An antenna assembly with wave traps for surface wave reduction and an apparatus comprising the antenna assembly

Abstract

The invention allows an antenna assembly with wave traps for surface wave reduction. The wave traps generate a high-impedance effect that prevents the surface waves from propagating. As a result, wave trap(s) parallel to an antenna array improve a main antenna beam, and wave trap(s) perpendicular to the antenna array improve tilted antenna beams.

Description

[0001] AN ANTENNA ASSEMBLY WITH WAVE TRAPS FOR SURFACE WAVE REDUCTION AND AN APPARATUS

[0002] COMPRISING THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to the field of antennas, and, more particularly, to an antenna assembly with wave traps for surface wave reduction and an apparatus comprising the antenna assembly.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Nowadays, broadside millimeter wave (mmWave) antenna modules may be used in mobile communication devices, such as smartphones, in order to improve cumulative distribution function (CDF) coverage and to make the device robust for various use cases.

[0007] Generally, a broadside antenna array is typically placed next to a back cover part of the device. However, e.g., smartphones are becoming thinner and thinner which makes it hard to achieve good antenna performance, especially for foldable smartphones.

[0008] However, e.g., glass may typically be used to cover various parts of a smartphone, such as a back cover and / or cameras. This glass may generate surface waves, and the surface waves in turn may heavily distort antenna patterns (especially towards tilted angels), thereby degrading antenna performance, beam patterns and polarization.

[0009] Accordingly, at least in some situations, there may be a need for solutions that allow reducing surface waves for an antenna assembly.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to allow an antenna assembly with wave traps for surface wave reduction. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0013] According to a first aspect, an antenna assembly is provided. The antenna assembly comprises an antenna array extending in a longitudinal direction in an antenna array plane. The antenna assembly further comprises at least one first wave trap element configured at least in part parallel to the longitudinal direction in the antenna array plane. The antenna assembly further comprises at least one second wave trap element configured at least in part perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the antenna array plane. The present disclosure allows reducing surface waves by generating a high-impedance effect that prevents the surface waves from propagating.

[0014] In an implementation form of the first aspect, at least one of the at least one first wave trap element or the at least one second wave trap element is configured at a first distance from the antenna array. The first distance varies between two values, or the first distance is substantially a half of a wavelength of an operating frequency of the antenna assembly in a medium. This implementation form allows improved antenna beams and recovery of multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) performance and polarization purity. In an implementation form of the first aspect, at least one of the at least one first wave trap element or the at least one second wave trap element is grounded. An element width of at least one of the grounded at least one first wave trap element or the grounded at least one second wave trap element is at least in part substantially a quarter of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the antenna assembly in a medium. This implementation form allows reducing the element width, thereby facilitating implementation of the antenna assembly in small spaces.

[0015] In an implementation form of the first aspect, at least one of the at least one first wave trap element or the at least one second wave trap element is floating. An element width of at least one of the floating at least one first wave trap element or the floating at least one second wave trap element is at least in part substantially a half of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the antenna assembly in a medium. The floating parallel wave trap(s) improve a main antenna beam, and the floating perpendicular wave trap(s) improve tilted antenna beams.

[0016] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the antenna assembly comprises at least two floating second wave trap elements on a same side of the antenna array. The at least two floating second wave trap elements have a second distance between them. The second distance is between substantially a quarter of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the antenna assembly in the medium and substantially a half of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the antenna assembly in the medium. This implementation form allows improved antenna beams and recovery of multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) performance and polarization purity.

[0017] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the element width alternates in steps between two values or the element width varies between two values. This implementation form allows increasing the bandwidth of the antenna assembly.

[0018] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one first wave trap element and the at least one second wave trap element are configured in a closed or open-ended rectangular shape, in a closed or open-ended circular shape around the antenna array, or in a closed or open-ended elliptical shape around the antenna array. This implementation form allows modifying the bandwidth of the antenna assembly.

[0019] In an implementation form of the first aspect, at least one of the closed or open-ended rectangular shape or the closed or open- ended circular shape is continuous or discontinuous. This implementation form allows modifying the bandwidth of the antenna assembly.

[0020] In an implementation form of the first aspect, at least one of the at least one first wave trap element or the at least one second wave trap element is configured to operate at least at two different frequency bands. This implementation form allows enhancing the bandwidth of the antenna assembly.

[0021] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one first wave trap element and the at least one second wave trap element comprise conductive material. This implementation form allows wave traps that prevent surface waves from propagating.

