Integrated antenna

Abstract

An integrated antenna including a printed circuit board (PCB), a patch antenna, a mesh antenna, and a ground plane is provided. The PCB has a first face and a second face. The patch antenna includes a plurality of patch elements. Each of the plurality of patch elements arranged on the first face of the PCB. The mesh antenna includes a plurality of mesh cells. The plurality of mesh cells are arranged on the first face of the PCB. Each of the plurality of mesh cells are arranged around one of the plurality of patch elements. Each of the plurality of mesh cells are physically separated from each of the plurality of patch elements by at least an isolation gap. The ground plane is arranged on the second face of the PCB. The ground plane is electrically coupled to the plurality of patch elements and the mesh antenna.

Description

[0001] 2024PF80488

[0002] Integrated antenna

[0003] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] The present disclosure is generally directed to an integrated antenna, and, more particularly, to a compact antenna capable of simultaneously operating in both the WiFi and millimeter wave bands.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] The outdoor lighting grid (e.g. street lighting) offers a near-ideal grid to deploy wireless communication infrastructure (such as Wi-Fi, telecommunications 4G / 5G, E-band and V-band backhaul) because it offers proximity (to people, traffic), scale (ubiquitous presence), granularity (distance between utility poles often matches typical requirements of radio frequency network design) and elevation (height to mount equipment for signal coverage). One key challenge to gain acceptance from cities (for permitting) and the public, is to provide aesthetic solutions and minimized form factors. There is a strong wish to hide technology in unseen places.

[0007] From a technological point of view, this aesthetic criteria challenges the design of the overall RF system. This system consists of key building blocks, namely, a Base Band Unit (BBU), a radio and an antenna. For lower frequencies (below ~7 GHz), the BBU, the radio, and the antenna can be physically separated. For higher frequencies, physical separation between the radio and the antenna needs to be minimized or avoided.

[0008] Ever-growing data consumption (data throughput) requires higher bandwidths, which in turn requires the use of ever higher frequencies. The radio frequencies used for the 5G standard are at first increasing to 6 GHz and will in the coming years grow to 26 GHz and beyond. These frequencies are typically referred to as millimeter wave because the wavelengths are in the order of (several) mm. Backhaul frequencies are typically 60 GHz, 70 GHz, and will, over time, grow beyond 100 GHz. Signals at these frequencies behave like optical waves in the sense that they do not penetrate walls and objects. Communication between two points require a clear line of sight (LOS), which means the transmitter and receiver must “see” each other via an uninterrupted, unobstructed, straight line.2024PF80488

[0009] 2

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] The present disclosure is generally directed to an integrated antenna. The integrated antenna is physically compact and configured to simultaneously operate in multiple frequency bands such as millimeter wave and Wi-Fi. When using antennas suitable for both millimeter wave and Wi-Fi, the millimeter wave backhaul and Wi-Fi fronthaul connectivity can be hidden inside a luminaire that is already present on the streets.

[0012] Combining these antenna structures can provide cost and size reductions and enables integration of both technologies into a single end-product (the luminaire), in an invisible way that would otherwise be impossible.

[0013] The integrated antenna includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a patch antenna, a mesh antenna, and a ground plane. The PCB is defined by a first face and a second face. The PCB may be rectangular and defined by a length and a width (such as 3 inches long and 1 inch wide or 7.62 centimeters long and 2.54 centimeters wide).

[0014] The patch antenna is defined by an array of patch elements arranged on the first face of the PCB. The patch elements may be rectangular or square in shape and arranged in a plurality of rows and columns (such as 8 rows and 20 columns). In some examples, the patch antenna may have an operating frequency from 57 GHz to 64 GHz. The patch elements may include a metal.

