Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
  • H01Q21/28—Combinations of substantially independent non-interacting antenna units or systems
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
  • H01F21/00—Variable inductances or transformers of the signal type
  • H01F21/12—Variable inductances or transformers of the signal type discontinuously variable, e.g. tapped
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
  • H01F27/00—Details of transformers or inductances, in general
  • H01F27/28—Coils; Windings; Conductive connections
  • H01F27/2804—Printed windings
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
  • H01F27/00—Details of transformers or inductances, in general
  • H01F27/28—Coils; Windings; Conductive connections
  • H01F27/2871—Pancake coils
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
  • H01F27/00—Details of transformers or inductances, in general
  • H01F27/28—Coils; Windings; Conductive connections
  • H01F27/29—Terminals; Tapping arrangements for signal inductances
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
  • H01F27/00—Details of transformers or inductances, in general
  • H01F27/34—Special means for preventing or reducing unwanted electric or magnetic effects, e.g. no-load losses, reactive currents, harmonics, oscillations, leakage fields
  • H01F27/38—Auxiliary core members; Auxiliary coils or windings
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
  • H01F29/00—Variable transformers or inductances not covered by group H01F21/00
  • H01F29/02—Variable transformers or inductances not covered by group H01F21/00 with tappings on coil or winding; with provision for rearrangement or interconnection of windings
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
  • H01F38/00—Adaptations of transformers or inductances for specific applications or functions
  • H01F38/14—Inductive couplings
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
  • H01F5/00—Coils
  • H01F5/02—Coils wound on non-magnetic supports, e.g. formers
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
  • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
  • H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
  • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
  • H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
  • H01Q1/24—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set
• • 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
  • H01Q1/38—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
  • H01Q21/30—Combinations of separate antenna units operating in different wavebands and connected to a common feeder system
• • 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
  • H01Q5/10—Resonant antennas
  • H01Q5/15—Resonant antennas for operation of centre-fed antennas comprising one or more collinear, substantially straight or elongated active elements
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q7/00—Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
  • H01Q7/06—Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop with core of ferromagnetic material
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q9/00—Electrically-short antennas having dimensions not more than twice the operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
  • H01Q9/04—Resonant antennas
  • H01Q9/16—Resonant antennas with feed intermediate between the extremities of the antenna, e.g. centre-fed dipole
  • H01Q9/26—Resonant antennas with feed intermediate between the extremities of the antenna, e.g. centre-fed dipole with folded element or elements, the folded parts being spaced apart a small fraction of operating wavelength
  • H01Q9/27—Spiral antennas
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
  • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
  • H02J50/005—Mechanical details of housing or structure aiming to accommodate the power transfer means, e.g. mechanical integration of coils, antennas or transducers into emitting or receiving devices
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
  • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
  • H02J50/10—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
  • H02J50/12—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates generally to the wireless transmission of electrical energy and data. More specifically, this application relates to an antenna that facilitates the wireless transmission of data and electrical energy at multiple operating frequency bands.
• Near- field communication interface and protocol modes are defined by ISO/IEC standard 18092.
• near-field communication is often not optimal because prior art antennas that facilitate the wireless transfer of electrical power and/or data operate inefficiently. In such cases, the amount of electrical energy received by the corresponding antenna is generally significantly less than the amount of electrical energy initially transmitted. In addition, data that is received may be incomplete or may become corrupted. In addition, near-field communication generally suffers from reduced wireless transfer distances, i.e., the transmission range, and physical antenna orientation issues. These inefficiencies of near field communication are largely due to the low quality factor of the prior art antennas in addition to the inefficient large size of prior art antennas. In general, prior art near field communication antennas have a relatively large size that hinders efficient operation and wireless transmission.
• Inductive solutions transfer power and/or data between two inductor coils that are placed in close proximity to each other. This technology, for example, facilitates the deployment of inductive charging "hot spots” that enables wireless electrical charging of electronic devices by simply placing them near a charging "hot spot", such as on a surface of a table.
• the respective transmitter and receiver antennas are required to not only be located in close proximity to each other but, in addition, must also be physically positioned in a specific orientation with respect to one another.
• these prior art antennas require that they are physically positioned in near perfect alignment such that the centers of the respective transmitting and receiving antennas are oriented in perfect opposition to each other in order to operate efficaciously. This general requirement for near perfect physical alignment of the transmitting and receiving antennas typically leads to poor near field
• inductive charging is a wireless charging technique that utilizes an alternating electromagnetic field to transfer electrical power between two antennas.
• Resonant inductive coupling is defined herein as the near field wireless transmission of electrical energy between two magnetically coupled coils that are part of two spaced apart resonant circuits that are tuned to resonate at the same frequency.
• Magnetic resonance is defined herein as the excitation of particles (as atomic nuclei or electrons) in a magnetic field by exposure to electromagnetic radiation of a specific frequency.
• the Qi wireless inductive power transfer standard is an interface standard that was developed by the Wireless Power Consortium.
• the Qi interface standard is a protocol generally intended to facilitate transfer of low electrical power up to about 15W at frequencies ranging from 100 kHz to about 200 kHz over distances ranging from about 2 mm to about 5 mm.
• Radiosenor is a competing interface standard developed by the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) for wireless electrical power transfer based on the principles of magnetic resonance. Specifically, the Rezence interface standard currently supports electrical power transfer up to about 50W, at distances up to about 5 cm. Unlike the Qi interface standard, the Rezence interface standard utilizes an increased frequency of about 6.78 MHz +/- 15 kHz.
• the multi-band single structure antenna of the present disclosure is capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals and/or electrical energy across all of these standards with one antenna.
• Antennas are a key building block in the construction of wireless power and/or data transmission systems.
• antennas have advanced from a simple wire dipole to more complex structures.
• Mutli-mode antennas have been designed to take advantage of different wireless interface standards.
• Qi inductive wireless charging was first demonstrated in an Android smartphone more than four years ago.
• the Samsung ® Galaxy S6 ® supports two wireless charging standards, namely PMA and WPC's Qi. This solution, however, addresses inductive interface standards only.
• the multi-band single structure antenna of the present disclosure is capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals and/or electrical energy across any combination of standards-based and/or non-standards-based transfer protocols with one antenna.
• Prior art “multi mode” antennas referred to as "Two- Structure Dual Mode” (TSDM) antennas, are typically constructed having two discrete antenna structures that are positioned on a substrate.
• the two discrete antenna structures that comprise a TSDM antenna operate independent of each other and require separate terminal connections to each of the respective independent antenna.
• FIG. 1 illustrates an example of such a prior art two-structure dual mode antenna 10 which comprises a first exterior inductor 12 and a second, separate interior inductor 14, each antenna having a positive and negative terminal connection respectively that are not electrically connected.
• TSDM antennas have a relatively large footprint which comprises a significant amount of space and surface area.
• Such TSDM antennas are therefore, not ideally suited for incorporation with small electronic devices or positioned within small confined spaces.
• Two-structure multi-mode (TSMM) antennas 10 are generally constructed such that both the separate exterior and interior inductors 12, 14 each have a specific inductance.
• the exterior inductor 12 is constructed having a specific number of exterior inductor turns and the interior inductor 14 is constructed having a specific number of interior inductor turns.
• the two respective coils operate as independent antennas.
• Coil-based TSMM antennas fundamentally require a large amount of area to enable better performance. Specifically, antenna coupling between the exterior and interior antennas require that they be positioned a distance away from each other such that energy generated from one antenna is not absorbed by the other. Furthermore, in a traditional TSMM configuration, when the "interior" antenna is operating, the area extending from the outermost trace of the internal antenna to the outermost trace of the exterior antenna is not being utilized and, thus, is "wasted" space.
• the present disclosure provides various embodiments of an antenna that is capable of wirelessly receiving and/or transmitting electrical power and/or data between different locations.
• the antenna of the present disclosure is designed to enable wireless reception or transmission of electrical power and/or data over multiple frequencies such as the specifications established by the Qi and Rezence interface standards, as previously mentioned.
• the multi- mode antenna of the present disclosure is of a single structure comprising at least two inductor coils that are electrically connected in series.
• the single structure multi-mode antenna of the present disclosure may comprise a composite of at least one substrate on which at least one electrically conductive filar is disposed.
• at least one of the substrate layers that comprise the single structure antenna may be composed of a different material.
• the single structure antenna of the present disclosure may be constructed without a substrate.
• the single structure antenna of the present disclosure preferably comprises at least two inductor coils that are electrically connected in series.
• Each of the inductors is preferably composed of an electrically conductive material such as a wire, which may include, but is not limited to, a conductive trace, a filar, a filament, a wire, or combinations thereof.
• a wire which may include, but is not limited to, a conductive trace, a filar, a filament, a wire, or combinations thereof.
• wire is a length of electrically conductive material that may either be of a two dimensional conductive line or track that may extend along a surface or alternatively, a wire may be of a three dimensional conductive line or track that is contactable to a surface.
• a wire may comprise a trace, a filar, a filament or combinations thereof. These elements may be a single element or a multitude of elements such as a multifilar element or a multifilament element. Further, the multitude of wires, traces, filars, and filaments may be woven, twisted or coiled together such as in a cable form.
• the wire as defined herein may comprise a bare metallic surface or alternatively, may comprise a layer of electrically insulating material, such as a dielectric material that contacts and surrounds the metallic surface of the wire.
• a "trace" is an electrically conductive line or track that may extend along a surface of a substrate.
