KR101814301B1

KR101814301B1 - Multiband vehicular antenna assemblies

Info

Publication number: KR101814301B1
Application number: KR1020167003523A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 양 예; 순 진펭; 유 쳉; 유안 쉥; 첸 징아오
Original assignee: 라이르드 테크놀로지스 (상하이) 코., 엘티디.
Priority date: 2013-07-12
Filing date: 2013-07-12
Publication date: 2018-01-02
Also published as: WO2015003384A1; KR20160033720A

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment of a multi-band vehicle antenna assembly is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle antenna assembly for a body wall mount generally comprises a first antenna configured for use with an AM / FM radio. The first antenna includes a first printed circuit board having a first side and an opposite second side. An electrical conductor is disposed along the first and second sides of the first printed circuit board. An electrically conductive one-sided structure is coupled to the top of the first printed circuit board.

Description

[0001] MULTIBAND VEHICULAR ANTENNA ASSEMBLIES [0002]

The present disclosure generally relates to multi-band vehicle antenna assemblies.

This section does not necessarily provide prior art as well as background information related to this disclosure.

Various types of antennas are used in the automotive industry, including AM / FM radio antennas, satellite digital audio radio service antennas, satellite navigation system antennas, mobile phone antennas, and so on. Multi-band antenna assemblies are also commonly used in the automotive industry. Multi-band antenna assemblies typically encompass multiple antennas to cover and operate over a plurality of frequency ranges. A printed circuit board (PCB) having radiating antenna elements is a typical component of a multi-band antenna assembly.

To ensure that the car antenna has a clear view towards the top or ceiling, the car antenna can be mounted or mounted on a vehicle surface such as a vehicle roof, trunk or hood. The antenna may be connected to one or more electronic devices (e.g., a radio receiver, touch screen display, navigation device, cellular phone, etc.) within the vehicle cabin (e.g., via coaxial cable or the like) And becomes operable to send and receive signals to and from the device (s).

According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments of multi-band vehicle antenna assemblies are disclosed.

This section provides a general summary of the present disclosure, but is not a complete disclosure of the full scope or all of its constituent parts.

According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments of multi-band vehicle antenna assemblies are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle antenna assembly for a body wall mount generally comprises a first antenna configured for use with an AM / FM radio. The first antenna includes a first printed circuit board having a first side and an opposing second side. An electrical conductor is disposed along the first and second sides of the first printed circuit board. An electrically conductive one-sided structure is coupled to the top of the first printed circuit board.

Additional areas of applicability will be apparent from the detailed description provided herein. The description and specific examples of the present summary are given by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly incorporating one or more aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the antenna assembly of FIG. 1 in an assembled state, wherein a cover or radome is not shown.
3 is a perspective view of the AM / FM antenna component of the antenna assembly shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the AM / FM antenna component shown in FIG. 3, also showing the GPS antenna component of the antenna assembly shown in FIG.
5 is a perspective view showing the opposite side of the AM / FM antenna component shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the AM / FM antenna shown in FIG. 5, illustrating a planar structure in which a portion or tab protruding outward from a planar structure within a hole or slot of a printed circuit board (PCB), according to an exemplary embodiment, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > alignment < / RTI > of the structure with the top of the PCB.
7 is a perspective view of an AM / FM antenna component including an AM / FM antenna having a planar structure soldered onto the top of a printed circuit board according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an AM / FM antenna component including a stamped AM / FM antenna element mechanically fastened to the top of a printed circuit board, wherein the comparison of FIGS. 7 and 8 is performed by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure It helps to illustrate the narrow or thin top profile that can be realized.
9 is a perspective view showing a radome or cover disposed over the AM / FM antenna component shown in FIG.
10 is a perspective view illustrating a radome or cover disposed over the AM / FM antenna component shown in FIG. 8, and the comparison of FIGS. 9 and 10 shows a narrower Or to demonstrate a thin top profile.
Fig. 11 shows the frequency-dependent dBr per kilohertz (KHz) measured for AM / FM antenna components of the exemplary antenna assembly prototypes of Figs. 1 and 2 installed on a generally circular ground plane with a diameter of 1 m Is the line graph of AM (Amplitude Modulation) relative gain, which shows the signal strength in units of decibel.
Fig. 12 shows dBi (dB) per megahertz (MHz) measured for AM / FM antenna components of the exemplary antenna assembly prototypes of Figs. 1 and 2 installed on a generally circular ground plane of 1 m diameter, - isotropy) unit linear average FM gain.
Figures 13-19 illustrate the radiation pattern for the AM / FM antenna component of the exemplary antenna assembly prototypes of Figures 1 and 2 mounted on a generally circular ground plane with a diameter of 1 m, 12.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The inventors have recognized the need for smaller (e.g., narrower or thinner) multiband vehicle antenna assemblies that do not require complex manufacturing processes for AM / FM antenna component fabrication. Accordingly, the present inventor has disclosed an exemplary embodiment of a multi-band vehicle antenna assembly or system that is small or compact in overall size as the top profile is narrow or thin.

