EP1672734A1 - Mât d'antenne unifilaire - Google Patents

Mât d'antenne unifilaire Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1672734A1
EP1672734A1 EP05077720A EP05077720A EP1672734A1 EP 1672734 A1 EP1672734 A1 EP 1672734A1 EP 05077720 A EP05077720 A EP 05077720A EP 05077720 A EP05077720 A EP 05077720A EP 1672734 A1 EP1672734 A1 EP 1672734A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
section
antenna
helical structure
electrical conductor
antenna mast
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05077720A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Daniel G. Morris
Steven V. Byrne
Nazar F. Bally
Loren M. Thompson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Delphi Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Delphi Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delphi Technologies Inc filed Critical Delphi Technologies Inc
Publication of EP1672734A1 publication Critical patent/EP1672734A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q11/00—Electrically-long antennas having dimensions more than twice the shortest operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
    • H01Q11/02—Non-resonant antennas, e.g. travelling-wave antenna
    • H01Q11/08—Helical antennas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/005—Damping of vibrations; Means for reducing wind-induced forces
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/32—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
    • H01Q1/325—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the location of the antenna on the vehicle
    • H01Q1/3275—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the location of the antenna on the vehicle mounted on a horizontal surface of the vehicle, e.g. on roof, hood, trunk
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/36—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith
    • H01Q1/362—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith for broadside radiating helical antennas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q5/00—Arrangements for simultaneous operation of antennas on two or more different wavebands, e.g. dual-band or multi-band arrangements
    • H01Q5/30—Arrangements for providing operation on different wavebands
    • H01Q5/307—Individual or coupled radiating elements, each element being fed in an unspecified way
    • H01Q5/342—Individual or coupled radiating elements, each element being fed in an unspecified way for different propagation modes
    • H01Q5/357—Individual or coupled radiating elements, each element being fed in an unspecified way for different propagation modes using a single feed point