[0022] According to a second aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus comprises the antenna assembly according to the first aspect. The present disclosure allows reducing surface waves by generating a high-impedance effect that prevents the surface waves from propagating.

[0023] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the antenna assembly is arranged in a location or position allowing at least one of the at least one first wave trap element or the at least one second wave trap element to suppress surface waves propagating in one or more directions along a surface of interest or an area of interest. This implementation form allows reducing surface waves in the directions along the surface of interest or the area of interest.

[0024] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the antenna array is configured as a broadside antenna array in the communication apparatus. This implementation form allows a broadside antenna assembly with wave traps for surface wave reduction.

[0025] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the communication apparatus further comprises a broadside conductive housing element. The antenna assembly is arranged above the broadside conductive housing element. This implementation form allows a broadside antenna assembly with wave traps for surface wave reduction.

[0026] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the broadside conductive housing element comprises a cavity below at least one of the at least one first wave trap element or the at least one second wave trap element. This implementation form allows improved operational bandwidth and a lower Q factor.

[0027] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the communication apparatus further comprises a cover. At least one of the at least one first wave trap element or the at least one second wave trap element is arranged in an area of the cover. This implementation form allows a cover area antenna assembly with wave traps for surface wave reduction.

[0028] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the cover comprises a back cover comprising a decorative layer. At least one of the at least one first wave trap element or the at least one second wave trap element is arranged below or above the decorative layer. This implementation form allows a back cover area antenna assembly with wave traps for surface wave reduction.

[0029] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the communication apparatus further comprises a digital camera. At least one of the at least one first wave trap element or the at least one second wave trap element is arranged in an area of the digital camera. This implementation form allows a camera area antenna assembly with wave traps for surface wave reduction.

[0030] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the communication apparatus further comprises a display. The antenna assembly is configured to provide coverage towards a display side direction. This implementation form allows a display area antenna assembly with wave traps for surface wave reduction.

[0031] Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In the following, example embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the attached figures and drawings, in which:

[0034] Figs. 1A to IB are diagrams illustrating a disclosed antenna assembly;

[0035] Figs. 2A to 2D are diagrams illustrating various configurations of disclosed antenna assemblies;

[0036] Figs. 3A to 3B are diagrams illustrating a disclosed antenna assembly with floating wave trap elements;

[0037] Figs. 3C to 3D are diagrams illustrating a disclosed antenna assembly with grounded wave trap elements;

[0038] Fig. 3E is a diagram illustrating a disclosed antenna assembly with a cavity below a wave trap element;

[0039] Figs. 4A to 4E are diagrams further illustrating various configurations of disclosed antenna assemblies;

[0040] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a communication apparatus;

[0041] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a disclosed antenna assembly arranged in a cover area in a communication apparatus; Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a disclosed antenna assembly arranged in a digital camera area in a communication apparatus;

[0042] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a radiation pattern improved by a disclosed antenna assembly; and Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating near and far field regions.

[0043] In the following, identical reference signs refer to identical or at least functionally equivalent features.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the disclosure, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific aspects in which the invention may be placed. It is understood that other aspects may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, as the scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims.

[0046] For instance, it is understood that a disclosure in connection with a described method may also hold true for a corresponding device or system configured to perform the method and vice versa. For example, if a specific method step is described, a corresponding device may include a unit to perform the described method step, even if such unit is not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. On the other hand, for example, if a specific apparatus is described based on functional units, a corresponding method may include a step performing the described functionality, even if such step is not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. Further, it is understood that the features of the various example aspects described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0047] As will be discussed in more detail below, at least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow solving how to stop surface wave propagation from broadside antenna modules. The surface waves may be excited, e.g., in back cover glass / plastic of a communication apparatus or in a camera area of the communication apparatus, depending on where the antenna module is implemented. These surface waves may distort main and tilted antenna beam patterns, and they may also affect polarization purity of radiated waves.

[0048] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow a half-wavelength floating wave trap able to stop or at least mitigate surface wave propagation in a dielectric. More specifically, disclosed wave traps form a “collar” at least partially around an antenna array, and the collar creates a high-impedance point which prevents the surface wave from propagating further. As a result, antenna beam shape may be recovered, and beam-tilting performance may be improved. Beam-tilting is similar for both polarizations which improves MIMO performance, and polarization purity is kept as desired as well. Since the wave trap can be implemented below a decorative layer of the glass / plastic, it is not visible to the users.

[0049] Next, example embodiments of antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100 J are described based on Figs. 1A to 4E. Some of the features of the described devices are optional features which provide further advantages.