In an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly, an AM / FM antenna is shown that includes a generally planar or flat electrically conductive structure or element (e.g., a stamped sheet metal element). The electrically conductive structure or element is coupled to an upper portion of an AM / FM printed circuit board (PCB) antenna (e.g., a printed circuit board having an electrically conductive trace around it) (e.g., a screw, clip, or other separate mechanical fastener Soldered without use). In use, the electrically conductive structure or element operates to form a capacitive load portion of the AM / FM antenna. By using electrically conductive structures or elements that are generally planar or flat, as shown in the comparison of Figures 9 and 10, a narrow or thin top radome, housing or cover can be used. This results in the overall size or profile of the antenna assembly being reduced and / or allowing the radome to have a narrower, better style (e.g., an aesthetically pleasing and aerodynamic shark fin structure). For example, the radome may be about 177 mm in length, about 68.3 mm in height, about 74.5 mm in maximum width, and about 8 mm in minimum width (near top).

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 100 that includes at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the antenna assembly 100 includes a chassis 104 (or a base) and first and second antennas 108, 108 that are disposed together or supported by the chassis on a chassis 104 as disclosed herein, 112).

The first antenna 108 is a vertical monopole antenna configured for use with an AM / FM radio (e.g., configured to receive a given AM / FM radio signal). In the present exemplary embodiment, the AM / FM antenna 108 includes or is limited by a first printed circuit board 116. The AM / FM antenna PCB 116 is coupled to another or second printed circuit board 120 disposed toward the rear of the chassis 104. The PCB 116 is generally perpendicular to the PCB 120. The PCB 120 is coupled to the chassis 104 by a mechanical fastener 124. The AM / FM antenna PCB 116 may be coupled to the PCB 120 by solder or the like. Other suitable couplings may be used if desired. In addition, the AM / FM antenna PCB 116 may extend downward to assist in positioning and / or coupling the AM / FM antenna PCB 116 on the PCB 120, As shown in Fig.

An electrically conductive trace 128 (broadly an electrical conductor) is provided along the middle portion of the AM / FM antenna PCB 116 to provide an inductive load to the AM / FM antenna 108. The trace 128 defines an inductive load portion of the AM / FM antenna 108 on the middle portion side of the AM / FM antenna PCB 116. Traces 128 may be etched around the PCB 116. The traces 128 are oriented substantially parallel to each other along each side of the AM / FM antenna PCB 116 and extend longitudinally along the AM / FM antenna PCB 116. The ends of the traces 128 either extend around the AM / FM antenna PCB 116 or extend through the AM / FM antenna PCB 116 (at the side edge side position of the PCB 116) To the corresponding traces 128 on opposite sides of the substrate. As such, the trace 128 defines a continuous electrical path that wraps at least a portion of the AM / FM antenna 108 (e.g., wraps the AM / FM antenna PCB 116 clockwise as viewed from above). In the illustrated embodiment, ten traces 128 are disposed along the first and second surfaces of the AM / FM antenna PCB 116. Other antenna assemblies may include a different number of traces (e.g., 9 traces or 11 traces) as needed. Also, the number of traces provided on each side of the AM / FM antenna PCB 116 may be different.

A trace 130 extends from the bottom trace 128 and is soldered to the PCB 120 to electrically connect the trace 128 to the PCB 120. [ Alternate embodiments may include other means for electrically connecting traces 128 to the PCB 120. For example, a coupling wire may be used to electrically connect the AM / FM antenna 108 to the PCB 120. The coupling wire may be connected to the lower trace of the PCB 116 via the PCB 120 (e.g., via a solder connection). Electrical connection of the trace 128 to the PCB 116 helps to define the inductive load of the AM / FM antenna 108. One or more upper traces on the PCB 116 may be electrically connected to the electrically conductive structure or element 132 (e.g., via a solder connection). Electrical connection of the trace 128 to the electrically conductive structure or element 132 helps to define the capacitive load of the AM / FM antenna 108.

An electrically conductive structure or element 132 is coupled to the top of the AM / FM antenna PCB 116. In this specification, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 may be referred to as an upper load element or plate.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 may be coupled to the AM / FM antenna PCB 116 without the use of screws, clips or other mechanical fasteners (e.g., soldering . In this exemplary embodiment, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 includes a portion or tab that protrudes outwardly (e.g., vertically) from the planar or flat portion 138 (FIG. 6) of the electrically conductive structure or element 132 (136). The tab 136 may be coupled to or disposed in an opening, a hole, or a slot in the PCB 116. Placing the tabs 136 in the openings 140 may facilitate alignment of the electrically conductive structures or elements 132 on the PCB 116 during assembly prior to soldering the electrically conductive structures or elements 132 to the PCB 116, And can help to maintain. Therefore, this embodiment does not need to use a separate contact clip to electrically connect the upper load element to the PCB, nor does it need to use a mechanical fastener to directly attach the upper load element to the radome. For example, it is not necessary to use screws to directly attach the electrically conductive structure or element 132 to the radome, cover or housing 156. In this embodiment, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 is attached directly to the PCB 116, but the electrically conductive structure or element 132 is not attached directly to the radome 156. [ Also, there is no need to use a contact clip between the PCB 116 and the electrically conductive structure or element 132. Alternately, other embodiments may include other means for soldering or connecting the electrically conductive structure or element 132 to the PCB 116. [