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates generally to antenna systems. More particularly, this disclosure relates to antenna masts.
  • vehicle communication systems for receiving or transmitting signals.
  • vehicle audio systems provide information and entertainment to many motorists daily. These audio systems typically include an AM/FM radio receiver that receives radio frequency (RF) signals. These RF signals are then processed and rendered as audio output.
  • RF radio frequency
  • a vehicle communication system may incorporate other functions, including, but not limited to, wireless voice and data communications, global positioning system (GPS) functionality, satellite-based digital audio radio (SDAR) services, keyless entry, and remote vehicle starting.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • SDAR satellite-based digital audio radio
  • Communication systems typically employ antenna systems including one or more antennas to receive or transmit electromagnetic radiated signals.
  • antenna systems typically employ antenna systems including one or more antennas to receive or transmit electromagnetic radiated signals.
  • antenna systems have predetermined patterns and frequency characteristics. These predetermined characteristics are selected in view of various factors, including, for example, the ideal antenna design, physical antenna structure limitations, and mobile environment requirements.
  • antenna mast One type of antenna, known as an antenna mast, is commonly used in high frequency communications.
  • antenna masts may be used in wireless voice and data communications systems operating at frequencies up to and even in excess of 1 GHz.
  • An antenna mast may be implemented, for example, as a flexible fiberglass or TEFLON® rod with a helically-wound conductor for receiving radio signals.
  • Mobile vehicle antennas are typically designed to satisfy certain performance criteria. For example, to meet relatively stringent mechanical validation requirements set by some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), an antenna mast must be able to withstand 1500 strikes with a 3/4 inch metal rod traveling at 10 mph. The antenna mast must also be able to withstand continuous wind deflection forces throughout its life without permanent deformation.
  • OEMs original equipment manufacturers
  • desired RF characteristics impose additional design constraints on the antenna mast.
  • desired RF reception characteristics typically add constraints relating to the geometry of the antenna mast.
  • Some conventional high frequency exterior antenna masts incorporate multiple components or exotic materials to satisfy these design constraints. While the use of such materials provides sufficient mechanical flexibility to satisfy mechanical design considerations while staying within geometric constraints, such materials can be costly. Further, antenna masts incorporating multiple components add complexity and costs to the manufacturing process.
  • an antenna mast incorporates a single strand of spring wire wound into a closed coil section at a base or bending fulcrum of the antenna mast.
  • This closed coil section acts as a straight section of wire, for purposes of RF reception characteristics, when the antenna mast is not deflected. Because the electrical length of the antenna mast significantly affects tuning of the antenna mast to specific frequencies, the center strand, or main body, of wire enters and exits the closed coil section from opposite sides. This geometry reduces the extent to which the conductive length changes when the antenna mast bends.
  • One embodiment is directed to an antenna that includes an electrical conductor.
  • the electrical conductor has a first section and a second section formed integrally with the first section.
  • the second section comprises a closed helical structure having a central axis and first and second ends extending outwardly from the central axis in substantially opposite directions.
  • a communication system in another embodiment, includes an antenna comprising an electrical conductor having a first section and a second section formed integrally with the first section.
  • the second section comprises a closed helical structure having a central axis and first and second ends extending outwardly from the central axis in substantially opposite directions.
  • a base is proximate the second section.
  • An elastomeric cover extends from the base and substantially surrounds the electrical conductor.
  • a communication device is operatively coupled to the first and second sections.
  • Another embodiment is directed to a method of forming an antenna.
  • An electrical conductor is provided.
  • the electrical conductor is formed into first and second section.
  • the second section is formed integrally with the first section and comprises a closed helical structure having a central axis and first and second ends extending outwardly from the central axis in substantially opposite directions.
  • Various embodiments may provide certain advantages. For example, with the center strand of wire entering and exiting the closed coil section from opposite sides, conductive length changes attributable to flexion of the antenna mast are reduced. As a result, tuning of the antenna mast to specific frequencies remains relatively stable even when the antenna mast is deflected, for example, by wind deflection forces or by contact with objects.
  • An antenna mast employs a single strand of spring wire wound into a closed coil section at a base or bending fulcrum of the antenna mast.
  • This closed coil section exhibits RF reception characteristics similar to a straight section of wire when the antenna mast is not deflected.
  • a center strand, or main body, of wire enters and exits the closed coil section from opposite sides relative to a perimeter of the closed coil section. This geometry reduces the extent to which the conductive length changes when the antenna mast bends. As a result, tuning of the antenna mast to specific frequencies remains relatively stable even when the antenna mast is deflected, for example, by wind deflection forces or by contact with objects.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication system 100 according to one embodiment.
  • An antenna mast 102 is adapted to be mounted to a surface of a motor vehicle for receiving radiated electromagnetic signals, e.g., RF signals, from one or more remote transmitters, such as a satellite or terrestrial repeater. While not required, the antenna mast 102 may be implemented as an asymmetrical mast.
  • the antenna mast 102 incorporates an electrical conductor (not shown in Figure 1) having a number of sections. As described below in connection with Figure 2, one of the sections may have a geometry resembling an open helical structure or coil for receiving a radiated electromagnetic signal in a frequency band, such as an AMPS or PCS band.
  • Another section is formed as a closed helical structure that acts as a straight section of wire when the antenna mast 102 is not deflected.
  • the electrical conductor enters and exits the closed helical structure from opposite sides to minimize conductive length changes when the antenna mast 102 bends.
  • the closed helical structure remains closed at some point along its perimeter. In this way, tuning of the antenna mast 102 to the desired frequency or frequencies remains relatively stable even when the antenna mast 102 is deflected, for example, by wind deflection forces or by contact with objects.
  • the antenna mast 102 is installed to a base 104.
  • the base 104 includes a cover 106, which may be formed, for example, from a polycarbonate/acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile (PC/ASA) alloy, a polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate (PC/PBT) alloy, or other suitable material.