[0050] Fig. 1A shows a side view of disclosed antenna assembly 100, with arrows 162 illustrating surface waves and arrows 161 illustrating desired waves radiating from antenna array 110. Fig. IB shows a top view of disclosed antenna assembly 100. Figs. 2A to 2D show various configurations for disclosed antenna assemblies 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D. Fig. 3A shows a top view of disclosed antenna assembly 100 with floating wave traps. Fig. 3B shows a side view of disclosed antenna assembly 100 with floating wave traps. Fig. 3C shows a top view of disclosed antenna assembly 100E with grounded wave traps. Fig. 3D shows a side view of disclosed antenna assembly 100E with grounded wave traps. Fig. 3E shows a side view of disclosed antenna assembly 100F with cavity 302 below wave trap element 121. Figs. 4A to 4E show various additional configurations of disclosed antenna assemblies 100, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J.

[0051] It is to be understood that although Figs. 1 A, 3A-3E, 4A-4E explicitly show examples of first wave trap elements) only for the sake of clarity, these example antenna assemblies include second wave trap elements) also.

[0052] It is to be understood that although Figs. 4A-4E show examples of first wave trap elements only for the sake of clarity, these examples apply to second wave trap elements also.

[0053] Antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J comprises antenna array 110 that extends in a longitudinal direction in an antenna array plane. F or example, antenna array 110 may be arranged on printed circuit board (PCB) 150, or the like.

[0054] Antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J further comprises at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H that is configured at least in part parallel to the longitudinal direction in the antenna array plane.

[0055] Antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J further comprises at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E that is configured at least in part perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the antenna array plane.

[0056] At least in some embodiments, at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and / or at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may be configured at a first distance from antenna array 110. The first distance may vary between two values. Altemativley, the first distance may be substantially a half of a wavelength of an operating frequency of antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J in a medium. Examples of the first distance are marked as 11 in Figs. IB, 3A, 3C, and 4A-4E. Here, / . denotes the wavelength of the operating frequency, and g denotes the medium. The two values between which the first distance may vary are denoted as 11 and 13 in Figs. 4A-4E.

[0057] At least in some embodiments, at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and / or at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may be grounded (e.g., connected to ground via element 301 as shown in Figs. 3C-3D). An element width of grounded at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and / or grounded at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may be at least in part substantially a quarter of the wavelength of the operating frequency of antenna assembly 100E in a medium. Examples of the element width of grounded wave trap elements are marked as wl in Figs. 3C-3D.

[0058] At least in some embodiments, at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and / or at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may be floating (i.e., not grounded as shown in Figs. 3A-3B, for example). An element width of floating at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and / or floating at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may be at least in part substantially a half of the wavelength of the operating frequency of antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J in a medium. Examples of the element width of floating wave trap elements are marked as wl in Figs. IB, 3A-3B, and 4A-4E. At least in some embodiments, antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J may comprise at least two floating second wave trap elements 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E on a same side of antenna array 110. At least two floating second wave trap elements 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may have a second distance between them. The second distance may be between substantially a quarter of the wavelength of the operating frequency of antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J in the medium and substantially a half of the wavelength of the operating frequency of antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J in the medium. An example of the second distance is marked as 12 in Fig. IB.

[0059] At least in some embodiments, the element width may alternate in steps between two values or the element width may vary between two values. Figs. 4B to 4E show various examples of stepped wave traps in disclosed antenna assemblies 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J. Examples of the two values are marked as M7 and w2 in Figs. 4A-4E. It is to be understood that although Figs. 4A- 4E show examples of first wave trap elements only for the sake of clarity, these examples apply to second wave trap elements also.

[0060] At least in some embodiments, at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may be configured in a closed or open-ended rectangular shape, in a closed or open-ended circular shape around antenna array 110, or in a closed or open-ended elliptical shape around antenna array 110. Figs. 2A to 2D show various examples of these shapes for disclosed antenna assemblies 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D.

[0061] At least in some embodiments, the closed or open-ended rectangular shape and / or the closed or open-ended circular shape may be continuous or discontinuous. Figs. 2A to 2D show various examples of these continuous and discontinuous shapes for disclosed antenna assemblies 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D. Also, at least in some embodiments, a wave trap may be divided into smaller pieces, as shown in the example of Fig. 2D.

[0062] At least in some embodiments, at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and / or at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may be configured to operate at least at two different frequency bands. A first frequency band may comprise, e.g., frequencies below 30 gigahertz (GHz), such as 24.25- 29.5 GHz, and a second frequency band may comprise, e.g., frequencies above 30 GHz.