• the trace may be of a two dimensional line that may extend along a surface or alternatively, the trace may be of a three dimensional conductive line that is contactable to a surface.
• a "filar” is an electrically conductive line or track that extends along a surface of a substrate.
• a filar may be of a two dimensional line that may extend along a surface or alternatively, the filar may be a three dimensional conductive line that is contactable to a surface.
• a “filament” is an electrically conductive thread or threadlike structure that is contactable to a surface.
• the at least two inductor coils are disposed on an external surface of one of the plurality of substrates.
• at least one of the plurality of inductor coils may be disposed on each of the substrates that comprise the antenna structure.
• At least one via may be provided that connects at least two of the conductive materials that comprise the inductors of the antenna.
• the at least one via may be provided to create an electrical shunt connection between the coils, or portions thereof.
• shunt means an electrically conductive pathway that is created by electrically joining two points of a circuit such that an electrical current or an electrical voltage may pass therethrough.
• the inductor coils are strategically positioned and electrically connected in series to facilitate the reception and/or transmission of wirelessly transferred electrical power or data through near field magnetic induction at either, both or all frequency ranges of about 100 kHz to about 200 kHz (Qi interface standard), 100kHz to about 350 kHz (PMA interface standard), 6.78 MHz (Rezence interface standard), or alternatively at a frequency being employed by the device in a proprietary recharging mode.
• the antenna of the present disclosure may be designed to receive or transmit over a wide range of frequencies on the order of about 1 kHz to about 1 GHz or greater in addition to the Qi and Rezence interfaces standards.
• the single structure of the present disclosure also enables dynamic adjustment of its self-resonance frequency.
• Such self resonant frequencies are typically utilized for radio frequency (RF) communication such as a cellular phone or radio.
• RF radio frequency
• the single structure antenna of the present application is capable of self resonant frequencies that range from about 1 kHz to about 500 GHz.
• the single structure antenna of the present application is capable of dynamically adjusting the inductance exhibited by the antenna.
• Such a dynamic adjustment of at least one of the operating frequency, resonance frequency and inductance of the antenna is preferably accomplished through modifying the various connections within the antenna. More specifically, the operating frequency, the self- resonance frequency and/or the inductance of the antenna can be changed by modifying the various "tapped" inductance coil electrical connections that are strategically positioned therewithin. Thus, by modifying the sequence of the electrical connections between the at least various portions of the electrically connected inductor coils that comprise the antenna, the operating frequency, resonance frequency and/or inductance can be dynamically adjusted to meet various application requirements. Moreover, by dynamically adjusting the electrical connections within the antenna of the present disclosure, the separation distance between adjacent antennas that facilitates data or electrical power transfer can also be adjusted to meet specific application requirements. As defined herein, the term "tapped" means an electrical connection between at least two points.
• various materials may be incorporated within the structure of the antenna to shield the coils from magnetic field and/or electromagnetic interference and, thus, further enhance the antenna's electrical performance.
• magnetic field shielding materials such as a ferrite material, may be positioned about the antenna structure to either block or absorb magnetic fields that create undesirable proximity effects that increase electrical impedance within the antenna. As will be discussed in more detail, these proximity effects generally increase electrical impedance within the antenna which results in a degradation of the quality factor.
• the magnetic field shielding materials may be positioned about the antenna structure to increase inductance and/or act as a heat sink within the antenna structure to minimize over heating of the antenna. Furthermore, such materials may be utilized to modify the magnetic field profile of the antenna.
• Modification of the magnetic field(s) exhibited by the single structure antenna of the present disclosure may be desirable in applications such as wireless charging.
• the profile and strength of the magnetic field exhibited by the antenna may be modified to facilitate and/or improve the efficiency of wireless power transfer between the antenna and an electric device such as a cellular phone.
• an electric device such as a cellular phone.
• the single structure antenna of the present disclosure is of an efficient design that is capable of operating over multiple frequencies having an optimized inductance and quality factor that comprises at least two inductor coils that are electrically connected in series.
• the single structure antenna of the present disclosure enables the antenna to be tuned to a multitude of customizable frequencies and frequency bands to facilitate optimized wireless transfer of electrical energy and/or data.
• FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a prior art four terminal two-structure dual mode antenna.
• FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a three terminal single structure multiple mode antenna of the present disclosure comprising a switch circuit.
• FIG. 2A is an electrical schematic diagram of the three terminal single structure multiple mode antenna illustrated in FIG. 2.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a three terminal single structure multiple mode antenna of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3 A is an electrical schematic diagram of the three terminal embodiment of the antenna shown in FIG. 3.
• FIG. 3B is an embodiment of a first layer of a multi-layer single structure multiple mode antenna of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3 C is an embodiment of a second layer of a multi -layer single structure multiple mode antenna of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3D illustrates a magnified view of a portion of an inductor coil having a plurality of shunted via connections.
• FIG. 3E is an embodiment of a three terminal single structure multiple mode antenna of the present disclosure in which the respective terminals are connected to a single filar.
• FIG. 3F is a magnified view showing an embodiment in which the filars of an inductor coil are electrically bypassing the terminal lines.
• FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic diagram of the four terminal antenna embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 4.
• FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a single structure multiple mode antenna of the present disclosure comprising a conductive filar with a variable width.
• FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate cross-sectional views of different embodiments of the antenna of the present disclosure with different ferrite material shielding configurations.
• FIG. 7 is a flow diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a fabrication process of a single structure antenna of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of the magnetic field strengths generated by a single turn coil antenna.
• FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of the magnetic field strengths generated by a two turn coil antenna.
• FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment of the magnetic field strengths generated by a three turn coil antenna.
• FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a two coil antenna fabricated from a metal stamping process.
• FIG. 10 is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a fabrication process of a single structure antenna of the present disclosure having a unitary body structure.
• FIG. 11 shows a theoretical embodiment of a single structure antenna of the present disclosure comprising n+1 number of terminals.
• FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate various embodiments of electrical switch configurations that provide different electrical connections between inductor coils.
• FIG. 13 is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of operating a single structure antenna of the present disclosure.
• the antenna and communication system thereof of the present disclosure provides for improved induction communication, such as near field communication. More specifically, the antenna of the present disclosure is of a single structure design that enables coupled magnetic resonance. Coupled magnetic resonance is an alternative technology that when appropriately designed, can provide for increased wireless power transfer and communication efficiencies and is less dependent of physical orientation and positioning requirements of prior art antennas. As a result, the antenna of the present disclosure provides for improved wireless transfer efficiency and a better user experience.
• the multi-band single structure antenna of the present disclosure also enables increased transmission range.
• the structure of the antenna of the present disclosure enables tuning of the operating frequency. This enables the operator to quickly modify the receiving antenna's operating frequency to match the frequency of the transmitted signal or, alternatively, transmit a signal at an increased frequency using a frequency multiplier to match the increased operating frequency of a receiving antenna.
• the single structure antenna of the present disclosure may also comprise a selection circuit which may be capable of conditioning or modifying the received or transmitted signal. An example of which includes modifying the operating frequency of the antenna by a frequency multiplying factor to increase range.
• the antenna of the present disclosure enables increased operating frequencies. Operating at a higher frequency range provides for smaller antenna form factors. For example, consider a generic transmitting and receiving antenna combination both operating at a frequency ( ⁇ that are spaced a distance d apart and have a coupling factor, k.
• the transmitting antenna has a transmitting antenna inductance (LT X ) and the receiving antenna has a receiving antenna inductance (LR X ).
• the induced voltage at the receiving antenna is given by the formula: induced ⁇
• the single-structure multi-mode (SSMM) antenna of the present disclosure provides an efficient design that enables the reception and transmission of a multitude of a non-limiting range of frequencies which includes the frequency specification of the Qi and Rezence interface standards, in addition to many other wireless electrical power transfer standards.
• the single structure multi-mode antenna of the present disclosure enables multiple communication based standards such as, but not limited to, near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), multi-mode standard transponder (MST), in addition to a host of frequency standards that operate at frequencies greater than about 400 MHz.
• Piezoelectric power transfer and/or communication modes may be purely magnetic, such as via magnetic fields, electromagnetic, such as via electromagnetic waves, electrical, such as via capacitive interactions or piezoelectric action.
• Piezoelectric power transfer and/or communication modes would generally require a unique piezoelectric material such as barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, or potassium niobate that is able to transduce acoustic signals to electrical signals and vice versa.
• the single-structure multi-mode (SSMM) antenna of the present disclosure facilitates either or both the transmission and reception of wirelessly transmitted electrical power and/or data.
• the unique design and construction of the SSMM antenna of the present disclosure provides an antenna having optimized electrical performance in a reduced form factor.
• the single structure antenna of the present disclosure may also comprise a plurality of materials such as various ferrite materials to block magnetic fields from adjacent wire strands of the plurality of coils.
• these magnetic blocking materials shield adjacent wire strands from the adverse effects of magnetic fields on the propagation of electrical power and/or electric signals.
• the present disclosure provides an antenna having a single coil structure in which a multitude inductor coils are electrically connected in series. Such a construction provides for an antenna having a compact design that enables adjustment or tuning of the inductance within the antenna which results in the ability to tune multiple antenna frequencies.
• FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, 3 A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 4, 4A, 9 and 11 illustrate different embodiments and configurations of a single structure multi-mode antenna of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a three-terminal antenna 20 of the present disclosure.
• the antenna 20 comprises a substrate 22 on which is positioned a first, outer coil 24 and a second, interior coil 26. More specifically, both the first and second coils 24, 26 are positioned on an external surface 28 of the substrate 22.