  • the antenna mast 102 may be detachably installed to the cover 106 using a quarter-turn installation. Positive locking preferably provides tactile feedback to confirm installation of the antenna mast 102 to the cover 106 and facilitates mechanical retention of the antenna mast 102 to the cover 106.
  • a gasket 108 seals the interior of the cover 106 from ingress of moisture. Further, the gasket 108 provides a distributed clamp load for circuitry enclosed by the cover 106.
  • the gasket 108 may be formed, for example, from die-cut urethane foam or another suitable material.
  • a circuit board module 110 contains the electronic components associated with the antenna.
  • the circuit board module 110 may be implemented, for example, as a single two-layer FR4-type circuit board having a thickness of approximately 0.78 mm.
  • the circuit board module 110 has solder locations designed to facilitate automated solder operations. Cables 112 are soldered to the solder locations. These cables 112 may be implemented, for example, as a pair of 150 mm long RG316-type military grade coaxial cables.
  • the cables 112 are terminated at the circuit board module 110 with a surface-mount connector body (not shown) to withstand loads.
  • the cables 112 are routed with a line-of-sight to an exit location on a cast 114 to prevent moments on the cables 112. Installation of the cables 112 does not require snaking or forming.
  • the cast 114 is formed, for example, from zinc and may incorporate a trivalent chromite conversion coating to promote corrosion resistance. Internal chambering of the cast 114 provides electrical isolation between antenna systems and the cables 112. An interface between the cast 114 and the vehicle surface is achieved via a gasket 116.
  • the gasket 116 may be implemented, for example, as a 2 mm thick open-cell NEOPRENE® foam gasket having an acrylic adhesive backing for mechanical retention to the cast 114. Such a material provides suitable long-term compression set resistance properties over a range of temperatures.
  • a fastener 118 secures the base 104 to the vehicle surface.
  • One example implementation of the fastener 118 is described in U.S.
  • the disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number __/___,____ is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the cables 112 are operatively coupled to the antenna mast 102 and provide radiated electromagnetic signals received by the antenna mast 102 to a communication device 120, such as a receiver or transmitter.
  • the communication device 120 is tunable to a frequency within the communication band.
  • FIG 2 illustrates one example configuration of the antenna mast 102.
  • the antenna mast 102 incorporates an electrical conductor 130 and a mast cover 132.
  • the electrical conductor 130 may be formed, for example, high carbon steel.
  • the mast cover 132 may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), such as SANTOPRENE®.
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomer
  • the antenna mast 102 may be detachably installed to a nickel-plated zinc stud 134 incorporated in the cover 106 of Figure 1 using a quarter-turn installation.
  • a lower portion of the electrical conductor 130 is formed as a closed helix 150, that is, a helix in which adjacent turns of the electrical conductor 130 contact one another.
  • the closed helical structure of the lower portion of the electrical conductor 130 causes the lower portion to exhibit RF characteristics similar to a straight section of wire when the electrical conductor 130 is not deflected.
  • substantially straight portions 152 and 154 of the electrical conductor 130 enter the closed helix 150 from respective end portions 156 and 158 of the closed helix 150.
  • the substantially straight portions 152 and 154 of the electrical conductor 130 are generally coincident with a central axis of the closed helix 150.
  • the closed helix 150 terminates in ends 160 and 162 that extend outwardly from the central axis in substantially opposite directions.
  • the electrical conductor 130 enters the closed helix 150 from opposite sides along a perimeter of the closed helix 150. That is, the endpoints of ends 160 and 162 along the perimeter are displaced substantially 180° from one another.
  • An upper portion of the electrical conductor is formed, for example, as an open helix 164, i.e., a helix in which adjacent turns of the electrical conductor 130 do not contact one another. While not required, the open helix 164 may be of similar diameter to the closed helix 150.
  • the substantially straight portion 152 of the electrical conductor 130 enters the open helix 164 from an end portion 166 of the open helix 164.
  • the substantially straight portion 152 of the electrical conductor 130 is generally coincident with a central axis of the open helix 164.
  • the substantially straight portions 152 and 154 of the electrical conductor 130 may feed the open helix 164 and the closed helix 150 with 90° bends, such that, for example, portions of the electrical conductor 130 are formed substantially perpendicular to the ends of the helices.
  • the RF reception characteristics of the antenna mast 102 are affected by the dimensions of the open helix 164, the closed helix 150, and the substantially straight portions 152 and 154 of the electrical conductor 130.
  • the conductive length of the electrical conductor 130 determines the RF reception characteristics.
  • Table I below lists several example sets of dimensions, along with the corresponding total conductive length CL of the electrical conductor 130 in the right-most column.
  • the dimensions disclosed in Table I are designed for dual-band reception in the AMPS (824-894 MHz) and PCS (1850-1990 MHz) communication bands. All linear dimensions are provided in millimeters, and angular dimensions are provided in degrees.
  • the column headings in Table I refer to the corresponding dimensions in Figure 2.
  • the dimensions listed in Table I are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. More generally, the upper portion of the electrical conductor 130 may be formed with a geometry other than an open helix. Such alternative configurations may be desirable for reception of radiated electromagnetic signals in other communication bands.
  • the antenna mast 102 is configured as a dual-band antenna for receiving radiated electromagnetic signals in the AMPS and PCS communication bands.
  • the lower frequency AMPS communication band uses the entire length of the electrical conductor 130 to achieve a quarter-wavelength resonance.
  • the higher frequency PCS communication band uses the entire length of the electrical conductor 130 to achieve approximately a three-quarter-wavelength resonance.
  • the pitch of the open helical structure may be varied such that the inductance of the open helical structure is low in the lower band and near a half-wavelength resonance in the upper band.
  • the open helical structure then appears as an open circuit to the other section of the electrical conductor 130, which can in this way be resonated at a quarter-wavelength in the upper band.
  • the closed coil section provides flexibility to withstand deflection forces, while exhibiting RF reception characteristics similar to a straight section of wire when the closed antenna mast is not deflected.
  • conductive length changes attributable to flexion of the antenna mast are reduced.
  • tuning of the antenna mast to specific frequencies remains relatively stable even when the antenna mast is deflected, for example, by wind deflection forces or by contact with objects.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Support Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)
EP05077720A 2004-12-17 2005-11-25 Mât d'antenne unifilaire Withdrawn EP1672734A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US1658304A 2004-12-17 2004-12-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1672734A1 true EP1672734A1 (fr) 2006-06-21

