EP2692018B1 - Structure for antennas using metamaterials - Google Patents

Description

1. DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is that of electromagnetic waves, preferably in the range of Ultra High Frequencies (or "UHF" for "Ultra High Frequency" in English) (300 MHz to 3 GHz) and Microwave frequencies (3 GHz to 300 GHz ).

More specifically, the invention relates to a metamaterial structure comprising elementary blocks of metamaterial, and an antenna system (also hereinafter referred to as an antenna structure) using such a metamaterial structure as an antenna radome.

The invention applies in particular, but not exclusively, to all antenna systems for which it is desired to increase the directivity and the antenna gain and to minimize rear and side radiation. For example, the invention applies to antennas of RFID base stations in the UHF band

2. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

The reduction in the congestion of antenna systems, the search for the improvement of radiation performance and the reduction of manufacturing costs lead the designers of these systems to develop new materials.

Recent years have seen a strong interest in metamaterials. The concept of metamaterial is well known and is discussed for example in the document JB Pendry, AJ Holden, Robbins DJ, and WJ Stewart, "Magnetism from conductors and enhanced nonlinear phenomena," IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech., Vol. 47, no. 11, pp. 2075-2084, 1999 .

It is simply recalled that metamaterials are by definition metallo-dielectric composite media. These are periodic structures, the constituent elements of which are metallic inclusions of very small dimensions in front of the wavelength (<λ / 10).

There are several types of metamaterial structures.

Electrical metamaterials are metamaterials that have electrical behavior and are likely to have a negative permittivity (ε) in a given frequency spectrum. The most known electrical metamaterials are those formed by a network of metal rods.

Magnetic metamaterials are metamaterials that have a magnetic behavior and are likely to have a negative (μ) permeability in a given frequency spectrum. The most known magnetic metamaterials are those formed by a network of square or circular split ring resonators (or "SRR" for "Split Ring Resonator").

The left-hand materials (or "LHM" for "Left-Handed Materials" in English) are metamaterials that are likely to have a permittivity (ε) and permeability (μ) simultaneously negative in a given frequency spectrum. The best-known left-hand materials are those formed by the combination of a network of metal rods and a network of split-ring resonators. With such materials on the left hand, it is thus possible to obtain quite unusual propagation phenomena, such as opposite phase and group velocities, inverted doppler effects, a negative refractive index, etc.

In the field of electromagnetic waves, it has been proposed to use such materials left hand as antenna radome.

The figure 1 illustrates an example of an antenna system comprising a left-hand material radome based on split-ring resonators and conducting ribbons. For the sake of clarity, only one half of the antenna system is represented on the figure 1 .

• une antenne 110 comprenant :
  • o une structure porteuse 11 comprenant une masse 12 (ou plan de masse) et une couche 13 de matériau diélectrique et/ou magnétique disposée sur la masse 12 ;
  • o un élément rayonnant 14 disposé sur la structure porteuse 11 ; et
• un radôme 15.

The antenna system 10 comprises:

• an antenna 110 comprising:
  • a carrier structure 11 comprising a mass 12 (or ground plane) and a layer 13 of dielectric and / or magnetic material disposed on the ground 12;
  • a radiating element 14 disposed on the supporting structure 11; and
• a radome 15.

The radome 15 extends above the antenna 110. The radome 15 is separated from the antenna 110 by a volume 16 consisting, for example, of air or dielectric material and / or magnetic.

The radome 15 includes a left hand material structure. The left-hand material structure comprises a plurality of elementary blocks 17 arranged in rows and columns in a matrix. Each elementary block 17 comprises a split ring resonator and a conductive strip.

The figure 2 illustrates a possible example of an elementary block of left-hand material based on a split-ring resonator and conducting ribbon.

The elementary block of left-hand material 20 comprises a first support 21 of dielectric material comprising an upper face 22 on which is disposed a split-ring resonator 24, and a lower face 23 on which a first linear metal ribbon 25 is arranged. The elementary block 20 comprises a second support 26 of dielectric material comprising a lower face 27 on which is disposed a second linear metal strip 28. The two supports 21 and 26 are separated by an air layer 29.

The split ring resonator 24 comprises an inner split square 241 and an outer split square 242. For example, for X-band operation (8.2 GHz to 12.4 GHz) the width of the slot of each square split is about 0.3mm. The width of the different metal tracks (split ring resonator and metal ribbons) is about 0.3 mm. The spacing between the inner 241 and outer 242 split squares is about 0.3mm. The volume of an elementary block 20 is approximately 3.3 x 3.3 x 4.5 mm ³ and the periodicity of the metamaterial structure is approximately 3.63 mm in the plane and 4.5 mm deep. .

The radome 15 acts as an electromagnetic wave diffraction device and makes it possible to increase the directivity and the gain of the antenna 101, while reducing the side lobe and rear radiation levels. This is particularly described in detail in the document Shah Nawaz Burokur, Mohamed Latrach, and Serge Toutain "Theoretical Investigation of a Circular Patch Antenna in the Presence of a Left-Handed Medium", IEEE Trans. Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Vol 4, pp. 183-186, 2005 .

However, this left-hand material structure based on split-ring resonators and conductive ribbons has several disadvantages.

One of the disadvantages of this left-hand material structure based on split ring resonators and conductive ribbons is that it only works with linear polarization antennas. In other words, this structure can not be used in circular polarization.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the left-hand material structure (forming the antenna radome) is simple to implement, and that it has the lowest possible cost.

Several solutions in this direction have been proposed.

A known solution is described in the patent document US 2010/0097281 . This solution consists of using a left-hand material based on S-shaped resonators.

The figure 3 illustrates an example of an elementary block of left-hand material based on S-shaped resonators (arranged on one side of a support made of dielectric material) and inverted S-shaped resonators (arranged on the other side of the support ). The particularity of this type of resonator 30 is that it has a double resonance, magnetic and electrical, without requiring the implementation of small slots and an additional network of metal rods.

Thus, a left-hand material structure based on S-shaped resonators has a good simplicity of implementation. On the other hand, it has the disadvantage of not working in the case where the polarization of the antenna is circular.

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in at least one embodiment, is intended in particular to overcome these various disadvantages of the state of the art.