• the first outer coil 24 comprises a first electrically conductive material 30 such as a trace or filar which is positioned in a curved orientation with respect to the surface 28 of the substrate 22.
• the trace or filar 30 is positioned in a spiral or serpentine orientation with respect to the surface 28 of the substrate 22 having "Ni" number of turns.
• the second interior coil 26 comprises a second electrically conductive material 32 such as a trace or filar positioned in a curved orientation with respect to the surface 28 of the substrate 22.
• the second trace or filar 32 is positioned in a spiral or serpentine orientation with respect to the surface 28 of the substrate 22 having "N 2 " number of turns.
• the second interior coil 26 is positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first outer coil 24.
• a "turn” is a single complete circumferential revolution of the electrically conductive filar positioned on the surface of a substrate.
• the first outer coil 24 comprises 3 turns (Ni) and the second interior coil 26 comprises 14 turns (N 2 ).
• the first outer coil 24 may comprise from about 1 to as many as 500 or more "Ni" turns and the second interior coil 26 may comprise from about 1 to as many as 1,000 or more "N 2 " turns.
• the number of "N 2 " turns is greater than the number of "Ni" turns.
• the coils 24, 26 may also be constructed having a partial turn or revolution such as a half or quarter of a complete turn.
• the conductive filars 30 that form the first outer inductive coil 24 have a filar width that may range from about 0.01 mm to about 20 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the outer inductor coil filars 30 is constant. However, the width of the first outer inductor conductive filars 30 may vary.
• the conductive filars 32 that form the second interior inductive coil 26 have a preferred width that ranges from about 0.01 mm to about 20 mm.
• the second conductive filar 32 may also be constructed having a constant or variable width.
• the first electrically conductive filars 30 that form the first outer inductor coil 24, have a width that is greater than the width of the second electrically conductive filars 32 that form the second interior inductor coil 26.
• the width of the first conductive filars 30 may be about equal to or narrower than the width of the second electrically conductive filars 32 that form the second interior inductor coil 26.
• the first outer inductor coil 24 contributes to the reception and/or transmission of higher frequencies in the MHz range whereas, the second interior inductor coil 26 contributes to the reception and/or transmission of frequencies in the kHz range.
• the increased perimeter size and typically fewer number of filar turns that comprise the first outer inductor coil 24, generally create first coil inductances in the 4.2 ⁇ range, which, thus, provides reception and/or transmission in the MHz operating frequency range.
• the increased number of filar turns and smaller coil diameter of the second interior inductor coil 26 generally create inductances in the 8.2 ⁇ range, which provides reception and/or transmission in the kHz operating frequency range.
• electrically connecting at least the first and second inductor coils 24, 26 in series at different locations thereof enables the single structure antenna of the present disclosure to operate at multiple frequencies while encompassing reduced surface area and a smaller foot print.
• the single structure antenna of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of terminal connections that are strategically positioned on the first and second inductor coils 24, 26, respectively.
• This unique antenna design provides for a variety of tunable inductances which, in turn, provides for a variety of selectively tunable operating frequencies.
• the single structure antenna can be designed so that it can operate at multiple frequencies and multiple frequency bands anywhere between about the 1 kHz range to about the 10 GHz range.
• the prior art two structure antenna 10 is not capable of operating at such multiple frequencies with such a reduced foot print size.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a three terminal single structure antenna 20 of the present disclosure.
• the first outer coil 24 is electrically connected in series to the second interior coil 26. This electrical connection between the two coils 24, 26 combines the inductance contributions of both coils, and portions thereof, in a reduced foot print.
• FIG. 2A is an electrical schematic diagram of the antenna 20 shown in FIG. 2.
• the antenna 20 comprises three terminals, a first terminal 34 a second terminal 36, and a third terminal 35.
• the first terminal 34 is electrically connected to the first outer inductive coil 24, the second terminal 36 is electrically connected to the second interior inductive coil 26, and the third terminal 35 is electrically connected to a second end of the first outer coil 24.
• the antenna 20 may be constructed having the first terminal 34 electrically connected to the second inductive coil 26 and the second terminal 36 electrically connected to the first inductive coil 24.
• the antenna 20 may be constructed with an electrical switch circuit 37 that enables selection of a desired inductance and operating frequency. More specifically, the electrical switch circuit 37 enables the detection and analysis of the electrical impedance of either or combination thereof of the first and second coils 24, 26. Therefore, based on the detection and analysis of the electrical impedance, an efficient selection of the antenna's operating frequency can be achieved based on an optimized or desired electrical impedance value. In addition, the selection of the terminal connections may be based on an optimized or desired inductance value at a desired operating frequency or frequencies.
• the switch circuit 37 is electrically connected in series between the first and second coils 24, 26.
• the switch circuit 37 enables the selection of a connection between the first and second coils 24, 26, or alternatively, a selection of either of the first or second coils 24, 26 individually.
• the third terminal 35 is electrically connected at point 33 which is an electrical junction between the first and second coils 24, 26.
• the electrical switch circuit 37 preferably comprises at least one capacitor C 1 having a first capacitance.
• the at least one capacitor C 1 is preferably electrically connected along the third terminal 35.
• the switch 37 may also comprise a second capacitor C 2 having a second capacitance.
• the second capacitor C 2 is preferably connected between point 33 and the second interior coil 26. Inclusion of the at least one capacitor C 1 enables the detection and analysis of the impedance of either or both coils 24, 26 at an operating frequency.
• the substrate 22 is of a flexible form, capable of bending and mechanical flexure.
• the substrate 22 is preferably composed of an electrically insulating material.
• insulative materials may include but are not limited to, a paper, a polymeric material such as polyimide, acrylic or Kapton, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene napthalate, fluropolymers, copolymers, a ceramic material such as alumina, composites thereof, or a combination thereof.
• the substrate may be the shielding material.
• the first, second and third terminals 34, 36, 35 of the antenna 20 are electrically connectable to an electronic device 38.
• the electrical device 38 may be used to modify and/or condition the electrical power, electrical voltage, electrical current or electronic data signal received or transmitted by the antenna 20.
• the electrical energy received by the antenna may be used to directly power the electronic device 38.
• the electrical device 38 may be used to transmit electrical power and/or a data signal thereof.
• the electronic device 38 may comprise, but is not limited to, a tuning or matching circuit (not shown), a rectifier (not shown), a voltage regulator (not shown), an electrical resistance load (not shown), an electrochemical cell (not shown) or combinations thereof.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an additional embodiment of a three terminal single structure antenna 40 of the present disclosure.
• the three terminal antenna 40 comprises a first outer coil 42 that is electrically connected in series to a second interior coil 44.
• the electrical connection between the two coils 42, 44 combines the inductance contributions of each of the coils 42, 44 in a reduced size and surface area.
• the addition of a third terminal further enables the antenna 40 to be tuned to a specific frequency or multiple frequency bands.
• the three terminal antenna design enables the first and second coils 42, 44 to be strategically connected at different locations along either or both the first and second coil 42, 44.
• the inductance of the antenna 40 can be modified, i.e., increased or decreased, without increasing the size of the footprint of the antenna.
• the antenna 40 of the present disclosure efficiently utilizes space and substrate surface area to increase and/or decrease inductance therewithin and, thus, custom tune the operating frequency or frequency band of the antenna 40.
• the antenna 40 as shown in FIG. 3 comprises three terminals, a first terminal 46, a second terminal 48, and a third terminal 50 , each having three respective terminal connections 52, 54, and 56. Each of the terminals is electrically connected at different terminal connection points of the antenna 40.
• the first terminal 46 extends from a first end 58 of a first trace 60 of the first outer coil 42.
• the second terminal 48 extends from a first end 62 of a second trace 64 of the second inductor 44.
• the third terminal 50 extends from a second end 66 of the second trace 64 of the second coil 44.
• the three terminals 46, 48, and 50 provide different connection points between the first and second inductor coils 42, 44 and portions thereof.
• Connecting the various terminals in different combinations thus provides the antenna 40 of the present disclosure with different adjustable inductances which, in turn, modifies the operating frequency or operating mode of the antenna 40.
• a first inductance may be produced that is generally suitable for operation at a first operating frequency.
• Electrically connecting the first terminal 46 to the third terminal 50 produces a second inductance that is generally suitable for operation at a second operating frequency.
• Electrically connecting the second terminal 48 to the third terminal 50 produces a third inductance that is generally suitable for operation at a third operating frequency.
• Each of the inductances that are capable of being generated by the antenna of the present disclosure is preferably different from each other.
• the antenna may be able to instantaneously switch from one inductance value to another, thereby instantaneously changing the antenna's operating frequency.
• FIG. 3 A illustrates an electrical schematic diagram of the three terminal antenna 40 illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown, connecting the first terminal 46 and the third terminal 50 provides a connection to the first outer inductor coil 42 having "Ni" number of turns.
• FIG. 3 A illustrates an embodiment in which the first inductor coil 42 is electrically connected in series with the second inductor coil 44.
• the first terminal 46 is electrically connected to the first end 58 of the first outer inductor coil 42.
• the second terminal 48 is electrically connected to the first end 62 of the second inductor coil 44 at an electrical junction 68 distal of the first inductor coil first end 58.
• the third terminal 50 is electrically connected to a second end 70 of the first inductor coil 42.
• the three-terminal antenna design shown in FIGS. 3 and 3 A enables the operation of the antenna in three different operation modes.
• an operation mode is an operating frequency band width.
