Notch Antenna Etched in PCB Ground Plane for Compact Wireless Meters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of wireless-enabled meters faces constraints such as size and orientation limitations, which make it difficult to implement conventional antennas, and requires internal antennas to avoid external risks and interference, while maintaining effective omni-directional radiation coverage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer printed circuit board with a notch antenna etched into the ground plane conductor, connected via a transmission line, allowing for vertical radiation polarization and omni-directional coverage without the need for separate antenna assemblies, and incorporating capacitive circuits to tune the antenna to desired frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dipole, monopole, or loop antennas are implemented in meter housing, then wireless transmission capability is achieved, but the meter size increases and protrusion from wall is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna function with the existing ground plane of the printed circuit board. The notch antenna is formed by etching a notch into the ground plane conductor, eliminating the need for separate antenna structures. This integration allows wireless transmission capability to be achieved without increasing meter size or protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane conductor serves dual purposes: it provides electrical grounding for the circuitry and functions as the radiating element for the antenna. The notch etched into the ground plane enables it to perform both ground reference and electromagnetic radiation functions simultaneously, reducing overall device volume.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional vertically-polarized antennas are implemented close to metering circuitry, then internal antenna configuration is achieved, but radiation gain and coverage pattern deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antenna function from traditional separate antenna structures and implements it within the existing ground plane. By forming the notch antenna directly in the ground plane conductor, the design achieves internal configuration while maintaining adequate radiation performance through proper notch geometry and positioning away from sensitive circuitry.
3Reliability
If external antennas are used for metering devices, then wireless transmission capability is achieved, but safety risks and susceptibility to tampering increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna function into the internal ground plane structure of the printed circuit board. This integration eliminates external antenna elements that could pose safety risks or be tampered with, while maintaining wireless transmission capability through the notched ground plane configuration.
4Reliability
If electronic circuitry is separated from ground and power planes for isolation, then cross-talk and interference are reduced, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna function with the ground plane itself, eliminating the need for separate antenna assemblies that would require additional space for isolation. The notch antenna is formed directly in the ground plane conductor, allowing circuitry to maintain close proximity without compromising electrical isolation or antenna performance.
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 enables compact, efficient, and effective omni-directional radiation patterns within the meter's constraints, reducing size and interference issues, while allowing for remote access and reliable signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna produce vertically-polarized electric fields in order to create effective omni-directional radiation coverage patterns
Implementation Method 2
The transmission line connects to at least one of the side portions of the notch antenna through vias or resistive through-hole connections
Implementation Method 3
A capacitive circuit may be positioned in series with the transmission line and across the notch antenna. The capacitive circuit may function to reduce and/or eliminate the inductance of the transmission line. An additional capacitive circuit may be positioned near the opened end of the notch antenna. This additional capacitive circuit may function to tune the notch antenna to a desired operating frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments contemplate a printed circuit board of at least two layers for providing remote wireless communication between a wireless device and a unit, as well as methods of creating an omni-directional radiation pattern for transmitting/receiving information using a notch antenna formed in the printed circuit board having radio frequency circuitry. The notch antenna, with a closed and opened end, may be etched or embedded into a ground plane conductor on a first layer of the board. A transmission line positioned on the bottom surface of a second layer of the board crosses under the portion of the board containing the notch antenna. A first and second intermediate layer electrically connected between the first layer and the second layer may serve as return ground planes for the transmission line. A capacitive circuit, positioned in series with the transmission line and across the notch antenna, functions to reduce and/or eliminate inductance of the transmission line.