More specifically, in at least one embodiment of the invention, an objective is to provide a metamaterial structure having a simplicity of realization in industrial form, while being compatible with many applications.

At least one particular embodiment of the invention aims to provide such a metamaterial structure that makes it possible to obtain an antenna radome.

Another objective of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide such an antenna radome which makes it possible to improve the radiation characteristics of an antenna, while reducing (or at least without increasing) its dimensions.

Another objective of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide such an antenna radome that is compatible with operation in linear and / or circular polarization.

Another objective of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide such an antenna radome which is adapted to antennas of RFID base stations in the UHF band.

4. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

• un premier élément conducteur en forme de C comprenant des première et deuxième extrémités ;
• un deuxième élément conducteur en forme de C comprenant des troisième et quatrième extrémités, lesdits premier et deuxième éléments conducteurs étant agencés l'un par rapport à l'autre de telle sorte que les première et troisième extrémités se font face et sont séparées par un premier espace, et les deuxième et quatrième extrémités se font face et sont séparées par un deuxième espace ;
• un premier connecteur configuré pour connecter la première extrémité à la quatrième extrémité.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a metamaterial structure comprising at least one elementary block comprising a support of dielectric material, said support comprising an upper face and a lower face. Said at least one elementary block is such that it comprises a first electrically conductive unit disposed on the upper face of the support and comprising:

• a first C-shaped conductive element comprising first and second ends;
• a second C-shaped conductive element comprising third and fourth ends, said first and second conductive elements being arranged with respect to each other so that the first and third ends face each other and are separated by a first space, and the second and fourth extremities face each other and are separated by a second space;
• a first connector configured to connect the first end to the fourth end.

Advantageously, said first and second C-shaped conductive elements are identical.

Advantageously, the first connector has a rectilinear shape

Advantageously, each C-shaped conductive element is an arc whose center corresponds to the middle of the first connector.

• un troisième élément conducteur en forme de C comprenant des cinquième et sixième extrémités ;
• un quatrième élément conducteur en forme de C comprenant des septième et huitième extrémités, lesdits troisième et quatrième éléments conducteurs étant agencés l'un par rapport à l'autre de telle sorte que les cinquième et septième extrémités se font face et sont séparées par un troisième espace, et les sixième et huitième extrémités se font face et sont séparées par un quatrième espace ;
• un deuxième connecteur configuré pour connecter la cinquième extrémité à la huitième extrémité.

Advantageously, said at least one elementary block comprises a second electrically conductive unit disposed on the underside of the support and comprising:

• a third C-shaped conductive element comprising fifth and sixth ends;
• a fourth C-shaped conductor element comprising seventh and eighth ends, said third and fourth conductive elements being arranged with respect to each other so that the fifth and seventh ends face each other and are separated by a third space, and the sixth and eighth extremities face each other and are separated by a fourth space;
• a second connector configured to connect the fifth end to the eighth end.

Advantageously, the media of the first and second connectors are superimposed.

Advantageously, said first and second conductive units are superimposed with a 90 ° rotation of the first connector relative to the second connector.

Advantageously, said first and second conductive units are identical.

Advantageously, said first conductive unit comprises at least one active component.

Advantageously, said second conductive unit comprises at least one active component.

• un support en matériau diélectrique, ledit support comprenant une face supérieure et une face inférieure ;
• un résonateur en anneau fendu disposé sur la face supérieure du support et comprenant un carré fendu intérieur et un carré fendu extérieur entourant ledit carré fendu intérieur.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a metamaterial structure comprising at least one elementary block comprising:

• a support of dielectric material, said support comprising an upper face and a lower face;
• a split ring resonator disposed on the upper face of the support and comprising an inner split square and an outer split square surrounding said inner split square.

The metamaterial structure is such that it is adapted to operate in a frequency band from 860 MHz to 960 MHz.

Advantageously, each of the inner and outer split squares is formed by a metal track of width approximately 1 mm and comprises a slot width of about 2 mm, the slits of the inner and outer split squares being aligned with each other. Each side of the inner split square measures about 17mm. Each side of the outer split square measures approximately 20mm. The spacing between the inner and outer split squares is about 0.5mm.

Advantageously, said at least one elementary block comprises a rectilinear metal strip about 22 mm long and about 2 mm wide, disposed on the underside of the support, the slots of the inner and outer split squares being superimposed above said metal ribbon.