• Such modes may include, but are not limited to the Qi, PMA and Rezence wireless standard frequencies.
• Table I shown below details an example of the different terminal connection configurations and how they affect the operation mode of the antenna. More specifically, Table I illustrates various examples of how the operating frequency of the antenna may be changed by connecting various terminal connections together. It is noted that the operating frequencies detailed in Table I are examples and that the operating frequency bands may be custom tailored to meet specific requirements. Such customization can be achieved through designing each coil with a specific number of turns, a specific trace width, and terminal location points on each of the first and second coils.
• FIGS. 3 and 3A illustrate a specific example of connecting three terminals to the respective ends of the first and second inductor coils 42, 44
• these connections may be positioned at various electrically conductive points along the first and second conductive traces 60, 64 of the first and second inductor coils 42, 44.
• additional terminal connections may be positioned along the first and second 42, 44 inductor coils of the antenna 40, to further provide customized inductances and, thus, provide customized operating frequencies of the antenna 40.
• establishing an electrical connection with an inductor coil or multiple inductor coils having an increased number of turns increases the inductance that results in an antenna that more suitable to receive or transmit lower frequency signals.
• establishing an electrical connection with an inductor coil or multiple inductor coils having a decreased number of turns decreases the inductance and therefore results in an antenna that is more suitable to receive or transmit higher frequency signals.
• the three terminal antenna may be electrically connected to an electrical device 38.
• the electrical device 38 may be designed to condition or modify electrical power and/or an electrical signal, such as a digital data signal. Alternatively, the electrical device 38 may directly receive or transmit the electrical power and/or data signal.
• the electronic device 38 may comprise, but is not limited to, a tuning or matching circuit (not shown), a rectifier (not shown), a voltage regulator (not shown), an electrical resistance load (not shown), an electrochemical cell (not shown) or combinations thereof.
• the electronic device 38 may also be used to modify or condition an electrical voltage, electrical current, or digital signal that is being transmitted by the antenna 40.
• FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate an embodiment of a multiple layer three terminal antenna 72.
• the single structure antenna of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of two or more substrate layers 22 that are positioned in a parallel orientation to each other.
• at least one electrically conductive trace is positioned along an exterior surface of the substrates that comprise the antenna 72.
• the filar or filars may be orientated such that at least one inductor coil is disposed along a top surface of one or more of the substrates.
• the substrates that comprise the antenna are preferably oriented in the same orientation such that the bottom surface of a first substrate is positioned above the top surface of a second substrate.
• At least one via may be provided to establish an electrical connection between the various substrate layers.
• the at least one via provides an electrical connection between filars or portions of filars that comprise an inductor coil or coils at different substrate layers.
• a "via" is an electrical connection between two or more substrate layers.
• a via may comprise a wire, an electrically filled through-bore or electrically conductive trace.
• FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate the first and second layers, respectively of a two layer three terminal single structure antenna.
• FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of a first or lower layer 74 of the antenna 72 of the present disclosure.
• the first layer 74 comprises a first outer inductive coil 76 that is electrically connected in series to a second interior inductive coil 78.
• the first terminal 46 is electrically connected in parallel to two traces or filars, thereby creating a bifilar connection 80 that comprises the first inductor coil 76. It is noted that two or more adjacent electrically conductive traces or filars that comprise an inductive coil may be connected in parallel. In general, connecting two or more adjacent traces or filars reduces electrical resistance,
• ESR equivalent series resistance
• the first inductor coil 76 is electrically connected in series to the second interior inductor coil 78 that is positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first inductor coil 76.
• a second end 82 of the first inductor coil 76 located at an inner most end of the coil 76 is electrically connected to a first end 84 of the second inductor coil 78.
• the first end 84 of the interior inductor coil 78 is disposed at the end of an outer most filar track of the second inductor coil 78.
• the second inductor coil 78 terminates at a second inductor coil second end 86 which is disposed at an inner most location of the second inductor coil 78.
• FIG. 3C illustrates an embodiment of a second upper substrate layer 88 of the antenna 72 of the present disclosure.
• the second layer 88 is preferably positioned directly above the first lower substrate 74.
• the second layer 88 comprises a third outer inductor coil 90 that is electrically connected in series to a fourth interior inductor coil 92.
• the respective first and third coils 76, 90 and the second and fourth coils 78, 92 of the first and second layers 74, 88 may be positioned about their respective substrates in a parallel relationship.
• first and third coils 76, 90 and the second and fourth coils 78, 92 of the first and second layers 74, 88 may be in a similar position about their respective substrate surfaces and may comprise the same number of turns with similar trace widths.
• the respective first and third coils 76, 90 and the second and fourth coils 78, 92 of the first and second layers 74, 88 may be positioned at different locations relative to their specific substrate surfaces and they may have differing number of turns with differing trace widths.
• the first terminal 46 of the second layer 74 is electrically connected in parallel to two adjacently positioned traces or filars, thereby creating a bifilar connection at a first end 94 of the third inductor coil 90.
• This bifilar connection comprises the electrical trace pattern of the third inductor coil 90, extending around the third coil 90 and ending at a second end 96 thereof.
• the third inductor coil 90 is electrically connected in series to the fourth interior inductor coil 92 positioned within the inner perimeter of the third inductor coil 90 at a third inductor coil second end 96 which is disposed at an interior location of the third inductor coil 90.
• the fourth inductor coil 92 is electrically connected to the third inductor coil 90 at a first end 98 of the interior inductor coil which is disposed at an outer most filar track of the fourth inductor coil 92.
• the second upper layer 88 also comprises the second and third terminal connections 48, 50.
• the second terminal 48 is electrically connected at a second end 100 of the fourth inductor coil 92 positioned at an inner most location of the fourth coil 92.
• the length of the second terminal 48 is electrically isolated from each of the filar tracks that comprise the third and fourth inductor coils 90, 92.
• the third terminal 50 is provided on the second upper layer 88. As shown, the third terminal 50 is electrically connected to the bifilar track 94 that is disposed at the inner most location of the third outer inductor coil 90.
• a via 102 or a plurality of vias 102 are preferably positioned between two or more substrate layers 74, 88 that comprise the single structure antenna 72 of the present disclosure. More preferably, the at least one via 102 provides a shunted electrical connection between different locations between the respective first and third inductor coils 76, 90 or the second and fourth inductor coils 78, 92 to minimize electrical resistance which may adversely affect electrical performance and quality factor.
• a plurality of shunted via connections are positioned between the upper and lower layers to electrically isolate portions of the second and third terminals 48, 50, thereby enabling the terminals to "overpass" the conductive traces of the respective coils. More specifically, to create an "overpass” a plurality of vias 102 may be positioned on respective left and right sides of a trace 104 of the terminal. The plurality of vias 102 positioned on the respective left and right sides of the terminal line 104 of the terminal thus form electrical paths underneath the terminal trace 104, thereby electrically isolating the terminal trace 104 by "bypassing" the portion of conductive traces on which the terminal lead 104 is positioned.
• the plurality of shunted vias 102 may also create an electrical path that bypasses at least a portion of the terminal lead 104.
• each of the plurality of vias 102 are positioned in opposition to each other on respective left and right sides of the terminal lead 104.
• FIG. 3D illustrates a magnified view of an example of a plurality of shunted via connections between a portion of the first inductor coil 76 that is disposed on the lower first substrate layer 74 and the third inductor coil 90 that is disposed on the upper second substrate layer 88.
• a plurality of via connections is shown between inductor coils that are disposed on the respective upper and lower substrate layers 74, 88. More specifically, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3D, there are four vias 102 positioned along each filar tracks besides each of the respective right and left sides of the terminal line 104.
• the via connections provide a shunted electrical connection that by passes under the terminal line 104.
• an electrical connection can be provided that bypasses the terminal line 104 of the terminal thereby keeping the terminal trace 104 electrically isolated from the conductive traces it passes through.
• various electrical connections can be made which can further tailor the inductance and resulting operating frequency of the single structure antenna of the present disclosure. For example, various electrically isolated terminal connections can be positioned throughout the inductor coils thus establishing further customized inductances and operating frequencies.
• FIG. 3E illustrates an alternative embodiment of a single structure antenna 106 in which respective first and second inductive coils 108, 110 comprise a single filar pattern.
• the first, second and third terminals 46, 48, and 50 are respectively connected to a single filar that comprises the first and second inductor coils 108, 110.
• having an electrical parallel connection to two or more adjacently positioned filars reduces electrical resistance which in turn increases the quality factor of the antenna.
• FIG. 3F illustrates a magnified view of the terminal connections illustrated in FIG. 3E.
• the terminal traces of the second and third terminals 48, 50 are electrically isolated as they effectively bypass over the electrically conductive the filar tracks that comprise the inductor coil.
• Via connections 103 provided on both sides of the respective terminal lines 104 provide an electrical connection that bypasses the terminal lines thereby electrically isolating the terminal lines from the filar lines of that comprise the inductor coil.
• a plurality of vias 102A are positioned on the right side of the terminal lead 104 of the third terminal 50, vias 102B are positioned to the left and right of the terminal traces 104 of respective third terminal 50 and second terminal 48 and vias 102C are positioned to the left of the terminal trace of the first terminal 48.
• FIG. 4 illustrates an electrical circuit diagram of an embodiment of a four terminal antenna 112 of the present disclosure.
• the first terminal 46 is electrically connected to the first end 58 of the first outer inductor coil 42.
• the second terminal 48 is electrically connected to the first end of the second inductor coil 44.
