna assembly 200. For example, the face plate 171’ can be coupled to a portion of the base 206 that is higher than the feed point 119’ in the assembled antenna assembly 200. Such a raised connection provides advantages to achieve the multi-band coverage. Dimensions can be selected to provide harmonic resonance at higher odd orders in some implementations. The grounding portion 103’ provides advantages for achieving multiple advantageous resonances. Also, the selection of the dimensions for radiating portion 100’ may also be adjusted to impact the radiation patterns of the fundamental mode as well as the higher order modes. For example, in some implementations, the height, width, and clearance provided for by the size of arm portion 173’ can be advantageously selected. Additionally, the length and width of body portion 175’ can also be advantageously selected. For example, the width and length of the arm portion 173’ and the body 175’ can be adjusted for impedance matching as well as to achieve a desired radiation pattern for the multi -band radiator portion 100’. The locations of the one or more slots 131’ and one or more tabs 183’, when coupled together for the grounding connection create a symbiotic connection to provide a resonance of desired impedance to match a desired frequency and bandwidth and radiation pattern for a low-band frequency configuration in some implementations. In the illustrated example, the slots 131’ are near the vertical center of the upright low-band radiation portion 125’. The vertical position of the slots 131’ on the upright low- band radiation portion 125’ is related to the height or length of the arm portion 173’. In other implementations, the slots 131’ can be located higher or lower on upright low-band radiation portion 125’ relative to the vertical axis. The location of the slots 131’ (e.g., where the ground connection 103’ attaches) relative to the height of the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ is selected for impedance matching and the desired behavior of the higher order modes (e g., where the higher order modes occur). The relative dimensions are also selected so that the radiation patterns come off of the radiating element 101’ in the desired shape and / or direction. The width between the slots 131’ can also be variable. In the illustrated example, each slot 131’ is located approximately centrally between the central vertical axis of the upright low-band radiation portion125’ and an outside edge of the upright low-band radiation portion 125’. In other examples, the slots 131’ can be closer or further apart from each other. In some cases, decreasing the width between the slots 131’ can require the height of the slots 131’ to also be reduced relative to the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ for optimal performance of the multi-band radiator portion 100’ . In some cases, it can be desirable for the slots 131’ to be located as high on the upright low- band radiation portion 125’ as possible for improved structural benefits. However, the height of the slots 131’ is selected generally selected for a balance of good structural support and performance of the multi-band radiator portion 100’ across all desired bands.

[0139] Figure 9C shows coupling points 117a’ of the radiating element 101’. The twin coupling points 117a’ can be used to attach the multi-band radiator portion 100’ to a non- conductive structural stand coupled to the base 206 (e.g., the mounting portions 214). For example, the non-conductive structural stand 214 can be secured to the base 206. More isolation can be created from the base 206 by expanding the space 113’ and / or the space 111’ between the twin coupling points 117a’ and a feed point location 119’. The feed point location 119’ is configured to receive an electrical connection to excite the radiating element 101’. For example, the center conductor 219 of the coaxial cable 218 can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the feed point 119’ with the outer conductor being electrically and mechanically coupled to the base 206. The space 111’ can be selected primarily for impedance matching purposes and may vary depending on the particular implementation of the multi -band radiator portion 100’ and the antenna assembly 200. For example, changing the dimensions or structure of the base 206 can result in a variation in the size of the space 111’ . In some implementations, the feed point 119’ can be twice the height (e.g., space 111’ can be doubled) or greater and / or the feed point 119’ can be twice the width (e.g., the narrow width tab 109’ can be doubled) or greater. In other implementations, a feed point 119’ with different structural features can be used. For example, the radiating element 101’ may include a feed point that is a tab. The tab feed point may extend substantially perpendicular to the upright low-band radiation portion 125’. In one example, the radiating element 101’ can include a feed point that includes a spacer with a push rivet or established via a heat stake operation. In some implementations, the feed point of the radiating element 101’ can be configured to be snap fit into a slot or configured as a push pass connection.

[0140] In some other implementations, features and aspects of the multi-band radiator portions 100’ can be further described as follows. Figure 9C illustrates the radiating element 101’that can be coupled to the base 206 of the antenna assembly 200 shown in at least Figure 2A, and electrically excited at the feed point 119’. For example, as described above, the center conductor of the coaxial cable 218 can be coupled to the feed point 119’ with the outer conductor being coupled to the base 206. The feed point 119’ can extend from or be coupled to the upright low- band radiation portion 125’ with what can be a narrow width tab 109’. Additional isolation between the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ and the base 206 can be obtained by adjusting 111’ and consequently the coupling location reference 113’. For additional mechanical support, the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ can have a non-conductive coupling mechanism (e.g., the mounting portions 214) to the base 206. The upright low-band radiation portion 125’ can have a coupling point (e.g., one or more slots 131’) for attaching the grounding portion 103’ with via the one or more tabs 183’. As noted above, also extending from / coupled to the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ can be one or more primary arms 127’ and / or one or more secondary arms 137’. The arms 127’, 137’ can assist with the dominate radiation in the mid-band and C-band for the multi-band radiator portion 100’. One or more portions similar to the arms 127’, 137’ may be used for assisting in the high band portion of the radiation are realizable in the implementation of this approach. Higher even order resonances may radiate from portions similar to the arms 127’, 137’ of the radiating element 101’ to assist in the multi-band properties of the device. Furthermore, there can be the additional head portion 129’ coupled to the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ that may be perpendicular in nature for its orientation. Though it is not necessary for it to be bent near 90-degrees as depicted in this illustration and can be shown to be perceptibly straight in other implementations. By bending the low-band radiation portion of the radiating element 101’ to realize two distinct portions (e.g., the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ and the second low-band radiation portion 129’), the total height of the radiating element 101’ is reduced and as such the total volume of the antenna assembly 200 to most likely provide environmental protection is consequently reduced. The low-band operation of the radiating element 101’ is determined by several factors. Some of the factors are the length and width of the upright low-band radiation portion 125’ and of the second low-band radiation portion 129’, the location of opening one or more slots 131 ’, and / or the grounding portion 103’.