5. LIST OF FIGURES

• la figure 1, décrite ci-dessus en relation avec l'art antérieur, illustre un exemple d'un système antenne comprenant un radôme en matériau main gauche à base de résonateurs en anneau fendu et de rubans conducteurs ;
• la figure 2, décrite ci-dessus en relation avec l'art antérieur, illustre un exemple d'un bloc élémentaire de matériau main gauche à base de résonateur en anneau fendu ;
• la figure 3, décrite ci-dessus en relation avec l'art antérieur, illustre un exemple d'un bloc élémentaire de matériau main gauche à base de résonateur en forme de S;
• la figure 4 illustre un exemple d'un système antenne comprenant un radôme en métamatériau selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 5 présente un exemple d'antenne selon l'invention ;
• la figure 6 illustre un bloc élémentaire de métamatériau selon le premier mode de réalisation de la figure 4 ;
• la figure 7a présente la courbe du coefficient de réflexion de l'antenne de la figure 5 en polarisation linéaire ;
• la figure 7b présente la courbe de gain de l'antenne de la figure 5 en polarisation linéaire ;
• la figure 8a présente la courbe du coefficient de réflexion de l'antenne de la figure 5 en polarisation circulaire ;
• la figure 8b présente la courbe de gain de l'antenne de la figure 5 en polarisation circulaire ;
• la figure 9 présente les courbes de permittivité et de perméabilité d'un réseau constitué de blocs élémentaires de métamatériau de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 10a présente la courbe du coefficient de réflexion du système antenne de la figure 4 en polarisation linéaire ;
• la figure 10b présente la courbe de gain du système antenne de la figure 4 en polarisation linéaire ;
• la figure 11a présente la courbe du coefficient de réflexion du système antenne de la figure 4 en polarisation circulaire ;
• la figure 11b présente la courbe de gain du système antenne de la figure 4 en polarisation circulaire ;
• la figure 11c illustre une configuration dans laquelle un radôme selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention est orienté suivant un angle d'orientation de +45° par rapport à l'antenne ;
• la figure 12 illustre un exemple d'un système antenne comprenant un radôme en métamatériau selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 13 illustre un bloc élémentaire de métamatériau selon le deuxième mode de réalisation de la figure 12 ;
• la figure 14a présente la courbe du coefficient de réflexion du système antenne de la figure 11c en polarisation circulaire ;
• la figure 14b présente la courbe de gain du système antenne de la figure 11c en polarisation circulaire ;
• la figure 15 illustre un système antenne comprenant un radôme en matériau main gauche optimisé pour la bande UHF-RFID, selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention ;
• la figure 16 illustre un bloc élémentaire de matériau main gauche optimisé pour la bande UHF-RFID selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 15 ;
• la figure 17 présente les courbes des parties réelles de permittivité, et de l'indice de réfraction de perméabilité d'un réseau constitué de blocs élémentaires de matériau main gauche de la figure 16 ;
• la figure 18a présente la courbe du coefficient de réflexion du système antenne de la figure 15 en polarisation linéaire ;
• la figure 18b présente la courbe de gain du système antenne de la figure 15 en polarisation linéaire ;
• la figure 19 illustre un système antenne comprenant un radôme en métamatériau optimisé pour la bande UHF-RFID, selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention ;
• la figure 20 présente la courbe de gain de l'antenne (seule) de la figure 19 en polarisation linéaire ;
• la figure 21 illustre un bloc élémentaire de métamatériau optimisé pour la bande UHF-RFID selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 19 ;
• la figure 22 présente les courbes des parties réelles de permittivité et de perméabilité d'un réseau constitué de blocs élémentaires de métamatériau de la figure 21 ;
• la figure 23 présente la courbe de gain du système antenne de la figure 19 en polarisation linéaire ; et
• les figures 24, 25 et 26 illustrent chacune une configuration dans laquelle le radôme en métamatériau selon l'invention est positionné verticalement au plan de l'élément rayonnant.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of indicative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 , described above in connection with the prior art, illustrates an example of an antenna system comprising a radome made of left-hand material based on split-ring resonators and conducting ribbons;
• the figure 2 , described above in connection with the prior art, illustrates an example of an elementary block of left-hand material based on a split-ring resonator;
• the figure 3 , described above in connection with the prior art, illustrates an example of an elementary block of S-shaped resonator-based left-hand material;
• the figure 4 illustrates an example of an antenna system comprising a metamaterial radome according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 5 shows an example of antenna according to the invention;
• the figure 6 illustrates an elementary block of metamaterial according to the first embodiment of the figure 4 ;
• the figure 7a presents the curve of the reflection coefficient of the antenna of the figure 5 in linear polarization;
• the figure 7b presents the gain curve of the antenna of the figure 5 in linear polarization;
• the figure 8a presents the curve of the reflection coefficient of the antenna of the figure 5 in circular polarization;
• the figure 8b presents the gain curve of the antenna of the figure 5 in circular polarization;
• the figure 9 presents the permittivity and permeability curves of a network made up of elementary blocks of metamaterial of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 10a presents the curve of the reflection coefficient of the antenna system of the figure 4 in linear polarization;
• the figure 10b presents the gain curve of the antenna system of the figure 4 in linear polarization;
• the figure 11a presents the curve of the reflection coefficient of the antenna system of the figure 4 in circular polarization;
• the figure 11b presents the gain curve of the antenna system of the figure 4 in circular polarization;
• the figure 11c illustrates a configuration in which a radome according to one embodiment of the invention is oriented at an orientation angle of + 45 ° with respect to the antenna;
• the figure 12 illustrates an example of an antenna system comprising a metamaterial radome according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 13 illustrates an elementary block of metamaterial according to the second embodiment of the figure 12 ;
• the figure 14a presents the curve of the reflection coefficient of the antenna system of the figure 11c in circular polarization;
• the figure 14b presents the gain curve of the antenna system of the figure 11c in circular polarization;
• the figure 15 illustrates an antenna system comprising a left-hand material radome optimized for the UHF-RFID band, according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 16 illustrates an elementary block of left-hand material optimized for the UHF-RFID band according to the embodiment of the figure 15 ;
• the figure 17 presents the curves of the real parts of permittivity, and of the permeability refractive index of a network made up of elementary blocks of material of the left hand of the figure 16 ;
• the figure 18a presents the curve of the reflection coefficient of the antenna system of the figure 15 in linear polarization;
• the figure 18b presents the gain curve of the antenna system of the figure 15 in linear polarization;
• the figure 19 illustrates an antenna system comprising a metamaterial radome optimized for the UHF-RFID band, according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 20 presents the gain curve of the antenna (alone) of the figure 19 in linear polarization;
• the figure 21 illustrates an elementary block of metamaterial optimized for the UHF-RFID band according to the embodiment of the figure 19 ;
• the figure 22 presents the curves of the real parts of permittivity and permeability of a network made of elementary blocks of metamaterial of the figure 21 ;
• the figure 23 presents the gain curve of the antenna system of the figure 19 in linear polarization; and
• the Figures 24, 25 and 26 each illustrate a configuration in which the metamaterial radome according to the invention is positioned vertically in the plane of the radiating element.

6. DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

It is therefore proposed structures of metamaterials capable of operating in linear and / or circular polarization. The metamaterial structures according to the invention have negative permittivity and / or negative permeability in a given and relatively wide frequency spectrum. They can be used as an antenna radome to increase the directivity and gain of an antenna. The metamaterial structures according to the invention can be used in the range of UHF and microwave frequencies and for any type of antenna, and its manufacture remains simple.

In the remainder of the description, the particular case of an antenna system comprising a patch antenna configured to operate in the UHF-RFID band is described. Those skilled in the art will easily extend this teaching to any other type of antenna and any other frequency band.

6. 1 metamaterial radome according to a first embodiment of the invention

The figure 4 illustrates an example of an antenna system comprising a metamaterial radome according to a first embodiment of the invention.