[0063] At least in some embodiments, at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may comprise conductive material. For example, the conductive material may be implemented as paint, paste, a tape or a mesh (forming, e.g., a conductive pattern), and the material used for these may comprise silver, copper, aluminum, or the like.

[0064] Next, example embodiments of communication apparatus 500 are described based on Figs. 5 to 7, as well as earlier discussed Figs. 1A to 4E. Some of the features of the described devices are optional features which provide further advantages. Communication apparatus 500 may comprise, e.g., a mobile communication device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, smart glasses, a smart audio headset, an AR / VR / XR (augmented reality, virtual reality, extended reality) device, any hand-held, portable and / or wearable device, a television, a vehicle infotainment unit, or any combination thereof. At least in some embodiments, communication apparatus 500 may comprise a customer-premises equipment or customer-provided equipment (CPE), such as an access point / base station. Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating communication apparatus 500. Diagram 600 of Fig. 6 shows a cross section view of a disclosed antenna assembly arranged in a cover area in communication apparatus 500. Diagram 700 of Fig. 7 shows a top view of a disclosed antenna assembly arranged in a digital camera area in communication apparatus 500.

[0065] Communication apparatus 500 comprises antenna assembly 100 (or any of antenna assemblies 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J).

[0066] Communication apparatus 500 may further comprise one or more processors 501 and one or more memories 502 that may comprise computer program code. As discussed in more detail below, communication apparatus 500 may further comprise, e.g., digital camera 503, and / or display 504. Communication apparatus 500 may also include other elements not shown in Fig. 5.

[0067] Although the communication apparatus 500 is depicted to include only one processor 501, the communication apparatus 500 may include more processors. In an embodiment, the memory 502 is capable of storing instructions. Furthermore, the memory 502 may include a storage.

[0068] Furthermore, the processor 501 is capable of executing the stored instructions. In an embodiment, the processor 501 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the processor 501 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In an embodiment, the processor 501 may be configured to execute hard- coded functionality. In an embodiment, the processor 501 is embodied as an executor of software instructions.

[0069] The memory 502 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, the memory 502 may be embodied as semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0070] At least in some embodiments, antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J may be arranged in such a location or position that allows at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and / or at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E to suppress surface waves propagating in one or more directions along a surface of interest or an area of interest.

[0071] At least in some embodiments, antenna array 110 may be configured as a broadside antenna array in communication apparatus 500.

[0072] At least in some embodiments, communication apparatus 500 may further comprise broadside conductive housing element 140 (e.g., a bezel, a chassis, a battery), and antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J may be arranged above broadside conductive housing element 140.

[0073] At least in some embodiments, broadside conductive housing element 140 may comprise cavity 302 below at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and / or at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E. For example, cavity 302 may have a depth of 0.15 millimeters (mm). At least in some embodiments, communication apparatus 500 may further comprise cover 130 (e.g., a front cover or a back cover), and at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and / or at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may be arranged in an area of cover 130. For example, cover 130 may include a coating layer of, e.g., glass or plastic.

[0074] At least in some embodiments, cover 130 may comprise a back cover comprising a decorative layer 131, and at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and / or at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may be arranged below or above decorative lay er 131. For example, the wave trap element(s) may be implemented directly to decorative layer 131 , or the wave trap element(s) may be implemented as an extra part, such as a flex. For example, when the wave trap elements are implemented using a conductive pattern (e.g., a mesh), the wave trap elements may be arranged below or on top of cover 130 (and the coating layer thereof, such as glass or plastic), since in both cases the wave trap elements would be at least mostly invisible to users.

[0075] At least in some embodiments, communication apparatus 500 may further comprise digital camera 503, and at least one first wave trap element 121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H and / or at least one second wave trap element 122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E may be arranged in an area of digital camera 503.

[0076] At least in some embodiments, communication apparatus 500 may further comprise display 504, and antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J may be configured to provide coverage towards a display side direction, e.g., as an antenna-on-display (AoD).

[0077] Diagram 800A of Fig. 8 illustrates a radiation pattern with beam shape 801 for a first polarization (e.g., a slanted polarization of +45 degrees) when only antenna array 810 is used instead of disclosed antenna assembly 100. Diagram 800B of Fig. 8 illustrates a radiation pattern with improved beam shape 802 for the first polarization when disclosed antenna assembly 100 is used. Diagram 800C of Fig. 8 illustrates a radiation pattern with beam shape 803 for a second polarization (e.g., a slanted polarization of -45 degrees) when only antenna array 810 is used instead of disclosed antenna assembly 100. Diagram 800D of Fig. 8 illustrates a radiation pattern with improved beam shape 804 for the second polarization when disclosed antenna assembly 100 is used. It is to be understood that even though antenna assembly 100 is used as an example in Fig. 8, the examples of Fig. 8 apply also to any of disclosed antenna assemblies 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J.