[0141] Figure 9B illustrates the ground connection 103’. The face plate 171’ can extend from or be coupled to the arm 173’. The width of the arm 173’ can be adjusted to accommodate clearance for assembly purposes for a transmission line (e.g., the coaxial cable 218) of the antennaassembly 200 that may be used for excitation of the multi-band radiator portion 100’. The body 175’ can extend from or be coupled to arm 173’. The engagement portion 177’ can be coupled to or form a portion of the body 175’. The engagement portionl77’ can also have one or more coupling points (e.g., one or more tabs 183’) that are configured to couple to the opening one or more slots 131’ of the radiating element 101’ in the assembled multi-band radiator portion 100’. The height of the arm 173’, the width of the arm 173’, the clearance provided for in the arm 173’, the length of body 175’, and the symbiotic location of slots 131’ and / or tabs 183’ can provide for a reactance that counterbalances the reactance of the low-band impedance to provide a resonance of desired impedance match for the desired frequency and bandwidth for the low-band radiation. The location of the coupling points (e.g., one or more tabs 183’) and the length and width of the grounding portion 103’ are also chosen to provide higher odd order resonant harmonics at the desired locations to cover a portion of the frequency band of the multi-band performance of the antenna assembly 200. Further, the relative dimensions described above also influence the radiation pattern generated by the radio frequency excitation of the multi-band radiator portion 100’.

[0142] Figure 9C illustrates a back side view of the radiating element 101’. Twin coupling points 117a’ in the radiating element 101’ may be coupled to a non-conductive object (e.g., the mounting portions 214), which can be coupled to the base 206 of the antenna assembly 200. This coupling may provide mechanical stability for the multi -band radiator portions 100’ while not disturbing or inhibiting the ground connection provided by the ground connection 103’.

[0143] Figures 9D-9F provide additional views of the radiating element 101’. As shown in Figures 9D and 9F, the second low-band radiation portion 129’ can include one or more clearances. For example, the second low-band radiation portion 129’ can include one or more first clearances 157a’ and / or one or more second clearances 157b’. The clearances 157a’, 157b’ can be holes or openings formed in the second low-band radiation portion 129’. The clearances 157a’, 157b’ may allow for ease of assembly of the completed multi-band radiator portions 100’. Figure 9G-9H provide additional views of the ground connection 103’ of the multi -band radiator portions 100’.

[0144] Referring back to Figures 2A-3B, the multi-element multi-band antenna 202 can include one or more antenna groupings 201. The antenna groupings 201 can be aligned along the longitudinal axis of the antenna assembly 200. Each antenna grouping 201 can include twomulti-band radiator portions 100 (or two multi-band radiator portion 100’ / multi-band radiator portion 100”), one radiating structure 230, and / or one third radiating element 400.

[0145] The two multi-band radiator portions 100 in the antenna grouping 201 can be arranged to face each other, though not necessary, with the radiating structure 230 and / or the radiating elements 400 disposed therebetween. Other configurations are also contemplated and provided additional and / or different advantages based on the unique configurations. For example, as shown, a first multi -band radiator portion 100 can face in a first direction and a second multiband radiator portion 100 can face in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0146] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the arms 127 of each multi-band radiator portion 100 can extend towards the other multi-band radiator portion 100 in the antenna grouping 201. The radiating structure 230 and / or the radiating element 400 can be at least partially disposed between the two arms 127 of each multi-band radiator portion 100. This arrangement can promote a compact antenna grouping 201 that provides multi -band coverage and includes multiple elements. Arranging the various radiating elements 100, 290, 300 in this manner (e.g., in compact antenna groupings) can reduce the overall size of the antenna assembly 200, which can be desirable. In some implementations, antenna groupings 201 can be included in the antenna assembly 200 with different radiating elements or a different number of the illustrated radiating elements.

[0147] The particular implementations disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular implementations disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.Example Clauses

[0148] Various examples of systems relating to an antenna system are found in the following clauses:

[0149] Clause 1. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, comprising: a multi-band antenna system.

[0150] Clause 2. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, comprising: a multi-band monopole and three-dimensional inverted F antenna system configured and adapted to permit the multi-element multi-band antenna system to have an operating frequency range of between about 450 MHz to about 8 GHz when used in conjunction with high order electromagnetic modes generated or received by a transceiver and / or receiver.

[0151] Clause 3. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the antenna system can include one or more shorter radiating elements that can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 1 GHz to about 8 GHz.

[0152] Clause 4. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the antenna system can include three shorter radiating elements.

[0153] Clause 5. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein antenna system can include one or more radiating elements can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 450 MHz to about 8 GHz.

[0154] Clause 6. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the antenna system can include four similar in appearance tall radiating elements.

[0155] Clause 7. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein an antenna assembly can include one or more additional tall radiating element(s) that can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 700 MHz to about 8 GHz.

[0156] Clause 8. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the additional tall radiating element(s) can be constructed from one or more types of PCB material.

[0157] Clause 9. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the three shorter radiating elements can be configured and adapted to function as monopole antennas.

[0158] Clause 10. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the four taller radiating elements can be configured and adapted to function as three-dimensional inverted F antennas.

[0159] Clause 1 1 . An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the additional one or more tall radiating element(s) can be configured and adapted to function as a three-dimensional inverted F antenna(s).

[0160] Clause 12. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the additional tall radiating element can be constructed from a different material from the other radiating elements.

[0161] Clause 13. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein all the radiating elements can be constructed from the same materials.

[0162] Clause 14. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein one or more of the radiating elements can comprise conductive material formed on one or more non-conductive support portions, wherein the non-conductive support portions can be PCB portions.

[0163] Clause 15. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein PCB portions can support copper features of one or more radiating elements etched into its structure on one or both sides of the support portions.

[0164] Clause 16. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein a tab and slot configuration in the PCB material is used to mechanically locate the individual PCB portions.