The electrically conductive structure or element 132 is made of one or more suitable electrically conductive materials (e.g., sheet metal). In an exemplary embodiment, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 comprises stamped sheet metal. For example, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 may be stamped from a single piece of sheet metal or other suitable electrically conductive material. As shown in FIG. 6, the stamped material may form portions or tabs 140 that protrude outwardly from the stamped sheet metal, which is bent or folded. However, in the present embodiment, the remainder of the stamped sheet metal piece, other than folded or bent or formed tabs 140, is not folded or folded or otherwise formed in a three-dimensional manner. In this embodiment, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 can be manufactured at a relatively low cost without going through an overly complicated process.

The electrically conductive structure or element 132 has a sheet-like structure that is generally flat and planar except for the tabs 140. Thus, most or substantially all of the electrically conductive structure or element 132 has a flat, planar sheet-like structure and is parallel to the PCB 116. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 is present in substantially the same plane as the trace 128 on the same side PCB 116 as the corresponding element 132, Lt; / RTI > In other words, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 may be substantially within the footprint or thickness of the trace 128 on the same side PCB 116 as the corresponding element 132, and may protrude significantly out of that footprint or thickness It does not.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 may be disposed on or along the center or longitudinal centerline axis of the PCB 120 and the antenna assembly 100. In this embodiment, the PCB 120 and the longitudinal centerline of the antenna assembly 100 extend backward from the front of the PCB and antenna assembly. Thus, in this embodiment, when the electrically conductive structure or element 132 is disposed on or along the longitudinal centerline axis of the PCB 120, the PCB 116 may be eccentric or may be offset from the longitudinal center line < RTI ID = 0.0 > It is off axis. In this way, the width of the upper portion of the radome 156 can be reduced and made narrower.

In alternative embodiments, the electrically conductive structure or element may not include tabs 140. In this case, the entire electrically conductive structure may have a flat and planar sheet-like structure and may be parallel to the AM / FM antenna PCB. Further, in this alternative embodiment, the electrically conductive structure or the entire element may be present in substantially the same plane or coplanar with the AM / FM antenna PCB and traces thereon. In other words, the entire electrically conductive structure or element of this embodiment is substantially present in the footprint or width of the AM / FM antenna PCB and the traces thereon, and does not protrude significantly out of that footprint or width.

3, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 is configured such that a slot or gap 114 is defined between the front portion 148 of the electrically conductive structure 132 and the front portion 152 of the PCB 116 (E.g., molded or dimensioned). Slot 114 may be configured to provide impedance matching and increase the length of the antenna element to lower the center frequency. Transmission to the antenna assembly 100 is generally improved through impedance matching.

In use, the electrically conductive structure or element 132 operates to form a capacitive load portion of the AM / FM antenna 106. It is also possible to use a narrow or thin radome, housing or cover 156 (FIG. 1) on top by using a generally planar or flat electrically conductive structure or element 132.

In some exemplary embodiments, an electrically conductive plating portion may be provided on top of the AM / FM antenna PCB 116 to provide a capacitive load to the AM / FM antenna 108. For example, the electrically conductive plated portion may be provided on the AM / FM antenna PCB 116 such that the electrically conductive plated portion is below the element 132 between the PCB 116 and the element 132. Electrically conductive plating helps to define a capacitive load on the top side of the AM / FM antenna PCB 116.

The AM / FM antenna 108 may be operable at one or more frequencies including, for example, frequencies in the range of about 140 KHz to about 110 MHz. For example, the illustrated AM / FM antenna 108 may resonate in the FM band (e.g., at a frequency of about 88 MHz to about 108 MHz) and may operate at the AM frequency, To a frequency of about 1735 KHz). The AM / FM antenna 108 may be sized and / or adjusted by adjusting the size and / or number and / or orientation and / or type of traces 128 provided, for example, by adjusting the dimensions of the electrically conductive structure 132, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > frequency band of < / RTI > For example, the AM / FM antenna may comprise a Japanese FM frequency (e.g., including frequencies from about 76 MHz to about 93 MHz), a DAV-VHF- III, other similar VHF bands, or other frequency bands.