[0015] The mesh antenna is defined by a plurality of mesh cells also arranged on the first face of the PCB. The mesh cells are electrically coupled to each other and may be rectangular or square in shape. Each of the mesh cells is arranged around one of the patch elements. Further, each of the mesh cells are separated from each of the patch elements by at least an isolation gap. In some examples, the isolation gap may be 0.05 inches or 1.27 millimeters. In some examples, the mesh antenna has an operating frequency of 2.401 GHz to 2.484 GHz. In other examples, the mesh antenna has an operating frequency of 5.15 GHz to 5.85 GHz. The mesh cells may include a metal. In some examples, the mesh antenna may include empty cells arranged into empty rows and / or empty columns. Unlike the other mesh cells, these empty cells are not arranged around patch elements.

[0016] The ground plane is arranged on the second face of the PCB. The ground plane is electrically coupled to both the patch elements and the mesh cells.

[0017] The present disclosure also provides a radio frequency (RF) transceiver. The RF transceiver includes the aforementioned integrated antenna, a plurality of patch transceivers, and a mesh transceivers. The plurality of patch transceivers includes one patch transceiver coupled to each of the patch elements. The patch transceivers provide the patch2024PF80488

[0018] 3

[0019] elements with phase-controlled patch signals. By controlling the phase of the patch signals, the direction of a beam generated by the patch antenna may be controlled. Similarly, the mesh transceiver provides the mesh cells with a mesh signal. The patch signals and the mesh signal may be provided simultaneously such that the patch antenna and the mesh antenna radiate simultaneously.

[0020] Generally, in one aspect, an integrated antenna is provided. The integrated antenna includes a PCB. The PCB has a first face and a second face.

[0021] The integrated antenna includes a patch antenna. The patch antenna includes a plurality of patch elements. Each of the plurality of patch elements arranged on the first face of the PCB.

[0022] The integrated antenna further includes a mesh antenna. The mesh antenna includes a plurality of mesh cells. The plurality of mesh cells are arranged on the first face of the PCB. Each of the plurality of mesh cells are arranged around one of the plurality of patch elements. Each of the plurality of mesh cells are physically separated from each of the plurality of patch elements by at least an isolation gap.

[0023] The integrated antenna further includes a ground plane arranged on the second face of the PCB. The ground plane is electrically coupled to the plurality of patch elements and the mesh antenna.

[0024] According to an example, wherein the patch antenna has an operating frequency between 57 GHz to 64 GHz.

[0025] According to an example, the mesh antenna has an operating frequency between 2.401 GHz and 2.484 GHz.

[0026] According to an example, the mesh antenna has an operating frequency between 5.15 GHz and 5.85 GHz.

[0027] According to an example, the plurality of patch elements are arranged into a plurality of integrated rows and a plurality of integrated columns.

[0028] According to an example, each of the plurality of integrated rows comprises at least 20 patch elements.

[0029] According to an example, each of the plurality of integrated columns comprises at least 8 patch elements.

[0030] According to an example, the PCB has a width of less than or equal to 1 inch (e.g., 2.54 centimeters) and a length of less than or equal to 3 inches (7.62 centimeters).

[0031] According to an example, each of the plurality of patch elements comprise a metal.2024PF80488

[0032] 4

[0033] According to an example, each of the plurality of mesh cells comprise a metal. According to an example, the mesh antenna further comprises one or more empty cells electrically coupled to the mesh cells.

[0034] According to an example, the one or more empty cells are arranged into one or more empty rows and one or more empty columns.

[0035] According to an example, the isolation gap is at least 0.05 inches (e.g., 1.27 millimeters).

[0036] Generally, in another aspect, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver is provided. The RF transceiver includes the integrated antenna.

[0037] The RF transceiver further includes a plurality of patch transceivers. Each of the plurality of patch transceivers is coupled to one of the plurality of patch elements.

[0038] The RF transceiver further includes a mesh transceiver coupled to the plurality of mesh cells.

[0039] According to an example, each of the plurality of patch transceivers provide a patch signal to each of the plurality of patch elements while the mesh transceiver simultaneously provides a mesh signal to the plurality of mesh cells.

[0040] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0041] In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media (generically referred to herein as “memory,” e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, SSD, etc.). In some implementations, the storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or controllers, perform at least some of the functions discussed herein.