• the third terminal 50 is electrically connected to the second end 70 of the first inductor coil 42.
• a fourth terminal 114 is electrically connected to a second point 116 along the electrically conductive track of the first inductor coil 42.
• the fourth terminal connection effectively shortens the length of the first inductor coil 42 and/or the number of turns between electrical connections thereby providing an additional terminal connection which can be selected to adjust the inductance and operating frequency of the antenna.
• Table II shown below details the inductance and resulting operating frequency of an exemplar three and four terminal connection antennas illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, 3 A, 4 and 4B. It is noted that the inductance may be increased or decreased by modifying the number of turns of at least one of the first and second inductor coils.
• the electrical or electronic device 38 may be a selection circuit 118 electrically connected to the single structure antenna of the present disclosure.
• the selection circuit 118 is electrically connected to at least two of the terminals that comprise the antenna.
• the selection circuit 118 actively monitors and measures the electrical impedance at the respective antenna terminals and combinations thereof.
• the selection circuit 118 is capable of connecting or disconnecting the various terminals that comprise the antenna to achieve a desired frequency band.
• the selection circuit 118 comprises at least one capacitor having a capacitance C 3 . The capacitance of the selection circuit is selected to activate a switching mechanism between antenna terminals by providing a high impedance path or a low impedance path, depending on the frequency of operation.
• the selection circuit 118 may also be able to actively connect and/or disconnect various regions or specific locations along the inductance coils that comprise the single structure antenna.
• the selection circuit 1 18 operates by selecting an inductor coil, portion of an inductor coil, or combinations thereof, having the lowest electrical impedance.
• the selection circuit 1 18 may be designed to actively switch between terminals at a specific electrical impedances or range of electrical impedances. For example, the selection circuit 1 18 may measure the electrical impedance at various terminal connections and determine that based on the value of the capacitance C 3 within the selection circuit 1 18 to connect terminals 1 and 3 instead of terminals 1 and 2 for example.
• the selection circuit may be configured to select a desired antenna impedance Z 2 , at a desired antenna operating frequency f.
• the selection circuit 1 18 can be designed such that the terminal connections are made at a certain impedance threshold value at a specific frequency or frequency band which may be determined by a multiplier constant. 1
• the selection circuit may choose between the lower of the electrical resistance of the first inductor coil Z 1 and the electrical resistance of the second inductor coil Z 2 .
• the selection circuit may actively choose the terminal
• An exemplary situation is when the higher frequency range conforms to a single mode, the Rezence wireless charging standard operating at a frequency fi of about 6.78 MHz with a bandwidth of +/- 15 kHz, while the lower frequency range conforms to two modes, i.e., the Qi standard operating between 100 kHz and 205 kHz and the PMA standard operating between 100 kHz and 350 kHz.
• the antenna will actively receive or transmit in the Rezence mode at an operating frequency of about 6.78 MHz.
• the quality factor of the single structure multiple mode antenna of the present disclosure can be significantly affected by the length and position of a gap 120 of space disposed between adjacent first and second inductor coils such as the first and second inductor coils 76, 78 and/or the third and fourth inductor coils 90, 92.
• the single structure multiple mode antenna 20, 40, 72, 106, 112 of the present disclosure is preferably designed with a high quality factor (QF) to achieve efficient reception/transfer of electrical power and/or an electrical data signal.
• QF quality factor
• the quality factor of the antenna is increased by reducing the intrinsic resistive losses within the antenna, particularly at high operating frequencies of at least 300 kHz.
• the quality factor is the ratio of energy stored by a device to the energy lost by the device.
• the QF of an antenna is the rate of energy loss relative to the stored energy of the antenna.
• a source device carrying a time-varying current such as an antenna, possesses energy which may be divided into three components: 1) resistive energy (W res ), 2) radiative energy (W rad ), and 3) reactive energy (W rea ).
• W res resistive energy
• W rad radiative energy
• W rea reactive energy
• near-field communication devices are designed to minimize both resistive and radiative energies while maximizing reactive energy. In other words, near-field
• the efficiency of energy and/or data transfer between devices in an inductively coupled system is based on the quality factor of the antenna in the transmitter (Qi), the quality factor of the antenna in the receiver (Q 2 ), and the coupling coefficient between the two antennas ( ⁇ ).
• the efficiency of the energy transfer varies according to the following relationship: effaK 2 QiQ 2 .
• a higher quality factor indicates a lower rate of energy loss relative to the stored energy of the antenna.
• a lower quality factor indicates a higher rate of energy loss relative to the stored energy of the antenna.
• the coupling coefficient ( ⁇ ) expresses the degree of coupling that exists between two antennas.
• the quality factor of an inductive antenna varies according to the following relationship:
• the antenna of the present disclosure is designed to decrease the electrical resistance and, therefore, increase the quality factor.
• the single structure multiple mode antenna of the present disclosure is designed with a gap of space 120 positioned between adjacently positioned inductor coils such as the first and second inductor coils 24, 26.
• This gap 120 preferably reduces the proximity effect between adjacently positioned inner and outer coils, such as 76, 78 (FIG. 3B) and 90, 92 (FIG. 3C).
• proximity effect is the resultant increase in electrical resistance that occurs when two wires carrying alternating current, are positioned next to each other. More specifically, the proximity effect relates to the effect that one current carrying filament has on an adjacent current carrying filament when time-varying current is propagating through at least one of the conductive filaments.
• the magnetic field generated by one filament creates a field that opposes the current in the adjacent filament, thereby creating additional alternating current (AC) electrical resistance.
• AC alternating current
• This effect increases with frequency according to Faraday's law.
• the magnetic field of one wire induces longitudinal eddy currents in the other adjacent wire.
• These eddy currents flow in long loops along the wire in the opposite direction as the main current.
• these eddy currents reinforce the main current on the side facing away from the first wire, and oppose the main current on the side facing the first wire.
• the net effect is a redistribution of the current in the cross section of the wire into a thin strip on the side facing away from the other wire. Since the current is concentrated into a smaller area of the wire, the resistance is increased.
• the proximity effect has a significant effect on the quality factor of the antenna design.
• the applicants have discovered that the proximity effect can be greatly reduced by increasing the gap or distance 120 between the first outer and second interior inductor coils. However, increasing the gap 120 between these coils such that the proximity effect is negligible appreciably increases the foot print of the antenna which is not desired.
• the applicants have discovered that by providing the gap 120 having a distance of about 0.2 mm reduces the magnetic field strength by about 50%, and designing the gap 120 with a distance of about 1 mm reduces the magnetic field strength by about 90%. It is contemplated that the gap 120 may range from about 0.05 mm to about 10 mm.
• Another important consideration is the operating frequency of the antenna. In general, AC electrical resistance increases with increasing magnetic field strength. This increase in AC electrical resistance is about proportional to the magnetic field strength. This is due to the generally increased proximity effect at increased operating frequencies. In general, the increase in proximity effect can be mathematically represented by the strength of the magnetic field H of an adjacent filar multiplied by the operating frequency.
• the magnetic field strength generated by the first antenna is required to be reduced by about a factor of 34 (6.78Mhz/200kHz). Therefore, to obtain a similar reduction in AC electrical resistance due to the proximity effect, between the first antenna operating at 6.78 MHz and the second antenna operating at 200 kHz, would thus require a gap of about 0.2 mm between adjacent coil traces for the second antenna operating at 200 kHz, and a gap greater than 5 mm between adjacent coil traces for the first antenna operating at 6.78 MHz.
• the applicants have thus discovered that designing the gap 120 having a dimension of 0.5 mm, or greater, between the first outer and second interior coils significantly reduces the proximity effect to a negligible amount for frequencies between about 100 to about 200 kHz. Furthermore, the applicants have discovered that designing the gap 120 having a distance of about 1 mm for frequencies between about 200 to about 400 kHz, or greater, is more preferred. In some cases, where the overall allowable surface area is large, for example, when the total number of turns of the first outer and second interior inductor coils is greater than 100 and the frequency is around 6.78 MHz to 13.56 MHz, this distance can be as great as 10 mm. In general, a gap distance 120 of about 10 mm effectively reduces the magnetic field strength and the proximity effect by about 99 percent.
• examples 1-4 are of a three terminal single structure multi-mode antenna having different gap sizes between the first outer and second interior coils. As illustrated in the table, increasing the size of the gap to about 1.8 mm, increases the quality factor by about 35% in comparison to a gap size of 0.2 mm of the antenna constructed in example 4. If a larger footprint is possible for the entire antenna structure, this gap size may be further increased greater than 5 mm which results in an increase in quality factor of about 42% in comparison to the example 4 antenna which constructed with a gap size of about 0.2 mm.
• antenna to antenna efficiency is the percentage of electrical energy received by a receiving antenna that was originally transmitted by a corresponding transmitting antenna.
• the strength of the proximity effect generated from a filar with 1 A of electrical current propagated therewithin is about 100 times greater than if the electrical current is at 10 mA.
• FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of an inductor coil 121 which comprises a conductive filar 123 having a variable filar width.
• at least one of the inductor coils that comprise an antenna may be constructed having a filar width that ranges from about 5 mm to about 0.01mm, more preferably from 0.55 mm to about 0.2 mm.
• the inductor coil is constructed having an outer filar width at a first coil end 122 that ranges from about 10 mm to about 1 mm that progressively becomes narrow as the filar extends towards the center of the inductor 121.
• the filar width at the second end 124 may range from about 5 mm to about 0.01 mm.