The second antenna 112 of the illustrated antenna assembly 100 is configured for use with a GPS (e.g., configured to receive a predetermined GPS signal). The second antenna 112 includes a patch antenna 160 coupled to the third PCB 164. The PCB 164 is coupled to the chassis 104 by a mechanical fastener 124 at a front side position of the chassis 104. The GPS antenna 112 may be operable at one or more predetermined frequencies including, for example, frequencies in the range of about 1,574 MHz to 1,576 MHz. In addition, the GPS antenna 112 may be tuned to operate at a predetermined frequency band, for example, by changing the dielectric used in association with the GPS antenna 112, or by changing the size of the metal plating portion, if necessary.

(E.g., coaxial cable) of the mobile platform or vehicle through an electrical connector (not shown) (e.g., through an opening 169 (Figure 2) in the chassis 104 aligned with the opening of the vehicle roof) May be attached to the PCB 120, 164 to join the PCB 100 to the PCB 120, 164. In this manner, the PCB 120 and / or the PCB 164 can receive signals from the respective antennas 108 and 112, process them, and transmit processed signals to appropriate communication lines. Alternatively or additionally, the PCB 120 and / or the PCB 164 may process the signal to be transmitted via or through a respective antenna 108, 112. Of course, antennas 108 and 112 may receive and / or transmit radio signals as needed. The electrical connector may be an International Standards Organization (ISO) standard electrical connector or a Fakra connector attached to the PCB 120, Thus, a coaxial cable (or other appropriate communication line) may be relatively easily connected to the electrical connector and used to transmit signals received by the AM / FM antenna 108 and the GPS antenna 120 to the in-vehicle device. In this embodiment, the use of a standard ISO electrical connector or a parka connector can reduce the cost compared to an antenna installation that requires custom design and punching for electrical connection between the antenna assembly 100 and the cable. In addition, a plug-type electrical connection between the communication line and the electrical connector of the antenna assembly can be made by the installer without the installer having to make complicated wiring or cable settings through the car wall. Thus, the plug-type electrical connection can be made easily without performing any special technical and / or skilled work on the installer side. In alternative embodiments, other types of electrical connectors and communication lines (e.g., pig tail connectors) may be used in addition to standard ISO electrical connectors, parka connectors, and coaxial cables.

The radome 156 substantially seals the components of the antenna assembly 100 within the radome 156 to prevent contaminants (e.g., dust, moisture, etc.) from penetrating into the inner enclosure of the radome 156, You can protect elements. In addition, the radome 156 can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the antenna assembly 100 and can be configured (e.g., dimensioned, molded or fabricated) to have an aerodynamic structure. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the radome 156 has an aesthetically pleasing and aerodynamic shark fin structure. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the antenna assembly may include a radome having a structure other than that shown herein, e.g., a structure other than a shark fin structure. The radome 156 may be formed from a polymer, urethane, a plastic (e.g., a polycarbonate blend, a polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (PC / ABS) blend), glass- Materials (e.g., Geloy® XP4034 from GE Plastics), and the like.

The radome 156 is configured to fit on the first and second antennas 108 and 112 and their respective PCBs 120 and 164. The radome 156 is configured to be secured to the chassis 104. The chassis 104 is configured to be fixed to a vehicle body wall, such as a car roof. The radome 156 may be attached to the radome 156 through any suitable means, for example, through a snap fit connection, a mechanical fastener (e.g., a screw or other fastener), ultrasonic welding, solvent welding, heat fusion, latching, bayonet connection, And the like. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the radome 156 may be secured to the chassis by screws 168. Alternatively, the radome 156 may be directly connected to the bodywork wall within the scope of this disclosure.

The chassis 104 may be formed of a material similar to the material used to form the radome 156. For example, the chassis 104 may be formed of one or more alloys, such as zinc alloys. Alternatively, within the scope of this disclosure, the chassis 104 may be formed of plastic by suitable forming processes, such as a die casting process, or may be injection molded from polymer, steel, and other materials (including composites).

The antenna assembly 100 includes a first retaining component 176 (e.g., retention clip) and a second retaining component 180 (e.g., a retaining clip), such as a fastening member 172 (e.g., a threaded mounting bolt with a hexagonal head) Insulation clip). The fastening member 172 and retaining members 176 and 180 may be used to mount the antenna assembly on a roof, hood or trunk of an automobile (e.g., to have a panoramic view upward or toward the ceiling) The mounting surface serves as a ground plane for the antenna assembly 100 and improves signal reception performance. Relatively large ground planes (e.g., car roofs, etc.) generally improve the reception performance of radio signals with lower frequencies. And, the large ground plane is not considered to be trivial compared to the operating wavelength of the AM / FM antenna 108.