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05077720A Withdrawn EP1672734A1 (fr) 2004-12-17 2005-11-25 Mât d'antenne unifilaire

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1926175A1 (fr) * 2006-11-22 2008-05-28 Hirschmann Car Communication GmbH Antenne fouet avec différents enroulements segmentés d'antenne
EP2056399A1 (fr) * 2007-11-05 2009-05-06 Mitac Technology Corp. Antenne hélicoïdale à double bande avec large bande passante
EP2685556A1 (fr) * 2012-07-11 2014-01-15 Laird Technologies, Inc. Ensembles de mât d'antenne

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4141783A1 (de) * 1991-01-31 1993-06-24 Kolbe & Co Hans Kraftfahrzeug-antenne fuer mehrere getrennte frequenzbereiche
JPH10322122A (ja) * 1997-05-20 1998-12-04 Nippon Antenna Co Ltd デュアルバンドアンテナ
US6191747B1 (en) * 1998-04-07 2001-02-20 Hirschmann Electronics, Inc. Dual band antenna
GB2400497A (en) * 2003-04-07 2004-10-13 Harada Ind Vehicle antenna for dual band mobile communications and AM/FM reception

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4141783A1 (de) * 1991-01-31 1993-06-24 Kolbe & Co Hans Kraftfahrzeug-antenne fuer mehrere getrennte frequenzbereiche
JPH10322122A (ja) * 1997-05-20 1998-12-04 Nippon Antenna Co Ltd デュアルバンドアンテナ
US6191747B1 (en) * 1998-04-07 2001-02-20 Hirschmann Electronics, Inc. Dual band antenna
GB2400497A (en) * 2003-04-07 2004-10-13 Harada Ind Vehicle antenna for dual band mobile communications and AM/FM reception

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1999, no. 03 31 March 1999 (1999-03-31) *

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1926175A1 (fr) * 2006-11-22 2008-05-28 Hirschmann Car Communication GmbH Antenne fouet avec différents enroulements segmentés d'antenne
EP2056399A1 (fr) * 2007-11-05 2009-05-06 Mitac Technology Corp. Antenne hélicoïdale à double bande avec large bande passante
EP2685556A1 (fr) * 2012-07-11 2014-01-15 Laird Technologies, Inc. Ensembles de mât d'antenne
CN103545593A (zh) * 2012-07-11 2014-01-29 莱尔德技术股份有限公司 天线杆组件
US8963786B2 (en) 2012-07-11 2015-02-24 Laird Technologies, Inc. Antenna mast assemblies
RU2550530C2 (ru) * 2012-07-11 2015-05-10 Лэрд Текнолоджиз, Инк. Сборки мачты антенны
CN103545593B (zh) * 2012-07-11 2015-09-30 莱尔德技术股份有限公司 天线杆组件

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