• Such thinning of the filar width is desirous to provide an additional number of turns within a smaller surface area, thereby leading to an inductance value that is higher than what would have been achieved with wider traces for all turns. Furthermore, increasing the number of turns reduces the cross- sectional area of the filament utilized by the current due to the net proximity effects of the multitude of filaments. Therefore it is possible that a wide trace may have regions through which the current density is significantly reduced. By designing the coil in a manner of reducing the trace widths, the area utilization is maximized. Utilization of cross-sectional area is reduced due to proximity effect with increased frequency and a greater number of traces.
• Constructing a coil with variable trace widths can significantly increase the inductance of the antenna.
• two antennas having the same coil outer dimension of 34.5 mm X 27 mm and an inner dimension of 15.4 mm X 7.9 mm were constructed.
• the first antenna was constructed with 13 turns at a constant trace width of about 0.55 mm and a constant gap with between traces of about 0.2 mm.
• the second antenna coil was constructed with 13 turns and a constant gap width of about 0.2 mm between adjacent traces of the coil.
• the second antenna was also constructed having a variable trace width that ranged from 0.55 mm to about 0.2 mm in the interior of the coil.
• the quality factor may also be increased by incorporating various materials or structures that prevent or block the magnetic fields that cause the proximity effect that thus results in increased electrical resistance of adjoining conductive filars and ultimately results in a decreased quality factor.
• One such shielding material are ferrite materials which have a high permeability that effectively shields inductor coils from magnetic fields generated from an adjacent inductor coil or coils.
• the shielding material preferably has the primary function of providing a low reluctance path to magnetic field lines thereby reducing the interaction of the magnetic fields with other metallic objects, especially objects (e.g. batteries, circuit boards) placed behind the coil assembly.
• a second function of the shielding material is preferably to boost the inductance of the coil and, simultaneously, to increase the coupling between the transmitter coil assembly and the receiver coil assembly. The latter directly affects the efficiency of power transfer.
• the third ancillary benefit is that it may also improve the Quality Factor of the coil antenna if the loss tangent of the magnetic material is sufficiently small.
• "reluctance" is the resistance to a magnetic flux.
• FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are cross-sectional views illustrating various embodiments in which an inductor coil having an electrically conductive trace 30, 32 of a single structure multi-mode antenna of the present disclosure may be constructed using materials that shield the conductive traces, i.e., wires of the coils 24, 26 from magnetic fields.
• Such shielding materials may include, but are not limited to, zinc comprising ferrite materials such as manganese-zinc, nickel-zinc, copper-zinc, magnesium-zinc, and combinations thereof.
• These and other ferrite material formulations may be incorporated within a polymeric material matrix so as to form a flexible ferrite substrate. Examples of such materials may include but are not limited to, FFSR and FFSX series ferrite materials manufactured by Kitagawa Industries America, Inc. of San Jose California and Flux Field Directional RFIC material, manufactured by 3MTM Corporation of Minneapolis MN.
• the first material 126 may comprise at least one of the FFSX series of ferrite materials having a permeability of about 100 to about 120 across a frequency range of at least 100 kHz to 7 MHz.
• the second material 128 may comprise the RFIC ferrite material having a permeability of about 40 to about 60, and the third material 130 may also comprise a ferrite material or combinations thereof, as previously mentioned.
• the first 126, second 128, or third 130 materials may comprise a permeability greater than 40. More preferably, the first 126, second 128, or third 130 materials may comprise a permeability greater than 100.
• the magnetic flux saturation density (Bsat) is at least 380 mT.
• FIG. 6A shows an embodiment in which the conductive segments 30, 32 are positioned directly on an exterior surface of the ferrite materials.
• the first and second ferrite materials 126, 128 serve as substrate layers on which the conductive traces 30, 32 are positioned.
• the third ferrite material 130 is preferably positioned within a central location between the coil winding. Note that each conductive segment 30, 32 could represent multiple traces of the coil turns.
• first and second outer segments 131, 135 of the conductive traces 30, 32 are positioned directly on the surface of a first layer of the first ferrite material 126 and the third and fourth inner segments 137, 139 of the conductive trace 30, 32 are positioned directly on the surface of a second layer of the second ferrite material 128.
• the second layer of the second ferrite material 128 is positioned on top of the first layer of the first ferrite material 126.
• a third layer of the third ferrite material 130 is positioned directly on the second layer of the second ferrite material 128.
• the first, second and third layers of the different ferrite materials 126, 128, and 130 are positioned such that magnetic fields 132 generated by the conductive trace 30, 32 are absorbed by the ferrite materials.
• the selection of the ferrite material may be based on the material used to construct the conductive lines as well as the amount of the current or voltage flowing therethrough.
• the various shielding materials and structures could be used to create a hybrid shielding embodiment.
• the various shielding materials are strategically positioned to improve the performance of the multiple inductor coils which resonate at differing frequencies.
• the shielding materials are positioned to enhance the multi-mode operation of the antenna 10. For example, utilizing a ferrite material having an increased permeability of about 100 to 120, such as the FFSX series material may be used to optimally shield a coil resonating at 6.78 MHz without degrading the performance of the other coil resonating at a lower frequency range of 100 kHz to about 500 kHz.
• a ferrite material having a lower permeability such as from about 40 to about 60, like the RFIC material, is preferred because it enhances operation of a coil resonating in the lower kHz frequency region without degrading performance of the higher MHz resonating coil.
• the positioning of the shielding material is also important to the optimal operation of the multi-mode single structure antenna of the present disclosure. For example with reference to FIGS. 6A through 6E, it may be preferred to position the higher permeability ferrite material near the higher resonating coil, such as the relative location of the first material 126 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6E.
• the third material 130 could be a material that has similar material properties as the second material 128 or, alternatively, the third material 130 could be a ferrite material that has a high magnetic saturation that preserves the magnetic performance of the other materials in the presence of a transmitting that comprise a magnet; it also acts as an attractor to help affixing to transmitting coils that comprise a magnet.
• FIG. 6B illustrates a different embodiment of the construction of the antenna of the present disclosure in which the second ferrite material 128 is positioned within a cavity formed within the first material 126.
• the height of the second ferrite material layer 128 is greater than the height of the first layer of the first ferrite material 126.
• FIG. 6C illustrates another alternative embodiment in which the second ferrite material 128 is positioned within a cavity of the first ferrite material 126.
• the height of the respective first and second ferrite material layers are about the same.
• FIG. 6D shows yet another embodiment in which the third ferrite material 130 may be positioned within a second cavity positioned within the second material layer 128.
• the second material 128 is positioned within the first cavity formed within the first layer of the first material 126.
• FIG. 6E illustrates a fourth embodiment in which all three materials 126, 128 and 130 are positioned such that they are of about the same height.
• the third material 130 is positioned within the second cavity of the second material layer 128, the second material 128 is positioned within the first cavity of the first material layer 126 with all three material layers 126, 128, 130 being of about equal height. Therefore, the various layers of ferrite material may be positioned at different heights relative to each other such that magnetic fields 132 generated by adjacent conductive lines are optimally adsorbed by the ferrite materials.
• FIGS. 6A-6C represents specific embodiments in which ferrite materials may be positioned within the structure of the antenna of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that the various first, second, and third ferrite materials 126, 128, 130 can be interchangeably positioned throughout the structure of the antenna to custom tailor a desired response or create a specific magnetic field profile.
• the multi-mode single structure antenna of the present application may be formed or made by any suitable techniques and with any suitable materials.
• the antenna coils may comprise suitable metals or metal containing compounds and/or composites, conductive polymers, conductive inks, solders, wire, fiber, filaments, ribbon, layered metal combinations and combinations thereof be used as conductive materials.
• Suitable fabrication techniques may be used to place conductors on/in a substrate, including, but not limited to, printing techniques, photolithography techniques, chemical or laser etching techniques, laser cladding, laser cutting, physical or chemical vapor deposition, electrochemical deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, atomic layer deposition, stamping, chemical processing, and combinations thereof.
• enhancement of electrical conductivity and substrate dielectric constant may also be used to achieve the desired properties for a specific application.
• enhancement of electrical conductivity may be achieved through ion implantation, doping, furnace annealing, rapid thermal annealing, UV processing and combinations thereof.
• FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method of fabricating a single structure multi-mode antenna of the present disclosure.
• a substrate 22 may be provided.
• the first coil 24 is formed.
• the first coil 24 may be formed on a surface 28 of a substrate 22 or alternatively, the first coil 24 may be formed without a substrate 22 using at least any of the fabrication techniques previously discussed.
• the second coil 26 is formed such that is electrically connected to the first coil 24.
• the second coil 26 may be formed on a surface 28 of the substrate 22 or alternatively, the second coil 26 may be formed without a substrate 22 using at least any of the fabrication techniques previously discussed.
• the first and second coils 24, 26 may be formed such that they are contactable to a surface 28 of a substrate 22.
• the first and second coils 24, 26 are removably contactable to the surface 28 of a substrate 22.
• the substrate 22 may provide a temporary mechanical support for the antenna.
• At least one terminal is electrically connected to at least one of the first and second coils 24, 26 (step 206).
• magnetic shielding materials may be incorporated within the structure of the antenna.
• at least one terminal is electrically connected to at least one of the first and second coils 24, 26.
• a selection circuit 118 may be electrically connected to at least one of the terminals or at least one of the first and second coils 24, 26.
• an electrical switch 37 may be electrically connected to at least one of the first and second coils 24, 26 or at least one terminal.
• FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate various embodiments of magnetic field intensity profiles as a function of the number of turns that comprise the coil of the antenna of the present disclosure.
