Folded Dipole Antenna Layout for Broad VHF/UHF Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VHF and UHF dipole antennas face challenges in achieving effective radiation patterns and power enhancement across the entire frequency range, particularly with the transition to digital broadcasting, which requires improved coverage for both high definition and lower frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a linear antenna support with reflector and director elements, along with a driven element that includes folded conductors to enhance radiation patterns and power, allowing for directive coverage of the VHF and UHF bands, and an additional folded part to extend coverage to the lower VHF frequency band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional dipole antenna design is used, then the structure is simple, but the radiation power and directive coverage across VHF and UHF bands are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into distinct functional sections: reflector elements positioned at one end, director elements at the other end, and a driven element in the middle section. Each segment serves a specific purpose in shaping the radiation pattern and enhancing power distribution across VHF and UHF bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The driven element incorporates a folded conductor configuration with multiple dimensions (first conductor, second conductor perpendicular to the first, and third conductor extending from the second). This multi-dimensional structure increases the effective radiating area and enhances radiation power across multiple frequency bands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dipole antenna design is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the coverage across entire VHF and UHF frequency range is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design achieves multi-functionality by incorporating reflector elements, director elements, and a folded driven element that collectively enable the antenna to operate effectively across both VHF and UHF frequency bands, providing universal coverage for digital television broadcasting.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the antenna have specialized configurations optimized for specific functions: reflector elements for enhancing rearward radiation, director elements for forward directionality, and the folded driven element for broad frequency coverage. Each local configuration contributes to the overall versatility across frequency bands.
3Reliability
If digital broadcasting requirements are met, then HD signal reception is improved, but lower frequency band coverage becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The folded conductor configuration in the driven element creates a dynamic electrical length that can effectively resonate across a broad frequency range including lower VHF bands. The multiple conductor segments allow the antenna to adapt its electrical characteristics to maintain reliable signal reception across different frequency conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides highly directive radiation patterns and enhanced radiation power across the VHF and UHF bands, ensuring effective signal reception and transmission, including improved coverage for lower frequency bands, as demonstrated by simulation results showing good return loss across the frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
a driven element positioned in a middle section of the antenna support, between the first section and the second section. The driven element includes a first leg and a second leg. Each of the first leg and the second leg includes a first conductor extending from the antenna support; a second conductor extending from the first conductor at a direction generally perpendicular to the first conductor; and a third conductor extending from the second conductor.
Implementation Method 2
one or more reflector elements positioned on a first section of the antenna support
Implementation Method 3
one or more director elements positioned on a second section of the antenna support
Data Source
AI summary
Dipole antennas for use in the VHF and UHF band are provided. In one example, a dipole antenna includes a linear antenna support. The dipole antenna includes one or more reflector elements positioned on a first section of the antenna support. The dipole antenna includes one or more director elements positioned on a second section of the antenna support. The dipole antenna includes a driven element positioned in a middle section of the antenna support, the middle section being between the first section and the second section. The driven element includes a first leg and a second leg. Each of the first leg and the second leg includes a first conductor extending from the antenna support; a second conductor extending from the first conductor at a direction generally perpendicular to the first conductor; and a third conductor extending from the second conductor.