[0165] Clause 17. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the tab and slot arrangements are soldered.

[0166] Clause 18. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the soldering process can be used to provide a mechanical and electrical connection between the individual PCB portions.

[0167] Clause 19. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the etched electrically conducting features can be formed on one surface of the PCB support material.

[0168] Clause 20. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein both sides of the PCB support material are used for supporting the etched electrically conducting features.

[0169] Clause 21. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the same surface of any one particular surface of the PCB support material canhave separate etched electrically conducting features that perform different functions for the multiband antenna system or for an individual multi-band radiating element.

[0170] Clause 22. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the antenna assembly can include mechanical threaded fasteners, wherein the fasteners can be used to firmly hold structures and components in place and in contact with one another.

[0171] Clause 23. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the mechanical fasteners provide an important role in establishing and maintaining a direct electrical connection between two components.

[0172] Clause 24. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the mechanical fasteners are used to establish firm contact between two surfaces that are electrically conductive.

[0173] Clause 25. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the mechanical fasteners provide structural fastening between one or more components that have wholly non-conductive components.

[0174] Clause 26. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the radiating elements can be electromagnetically excited by a coaxial transmission line that can be unique for each of the radiating elements.

[0175] Clause 27. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, comprising: a multi-element multi-band antenna assembly having one or more of a first radiating element, a second radiating element, a third radiating element, a fourth radiating element, a fifth radiating element, a sixth radiating element, a seventh radiating element, an eighth radiating element, a ninth radiating element, a tenth radiating element, an eleventh radiating element, a twelfth radiating element, a thirteenth radiating element, a fourteenth radiating element, and / or a GPS antenna.

[0176] Clause 28. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein one or more of the radiating elements can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 450 MHz to about 8 GHz, and wherein the conductive material of the one or more radiating elements comprises sheet metal portions;

[0177] Clause 29. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein one or more of the radiating elements can be configured and adapted to be usedfor communication between about 1 GHz to about 8 GHz, and wherein the conductive material of the one or more radiating elements can be generally triangularly shaped, supported on one or more PCB portions, and configured for wide band and / or C-band communication; and

[0178] Clause 30. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein one or more radiating elements can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 700 MHz to about 8 GHz (e.g., high band, mid band, and low band) and wherein the conductive material of the one or more radiating elements can be conductive features supported on one or more PCB portions.

[0179] Clause 31. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, comprising: a cover; a base; an internal ground plane; a multi-element multi-band antenna assembly having one or more of a first radiating element, a second radiating element, a third radiating element, a fourth radiating element, a fifth radiating element, a sixth radiating element, a seventh radiating element, an eighth radiating element, a ninth radiating element, a tenth radiating element, an eleventh radiating element, a twelfth radiating element, a thirteenth radiating element, a fourteenth radiating element, and / or a GPS antenna; wherein one or more of the radiating elements can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 450 MHz to about 8 GHz, and wherein the conductive material of the one or more radiating elements comprises sheet metal portions; wherein one or more of the radiating elements can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 1 GHz to about 8 GHz, and wherein the conductive material of the one or more radiating elements can be generally triangularly shaped, supported on one or more PCB portions, and configured for wide band and / or C-band communication; and wherein one or more radiating elements can be configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 700 MHz to about 8 GHz (e.g., high band, mid band, and low band) and wherein the conductive material of the one or more radiating elements can be conductive features supported on one or more PCB portions.

[0180] Clause 32. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the antenna system comprises a multi-portion structure for one or more radiating elements.

[0181] Clause 33. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein a single PCB portion may be used to realize radiating portions configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 1 GHz to about 8 GHz.

[0182] Clause 34. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein multiple PCB portions having conductive portions etched thereon may be used to realize radiating portions configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 700 MHz to about 8 GHz (e.g., high band, mid band, and low band).

[0183] Clause 35. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein one or more PCB portions has electrically conductive portions that are electrically connected to electrically conductive portions of one or more other PCB portions to realize radiating portions configured and adapted to be used for communication between about 700 MHz to about 8 GHz (e.g., high band, mid band, and low band).

[0184] Clause 36. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein at least one PCB portion having conductive portions etched thereon may provide an enhancement to the radiation performance of a radiating element for frequencies above 1GHz.

[0185] Clause 37. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein at least one PCB portion having conductive portions etched thereon may be configured and adapted to support the 450MHz to 1GHz communication of the radiating element as well as the higher order modes in the 1GHz to 8GHz portion of the frequency band.

[0186] Clause 38. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein one or more PCB portions can include one or more electrically conductive portions that are electrically connected to the internal ground plane that provides a secondary ground plane for one or more of the radiating elements.

[0187] Clause 39. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein multiple PCB portions can be coupled to provide mechanical support for one or more radiating portions.

[0188] Clause 40. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, comprising a cellular radiating element formed on one or more PCB portions.

[0189] Clause 41. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, comprising a WiFi radiating element formed on a PCB portion.

[0190] Clause 42. A method of making an antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, comprising: coupling one or more radiating elements to a ground plane; and positioning a cover on the ground plane, with the one or more radiating elements positioned between the cover and the ground plane.

[0191] Clause 43. A method, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein one or more radiating elements comprise one or more PCB portions.

[0192] Clause 44. A method, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein one or more radiating elements are configured for communication between approximately 450 MHz and 8 GHz.

[0193] Clause 45. A method, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein one or more radiating elements are configured for communication between approximately 1 GHz and 8 GHz.

[0194] Clause 46. A method, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein one or more radiating elements are configured for communication between approximately 700 MHz and 8 GHz.

[0195] Clause 47. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, comprising: a feeding portion; a grounding portion; an upright low band radiation portion; a second low band radiation portion; and a high band radiation portion.

[0196] Clause 48. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the second low band radiation portion is not-coplanar with the upright low band radiation portion.

[0197] Clause 49. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the second low band radiation portion is coplanar with the upright low band radiation portion.