[0042] Various storage media may be fixed within a processor or controller or may be transportable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or controller so as to implement various aspects as discussed herein. The terms “program” or “computer program” are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code2024PF80488

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[0044] (e.g., software or microcode) that can be employed to program one or more processors or controllers.

[0045] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

[0048] Fig. 1 is an illustration of a top view of an integrated antenna, in accordance with an example.

[0049] Fig. 2 is a further illustration of a top view of an integrated antenna, in accordance with an example.

[0050] Fig. 3 is an illustration of a bottom view of an integrated antenna, in accordance with an example.

[0051] Fig. 4 is an illustration of a portion of a top view of an integrated antenna, in accordance with an example.

[0052] Fig. 5 is an illustration of a top view of an integrated antenna with two empty columns, in accordance with an example.

[0053] Fig. 6 is an illustration of a bottom view of an integrated antenna with an ungrounded area, in accordance with an example.

[0054] Fig. 7 is an illustration of a top view of an integrated antenna with empty rows, in accordance with an example.

[0055] Fig. 8 is an illustration of a bottom view of an integrated antenna with an ungrounded area, in accordance with an example.

[0056] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, in accordance with an example.

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0058] The present disclosure is generally directed to an integrated antenna. The integrated antenna is physically compact and configured to simultaneously operate in multiple frequency bands, such as millimeter wave and Wi-Fi. When using antennas suitable for both millimeter wave and Wi-Fi, the millimeter wave backhaul and Wi-Fi fronthaul connectivity can be hidden inside a luminaire that is already present on the streets.2024PF80488

[0059] 6

[0060] Combining these antenna structures can provide cost and size reductions and enables integration of both technologies into a single end-product (the luminaire), in an invisible way that would otherwise be impossible. The integrated antenna includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a patch antenna (for, in some examples, millimeter wave operation), a mesh antenna (for, in some examples, Wi-Fi operation), and a ground plane.

[0061] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is an illustration of an integrated antenna 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the integrated antenna 10 includes a PCB 100, a patch antenna 200, and a mesh antenna 300. The integrated antenna 10 further includes a ground plane 400 not shown in FIG. 1. While the PCB 100 shown in FIG. 1 is substantially rectangular, the PCB 100 may be any appropriate shape. The patch antenna 200 and the mesh antenna 300 are arranged on a first face 102 of the PCB 100.

[0062] The patch antenna 200 includes a series of patch elements 202 arranged on the first face 102 of the PCB 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the patch elements 202 are a plurality of metal components configured to generate electromagnetic radiation. While the patch elements 202 as shown in FIG. 2 are substantially square, the patch elements 202 may be any appropriate shape. Each of the patch elements 202 is provided with an electrical signal, such that the radiation generated by all of the patch elements 202 may constructively and / or destructively interfere to generate a narrow, high power beam in a particular direction. This process may be referred to as beamforming. The direction and power of the beam may be dictated by the aspects of the electrical signal received by each of the patch elements 202, such as phase and / or amplitude. Accordingly, the phase and / or the amplitude of the electrical signal provided to each patch element 202 may be individually varied and controlled to generate the desired direction and power of the beam.

[0063] The mesh antenna 300 includes a series of mesh cells 302 arranged on the first face 102 of the PCB 100. Each of the mesh cells 302 are electrically coupled to each other to form the overall mesh antenna 300. Like the patch elements 202, the mesh cells 302 are configured to generate radiation based on a received electrical signal. However, because the mesh cells 302 are each electrically coupled, each mesh cell generates the same electromagnetic radiation, resulting in omnidirectional radiation. Further, one patch element 202 is arranged within each mesh cell 302. Put another way, each mesh cell 302 is arranged around one patch element 202. Thus, the patch antenna 200 may radiate in the form of a narrow high power beam, while the mesh antenna 300 may simultaneously radiate in the form of an omnidirectional pattern with little to no destructive interference with the narrow, high power beam. In some examples, the patch antenna 200 may have an operating frequency2024PF80488

[0064] 7

[0065] from about 57 GHz to about 64 GHz, corresponding to the V-band of the millimeter wave spectrum. Simultaneously, the mesh antenna 300 may have an operating frequency from about 2.401 GHz to 2.484 GHz, corresponding to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band.