[0078] When no wave trap is included, surface waves may be excited in glass / plastic (of a cover structure, for example), thereby distorting the radiation pattern. The resulting beam direction is undesired, determined by the surface waves being excited. Also, the beam from the first polarization and the beam from the second polarization point towards different directions even when the same phase shift is applied to both polarizations. On the other hand, when the disclosed wave-trap is introduced, the beam direction points towards a desired direction since no surface waves are excited. Moreover, the beam directions for the first polarization and the second polarization are substantially identical, which means that MIMO operation is possible. Further features of communication apparatus 500 related to antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J directly result from the features and parameters of antenna assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J and thus are not repeated here.

[0079] According to an embodiment, communication apparatus 500 may comprise a processor or processor circuitry, such as for example a microcontroller, configured by program code to execute operations and functionality. Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).

[0080] Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought. Also, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment unless explicitly disallowed.

[0081] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0082] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to 'an' item may refer to one or more of those items.

[0083] Aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further embodiments without losing the effect sought.

[0084] The term 'comprising' is used herein to mean including the method, blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.

[0085] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J), comprising: an antenna array (110) extending in a longitudinal direction in an antenna array plane; at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) configured at least in part parallel to the longitudinal direction in the antenna array plane; and at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) configured at least in part perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the antenna array plane.

2. The antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) or the at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) is configured at a first distance from the antenna array ( 110), the first distance varying between two values, or the first distance being substantially a half of a wavelength of an operating frequency of the antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) in a medium.

3. The antenna assembly (100E) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) or the at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) is grounded, and an element width of at least one of the grounded at least one first wave trap element (121 , 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) or the grounded at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) is at least in part substantially a quarter of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the antenna assembly (100E) in a medium.

4. The antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) or the at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) is floating, and an element width of at least one of the floating at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) or the floating at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) is at least in part substantially a half of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) in a medium.

5. The antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) according to claim 4, wherein the antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) comprises at least two floating second wave trap elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) on a same side of the antenna array (110), the at least two floating second wave trap elements (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) having a second distance between them, and the second distance being between substantially a quarter of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100 J) in the medium and substantially a half of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) in the medium.

6. The antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the element width alternates in steps between two values or the element width varies between two values.

7. The antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) and the at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) are configured in a closed or open-endedrectangular shape, in a closed or open-ended circular shape around the antenna array (110), or in a closed or open-ended elliptical shape around the antenna array (110).

8. The antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the closed or open-ended rectangular shape or the closed or open-ended circular shape is continuous or discontinuous.

9. The antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) or the at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) is configured to operate at least at two different frequency bands.

10. The antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) and the at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) comprise conductive material.

11. A communication apparatus (500), comprising the antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) according to any of claims 1 to 10.

12. The communication apparatus (500) according to claim 11, wherein the antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100 J) is arranged in a location or position allowing at least one of the at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) or the at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) to suppress surface waves propagating in one or more directions along a surface of interest or an area of interest.

13. The communication apparatus (500) according to claim 11, wherein the antenna array (110) is configured as abroadside antenna array in the communication apparatus (500).

14. The communication apparatus (500) according to claim 13, further comprising a broadside conductive housing element (140), wherein the antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) is arranged above the broadside conductive housing element (140).

15. The communication apparatus (500) according to claim 14, wherein the broadside conductive housing element (140) comprises a cavity (302) below at least one of the at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) or the at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E).

16. The communication apparatus (500) according to any of claims 11 to 15, further comprising a cover (130), wherein at least one of the at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) or the at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) is arranged in an area of the cover (130).

17. The communication apparatus (500) according to claim 16, wherein the cover (130) comprises a back cover comprising a decorative layer (131), wherein at least one of the at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) or the at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) is arranged below or above the decorative layer (131).

18. The communication apparatus (500) according to claim 11, further comprising a digital camera (503), wherein at least one of the at least one first wave trap element (121, 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E, 121F, 121G, 121H) or the at least one second wave trap element (122, 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E) is arranged in an area of the digital camera (503).

19. The communication apparatus (500) according to claim 11, further comprising a display (504), wherein the antenna assembly (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 1001, 100J) is configured to provide coverage towards a display side direction.

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