The first retention component 176 includes a leg and the second retention component 180 includes a tapered surface. The legs of the first retention component 176 are configured to contact the corresponding tapered surfaces of the second retention component 180. The first and second retention elements 176. 180 also include aligned apertures for threading the threaded openings of the chassis 104 through the fastening members 172. [

The fastening member 172 and retention elements 176 and 180 allow the antenna assembly 100 to be mounted and fixedly mounted on the body wall. The fastening member 172 and retaining components 176, 180 may be first assembled to the chassis 104 prior to mounting the antenna on the vehicle. Subsequently, the antenna assembly 100 is mounted (from the outside of the vehicle) to the vehicle body wall so that the fastening member 172 and the retaining components 176,180 are inserted into the mounting holes (e.g., pulled down through the mounting holes) Holes. &Lt; / RTI > Subsequently, the chassis 104 is disposed along the outer surface of the vehicle body wall. The fastener 172 is accessible from the inside of the vehicle. Thus, in this stage of the installation process, the antenna assembly 100 can be held in place against the bodywork wall at the first installation location.

The legs of the first retention component 176 are deformed and the body of the vehicle is deformed when the first retention component 176 is generally compressed in the direction of the mounting hole by driving the engaging member 172 in the direction of the antenna base 104. [ And can extend generally outwardly with respect to the mounting hole so as to come into close contact with the inner partition side of the wall, thereby fixing the antenna assembly 100 to the vehicle body wall at the second operating installation position. However, this installation process is only one example of a method of installing an antenna assembly in a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, alternative mechanisms, processes, and means may be used to install the antenna assembly (e.g., antenna assembly 100) in the vehicle.

The antenna assembly 100 includes a sealing member 184 (e.g., an o-ring, elastically compressible elastomeric or foam gasket, or PORON fine) disposed between the chassis 104 and the vehicle roof (or other mounting surface) Urethane foam gasket, etc.). The sealing member 184 can substantially seal the chassis 104 with respect to the roof and substantially seal the mounting holes of the roof. The antenna assembly 100 includes a sealing member 188 disposed between the radome 156 and the chassis 104 to substantially seal the radome 156 relative to the chassis 104 (e.g., an o-ring, Elastomer or foam gaskets, corks, adhesives, or other suitable packing or sealing members, etc.). In this embodiment, the sealing member 188 may be at least partially seated along the chassis 104 or within a recess defined by the chassis.

The antenna assembly 100 may include one or more gaskets (not shown) coupled to the bottom of the chassis 104. In operation, the gasket allows the chassis 104 to be reliably grounded to the vehicle roof and allows the antenna assembly 100 to be used on roofs with varying degrees of curvature. The gasket may include electrically conductive fingers (e.g., metallic or metal spring fingers, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket comprises a fingerstock gasket of Laird Technologies, Inc.

The antenna assembly 100 further includes a vibration damping member (e.g., a foam pad, a foam tape, etc.). For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, foam pads 192 and 196 may be disposed around the front and back portions of the electrically conductive structure or element 132. The foam pads 192, 196 help to keep the front and rear portions in place and / or to suppress vibration during travel of a vehicle equipped with the antenna assembly 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 200 that includes at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the antenna assembly 200 includes a radome, housing or cover 256 disposed over the AM / FM antenna 208 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the AM / FM antenna 208 may include similar configurations to the AM / FM antenna 108 shown in FIGS. 1-7. For example, the AM / FM antenna 208 includes or is limited by the PCB 216. The AM / FM antenna PCB 216 is coupled to the PCB 220. An electrically conductive trace 228 (broadly an electrical conductor) is provided along the middle portion of the AM / FM antenna PCB 216 to provide an inductive load to the AM / FM antenna 208. An electrically conductive structure or element 232 (e.g., a top load element or plate) is coupled (e.g., soldered) to the top of the AM / FM antenna PCB 216. In this embodiment, the electrically conductive structure or element 232 has a sheet-like structure that is generally flat and planar. As shown in Fig. 9, due to this flat structure of the upper load element, the radome can have a narrower, better style (e.g., an aesthetically pleasing and aerodynamic shark fin structure).

Figure 8, on the other hand, shows an AM / FM antenna 308 that includes or is limited to a PCB 316. The AM / FM antenna PCB 316 is coupled to the PCB 320. An electrically conductive trace 328 (broadly an electrical conductor) is provided along the middle portion of the AM / FM antenna PCB 316. PCB 320 (FIG. 8) is larger than PCB 220 (FIG. 7) because PCB 320 is configured to support both AM / FM antenna PCB 316 and at least one wireless antenna (not shown) . On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the PCB 220 is configured to support the AM / FM antenna PCB 216 but not the wireless antenna.

Continuing with FIG. 8, the AM / FM antenna 308 includes a wide, non-planar, wide top load element 332. Further, the upper load element 332 can be screwed to the inner surface of the radome. The clip may be soldered to the top of the PCB 316 to electrically connect the PCB 316 and the element 332 by a breakover. 9, due to the increased width or footprint of the upper load element 332 and the manner in which the upper load element is coupled to the radome 356 and PCB 316, A radome 356 (FIG. 10), for example, a larger and higher, is needed for the AM / FM antenna 308.