• modifying the number of turns of the inductor affects the shape and profile of the intensity of the magnetic field.
• This ability to modify the position and/or strength of the magnetic field strength that is generated by the antenna can be desirable in optimizing data and energy transfer.
• the strength and profile of the magnetic field can be custom tailored to meet the dimensions of various electronic devices. For example, by modifying the number of coils and/or position of magnetic shielding materials that comprise the single structure antenna of the present disclosure, the intensity profile of the magnetic fields that is generated by the antenna can be modified.
• all the magnetic intensity profiles 8A-8C where taken of single structure antennas having an outer coil width dimension of about 150 mm and an outer coil length dimension of about 90 mm.
• the profile magnetic field measurements were taken from about 8 mm away from the outer surface of the respective antennas.
• a relative intensity scale lies along the right side of each of the plots FIGS. 8A-8C. As indicated by the intensity scale, the strongest magnetic field intensity has a relative intensity of about 1 and is graphically represented having the darkest shade of black. The weakest magnetic field strength has a relative intensity of about 0.1 and is shown having the lightest shade of grey.
• FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of a magnetic field intensity profile taken of a single structure antenna comprising one outer coil having one turn.
• the magnetic field intensity is greatest along the outer perimeter of the coil as illustrated by the darker shades of black which represent the strongest magnetic field intensity. While the strongest magnetic field intensities are along the outer perimeter, the weakest magnetic field intensity, represented by the lighter shade of grey, lies in the central area formed within the perimeter of the coil.
• this embodiment is optimally configured for wireless energy transfer along the outer perimeter of the antenna.
• FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of a magnetic field intensity profile taken of a single structure antenna comprising a coil having two turns.
• the greatest magnetic field intensity lies more along an inner portion of the coil as compared to the field magnetic field intensity profile of a coil having one turn as shown in FIG. 8A.
• the weakest field intensities of the two turn coil shown by the lighter shade of grey, lie along the outer perimeter of the second turn of the coil which is positioned towards the interior of the antenna.
• the magnetic field along the central area of the antenna comprising a coil having two turns has an overall increased magnetic field.
• adding an additional interior turn moves the greatest field intensities closer to the middle of the antenna.
• FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment of a magnetic field intensity profile taken of a single structure antenna comprising a coil having three turns, a first outer turn, a second inner turn and a third inner most turn. Similar to the antenna comprising a coil with two turn, the magnetic field intensity of the three turn coil antenna shown in FIG. 8C is the strongest, along the inner perimeter of the third innermost coil and central area of the antenna. Thus, the antenna comprising a coil having three turns has the strongest magnetic field in general in the central area of the antenna. In addition, the respective corner locations of the second inner turn of the coil also has increased magnetic field intensity. Therefore, such an antenna with a three turn coil is optimally designed to transfer electrical power and data in the central area of the antenna.
• FIG. 9 illustrates a further embodiment of an antenna 140 of the present disclosure of a one piece construction having a unitary antenna body.
• the antenna 140 is preferably formed from one piece of wire or filament 142 that is formed into the shape of the unitary body antenna 140 extending from a first wire end 149 to a second wire end 153.
• the antenna 140 may be formed by a stamping process in which the electrically conductive material is formed together in a mold and die stamp forming process using a metal blank.
• the metal blank is positioned between the mold and die. The die is pressed against the metal blank within the mold thus forming the antenna body 140.
• the electrically conductive material that forms the unitary antenna body may be a metal bar, wire, or filament that is stamped out of a sheet of metal.
• antenna 140 may be formed by a wound wire process whereby the unitary body of the antenna 140 is formed from a single wire that is curved or wound into the desired shape of the antenna 140 comprising a plurality of turns.
• the antenna 140 is preferably formed of a continuous wire form having multiple electrical connection points 148, 150, 152 that are disposed along various portions of the wire 142 of the antenna 140.
• the plurality of electrical connection points 148, 150, 152 or electrical "taps" create multiple inductor coils having different inductances that comprise the antenna 140 of the present disclosure.
• a first electrical connection point 148 that is disposed at the first end 149 of the wire 142 of the antenna 140 serves as the common electrical connection.
• a second electrical connection point 150 is positioned along the third turn of the antenna 140 serves as the "low” inductance electrical connection.
• a third electrical connection point 152 is disposed at the second end 153 of the antenna 140 serves as the "high” inductance electrical connection of the antenna 140.
• terminal leads 154, 156, 158 such as electrically conductive wires, may be attached to these electrical connection points to create antenna terminals.
• the first electrical connection point 148 may serve as the first terminal 34
• the third electrical connection point 152 may serve as the second terminal 36
• the second electrical connection point 150 may serve as the third terminal 35.
• the various first, second and third electrical connection points 148, 150, 152 form the multiple inductor coils of the antenna 140.
• a first outer inductor coil portion 144 having Ni number of turns is disposed between the first and second electrical connection points 148, 150 and a second inductor coil portion 146 having N 2 number of turns is disposed between the second and third electrical connection points 150, 152.
• the unitary body antenna 140 may comprises more than three terminal connections which can be electrically connected to generate a multitude of operating frequencies and/or inductances.
• a turn gap 161 may be positioned between adjacent turns of the first and second inductor coils portions 144, 146.
• the turn gap 161 is a space disposed between adjacent wires 142 of the antenna 140.
• the turn gap 161 may extend from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm.
• the unitary body antenna 140 illustrated in FIG. 9 is self-standing and does not require the support of a substrate.
• an antenna structure may be contactable to a substrate surface.
• Substrates may include, but are not limited to, a dielectric material and/or a magnetic field blocking material such as a ferrite material as previously discussed.
• such an antenna construct may be incorporated within an article of clothing, furniture, an electrical appliance or a vehicle.
• FIG. 10 is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of method of fabricating the single structure multi-mode antenna 140 having a unitary antenna body.
• a metal blank is provided in a first step 212.
• a die and mold that are used to form the metal blank into the form of the antenna 140 are provided in a second step 214.
• the die is used to form the blank metal into the form of the unitary body antenna 140.
• at least one terminal is electrically connected to at least one of the first and second coil portions 144, 146.
• a selection circuit 118 may be electrically connected to at least one of the terminals or at least one of the first and second coil portions 144, 146.
• an electrical switch 37 may be electrically connected to at least one of the first and second coil portions 144, 146 or at least one terminal.
• the various embodiments of the single structure antenna of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of terminals greater than three.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a theoretical example in which a single structure antenna of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of n+1 number of terminal connections. As shown, the antenna of the present disclosure may comprise three, four, five or more terminal connections which can be electrically connected to generate an infinite number of operating frequency bands and/or inductances.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a theoretical example of a single structure antenna of the present disclosure that comprises an indefinite number of inductors, Ln in which each of the multitude of inductors may have a different inductance.
• the respective inductors, Li through L n preferably comprise a terminal connection Ti through T (n+ i ) or electrical "tap" that is electrically connected to at least a portion of the respective inductor coil. Therefore, it is possible to create a single structure antenna that may be selectively tuned to exhibit an unlimited number of frequencies and/or inductances such that the antenna of the present disclosure can be tuned to an exact frequency or frequencies.
• FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate embodiments of electrical switch configurations 160 that may be used to electrically connect and/or disconnect the various terminals that may comprise the single structure antenna of the present disclosure. It is noted that FIGS. 12A-12C correlate to respective embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C. As illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C, the exemplar antenna comprises three inductors L 1 -L3 having four terminal connections T 1 -T4. A multiple of electrical connection points 162A-162P are positioned at various locations along the antenna.
• the antenna comprises a multitude of electrical switches 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178 that are positioned along the antenna and are designed to electrically connect and/or disconnect the various electrical connection points along the antenna.
• electrical switch 164 is shown electrically connecting electrical connection points 162A and 162B
• electrical switch 172 is shown electrically connecting electrical connection points 162M and 162N.
• the antenna can be tuned to a desired operating frequency, frequencies and/or inductances that are suitable to wirelessly transfer or receive electrical energy and/or data signals as desired.
• any of these multitude of switches may be turned electrically “on” or “off as desired as the antenna operates. It is noted that electrically active, i.e., electrically connected, electrical connection points are illustrated as black filled circles whereas non-active electrical connection points, i.e., electrical connection points that are electrically disconnected, are shown as unfilled circles. It is further noted that a microprocessor (not shown) or circuit board (not shown) may be used to control the combination of switches that are turned “on” or “off. In addition, the electrical switch may comprise a multitude of different electrical switches.
• an electrical switch is an electrical component that can either connect or disconnect an electrical current, voltage, signal or combinations thereof, along an electrical pathway.
• a switch can also divert an electrical current, voltage, signal or combinations thereof, from one electrical conductor to another.
• An electrical switch that is in an "on" position is defined as allowing an electrical signal or electrical current or voltage to pass therethrough and thus is electrically connected.
• An electrical switch that is in an "off position is defined as prohibiting an electrical signal or electrical current or voltage to pass therethrough and thus is electrically disconnected.
• FIG. 12A illustrates an embodiment in which the antenna of the present disclosure is configured with the first and fourth terminals Tl, T4 electrically connected such that the antenna exhibits an inductance equal to the combination of the first, second and third inductors Li, L 2 and L 3 .
• electrical switches 164, 166, 172 and 178 are closed and electrical connection points 162A, 162B, 162C, 162D, 162M, 162N, 1620 and 162P are electrically closed thereby allowing electrical current to pass therethrough.