• une antenne patch 401 comprenant :
  • o une structure porteuse (par exemple, une couche diélectrique, magnétique, à air,...) 41 ;
  • o un élément rayonnant carré 42 ; et
• un radôme 43.

The antenna system 40 comprises:

• a patch antenna 401 comprising:
  • a carrier structure (for example, a dielectric, magnetic, air layer, etc.) 41;
  • a square radiating element 42; and
• a radome 43.

The antenna system 40 is configured and sized to operate in the UHF-RFID band. The UHF-RFID band extends from 860 MHz to 960 MHz.

The figure 5 shows an example of antenna 401 according to the invention. This figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the carrier structure 41 and the radiating element 42.

In the example of the figure 5 , the carrier structure 41 comprises a ground plane 51 printed on the underside of a first layer 52 of dielectric material. The carrier structure 41 comprises a second layer 54 of dielectric material which is separated from the first layer 52 of dielectric material by an air layer 53.

The radiating element 42 is printed on the upper face of the second layer 54 of dielectric material.

The radiating element 42 and the ground plane 51 are sized to operate in the UHF-RFID band. In a particular embodiment, the radiating element 42 and the ground plane 51 are of square shape, the length (Lp) of the radiating element 42 being about 130 mm and the length (Lm) of the ground plane 51 being about 250mm.

The radiating element 42 is fed via a conventional connector 55 of the SMA type. A conventional SMA connector includes a central blade with a length of about 15mm. The excitation of the radiating element 42 may be carried out according to various techniques among which may be mentioned the coaxial probe, the microband line, the coupling by proximity or the coupling by a slot.

In this particular embodiment, the first and second layers of dielectric material 52 and 54 each comprise a FR4-type epoxy layer. In this exemplary embodiment, each FR4 epoxy layer has a height of 1.6 mm. Which is advantageous in terms of cost.

In another embodiment, the FR4 epoxy layers can be replaced by layers of air (this in particular makes it possible to reduce the production costs and to lighten the structure) or other types of substrates.

Since the height of the antenna must be less than 15mm (height of the SMA connector), the height of the air layer 53 is 11.2mm.

In this embodiment, the total height of the antenna is 14.4mm.

The square radiating element 42 is capable of operating in both linear and circular polarization (depending on the location of the excitation device 55).

A 3D electromagnetic simulation was performed. The HFSS (registered trademark) software was used to simulate the performance in terms of reflection coefficient (denoted S11) and gain of the antenna 401 (without radome) of the figure 5 in linear polarization ( Figures 7a and 7b ) and in circular polarization ( Figures 8a and 8b ).

The figure 7a presents the curve 71 of the reflection coefficient of the antenna of the figure 5 in linear polarization for the frequency band from 800 MHz to 1 GHz.

The figure 7b presents the curve 72 of gain of the antenna of the figure 5 in linear polarization for the frequency band from 800 MHz to 1 GHz.

As can be seen, the antenna 401 of the figure 5 in linear polarization has a resonance frequency at about 883 MHz and a maximum gain of about 10 dBi.

The figure 8a presents the curve 81 of the reflection coefficient of the antenna of the figure 5 in circular polarization for the frequency band from 800 MHz to 1 GHz.

The figure 8b presents the curve 82 of gain of the antenna 401 of the figure 5 in circular polarization for the frequency band from 800 MHz to 1 GHz.

As can be seen, the antenna of the figure 5 in circular polarization has a resonance frequency at about 881 MHz and a maximum gain of about 9.5 dBi.

Again with reference to the figure 4 , the radome 43 comprises a metamaterial structure according to the invention. This metamaterial structure comprises a plurality of elementary blocks according to the invention.

We now describe with reference to the figure 6 an elementary block of metamaterial according to a first embodiment of the invention.

In this first embodiment of the invention, the elementary block of metamaterial 60 comprises a support 61 of dielectric material of square shape and side about 45mm. So, and as illustrated in the example of the figure 4 , the radome 43 is in the form of a 5x5 matrix, each cell of which comprises the elementary block of metamaterial 60. Of course, this example is not limiting. For example, the radome 43 may be in the form of a sphere cap, a cone or a cylinder.

In an alternative embodiment, the elementary blocks of metamaterial according to the invention can be inserted in or can constitute the substrate of the radiating element.

As illustrated on the figure 6 , the support 61 has a height (hsub) of about 1.6mm.

The elementary metamaterial block 60 comprises an electrically conductive unit 62 printed on the upper face of the support 61. For example, the printing of the conductive unit 62 on the support 61 is easily obtained by the implementation of photolithography techniques. In this way, manufacturing costs are reduced. Of course, other printed circuit printing techniques can be implemented.

• un premier élément conducteur 621 en forme de C comprenant des première et deuxième extrémités E1 et E2 ;
• un deuxième élément conducteur 622 en forme de C comprenant des troisième et quatrième extrémités E3 et E4 ; et
• un connecteur 623 disposé sur la face supérieure du support 61.

The conductive unit 62 comprises:

• a first C-shaped conductor element 621 comprising first and second ends E1 and E2;
• a second C-shaped conductor element 622 comprising third and fourth ends E3 and E4; and
• a connector 623 disposed on the upper face of the support 61.

The first and second conductive members 621 and 622 are arranged with respect to each other such that the first and third ends E1 and E3 face each other and are separated by a gap (g), and the second and fourth ends E2 and E4 face each other and are separated by a space (g).

The connector 623 is configured to connect the first end E1 to the fourth end E4. In this first particular embodiment, the connector 623 is a straight metal strip. In an alternative embodiment, the connector 623 can take a curved or meandering shape. In an alternative embodiment, the connector 623 may be configured to connect the second end E2 to the third end E3.

In this first particular embodiment, the width of each of the first and second conductive elements 621 and 622 and the connector 623 is approximately 1 mm.

In the example of the figure 6 the first and second conductive elements 621 and 622 are identical. Each conductive element 621 and 622 is an arc whose center corresponds to the middle of the connector 623. Of course, in another embodiment the first and second conductive elements 621 and 622 may be different, that is to say they may have different dimensions and C-curves. For example, they may come from two circles of different centers. In this case, the operating frequency may vary, which is a means of adjustment according to the desired working frequency.