A sample prototype antenna assembly having a configuration similar to the corresponding configuration of the antenna assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 was fabricated and tested. Figures 11 to 19 provide analytical results measured for prototype antenna assemblies. In general, the results show that the AM / FM performance is excellent despite the fact that the antenna assembly is smaller overall size and narrower profile than some conventional antennas. The analysis results shown in Figures 11 to 19 are presented for illustrative purposes only and not for purposes of limitation. Alternate embodiments of the antenna assembly may be configured differently and may have different operational or performance parameters than those shown in FIGS. 11-19.

Figure 11 shows the signal intensity in dBr per frequency in kilohertz (KHz) measured for the AM / FM antenna component of the sample prototype antenna assembly installed on a generally circular ground plane with a diameter of 1 m (Amplitude Modulation) relative gain, which is shown in FIG. As shown, the sample prototype antenna assembly has excellent signal strength for AM frequencies such as -3.55 dBr at 792 KHz, -3.38 dBr at 990 KHz, -2.66 dBr at 1197 KHz, and -2.42 dBr at 1422 KHz. In addition, the sample prototype antenna assembly has a signal strength of -34.10 dBm (1 milliwatts reference decibel) at 792 KHz, -28.10 dBr at 990 KHz, -39.31 dBr at 1197 KHz, and -41.72 dBr at 1422 KHz.

Figure 12 is a graphical representation of the linear vertical of dBi (decibel-isotropic) units of frequency in megahertz (MHz) measured for the AM / FM antenna components of the sample prototype antenna assembly installed on a generally circular ground plane of 1 m diameter. (According to the corresponding data shown in Table 1) of the average FM gain. As shown, the sample prototype antenna assembly exhibits excellent linear gain over the entire FM (frequency modulation) frequency band of 88 MHz to 108 MHz. Since the AM / FM antenna is fixed in a substantially vertical posture when the antenna assembly is mounted on a vehicle roof or other location, the vertical gain is indicative of the ability of the AM / FM antenna to receive signals from a substantially vertical top It is an important characteristic.

Example of vertical gain of AM / FM antenna Frequency (MHz) Vertical gain (dBi) 76 -14.81 78 -10.14 80 -8.06 82 -4.95 84 -4.26 86 -2.39 88 -3.56 90 -2.68 92 -5.49 94 -5.61 96 -3.27 98 2.65 100 3.40 101 3.44 102 2.48 103 1.17 104 0.91 105 -1.27 106 -2.48 107 -3.62 108 -6.28

Figures 13 to 19 show the radiation pattern for the AM / FM antenna component of the sample prototype antenna assembly of Figures 1 and 2 installed on a generally circular ground plane of 1 meter diameter at the frequencies listed in Table 1 . The linear average gain described in Figs. 13 to 19 is also shown in Fig.

As disclosed herein, a multi-band vehicle antenna 100 includes an AM / FM antenna 108 and a GPS antenna 112. The AM / In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly does not include another antenna (e.g., GPS antenna 112), and a generally planar or flat electrically conductive structure or element (e.g., 132) FM antenna (e. G., 108) coupled to the top of the base station (e. G., 116). In another exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly may include an AM / FM antenna (e.g., 108) as described herein, and may include one or more antennas instead of or in addition to a GPS antenna. For example, an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly may include an AM / FM antenna (e.g., 108) as disclosed herein and may include an SDARS antenna (e.g., a patch antenna) instead of a GPS antenna. Or, for example, an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly may include an AM / FM antenna, a GPS antenna, and an SDARS patch antenna disclosed herein. The GPS patch antenna may be stacked over the SDARS patch antenna or adjacent to or in parallel with the SDARS patch antenna.

As an additional example, an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly may be operable in the AM / FM frequency band through the AM / FM antenna (e.g., 108) disclosed herein and may be used for wireless communication, Wi-Fi, (MIMO) antenna assembly operable in one or more other frequency bands related to satellite signals, DSRC, satellite signals, terrestrial signals, and the like. For example, an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly may include an AM frequency band, an FM frequency band, and a satellite navigation system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), a satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) , AMPS, GSM850, GSM900, PCS, GSM1800, GSM1900, AWS, UMTS, DAB-VHF-III, DAB-L, Long Term Evolution (eg 4G, 3G, other LTE generations, LTE (700 MHz), Wi-Fi, WiMAX, PCS, Education Broadband Services (EBS), Broadband Radio Services (BRS), Broadband Wireless Services / Internet Services (WCS) Or any combination (or all) of one or more of the country-specific radio frequency bandwidth (s) and / or one or more of the frequency bandwidth (s) listed in Table 2 and / or Table 3.