[0198] Clause 50. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the high band radiation portion comprises two arms coupled to a base of the upright low band radiation portion.

[0199] Clause 51. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the high band radiation portion comprises a single arm coupled to a base of the upright low band radiation portion.

[0200] Clause 52. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the high band radiation portion comprises a plurality of arms coupled to a base of the upright low band radiation portion.

[0201] Clause 53. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the high band radiation portion comprises a plurality of arms of different lengths coupled to a base of the upright low band radiation portion.

[0202] Clause 54. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, comprising: a feeding portion; a grounding portion; a first low band radiation portion; a second low band radiation portion coupled to the first low band radiation portion; a third low band radiation portion coupled to the second low band radiation portion; a fourth low band radiation portion coupled to the second low band radiation portion and not contacting the third low band radiation portion; and a high band radiation portion.

[0203] Clause 55. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the second low band radiation portion is not-coplanar with the first low band radiation portion.

[0204] Clause 56. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the second low band radiation portion is coplanar with the first low band radiation portion.

[0205] Clause 57. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the high band radiation portion comprises two arms coupled to a base of the first low band radiation portion.

[0206] Clause 58. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the high band radiation portion comprises a single arm coupled to a base of the first low band radiation portion.

[0207] Clause 59. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the high band radiation portion comprises a plurality of arms coupled to a base of the first low band radiation portion.

[0208] Clause 60. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the high band radiation portion comprises a plurality of arms of different lengths coupled to a base of the first low band radiation portion.

[0209] Clause 61. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the third low band radiation portion has a first dimension, wherein the fourth low band radiation portion has a second dimension, and wherein the first dimension and the second dimension are substantially the same.

[0210] Clause 62. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the third low band radiation portion has a first dimension, wherein the fourth low band radiation portion has a second dimension, and wherein the first dimension and the second dimension are different.

[0211] Clause 63. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, comprising: a base; a ground reference portion coupled to the base; a cover, the cover configured to be removably coupled to the base; four low / high multi-band antenna devices; one or more low / high multi-band PCB antenna devices; three multi-band WiFi antenna devices; and a GPS radiating device; wherein the four low / high multi-band antenna devices, one or more low / high multi-band PCB antenna devices, the three multi-band WiFi antenna devices, and the GPS radiating device are coupled to the ground reference portion and positioned between the base and the cover.

[0212] Clause 64. An antenna system, according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein at least one of the four low / high multi-band antenna devices comprises: a feeding portion; a grounding portion; an upright low band radiation portion; a second low band radiation portion; and a high band radiation portion that is constructed of two arms that are attached to a base of the upright low band radiation portion.

[0213] Clause 65. An antenna system, comprising: an electrically conductive base; a cover configured to be coupled to the electrically conductive base to define an internal volume therebetween; and a multi-element multi-band antenna comprising one or more antenna groups, each antenna group of the one or more antenna groups comprising: a first three-dimensional radiating element facing in a first direction; a second three-dimensional radiating element facing in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction; and one or more radiating elements disposed at least partially between the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element.

[0214] Clause 66. The antenna system of clause 65, wherein the one or more antenna groups comprise a first antenna group and a second antenna group, wherein the first antenna group is aligned along a longitudinal axis of the electrically conductive base with the second antenna group.

[0215] Clause 67. The antenna system of clause 65, wherein the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element comprise three-dimensionalinverted F antennas and at least one of the one or more radiating elements comprises a monopole antenna.

[0216] Clause 68. The antenna system of clause 65, wherein the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element each comprise: an upright portion; a head portion extending from a top side of the upright portion; a left arm extending from a left side of the upright portion; and a right arm extending from a right side of the upright portion.

[0217] Clause 69. The antenna system of clause 68, wherein the one or more radiating elements are at least partially disposed between the left arm and the right arm of the first three- dimensional radiating element and between the left arm and the right arm of the second three- dimensional radiating element.

[0218] Clause 70. The antenna system of clause 68, wherein the upright portion and the head portion are configured to resonate within a low-frequency band approximately between 600 MHz and 1 GHz during use, and the left arm and the right arm are configured to resonate within a mid-frequency band approximately between 1.7 GHz and 2.7 GHz during use.

[0219] Clause 71. The antenna system of clause 68, wherein at least one of the first three-dimensional radiating element or the second three-dimensional radiating element further comprises a second left arm extending from the left side of the upright portion and a second right arm extending from the right side of the upright portion, wherein the second left arm and the second right arm are configured to resonate within a CBRS-frequency band approximately between 3.4 GHz and 4.2 GHz during use.

[0220] Clause 72. The antenna system of clause 65, wherein the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element each comprise sheet metal, wherein the one or more radiating elements comprise one or more conductive portions formed on one or more PCB portions.

[0221] Clause 73. The antenna system of clause 65, wherein the one or more radiating elements comprise: a first radiating element comprising: a first PCB portion; and a first conductive portion etched onto the first PCB portion; and a second radiating element comprising: a second PCB portion; and a second conductive portion etched onto the second PCB portion, wherein the second radiating element is supported by the first radiating element.

[0222] Clause 74. The antenna system of clause 73, wherein the first PCB portion further comprises a slot extending through the first conductive portion, wherein the second PCBportion further comprises a projection, the second conductive portion extending at least partially along the projection, wherein the projection is received within the slot such that the first conductive portion is electrically connected to the second conductive portion.

[0223] Clause 75. The antenna system of clause 74, wherein the projection further comprises one or more soldering holes extending therethrough, the one or more soldering holes configured to receive solder to couple the first PCB portion to the second PCB portion.

[0224] Clause 76. The antenna system of clause 74, wherein the one or more radiating elements further comprise: a third radiating element comprising: a third PCB portion; and a third conductive portion etched onto the third PCB portion, wherein the second radiating element is supported by the third radiating element, wherein the third conductive portion is not electrically connected to either the first conductive portion or the second conductive portion.