In the example of the figure 6 the ends of the first and second conductive members 621 and 622 are spaced approximately 20mm apart. Of course, in another embodiment the spaces between the first and third ends E1 and E3, and the second and fourth ends E2 and E4 may be different. For example, first and third ends E1 and E3 may be spaced about 40mm and the second and fourth ends E2 and E4 of about 10mm. In this case, the operating frequency may vary, which is a means of adjustment according to the desired working frequency. It is conceivable to place in these spaces (or gaps) varicaps diodes connecting the ends E2 to E4 and / or E1 to E3, and / or at the level of the connector ribbon 623. This makes it possible to make the antenna system agile in frequency.

HFSS software has been used to simulate the performances in terms of permittivity (ε) and permeability (μ) of a network made up of elementary blocks of metamaterial 60 according to the first embodiment of the invention ( described in relation to the figure 6 ).

The figure 9 presents the curves of the real parts of permittivity 91 and permeability 92 of a network constituted by elementary blocks of metamaterial of the figure 6 for the frequency band from 500 MHz to 1 GHz.

As can be seen, the network of elementary blocks of metamaterial of the figure 6 has a positive permeability in the 500 MHz band at 1 GHz and a negative permittivity for frequencies in the 690 MHz to 1 GHz band. Thus, it has been found that, unlike the metamaterials based on split-ring resonators and conducting ribbons of the prior art (described above), the permittivity of the metamaterial according to the first embodiment of the invention is negative. in a frequency band of about 0.5 GHz instead of 0.1 GHz. The use of the metamaterial according to the first embodiment of the invention therefore implies a better system stability and consequently a flexibility in precision of realization.

We now present in relation with Figures 10a, 10b, 11a and 11b the results of electromagnetic simulation of the antenna system 40 (antenna with radome) of the figure 4 .

The HFSS (registered trademark) software was used to simulate the performance in terms of reflection coefficient (denoted S11) and gain of the antenna system 40 of the figure 4 in linear polarization ( Figures 10a and 10b ) and in circular polarization ( Figures 11a and 11b ).

In the embodiment shown, the radome 43 is placed at a distance of about 120 mm (that is to say approximately λ _0/3 ) from the radiating element 42.

The figure 10a presents the curve 101 of the reflection coefficient of the antenna system 40 of the figure 4 in linear polarization for the frequency band from 800 MHz to 1 GHz. For ease of comparison, we have shown on the figure 10a the curve 71 of the reflection coefficient of the antenna 401 (without radome) of the figure 5 in linear polarization. Thus, in the presence of the radome 43 the adaptation is improved.

The figure 10b presents the gain curve 102 of the antenna system 40 of the figure 4 in linear polarization for the frequency band from 800 MHz to 1 GHz. For ease of comparison, we have shown on the figure 10b the gain curve 72 of the antenna 401 (without radome) of the figure 5 in linear polarization.

As can be seen, the antenna system 40 of the figure 4 in linear polarization has a resonance frequency at about 889 MHz and a maximum gain of about 12.5 dBi. The radome 43 thus makes it possible to increase the overall gain of the antenna in linear polarization by approximately 2 dBi.

The figure 11a presents the curve 111 of the reflection coefficient of the antenna system 40 of the figure 4 in circular polarization for the frequency band from 800 MHz to 1 GHz. For ease of comparison, we have shown on the figure 11a the curve 81 of the reflection coefficient of the antenna 401 (without radome) of the figure 5 in circular polarization. Thus, in the presence of the radome 43 the adaptation is improved.

The figure 11b presents the gain curve 112 of the antenna system 40 of the figure 4 in circular polarization for the frequency band from 800 MHz to 1 GHz. For ease of comparison, we have shown on the figure 11b the curve 82 of gain of the antenna 401 (without radome) of the figure 5 in circular polarization.

As can be seen, the antenna system 40 of the figure 4 in circular polarization has a resonance frequency at about 889 MHz and a maximum gain of about 10.3 dBi. The radome 43 thus makes it possible to increase the overall gain of the antenna in circular polarization by approximately 1 dBi.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, and as illustrated on the figure 11c , the radome 43 can be oriented with respect to the antenna 401 according to an orientation angle determined according to the desired increase in gain in the plane Φ and / or θ. In the example of the figure 11c , the radome 43 is oriented at an angle of orientation of + 45 ° with respect to the antenna 401. For the example of the figure 11c it has been found that the gain increase is approximately 2 dBi according to θ. In another example (not shown), the radome 43 is oriented at an angle of orientation of -45 ° relative to the antenna 401. For this example, it has been found that the gain increase is about 2dBi according to Φ. In an alternative embodiment, it is possible to envisage implementing a system for rotating the radiating element or the radome between -45 ° and + 45 °, in order to promote the radiation in the envisaged direction. In an alternative embodiment, the conductive unit 62 may comprise one or more active components (semiconductor components) such as, for example, varicaps diodes. The antenna system 40 may therefore comprise a device for dynamically controlling such active components. For example, it will be possible to envisage a voltage control device for varicap diodes.

6. 2 metamaterial radome according to a second embodiment of the invention

The figure 12 illustrates an example of an antenna system comprising a metamaterial radome according to a second embodiment of the invention.

• une antenne patch 125 comprenant :
  • o une structure porteuse 122 ;
  • o un élément rayonnant carré 123 ; et
• un radôme 121.

The antenna system 120 comprises:

• a patch antenna 125 comprising:
  • a carrier structure 122;
  • a square radiating element 123; and
• a radome 121.

The carrier structure 122 and the radiating element 123 are respectively identical to the supporting structure 41 and the radiating element 42 described above in relation to the figures 4 and 5 . These elements are therefore not described again below.

The radome 121 comprises a metamaterial structure. This metamaterial structure comprises a plurality of elementary blocks according to the invention.

We now describe with reference to the figure 13 an elementary block of metamaterial according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In this second embodiment of the invention, the elementary block of metamaterial 130 comprises a support 131 made of dielectric material of square shape and side of about 45mm. So, and as illustrated in the example of the figure 12 , the radome 121 is in the form of a 5x5 matrix, each cell of which comprises the elementary block of metamaterial 130. Of course, this example is not limiting. For example, the radome 121 may be in the form of a sphere cap, a cone or a cylinder.