[0066] Alternatively, in other examples, the mesh antenna 300 may have an operating frequency from about 5.15 GHz to 5.85 GHz, corresponding to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band. Thus, the integrated antenna 10 may be used to generate both millimeter wave beams for backhaul channel transmission, while simultaneously providing Wi-Fi coverage in a local area. In other examples, the patch antenna 200 and / or the mesh antenna 300 may operate in other frequency ranges other than the Wi-Fi and millimeter wave frequency bands.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the patch elements 202 and the mesh cells 302 may be arranged in a series of integrated rows 204 and integrated columns 206. Each integrated row 204 or integrated column 206 includes a plurality of adjacent mesh cells 302 each being arranged around a patch element 202. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 2, the integrated antenna 10 includes eight integrated rows 204 and twenty integrated columns 206. In other examples, the integrated antenna 10 may include greater or fewer integrated rows 204 or columns 206 than what is shown in FIG. 2. Further, while the example of FIG. 2 illustrates a fewer number of integrated rows 204 than integrated columns 206, in other examples, the number of integrated rows 204 may equal or exceed the number of integrated columns 206. FIGS. 1 and 2 also include a non-limiting example of a feed point 208 arranged between the second and third integrated columns 206. This feed point 208 provides an electrical signal to the mesh cells 302. In other examples, the feed point 208 may be arranged at other areas of the mesh antenna 300.

[0068] FIG. 3 shown the ground plane 400 arranged on the second face 104 of the PCB 100. As indicated by the feed point 208, the view of the PCB 100 in FIG. 3 is flipped about the shorter edge of the PCB 100. The ground plane 400 is electrically coupled to each of the patch elements 202 and to each of the mesh cells 302 in a non-galvanic manner. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 3, the ground plane 400 may be divided into a plurality of ground elements 402. The ground elements 402 are each electrically coupled to each other, resulting in the formation of an electrically continuous ground plane 400. Each ground element 402 on the second face 104 of the PCB 100 may be similarly sized to and aligned with one of the patch elements 202 on the first face 102. Further, FIG. 3 illustrates that the PCB 100 may be defined in terms of a width 106 and a length 108. In some non-limiting examples, the width 106 may be one inch or less (e.g., 2.54 centimeters or less), and the length 108 may be three inches or less (7.62 centimeters or less), resulting in a physically2024PF80488

[0069] 8

[0070] small and compact integrated antenna 10 which may be embedded in a luminaire or other aspects of a connected lighting system. Embedding the integrated antenna 10 within a luminaire or similar device may enable Wi-Fi coverage and backhaul channel communication in a geographical area in an unseen and unobtrusive manner.

[0071] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the first face 102 of the PCB 100. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates four patch elements 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d and four mesh cells 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d. Each of the four patch elements 202a-202d are arranged within one of the four mesh cells 302a-302d. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the patch elements 202a-202d are separated from the mesh cells 302a-302d by an isolation gap 304. The area defined by the isolation gap 304 may comprise a non-conductive layer of the PCB 100. In some examples, the width of the isolation gap 304 between a patch element 202a and a mesh cell 302a may vary.

[0072] Accordingly, the minimum isolation gap 304 must be sufficiently wide to provide galvanic isolation between the patch elements 202a-202d and the mesh cells 302a-302d. This galvanic isolation prevents the need for RF filters to isolate the patch elements 202a-202d from the mesh cells 302a-302d. Accordingly, the isolation gap 304 must prevent the electrical signals flowing through the patch elements 202a-202d from coupling to the mesh cells 302a-302d and vice versa. In some examples, the minimum width of the isolation gap may be 0.05 inches (e.g., 1.27 millimeters).