[0225] Clause 77. The antenna system of clause 65, wherein the one or more radiating elements further comprise: a first radiating element comprising: a first PCB portion; and a first conductive portion etched onto the first PCB portion, the first conductive portion being generally triangularly shaped.

[0226] Clause 78. The antenna system of clause 77, wherein the first conductive portion is configured to resonate between 1.4 GHz and 8 GHz during use.

[0227] Clause 79. The antenna system of clause 65, wherein a length of the cover is greater than a width of the cover, wherein the cover comprises one or curved sidewalls.

[0228] Clause 80. An antenna system, comprising: a first antenna group comprising: a first three-dimensional radiating element facing in a first direction; a second three-dimensional radiating element facing in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction; a third three-dimensional radiating element; and a fourth radiating element, the third three- dimensional radiating element and the fourth radiating element positioned between the first three- dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element.

[0229] Clause 81. The antenna system of clause 80, wherein the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element comprise sheet metal, wherein the third three-dimensional radiating element and the fourth radiating element comprise one or more PCB portions with one or more conductive portions etched onto the one or more PCB portions.

[0230] Clause 82. The antenna system of clause 80, wherein the third three- dimensional radiating element is at least partially supported by the fourth radiating element, wherein the third three-dimensional radiating element is not electrically connected to the fourth radiating element.

[0231] Clause 83. The antenna system of clause 80, further comprising a second antenna group and a base supporting the first antenna group and the second antenna group, wherein the first antenna group is aligned along a longitudinal axis of the base with the second antenna group.

[0232] Clause 84. The antenna system of clause 80, wherein at least one of the first three-dimensional radiating element or the second three-dimensional radiating element comprises: an upright portion; a head portion extending from a top side of the upright portion; a left arm extending from a left side of the upright portion; and a right arm extending from a right side of the upright portion.

[0233] Clause 85. An antenna system, comprising a multi-element multi -band antenna.

[0234] Clause 86. The antenna system of clause 85, wherein the multi-element multiband antenna comprises a three-dimensional radiating structure.

[0235] Clause 87. The antenna system of clause 86, wherein the three-dimensional radiating structure comprises a three-dimensional radiating element and a ground connection.

[0236] Clause 88. The antenna system of clause 87, wherein the three-dimensional radiating element comprises a first radiating element and a second radiating element.

[0237] Clause 89. The antenna system of clause 88, wherein the second radiating element is supported by the first radiating element.

[0238] Clause 90. The antenna system of clause 88 or clause 89, wherein the first radiating element comprises a first support structure, a first conductive portion, one or more second conductive portions, and one or more third conductive portions, wherein the first, second, and third conductive portions are disposed or etched onto the first support structure.

[0239] Clause 91. The antenna system of clause 90, wherein the first conductive portion is formed on a first side of the first support structure and the one or more second conductive portions are formed on a second side of the first support structure.

[0240] Clause 92. The antenna system of clause 91, wherein the one or more third conductive portions are formed on the first side of the first support structure.

[0241] Clause 93. The antenna system of any of clauses 90 to 92, wherein the first conductive portion is configured to resonate within a low-frequency band approximately between 600 MHz and 1 GHz during use.

[0242] Clause 94. The antenna system of any of clauses 90 to 93, wherein the one or more second conductive portions and / or the one or more third conductive portions are configured to resonate at frequencies above 1 GHz during use.

[0243] Clause 95. The antenna system of any of clauses 90 to 94, wherein the each second conductive portion is electrically connected to one of the third conductive portions via openings extending through the first support structure.

[0244] Clause 96. The antenna system of any of clauses 88 to 95, wherein the first radiating element is electrically connected to the ground connection.

[0245] Clause 97. The antenna system of clause 96, wherein the first radiating element comprises a slot extending through the first conductive portion, the slot configured to receive a portion of the ground connection such that the first radiating element is electrically connected to the ground connection.

[0246] Clause 98. The antenna system of any of clauses 88 to 97, wherein the second radiating element comprises a second support structure and one or more conductive portions disposed or etched onto the second support structure.

[0247] Clause 99. The antenna system of clause 98, wherein the one or more conductive portions are formed on both a first side and a second side of the second support structure, and wherein one or more openings extend through the second support structure such that the one or more conductive portions are electrically connected to each other.

[0248] Clause 100. The antenna system of clause 98 or clause 99, wherein the one or more conductive portions of the second radiating element are electrically connected to the first conductive portion of the first radiating element.

[0249] Clause 101. The antenna system of clause 100, wherein the first radiating element comprises a slot extending through the first conductive portion, the slot configured to receive a portion of the second radiating element such that the first radiating element is electrically connected to second radiating element.

[0250] Clause 102. The antenna system of any of clauses 86 to 101, further comprising an electrically conductive base, the electrically conductive base supporting and defining a ground reference for the multi-element multi-band antenna.

[0251] Clause 103. The antenna system of clause 102, further comprising an elevated ground plane, the elevated ground plane electrically connected to the electrically conductive base.

[0252] Clause 104. The antenna system of clause 103, wherein the electrically conductive base comprises a plurality of mounting structures.

[0253] Clause 105. The antenna system of clause 104, wherein the plurality of mounting structures are reliefs cast during the manufacturing of the electrically conductive base.

[0254] Clause 106. The antenna system of clause 104 or clause 105, wherein the elevated ground plane extends between and is supported directly or indirectly by a pair of mounting structures of the plurality of mounting structures.

[0255] Clause 107. The antenna system of clause 106, wherein the elevated ground plane comprises a support structure and a conductive portion disposed or etched onto the support structure.

[0256] Clause 108. The antenna system of clause 107, wherein the elevated ground plane is electrically connected to the electrically conductive base via an electrical connection between the conductive portion and the pair of mounting structures.

[0257] Clause 109. The antenna system of clause 108, wherein one or more fasteners extend through the conductive portion of the elevated ground plane and into pair of mounting structures to form the electrical connection therebetween.

[0258] Clause 110. The antenna system of any of clauses 107 to 109, wherein the three- dimensional radiating element is electrically connected to the elevated ground plane via the ground connection.