As illustrated on the figure 13 , the support 131 has a height (h _sub ) of about 1.6mm. Note that this height is one of the parameters on which it is possible to intervene to change the frequency of operation of the system if necessary.

The elementary block of metamaterial 130 comprises a first electrically conductive unit 132 printed on the upper face of the support 131, and a second electrically conductive unit 133 printed on the underside of the support 131.

For example, the printing of the conductive units 132 and 133 on the support 131 is obtained by the implementation of photolithography techniques. In this way, manufacturing costs are reduced. Of course, other printed circuit printing techniques can be implemented.

• un premier élément conducteur 1321 en forme de C comprenant des première et deuxième extrémités E11 et E12 ;
• un deuxième élément conducteur 1322 en forme de C comprenant des troisième et quatrième extrémités E13 et E14 ; et
• un connecteur 1323 disposé sur la face supérieure du support 131.

The first conductive unit 132 comprises:

• a first C-shaped conductor element 1321 comprising first and second ends E11 and E12;
• a second C-shaped conductor element 1322 comprising third and fourth ends E13 and E14; and
• a connector 1323 disposed on the upper face of the support 131.

The first and second conductive members 1321 and 1322 are arranged relative to each other so that the first and third ends E11 and E13 face each other and are separated by a gap, and the second and fourth ends E12 and E14 face each other and are separated by a space (g).

The connector 1323 is configured to connect the first end E11 to the fourth end E14. In this exemplary embodiment, the connector 1323 has a rectilinear shape. In an alternative embodiment, the connector can take a shape curved or meandering. In an alternative embodiment, the connector 1323 may be configured to connect the second end E12 to the third end E13.

• un troisième élément conducteur 1331 en forme de C comprenant des cinquième et sixième extrémités E 15 et E16 ;
• un quatrième élément conducteur 1332 en forme de C comprenant des septième et huitième extrémités E 17 et E18 ; et
• un connecteur 1333 disposé sur la face inférieure du support 131.

The second conductive unit 133 comprises:

• a third C-shaped conductor element 1331 comprising fifth and sixth ends E 15 and E16;
• a fourth C-shaped conductor element 1332 comprising seventh and eighth ends E 17 and E18; and
• a connector 1333 disposed on the underside of the support 131.

The third and fourth conductive members 1331 and 1332 are arranged relative to each other so that the fifth and seventh ends E15 and E17 face each other and are separated by a gap (g), and the sixth and fourth ends eighth ends E16 and E18 face each other and are separated by a space (g).

The connector 1333 is configured to connect the fifth end E15 to the eighth end E18. In this embodiment, the connector 1333 has a rectilinear shape.

As illustrated, the connectors 1323 and 1333 are arranged relative to each other so that they are superimposed in their middle A. In other words, the media of the connectors 1323 and 1333 are superimposed.

The connector 1323 forms an angle θ with the connector 1333. In this second particular embodiment, the connector 1323 extends perpendicular to the connector 1333 (in other words θ = 90 °). In other words, the first and second conductive units 132 and 133 are superimposed with a 90 ° rotation of the first connector relative to the second connector. Of course, this example is not limiting. For example, the angle θ can take a value between 10 ° and 170 °.

In this second particular embodiment, the width of each of the conductive elements and connectors is about 1 mm. Note that this width is one of the parameters on which it is possible to intervene to change the operating frequency of the system if necessary.

In the example of the figure 13 the first and second conductive units 132 and 133 are identical. As can be seen, the conductive elements 1321 and 1322 of the first conductive unit 132 and the conductive elements 1331 and 1332 of the second conductive unit 133 overlap at certain locations B, C, D and E. These overlaps have the effect of decreasing the operating frequency of the system. Of course, in another embodiment the first and second conductive units 132 and 133 may have different dimensions such that, for example, the second conductive unit 133 extends inside the first conductive unit 132.

Another alternative embodiment may consist of placing or printing on the same face of the support (substrate) dielectric or magnetic two concentric conductive units or of different dimensions. To avoid electrical contact between the two metal strips 1323 and 1333, it is proposed to make two vias on either side of one of the connectors, for connecting the two arms of the other through the opposite face of the support. Since one of the two connectors 1323 or 1333 can be completely printed on the opposite support face and connected its ends to the opposite ends of the two internal Cs.

In the example of the figure 13 the ends of the first and second conductive members 1321 and 1322 are spaced a distance (g) of about 20mm, and the ends of the third and fourth conductive members 1331 and 1332 are spaced a distance (g) of about 20mm. Of course, other spacing values (g) can be envisaged. In this case, the operating frequency may vary, which is a means of adjustment according to the desired working frequency.

Moreover, in an alternative embodiment, it is proposed to replace these spacings (g) by varicaps diodes.

We now present in relation with Figures 14a and 14b the results of electromagnetic simulation of the antenna system 120 (antenna with radome) in the case where the radome 121 is oriented at an orientation angle of + 45 ° with respect to the radiating element 123. This electromagnetic simulation was carried out at the HFSS (registered trademark) software help.

In the embodiment shown, the radome 121 is placed at a distance of approximately 80 mm (that is to say approximately λ _0/4 ) from the radiating element 123.

The figure 14a presents the curve 141 of the reflection coefficient of the antenna system 120 of the figure 12 in circular polarization for the frequency band from 840 MHz to 1 GHz. For ease of comparison, we have shown on the figure 14a the curve 81 of the reflection coefficient of the antenna 401 (without radome) of the figure 5 in circular polarization. Thus, in the presence of the radome 121 the adaptation is improved.

The figure 14b presents the gain curve 142 of the antenna system 120 of the figure 12 in circular polarization for the frequency band from 840 MHz to 1 GHz. For ease of comparison, we have shown on the figure 14b the curve 82 of gain of the antenna 401 (without radome) of the figure 5 in circular polarization.