[0073] Computer simulations have demonstrated the integrated antenna 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 as capable of generating a gain of 27.78 dBi with an efficiency of -0.334 dB at 60 GHz (for millimeter wave backhaul). In order to generate the required gain at 5.8 GHz (for Wi-Fi coverage), the integrated antenna 10 may be tuned by removing one or more patch elements 202. As can be seen in FIG. 5, sixteen patch elements 202 are removed, resulting in sixteen mesh cells 302 without a corresponding patch element 202. These mesh cells 302 may be referred to as empty cells 306. As shown in FIG. 5, the empty cells 306 are arranged into a pair of empty columns 310. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a number of ground elements 402 may be removed from the ground plane 400. In the particular example of FIG. 6, eight ground elements 402 are removed, forming an ungrounded area 404 on the second face 104 of the PCB 100. In the example of FIG. 6, the ungrounded area 404 may be arranged in the shape of a column. Notably, the while the ungrounded column of FIG. 6 aligns with the outermost empty column of the empty columns 310 of FIG. 5, the innermost empty column aligns with a column of ground elements 402. Removing a subset of the patch elements 202 as shown in FIG. 5 has a minimal impact on the simulation of the integrated antenna 10 at 60 GHz, while providing a gain of 0.8844 dBi and an efficiency of -6.699 dB at 5.8 GHz.2024PF80488

[0074] 9

[0075] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a variation of the tuned integrated antenna 10 of FIGS.

[0076] 5 and 6. In particular, rather than removing the patch elements 202 from the first face 102 of the PCB 100 to form empty columns 310, removing the patch elements 202 as shown in FIG.

[0077] 7 forms two empty rows 308. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a number of ground elements 402 are removed to form an ungrounded area 404 in the shape of a row.

[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating an RF transceiver 500 incorporating the integrated antenna 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the RF transceiver 500 includes a controller 600. The controller 600 generates a first signal 602 for transmission via the patch antenna 200 and a second signal 604 for transmission via the mesh antenna 300. The first and second signals 602, 604 may be generated by a processor 625 of the controller 600 according to data stored in a memory 675. In some examples, the first signal 602 includes data intended for backhaul transmission via millimeter wave frequencies, and the second signal 604 includes data for provision via Wi-Fi. As shown in FIG. 9, the first signal 602 is provided to a series of patch transceivers 502. The patch transceivers 502 adjust and / or modify the amplitude, phase, or other aspects of the first signal 602 to enable the radiation generated by the patch elements 202 to form a beam with desired direction and power. The adjustment and / or modification of the amplitude and / or phase may be pre-programmed into each patch transceiver 502, or it may be controlled by the controller 600 or other aspects of the RF transceiver 500.

[0079] FIG. 9 illustrates a first patch transceiver 502a, a second patch transceiver 502b, and representation of further patch transceivers 502x. In the example of FIG. 9, each patch element 202 corresponds to a single patch transceiver 502. Thus, if the patch antenna 200 includes 160 patch elements 202 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, 160 patch transceivers 502 will be implemented. Each patch transceiver 502 generates a patch signal 506. Thus, the first patch transceiver 502a generates a first patch signal 506a, the second patch transceiver 502b generates a second patch signal 506b, and the additional patch transceivers 502x each generate additional patch signals 506x. The various patch signals 506a-506x may have different amplitude and / or phase. The varying patch signals 506 are then provided to the corresponding patch elements 202a-202x. The patch elements 202a-202x are electrically coupled to the ground plane 400 (in a non-galvanic manner) and generate radiation according to the received patch signals 506a-506x.

[0080] Simultaneously, the controller 600 also provides the second signal 604 to a mesh transceiver 504. The mesh transceiver 504 then generates a mesh signal 508 to be provided to each of the mesh cells 302 of the mesh antenna 300. As each mesh cell 3022024PF80488

[0081] 10

[0082] receives the same second signal 604, the radiation pattern generated by the mesh antenna 300 is omnidirectional. Like the patch elements 202a-202x, the mesh cells 302 are also electrically coupled to the ground plane 400 in a non-galvanic manner.