[0259] Clause 111. The antenna system of clause 110, wherein the elevated ground plane comprises a slot extending through the conductive portion of the elevated ground plane configured to receive a portion of the ground connection such that the three-dimensional radiating element is electrically connected to elevated ground plane.

[0260] Clause 112. The antenna system of any of clauses 104 to 111, wherein each mounting structure of the plurality of mounting structures is configured to be coupled to a mounting bracket.

[0261] Clause 1 13. The antenna system of clause 112, further comprising a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable configured to be positioned between a mounting structure and a mounting bracket to form an electrical connection with the electrically conductive base.

[0262] Clause 114. The antenna system of clause 113, wherein the mounting structure comprises a cable groove for receiving the coaxial cable.

[0263] Clause 115. The antenna system of any of clauses 85 to 114, wherein the three- dimensional radiating element, the ground connection, and / or the elevated ground plane comprise PCB structures.

[0264] Clause 116. The antenna system of any of clauses 85 to 115, wherein the multielement multi-band antenna comprises a two-dimensional radiating element.

[0265] Clause 117. The antenna system of clause 116, wherein the two-dimensional radiating element comprises a support structure and a conductive portion formed on the first support structure.

[0266] Clause 118. The antenna system of clause 117, wherein the conductive portion of the two-dimensional radiating element is triangle shaped.

[0267] Clause 119. The antenna system of clause 117 or clause 118, the conductive portion of the two-dimensional radiating element is a two-dimensional version of a three- dimensional mono-cone.

[0268] Clause 120. The antenna system of any of clauses 117 to 119, wherein the two- dimensional radiating element is configured to resonate at frequencies of approximately between 1.4 GHz to 8 GHz during use.

[0269] Clause 121. The antenna system of any of clauses 116 to 120, wherein the two- dimensional radiating element is configured to support the second radiating element of the three- dimensional radiating element.

[0270] Clause 122. The antenna system of any of clauses 116 to 121, where two- dimensional radiating element comprises a PCB structure.

[0271] Clause 123. The antenna system of any of clauses 86 to 122, further comprising a second three-dimensional radiating element and a third three-dimensional radiating element.

[0272] Clause 124. The antenna system of clause 123, wherein the three-dimensional radiating structure is positioned between the second three-dimensional radiating element and the third three-dimensional radiating element to form a first antenna group.

[0273] Clause 125. The antenna system of clause 123 or clause 124, wherein the first three-dimensional radiating element faces in a first direction and the second three-dimensional radiating element faces is a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0274] Clause 126. The antenna system of any of clauses 123 to 125, wherein the second three-dimensional radiating element and the third three-dimensional radiating element comprise three-dimensional inverted F antennas.

[0275] Clause 127. The antenna system of any of clauses 123 to 126, wherein the second three-dimensional radiating element and the third three-dimensional radiating element comprise metal.

[0276] Clause 128. The antenna system of any of clauses 123 to 127, wherein the second three-dimensional radiating element and the third three-dimensional radiating element each comprise: an upright portion; a head portion extending from a top side of the upright portion; a left arm extending from a left side of the upright portion; and a right arm extending from a right side of the upright portion.

[0277] Clause 129. The antenna system of clause 128, wherein the three-dimensional radiating structure is at least partially disposed between the left arm and the right arm of the second three-dimensional radiating element and between the left arm and the right arm of the third three- dimensional radiating element.

[0278] Clause 130. The antenna system of clause 128 or clause 129, wherein the upright portion and the head portion are configured to resonate within a low-frequency band approximately between 600 MHz and 1 GHz during use, and the left arm and the right arm are configured to resonate within a mid-frequency band approximately between 1.7 GHz and 2.7 GHz during use.

[0279] Clause 131. The antenna system of any of clauses 128 to 130, wherein at least one of the second three-dimensional radiating element or the third three-dimensional radiating element further comprises a second left arm extending from the left side of the upright portion and a second right arm extending from the right side of the upright portion.

[0280] Clause 132. The antenna system of clause 131, wherein the second left arm and the second right arm are configured to resonate within a CBRS -frequency band approximately between 3.4 GHz and 4.2 GHz during use.

[0281] Clause 133. The antenna system of any of clauses 124 to 132, wherein the first antenna group is aligned along a longitudinal axis of the electrically conductive base with a second antenna group.

[0282] Clause 134. The antenna system of clause 133, wherein the second antenna group is identical to the first antenna group.

[0283] Clause 135. The antenna system of any of clauses 85 to 134, further comprises a cover configured to be coupled to the electrically conductive base.

[0284] Clause 136. The antenna system of clause 135, wherein a length of the cover is greater than a width of the cover, wherein the cover comprises one or curved sidewalls.Additional Considerations and Terminology

[0285] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, implementation, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, implementation or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing implementations. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0286] While certain implementations have been described, these implementations have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some implementations, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the implementation, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. For example, the actual steps or order of steps taken in the disclosed processes may differ from those shown in the figure. Depending on the implementation, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, thefeatures and attributes of the specific implementations disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional implementations, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0287] Although the present disclosure includes certain implementations, examples and applications, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed implementations to other alternative implementations or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof, including implementations which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the described implementations and may be defined by claims as presented herein or as presented in the future.

[0288] Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain implementations include, while other implementations do not include, certain features, elements, or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, or steps are in any way required for one or more implementations or that one or more implementations necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular implementation. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Likewise, the term “and / or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any one of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. Further, the term “each,” as used herein, in addition to having its ordinary meaning, can mean any subset of a set of elements to which the term “each” is applied. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

[0289] Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to conveythat an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain implementations require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0290] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain implementations, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An antenna system, comprising: an electrically conductive base; a cover configured to be coupled to the electrically conductive base to define an internal volume therebetween; and a multi-element multi-band antenna comprising one or more antenna groups, each antenna group of the one or more antenna groups comprising: a first three-dimensional radiating element facing in a first direction; a second three-dimensional radiating element facing in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction; and one or more radiating elements disposed at least partially between the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element.

2. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the one or more antenna groups comprise a first antenna group and a second antenna group, wherein the first antenna group is aligned along a longitudinal axis of the electrically conductive base with the second antenna group.

3. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element comprise three-dimensional inverted F antennas and at least one of the one or more radiating elements comprises a monopole antenna.

4. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element each comprise: an upright portion; a head portion extending from a top side of the upright portion; a left arm extending from a left side of the upright portion; and a right arm extending from a right side of the upright portion.

5. The antenna system of claim 4, wherein the one or more radiating elements are at least partially disposed between the left arm and the right arm of the first three-dimensional radiating element and between the left arm and the right arm of the second three-dimensional radiating element.

6. The antenna system of claim 4, wherein the upright portion and the head portion are configured to resonate within a low-frequency band approximately between 600 MHz and 1 GHzduring use, and the left arm and the right arm are configured to resonate within a mid-frequency band approximately between 1.7 GHz and 2.7 GHz during use.

7. The antenna system of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first three-dimensional radiating element or the second three-dimensional radiating element further comprises a second left arm extending from the left side of the upright portion and a second right arm extending from the right side of the upright portion, wherein the second left arm and the second right arm are configured to resonate within a CBRS-frequency band approximately between 3.4 GHz and 4.2 GHz during use.

8. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element each comprise sheet metal, wherein the one or more radiating elements comprise one or more conductive portions formed on one or more PCB portions.

9. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the one or more radiating elements comprise: a first radiating element comprising: a first PCB portion; and a first conductive portion etched onto the first PCB portion; and a second radiating element comprising: a second PCB portion; and a second conductive portion etched onto the second PCB portion, wherein the second radiating element is supported by the first radiating element.

10. The antenna system of claim 9, wherein the first PCB portion further comprises a slot extending through the first conductive portion, wherein the second PCB portion further comprises a projection, the second conductive portion extending at least partially along the projection, wherein the projection is received within the slot such that the first conductive portion is electrically connected to the second conductive portion.

11. The antenna system of claim 10, wherein the projection further comprises one or more soldering holes extending therethrough, the one or more soldering holes configured to receive solder to couple the first PCB portion to the second PCB portion.

12. The antenna system of claim 10, wherein the one or more radiating elements further comprise: a third radiating element comprising:a third PCB portion; and a third conductive portion etched onto the third PCB portion, wherein the second radiating element is supported by the third radiating element, wherein the third conductive portion is not electrically connected to either the first conductive portion or the second conductive portion.

13. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the one or more radiating elements further comprise: a first radiating element comprising: a first PCB portion; and a first conductive portion etched onto the first PCB portion, the first conductive portion being generally triangularly shaped.

14. The antenna system of claim 13, wherein the first conductive portion is configured to resonate between 1.4 GHz and 8 GHz during use.

15. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein a length of the cover is greater than a width of the cover, wherein the cover comprises one or curved sidewalls.

16. An antenna system, comprising: a first antenna group comprising: a first three-dimensional radiating element facing in a first direction; a second three-dimensional radiating element facing in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction; a third three-dimensional radiating element; and a fourth radiating element, the third three-dimensional radiating element and the fourth radiating element positioned between the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element.

17. The antenna system of claim 16, wherein the first three-dimensional radiating element and the second three-dimensional radiating element comprise sheet metal, wherein the third three- dimensional radiating element and the fourth radiating element comprise one or more PCB portions with one or more conductive portions etched onto the one or more PCB portions.

18. The antenna system of claim 16, wherein the third three-dimensional radiating element is at least partially supported by the fourth radiating element, wherein the third three-dimensional radiating element is not electrically connected to the fourth radiating element.

19. The antenna system of claim 16, further comprising a second antenna group and a base supporting the first antenna group and the second antenna group, wherein the first antenna group is aligned along a longitudinal axis of the base with the second antenna group.

20. The antenna system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first three-dimensional radiating element or the second three-dimensional radiating element comprises: an upright portion; a head portion extending from a top side of the upright portion; a left arm extending from a left side of the upright portion; and a right arm extending from a right side of the upright portion.

21. An antenna system, comprising a multi-element multi-band antenna.

22. The antenna system of claim 21, wherein the multi-element multi-band antenna comprises a three-dimensional radiating structure.

23. The antenna system of claim 22, wherein the three-dimensional radiating structure comprises a three-dimensional radiating element and a ground connection.

24. The antenna system of claim 23, wherein the three-dimensional radiating element comprises a first radiating element and a second radiating element.

25. The antenna system of claim 24, wherein the second radiating element is supported by the first radiating element.

26. The antenna system of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the first radiating element comprises a first support structure, a first conductive portion, one or more second conductive portions, and one or more third conductive portions, wherein the first, second, and third conductive portions are disposed or etched onto the first support structure.

27. The antenna system of claim 26, wherein the first conductive portion is formed on a first side of the first support structure and the one or more second conductive portions are formed on a second side of the first support structure.

28. The antenna system of claim 27, wherein the one or more third conductive portions are formed on the first side of the first support structure.

29. The antenna system of any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the first conductive portion is configured to resonate within a low-frequency band approximately between 600 MHz and 1 GHz during use.

30. The antenna system of any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the one or more second conductive portions and / or the one or more third conductive portions are configured to resonate at frequencies above 1 GHz during use.

31. The antenna system of any of claims 26 to 30, wherein the each second conductive portion is electrically connected to one of the third conductive portions via openings extending through the first support structure.

32. The antenna system of any of claims 24 to 31, wherein the first radiating element is electrically connected to the ground connection.

33. The antenna system of claim 32, wherein the first radiating element comprises a slot extending through the first conductive portion, the slot configured to receive a portion of the ground connection such that the first radiating element is electrically connected to the ground connection.

34. The antenna system of any of claims 24 to 33, wherein the second radiating element comprises a second support structure and one or more conductive portions disposed or etched onto the second support structure.