As can be seen, the antenna system 120 of the figure 12 in circular polarization has a resonance frequency at about 907 MHz and a maximum gain of about 10.7 dBi. The radome 121 thus makes it possible to increase the overall gain of the antenna in circular polarization by approximately 1 dBi. In addition, compared to the radome 43 of the figure 4 (comprising a single conductive unit on the upper face of the support) the radome 121 (comprising a conductive unit on the upper face of the support and a conductive unit on the lower face of the support) makes it possible to make the circular polarization of the perfect antenna.

6. 3 Left hand material radome optimized for UHF-RFID tape

Radomes are already known in left hand material capable of operating in the X band or the UHF high band (that is to say for frequencies greater than 2GHz). However, to date, there are no solutions for the low UHF band (that is for frequencies below 2GHz).

It is proposed here a new radome in left hand material capable of operating in the UHF low band, and in particular in the UHF-RFID band (860 MHz to 960 MHz). As will be seen below, this new left-hand material radome makes it possible to significantly increase the gain of a linearly polarized UHF-RFID antenna.

The figure 15 illustrates an example of an antenna system comprising a left-hand material radome optimized for the UHF-RFID band. For the sake of clarity, only one half of the antenna system is represented on the figure 15 .

• une antenne patch 165 comprenant :
  • o une structure porteuse 162 ;
  • o un élément rayonnant carré 163 ; et
• un radôme 161.

The antenna system 160 comprises:

• a patch antenna 165 comprising:
  • a support structure 162;
  • a square radiating element 163; and
• a radome 161.

In this example, the carrier structure 162 and the radiating element 163 are respectively identical to the carrier structure 41 and the radiating element 42 described above in relation to the examples of the figures 4 and 5 . These elements are therefore not described again below.

The radome 161 includes a left-hand material structure optimized for the UHF-RFID band. This left-hand material structure comprises a plurality of elementary blocks 170 arranged in rows and columns in a matrix.

The figure 16 illustrates an elementary block of left-hand material optimized for the UHF-RFID band.

The elementary block of left-hand material 170 comprises a support 171 made of dielectric material comprising an upper face 172 on which is disposed a split-ring resonator 174, and a lower face 173 on which a linear metal strip 175 is arranged.

The support 171 is of square shape. Of course, it may be of another form (rectangular, circular, ..., following the shape of the split ring resonator). Each side of the square measures approximately 22mm. The support 171 has a height (hsub) of about 1.6 mm but can be of different size.

The split ring resonator 174 comprises an inner split square 1741 and an outer split square 1742.

The inner split square 1741 is formed by a metal track with a width of about 1 mm. Each side of the inner split square 1741 measures about 17mm. The inner split square 1741 includes a slot whose width is about 2mm.

The spacing between the inner 1741 and outer 1742 split squares is about 0.5mm.

The outer split square 1742 is formed by a metal track of approximately 1mm width. Each side of the outer split square 1742 measures about 20mm. The outer split square 1742 comprises a slot whose width is substantially equal to that of the slot of the inner split square 1741, that is to say about 2mm. The slits of the inner 1741 and outer 1742 split squares are aligned with each other.

The straight metal strip 175 has a length substantially equal to that of the support 171, that is to say about 22 mm, and a width substantially equal to that of the slots, that is to say about 2 mm.

The HFSS (registered trademark) software was used to extract the permittivity (ε) and permeability (μ) parameters of a network made up of elementary blocks of left-hand material 170.

The figure 17 presents the curves of the real parts of permittivity 181, of permeability 182 and of the refractive index of a network made up of elementary blocks 170 of the figure 16 for the frequency band from 500 MHz to 1 GHz.

As can be seen, the network consists of elementary blocks of material left hand of the figure 16 simultaneously exhibits negative permeability and permittivity for frequencies in the 790 MHz to 920 MHz band.

We now present in relation with Figures 18a and 18b the results of electromagnetic simulation of the antenna system 160 (antenna with radome) of the figure 15 . This electromagnetic simulation was performed using the HFSS (registered trademark) software.

In the embodiment shown, the radome 161 is placed at a distance of approximately 80 mm (that is to say approximately λ _0/4 ) from the radiating element 163.

The figure 18a presents the curve 191 of the reflection coefficient of the antenna system 160 of the figure 15 in linear polarization for the frequency band from 840 MHz to 1 GHz. For ease of comparison, we have shown on the figure 18a the curve 81 of the reflection coefficient of the antenna 401 (without radome) of the figure 5 in linear polarization.

The figure 18b presents the gain curve 192 of the antenna system 160 of the figure 15 in linear polarization for the frequency band from 840 MHz to 1 GHz. For ease of comparison, we have shown on the figure 18b the curve 82 of gain of the antenna 401 (without radome) of the figure 5 in linear polarization.

As can be seen, the antenna system 160 of the figure 15 in linear polarization has a resonance frequency at about 918 MHz and a maximum gain about 13.2 dBi. The radome 161 thus makes it possible to increase the overall gain of the antenna in linear polarization by approximately 3 dBi.

6. 4 Metamaterial radome based on split resonator optimized for UHF-RFID band

Metamaterials based on split resonators are already known capable of operating in the X band or at frequencies above 2 GHz. However, to date, there are no split resonator solutions for the UHF band (ie for frequencies below 2GHz).

It is proposed here a new metamaterial radome based on split resonator capable of operating in the UHF low band, and in particular in the UHF-RFID band (860 MHz to 960 MHz). As will be seen below, this new metamaterial radome makes it possible to significantly increase the gain of a linearly polarized UHF-RFID antenna.

The figure 19 illustrates an example of an antenna system comprising a metamaterial radome based on split resonator optimized for the UHF-RFID band. For the sake of clarity, only one half of the antenna system is represented on the figure 19 .

• une antenne patch 2005 comprenant :
  • o une structure porteuse 2002, constituée de FR4 d'épaisseur d'environ 14,4mm ;
  • o un plan de masse 2004 ;
  • o un élément rayonnant carré 2003 ; et
• un radôme 2001.

The antenna system 2000 includes:

• a patch antenna 2005 comprising:
  • a 2002 load-bearing structure made of FR4 with a thickness of approximately 14.4 mm;
  • o a 2004 mass plan;
  • o a 2003 square radiating element; and
• a radome 2001.