Type of system / band Upper limit frequency (MHz) Lower limit frequency (MHz) 700 MHz band 698 862 B17 (LTE) 704 787 AMPS / GSM850 824 894 GSM900 (E-GSM) 880 960 DCS1800 (GSM1800) 1710 1880 PCS / GSM1900 1850 1990 W CD MA / UMTS 1920 2170 2.3 GHz band IMT extension 2300 2400 IEEE 802.11B / G 2400 2500 EBS / BRS 2496 2690 WilMAX MMDS 2500 2690 BROADBAND RADIO SERVICES / BRS (MMDS) 2700 2900 WIMAX (3.5 GHz) 3400 3600 PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO 4940 4990

treason
Tx / Uplink (MHz) Rx / downlink (MHz) start stop start stop GSM850 / AMP 824.00 849.00 869.00 894.00 GSM900 876.00 914.80 915.40 959.80 AWS 1710.00 1755.80 2214.00 2180.00 GSM1800 1710.00 1784.80 1805.20 1879.80 GSM1900 1850.00 1910.00 1930.00 1990.00 UMTS 1920.00 1980.00 2110.00 2170.00 LTE 2010.00 2025.00 2010.00 2025.00 LTE 2300.00 2400.00 2300.00 2400.00 LTE 2496.00 2690.00 2496.00 2690.00 LTE 2545.00 2575.00 2545.00 2575.00 LTE 2570.00 2620.00 2570.00 2620.00

Thus, an exemplary embodiment of a multi-band vehicle antenna assembly is disclosed herein that includes a substantially planar or flat electrically conductive structure or element coupled (e.g., soldered) above or above an AM / FM antenna PCB. This exemplary embodiment can provide one or more (not necessarily all or part of) the following advantages and benefits in comparison to some existing multi-band vehicle antenna assemblies. For example, an exemplary embodiment may include a narrow or thin top radome, a housing, or a cover, as shown, for example, in the comparison of Figs. 9 and 10. This results in the overall size or profile of the antenna assembly being reduced and / or allowing the radome to have a better style (e.g., aesthetically pleasing and aerodynamic shark fin structure, etc.) of a narrow width. A generally planar or flat electrically conductive structure or element can be a relatively low cost component and / or can be manufactured at a relatively low cost without going through an overly complicated process. The exemplary embodiment may have excellent electrical performance as shown in Figs. 11 to 19. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrically conductive structure or element can be soldered to the top of the AM / FM printed circuit board to prevent potential rattling problems and / or to prevent radome and / or AM / FM PCB It is possible to eliminate the need for a separate mechanical fastener (e.g., screws, clips, etc.) that must be used to attach the upper load element to the upper load element.

In addition, the various antenna assemblies (e.g., 100) disclosed herein may be mounted on a variety of support structures including a stationary platform and a mobile platform. For example, the antenna assembly (e.g., 100) described herein may be mounted on a support structure of a bus, a train, an airplane, a bicycle, a motorcycle, and a ship, among other mobile platforms. Accordingly, the specific reference herein to an automobile should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to any particular type of support structure or environment.

Exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as particular elements, devices, and methods in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain details need not be employed and that the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in various forms and that the details and examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well known processes, well known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail. It should also be noted that while the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein provide all or none of the above-mentioned advantages and improvements, and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure, the advantages And improvements are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The particular dimensions, specific materials and / or specific shapes described herein are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure of this specification for a particular value and range of values for a given parameter does not exclude other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. In addition, any two specific values for a particular parameter set forth herein are intended to define the endpoint of a range of values that may be appropriate for a given parameter (the initiation of the first and second values for a given parameter is It can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first value and the second value can be employed for a given parameter). For example, in the present specification, when the parameter X has the value A and is illustrated as having the value Z, the parameter X is allowed to have a value range of about A to about Z. Likewise, disclosure of a range of two or more values for a parameter may be made using any range of possible values that can be asserted using the endpoint of the disclosed range (whether this range is superimposed, overlapped, or distinctly separated) And the like. For example, where parameter X is exemplified herein as having a value in the range of 1 to 10, 2 to 9, or 3 to 8, the parameter X is 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 3, 1 to 2 , 2 to 10, 2 to 8, 2 to 3, 3 to 10, and 3 to 9.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The word "comprise," "comprises," "includes," and "comprises" are used in a generic sense and thus specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / Does not exclude the presence of other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof. Steps, procedures, and operations of the methods described herein should not be construed as necessarily being performed in the specific order that is being examined or illustrated unless specifically verified to be the order of execution. Naturally additional or alternative steps may also be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being "contacted", "fastened", "connected", or "coupled" to another element or layer, it can be directly contacted, fastened, Elements or layers may exist. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly contacted", "directly connected", "directly connected", or "directly coupled" to another element or layer, there can be no intervening elements or layers. Other terms used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly in between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent"). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any or all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items.