35. The antenna system of claim 34, wherein the one or more conductive portions are formed on both a first side and a second side of the second support structure, and wherein one or more openings extend through the second support structure such that the one or more conductive portions are electrically connected to each other.

36. The antenna system of claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the one or more conductive portions of the second radiating element are electrically connected to the first conductive portion of the first radiating element.

37. The antenna system of claim 36, wherein the first radiating element comprises a slot extending through the first conductive portion, the slot configured to receive a portion of the second radiating element such that the first radiating element is electrically connected to second radiating element.

38. The antenna system of any of claims 22 to 37, further comprising an electrically conductive base, the electrically conductive base supporting and defining a ground reference for the multi-element multi-band antenna.

39. The antenna system of claim 38, further comprising an elevated ground plane, the elevated ground plane electrically connected to the electrically conductive base.

40. The antenna system of claim 39, wherein the electrically conductive base comprises a plurality of mounting structures.

41. The antenna system of claim 40, wherein the plurality of mounting structures are reliefs cast during the manufacturing of the electrically conductive base.

42. The antenna system of claim 40 or claim 41, wherein the elevated ground plane extends between and is supported directly or indirectly by a pair of mounting structures of the plurality of mounting structures.

43. The antenna system of claim 42, wherein the elevated ground plane comprises a support structure and a conductive portion disposed or etched onto the support structure.

44. The antenna system of claim 43, wherein the elevated ground plane is electrically connected to the electrically conductive base via an electrical connection between the conductive portion and the pair of mounting structures.

45. The antenna system of claim 44, wherein one or more fasteners extend through the conductive portion of the elevated ground plane and into pair of mounting structures to form the electrical connection therebetween.

46. The antenna system of any of claims 43 to 45, wherein the three-dimensional radiating element is electrically connected to the elevated ground plane via the ground connection.

47. The antenna system of claim 46, wherein the elevated ground plane comprises a slot extending through the conductive portion of the elevated ground plane configured to receive a portion of the ground connection such that the three-dimensional radiating element is electrically connected to elevated ground plane.

48. The antenna system of any of claims 40 to 47, wherein each mounting structure of the plurality of mounting structures is configured to be coupled to a mounting bracket.

49. The antenna system of claim 48, further comprising a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable configured to be positioned between a mounting structure and a mounting bracket to form an electrical connection with the electrically conductive base.

50. The antenna system of claim 49, wherein the mounting structure comprises a cable groove for receiving the coaxial cable.

51. The antenna system of any of claims 21 to 50, wherein the three-dimensional radiating element, the ground connection, and / or the elevated ground plane comprise PCB structures.

52. The antenna system of any of claims 21 to 51, wherein the multi-element multi-band antenna comprises a two-dimensional radiating element.

53. The antenna system of claim 52, wherein the two-dimensional radiating element comprises a support structure and a conductive portion formed on the first support structure.

54. The antenna system of claim 53, wherein the conductive portion of the two-dimensional radiating element is triangle shaped.

55. The antenna system of claim 53 or claim 54, the conductive portion of the two- dimensional radiating element is a two-dimensional version of a three-dimensional mono-cone.

56. The antenna system of any of claims 53 to 55, wherein the two-dimensional radiating element is configured to resonate at frequencies of approximately between 1.4 GHz to 8 GHz during use.

57. The antenna system of any of claims 52 to 56, wherein the two-dimensional radiating element is configured to support the second radiating element of the three-dimensional radiating element.

58. The antenna system of any of claims 52 to 57, where two-dimensional radiating element comprises a PCB structure.

59. The antenna system of any of claims 22 to 58, further comprising a second three- dimensional radiating element and a third three-dimensional radiating element.

60. The antenna system of claim 59, wherein the three-dimensional radiating structure is positioned between the second three-dimensional radiating element and the third three- dimensional radiating element to form a first antenna group.

61. The antenna system of claim 59 or claim 60, wherein the first three-dimensional radiating element faces in a first direction and the second three-dimensional radiating element faces is a second direction opposite the first direction.

62. The antenna system of any of claims 59 to 61, wherein the second three-dimensional radiating element and the third three-dimensional radiating element comprise three-dimensional inverted F antennas.

63. The antenna system of any of claims 59 to 62, wherein the second three-dimensional radiating element and the third three-dimensional radiating element comprise metal.

64. The antenna system of any of claims 59 to 63, wherein the second three-dimensional radiating element and the third three-dimensional radiating element each comprise:an upright portion; a head portion extending from a top side of the upright portion; a left arm extending from a left side of the upright portion; and a right arm extending from a right side of the upright portion.

65. The antenna system of claim 64, wherein the three-dimensional radiating structure is at least partially disposed between the left arm and the right arm of the second three-dimensional radiating element and between the left arm and the right arm of the third three-dimensional radiating element.

66. The antenna system of claim 64 or claim 65, wherein the upright portion and the head portion are configured to resonate within a low-frequency band approximately between 600 MHz and 1 GHz during use, and the left arm and the right arm are configured to resonate within a midfrequency band approximately between 1.7 GHz and 2.7 GHz during use.

67. The antenna system of any of claims 64 to 66, wherein at least one of the second three- dimensional radiating element or the third three-dimensional radiating element further comprises a second left arm extending from the left side of the upright portion and a second right arm extending from the right side of the upright portion.

68. The antenna system of claim 67, wherein the second left arm and the second right arm are configured to resonate within a CBRS-frequency band approximately between 3.4 GHz and 4.2 GHz during use.

69. The antenna system of any of claims 60 to 68, wherein the first antenna group is aligned along a longitudinal axis of the electrically conductive base with a second antenna group.

70. The antenna system of claim 69, wherein the second antenna group is identical to the first antenna group.

71. The antenna system of any of claims 21 to 70, further comprises a cover configured to be coupled to the electrically conductive base.

72. The antenna system of claim 71, wherein a length of the cover is greater than a width of the cover, wherein the cover comprises one or curved sidewalls.

Images