In this example, the radiating element 2003 and the ground plane 2004 are sized to operate in the UHF-RFID band. In a particular embodiment, the length of the radiating element 2003 is about 75mm and the length of the ground plane 2004 is about 225mm. The figure 20 presents the 2100 gain curve of the antenna of the figure 19 , in the absence of a radome, in linear polarization for the frequency band from 800 MHz to 1 GHz.

The 2001 radome includes a split resonator network optimized for the UHF-RFID band.

The figure 21 illustrates an elementary block comprising a split resonator optimized for the UHF-RFID band

The elementary block 2200 comprises a support 2201 of dielectric material comprising an upper face 2202 on which is disposed a split ring resonator 2204.

The support 2201 is of square shape. Of course, it may be of another form (rectangular, circular, ..., following the shape of the split ring resonator). Each side of the square measures approximately 22mm. The support 2201 has a height (hsub) of about 1.6mm.

The split ring resonator 2204 comprises an inner split square 22041 and an outer split square 22042.

The inner split square 22041 is formed by a metal track with a width of about 1 mm. Each side of the split square inside 22041 measures about 17mm. The inner split square 22041 includes a slot whose width is about 2mm.

The spacing between the split inner 22041 and outer 22042 split is about 0.5mm.

The outer split square 22042 is formed by a metal track of approximately 1mm width. Each side of the outer split square 22042 measures about 20mm. The outer split square 22042 comprises a slot whose width is substantially equal to that of the slot of the inner split square 22041, that is to say about 2mm. The slits of the inner split and the outer split 22041 are aligned with each other.

The HFSS (registered trademark) software was used to extract the permittivity (ε) and permeability (μ) parameters of a network made up of elementary blocks of left-hand material 170.

The figure 22 presents the curves of the real portions of permittivity 2301 and permeability 2302 of a network constituted by elementary blocks 2200 of the figure 21 for the frequency band from 500 MHz to 1 GHz.

As can be seen, the network of elementary blocks of the figure 21 has a negative permeability for frequencies in the 820 MHz to 900 MHz band.

We now present in relation to the figure 23 the results of electromagnetic simulation of the antenna system 2000 (antenna with radome) of the figure 19 . This electromagnetic simulation was performed using the HFSS (registered trademark) software.

In the embodiment shown, the radome 2001 is placed at a distance of about 40 mm (that is to say approximately λ _0/8 ) from the radiating element 2003.

The figure 23 presents the gain curve 2402 of the antenna system 2000 of the figure 19 in linear polarization for the frequency band from 840 MHz to 1 GHz. For ease of comparison, we have shown on the figure 23 the antenna gain curve 2100 2005 (without radome) in linear polarization.

As can be seen, the antenna system 2000 of the figure 19 in linear polarization has a resonance frequency at about 940 MHz and a maximum gain of about 8.2 dBi. The radome 2001 thus makes it possible to increase the overall gain of the antenna in linear polarization by approximately 2.4 dBi.

Although the invention has been described above in relation to a limited number of embodiments, the skilled person, upon reading the present description, will understand that other embodiments can be imagined without departing from the present invention. of the present invention.

For example, the antennal structure (also referred to above antenna system) may consist of a radiating element, a ground plane and a metamaterial radome of parallelepiped shape or spherical plain or hollow cap. Such a radome is transparent to electromagnetic waves. The radiating element may be in planar structure, wire or volume, and any geometric shape. The radiating element may be separated from the ground plane by a volume which may consist of air, dielectric and / or magnetic materials.

In an alternative embodiment, the antenna structure may not have a ground plane. In this case, it is proposed to implement a second metamaterial radome according to the invention. This second radome extends below the element radiating and is placed at the same distance from the radiating element as the first radome (extending above the radiating element). For example, the metamaterial radome may be in the form of a cylinder (the radiating element extending inside the cylinder). This radome is therefore well suited to the case of a wired half-wave antenna or a helix antenna.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, and as illustrated on the Figures 24, 25 and 26 , the metamaterial radome according to the invention can be positioned vertically or perpendicularly to the plane of the radiating element. In the case where the metamaterial radome according to the invention is positioned vertically in the plane of the radiating element ( figure 24 ), it was found a gain increase of about 3dBi and the resonance frequency (or operation) does not change in the presence of the radome. The circular polarization is perfect.

Claims (8)

1. Metamaterial structure (43) comprising at least one elementary block (60) comprising a support (61) made of dielectric material, said support comprising an upper face and a lower face,
   characterized in that said at least one elementary block comprises a first electrically conductive unit (62) placed on the upper face of the support (61) and comprising:

   - a first C-shaped conductive element (621) comprising first and second ends (E1, E2);

   - a second C-shaped conductive element (622) comprising third and fourth ends (E3, E4), said first and second conductive elements being laid out relative to each other in such a way that the first (E1) and third (E3) ends face each other and are separated by a first space, and the second (E2) and fourth (E4) ends face each other and are separated by a second space;

   - a first connector (623, 1323) configured to connect the first end (E1) to the fourth end (E4).
2. Metamaterial structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and second C-shaped conductive elements are identical.
3. Metamaterial structure according to any one of the claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the first connector has a rectilinear shape.
4. Metamaterial structure according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least one elementary block comprises a second electrically conductive unit (133) placed on the lower face of the support (131) and comprising:

   - a third C-shaped conductive element (1331) comprising fifth and sixth ends (E15, E16);

   - a fourth C-shaped conductive element(1332) comprising seventh and eighth ends (E17, E18), said third and fourth conductive elements being laid out relative to each other in such a way that the fifth (E15) and seventh (E17) ends face each other and are separated by a third space, and the sixth (E16) and eighth (E18) ends face each other and are separated by a fourth space;

   - a second connector (1333) configured to connect the fifth (E15) end to the eighth (E18) end.

   and in that the mid-points of the first (1323) and second (1333) connectors are superimposed.
5. Metamaterial structure according to claim 4, characterized in that said first and second conductive units are superimposed with a 90° rotation of the first connector relative to the second connector.
6. Metamaterial structure according to any one of the claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said first and second conductive units are identical.
7. Metamaterial structure according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first conductive unit comprises at least one active component.
8. Metamaterial structure according to any one of the claims 4 to 7, characterized in that said second conductive unit comprises at least one active component.

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