The term "about" when used in a value means that the calculation also allows for a somewhat inaccurate value, even if the measurement is an approximation of the correct value, i.e., approximately or substantially similar to or close to the value. Otherwise, if for some reason the inaccuracy provided by "about" is not understood in the technical sense in this ordinary sense, "about" as used herein may be attributed to the normal measurement method or the use of such parameters. Indicates the minimum deviation. For example, the terms " generally ", "about ", and" substantially "may be used herein to mean within manufacturing tolerances. Alternatively, for example, the term "about" as used herein when modifying an ingredient or an amount of a reactant of the present invention is intended to encompass, by way of example, ordinary measurement and manipulation procedures used in the production of a concentrate or solution, Refers to deviations in the quantity that can be caused by unintended errors in the procedure and by differences in the manufacture, source or purity of the components employed to make the composition or perform the method. In addition, the term " about "refers to an amount that varies due to different equilibrium conditions of the composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. The claims, whether modified by the term " about " or not, include equivalents of the quantities.

It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / Should not be limited by. These terms may only be used for the purpose of distinguishing one element, part, section, layer or section from another section, layer or section. As used herein, the terms " first ", "second ", and other numbers associated with a number are not meant to be a procedure or order, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Accordingly, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is to be understood that the spatial relative terms such as "inner," " outer, "" under," " May be used herein to facilitate describing the relationship to the feature (s). Spatial relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if an apparatus in the drawings is inverted, elements described as being "under" or "under" other elements or features will be oriented "above" other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" may include both orientation up and down. The device can be oriented in different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in different orientations), and the spatial mate- rials used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to a particular embodiment, and may be used interchangeably and in selected embodiments where appropriate, if not explicitly shown and described. They may also be modified in various ways. Such modifications are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A first antenna configured for use with an AM / FM radio,
The first antenna includes:
A first printed circuit board having a first side and an opposite side second side,
An electrical conductor disposed along the first and second sides of the first printed circuit board,
An electrically conductive planar structure coupled to an upper portion of the first printed circuit board such that the electrically conductive planar structure operates to define a capacitive load of the first antenna,
Wherein the electrically conductive planar structure includes a planar portion having a sheet-like structure, the planar portion of the electrically conductive planar structure being parallel to the first printed circuit board,
Wherein the electrically conductive planar structure is configured such that a slot or gap is defined between the front portion of the electrically conductive planar structure and the first printed circuit board.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive planar structure is soldered to the top of the first printed circuit board,
Wherein the electrically conductive planar structure is coupled to the top of the first printed circuit board without using mechanical fasteners or contact clips.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive planar structure is coplanar with the first printed circuit board and the electrical conductor,
Wherein the electrically conductive planar structure is within a footprint defined by the first printed circuit board and the electrical conductor,
Wherein the electrically conductive planar structure comprises stamped sheet metal.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive planar structure further comprises a tab projecting outwardly from the planar portion,
Wherein the first printed circuit board includes an opening configured to receive the tab,
Wherein said tabs are disposed within said opening to assist in aligning and maintaining said electrically conductive planar structure on said first printed circuit board during assembly prior to soldering said electrically conductive planar structure to said first printed circuit board, A vehicle antenna assembly for mounting a body wall.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the electrically conductive planar structure is entirely flat and planar except for the tab,
To facilitate soldering the electrically conductive planar structure to the first printed circuit board by helping to align and maintain the electrically conductive planar structure on the first printed circuit board by engaging the tabs within the aperture, Whereby the electrically conductive planar structure is electrically connected to the first printed circuit board without using a separate contact clip,
Wherein the electrically conductive planar structure comprises stamped sheet metal having a fold that defines the tab.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical conductor is interconnected around at least a portion of the printed circuit board to establish a continuous electrical path around at least a portion of the printed circuit board, And is operable to limit the load,
Wherein the electrical conductors are defined by traces along first and second sides of the first printed circuit board.

2. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive planar structure is configured to be mounted to and fixedly mounted to a vehicle body wall after being inserted into a mounting hole of the vehicle body wall from the outside of the vehicle and gripped at an inner compartment side, Wherein the slot or gap is configured to be defined between the front side of the planar structure and the vertical side edge of the first printed circuit board, the slot or gap being configured to provide impedance matching and increase the length of the antenna element to lower the center frequency, A vehicle antenna assembly for wall mounting.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A chassis,
A radome coupled to the chassis such that the inner enclosure is confined by the radome and the chassis;
Further comprising a second antenna operable in at least one frequency band different from the AM / FM radio,
Wherein the first and second antennas are disposed within the inner containment body.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the electrically conductive planar structure is not directly attached to the radome,
Wherein the electrically conductive planar structure is mounted to the first printed circuit board without a contact clip electrically connecting the electrically conductive planar structure to the first printed circuit board and without a mechanical fastener attaching the electrically conductive planar structure directly to the radome. Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 >
Wherein the radome comprises a shark fin structure having an upper portion configured to receive the electrically conductive planar structure.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first printed circuit board is coupled to a second printed circuit board,
The second antenna includes a patch antenna configured to be operable to receive a satellite signal, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal,
The patch antenna being coupled to a third printed circuit board,
And the second and third printed circuit boards are coupled to the chassis.