[0083] While the example above describes the patch signals 506 and the mesh signal 508 being provided simultaneously such that patch elements 202 and the mesh cells 302 generate radiation simultaneously, in some examples, the controller 600 may only generate the first signal 602, thereby causing only the patch signal 506 to be generated, resulting in only the patch elements 202 radiating. Similarly, in further examples, the controller 600 may only generate the second signal 604, thereby causing only the mesh signal 508 to be generated, resulting in only the mesh cells 302 radiating.

[0084] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0085] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0086] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0087] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”2024PF80488

[0088] 11

[0089] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0090] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0091] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0092] The above-described examples of the described subject matter can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, some aspects may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When any aspect is implemented at least in part in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single device or computer or distributed among multiple devices / computers.

[0093] The present disclosure may be implemented as a system, a method, and / or a computer program product at any possible technical detail level of integration. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.

[0094] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes2024PF80488

[0095] 12

[0096] the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

[0097] Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing / processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0098] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user’s computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user’s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some examples, electronic2024PF80488

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[0100] circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[0101] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to examples of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[0102] The computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram or blocks.

[0103] The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0104] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various examples of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the2024PF80488

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[0106] blocks may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0107] Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant may be entitled.

[0108] While various examples have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the function and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific examples described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, examples may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Examples of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

2024PF8048815CLAIMS:

1. An integrated antenna (10), comprising:a printed circuit board ,PCB, (100) having a first face (102) and a second face (104);a patch antenna (200) comprising a plurality of patch elements (202), wherein each of the plurality of patch elements (202) arranged on the first face (102) of the PCB (100);a mesh antenna (300) comprising a plurality of mesh cells (302) arranged on the first face (102) of the PCB (100), wherein each of the plurality of mesh cells (302) are arranged around one of the plurality of patch elements (202), and wherein each of the plurality of mesh cells (302) are physically separated from each of the plurality of patch elements (202) by at least an isolation gap (304), wherein the patch antenna has a lower operating frequency range than the mesh antenna;a ground plane (400) arranged on the second face (104) of the PCB (100), wherein the ground plane (400) is electrically coupled to the plurality of patch elements (202) and the mesh antenna (300) in a non-galvanic manner.

2. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 1, wherein the patch antenna (200) has an operating frequency between 57 GHz to 64 GHz.

3. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 1, wherein the mesh antenna (300) has an operating frequency between 2.401 GHz and 2.484 GHz.

4. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 1, wherein the mesh antenna (300) has an operating frequency between 5.15 GHz and 5.85 GHz.

5. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of patch elements (202) are arranged into a plurality of integrated rows (204) and a plurality of integrated columns (206).2024PF80488166. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of integrated rows (204) comprises at least 20 patch elements (202).

7. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of integrated columns (206) comprises at least 8 patch elements (202).

8. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 1, wherein the PCB has a width (106) of less than or equal to 2.54 centimeters and a length (108) of less than or equal to 7.62 centimeters.

9. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of patch elements (202) comprise a metal.

10. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of mesh cells (302) comprise a metal.

11. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 1, wherein the mesh antenna (300) further comprises one or more empty cells (306) electrically coupled to the mesh cells (302).

12. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 11, wherein the one or more empty cells (306) are arranged into one or more empty rows (308) and one or more empty columns (310).

13. The integrated antenna (10) of claim 1, wherein the isolation gap (304) is at least 1.27 millimeters.

14. A radio frequency (RF) transceiver (500), comprising:the integrated antenna (10) of claim 1;a plurality of patch transceivers (502), wherein each of the plurality of patch transceivers (502) is coupled to one of the plurality of patch elements (202); anda mesh transceiver (504) coupled to the plurality of mesh cells (302).

15. The RF transceiver (500) of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of patch transceivers (502) provide a patch signal (506) to each of the plurality of patch elements2024PF8048817(202) while the mesh transceiver (504) simultaneously provides a mesh signal (508) to the plurality of mesh cells (302).

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