• FIG. 12B shows an embodiment in which the antenna is configured with the first and second terminals Tl, T2 electrically connected so that the antenna exhibits an inductance comprising the first inductor L 1 .
• electrical switches 164, 166, and 170 are electrically closed and electrical connection points 162 A, 162B, 162C, 162E, 162F, and 162H are electrically active. All other electrical switches and electrical connection points are illustrated to be electrically open.
• FIG. 12C shows an embodiment of the antenna in which the first and third inductors Li, L 3 that comprise the antenna are electrically connected.
• an electrical switch connections bypass the second inductor L 2 within the antenna.
• a first bypass switch electrically connects the first inductor to a bypass portion of the antenna and a second bypass switch electrically connects the first inductor Li to the third inductor L 3 .
• electrical switches 164, 168, 174 and 178 are electrically closed and electrical connection points 162 A, 162B, 162C, 162E, 162F, 162G, 1621, 162K, 162L, 162N, 1620 and 162P are electrically active.
• FIG. 13 is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of operating the multi-mode single structure antenna of the present disclosure.
• a multi-mode single structure antenna of the present disclosure is provided in a first step 222 .
• a connection between at least two terminals is selected.
• a connection between two of the at least three terminals enables an operator to select a desired receiving or transmitting antenna frequency.
• two of the at least three terminals enables an operator to select a desired inductance that is exhibited by the antenna.
• a second connection between two of the at least three terminals having a different electrical connection configuration of that of the first is made.
• the electrical connections between terminals may be made manually or alternatively, can be made automatically by a machine such as a computer or device comprising a processing unit. As previously mentioned, the electrical connections between terminals can be made via an electrical switch 37 and/or a selection circuit 118.
• the single structure antenna of the present disclosure is capable of being tuned to a plurality of unlimited frequencies or inductances by connecting different terminals or electrical points positioned along at least the first and second coils 24, 26. It is appreciated that various modifications to the inventive concepts described herein may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
• a multi-mode single structure antenna includes a first conductive wire forming a first coil having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends, the first coil contactable to a substrate surface, wherein the first coil is capable of generating a first inductance.
• the antenna also includes a second conductive wire forming a second coil having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil.
• the antenna further includes a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first or second coils.
• the antenna also includes wherein a tunable inductance is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals.
• a tunable inductance is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals.
• One or more embodiments include a gap disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• the gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• the first conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the second conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, the first end of the first coil disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, the third terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil pattern.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to at least one of the first, second, and third terminals.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of a capacitor, a resistor, and an inductor.
• Ni is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• N 2 is greater than Ni.
• each terminal has a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils respectively.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a plurality of first vias are positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias are positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• One or more embodiments include wherein at least the first conductive wire or the second conductive wire has a variable wire width.
• One or more embodiments include the antenna having a quality factor greater than 10. [0143] One or more embodiments include wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable by at least the first and second coils. One or more embodiments include wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is transmittable by at least the first and second coils. One or more embodiments include wherein the substrate comprises material composed of an electrically insulative material selected from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene,
• copolymers a ceramic material, a ferrite material, and combinations thereof.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof. One or more embodiments include wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz. One or more embodiments include wherein a tunable operating frequency is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second, and third terminals.
• One or more embodiments include an antenna, the antenna having: a first conductive wire forming a first coil having N 1 number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends, the first coil contactable to a substrate surface, wherein the first coil is capable of generating a first inductance; a second conductive wire forming a second coil having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil; a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first or second coils; and wherein a tunable inductance is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals.
• the antenna further having a gap disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• the antenna wherein the gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• the antenna wherein the first conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the antenna wherein the second conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the antenna wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, the first end of the first coil disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, the third terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil pattern.
• a selection circuit is electrically connected to at least one of the first, second, and third terminals.
• the antenna, wherein the selection circuit includes at least one component selected from the group consisting of a capacitor, a resistor, and an inductor.
• Ni is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• each terminal has a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils respectively.
• the antenna wherein a plurality of first vias are positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias are positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• the antenna wherein at least the first conductive wire or the second conductive wire has a variable wire width.
• the antenna the antenna having a quality factor greater than 10.
• the antenna wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable by at least the first and second coils.
• an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable by at least the first and second coils.
• the antenna wherein the substrate comprises material composed of an electrically insulative material selected from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene,
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• a tunable operating frequency is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second, and third terminals.
• a single structure multi mode antenna includes a first conductive wire forming a first coil having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coils ends, the first coil contactable to a substrate surface, wherein the first coil is capable of generating a first inductance.
• the antenna also includes a second conductive wire forming a second coil having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil.
• the antenna further includes a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first or second coils.
• the antenna includes an electrical switch circuit having at least one capacitor that is electrically connected to either of the first, second or third terminals.
• the antenna also includes a tunable inductance or frequency that is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals by actuation of the electrical switch circuit.
• One or more embodiments include a gap disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil. One or more embodiments include wherein the gap is at least about 0.1 mm. One or more embodiments include wherein the first conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel. One or more embodiments include wherein the second conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, the first end of the first coil disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, the third terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to the first, second and third terminals, wherein the selection circuit electrically connects two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• Ni is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• N 2 is greater than Ni.
• each terminal has a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a plurality of first vias are positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias are positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first and second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• One or more embodiments include wherein at least the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire has a variable wire width.
• One or more embodiments include the antenna having a quality factor greater than 10.
• One or more embodiments include wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable by at least the first and second coils.
• One or more embodiments include wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is transmittable by at least the first and second coils.
• the substrate comprises material composed of an electrically insulative material selected from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene,
• the antenna is capable of receiving a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• actuation of the electrical switch electrically connects two of the three terminal ends so that an antenna inductance is modified.
• One or more embodiments include a single structure multi mode antenna having an internal switch circuit, comprising: a first conductive wire forming a first coil having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends contactable to a substrate surface, wherein the first coil is capable of generating a first inductance; a second conductive wire forming a second coil having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second coil ends, the second coil capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil; a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and a third terminal electrically connected to an electrical switch circuit comprising at least one capacitor, wherein the electrical switch circuit is electrically connected along either of the first or second coils; and wherein actuation of the electrical switch electrically connects two of the three terminal ends so that an antenna operating frequency is modified.
• the antenna wherein a gap is disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• the antenna, wherein the gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• the antenna, wherein the first conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the antenna, wherein the second conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the antenna, wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, the first end of the first coil disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, the third terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• the antenna wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to the first, second and third terminals, wherein the selection circuit electrically connects two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• Ni is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• each terminal has a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• the antenna wherein a plurality of first vias are positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias are positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first and second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• the antenna wherein at least the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire has a variable wire width.
• the antenna having a quality factor greater than The antenna, wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable by at least the first and second coils.
• the antenna wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is transmittable by at least the first and second coils.
• the antenna wherein the substrate comprises material composed of an electrically insulative material selected from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene napthalate, fluropolymers, copolymers, a ceramic material, a ferrite material, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• the antenna wherein actuation of the electrical switch electrically connects two of the three terminal ends so that an antenna inductance is modified.
• a single structure multi mode antenna includes a substrate composed of an electrically insulative material having opposed top and bottom surfaces.
• the antenna includes a first conductive wire forming a first coil having N 1 number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coils ends, the first coil disposed on the top substrate surface, wherein the first coil is capable of generating a first inductance.
• the antenna also includes a second conductive wire forming a second coil having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil, disposed on the top substrate surface, the second coil connected to the first coil in electrical series.
• the antenna further includes a third conductive wire forming a third coil having N 3 number of turns with spaced apart first and second third coils ends, the third coil disposed on the opposing bottom substrate of the surface, and wherein the third coil is capable of generating a third inductance.
• the antenna includes at least one first via that electrically connects the third coil to at least one of the first and second conductive wires.
• the antenna further includes a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first or second coils.
• the antenna also includes wherein a tunable inductance or frequency is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a first gap is disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil. One or more embodiments include wherein a length of the first gap is at least about 0.1 mm. One or more embodiments include wherein at least one of the first second and third conductive wires comprise two or more filars electrically connected in parallel. One or more embodiments include wherein a fourth conductive wire forming a fourth coil having N 4 number of turns, the fourth coil capable of exhibiting a fourth inductance is disposed within an inner perimeter of the third coil on the bottom substrate surface, wherein the third and fourth coils are connected in electrical series.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, the first end of the first coil disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, the third terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to the first, second and third terminals, wherein the selection circuit electrically connects two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• a selection circuit is electrically connected to the first, second and third terminals, wherein the selection circuit electrically connects two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• Ni is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• N 3 is at least one.
• N 3 is at least one.
• each terminal has a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first, second, and third conductive wires of the first, second, and third coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first, second, and third conductive wires of the first, second, and third coils, respectively.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a plurality of second vias are positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of third vias are positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of second vias so that each of the plurality of second vias opposes one of the plurality of third vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of second and third vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first, second, and third coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to two of the first, second, and third terminal ends.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one of an electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• the antenna having a quality factor greater than 10.
• an electrical signal is selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable or transmittable by at least one of the first, second, and third coils.
• the substrate material is composed of an electrically insulative material selected from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene napthalate, fluropolymers, copolymers, a ceramic material, a ferrite material, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna is capable of receiving a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna is capable of receiving or transmit frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• One or more embodiments include a single structure multi mode antenna, comprising: a substrate composed of an electrically insulative material having opposing top and bottom surfaces; a first conductive wire forming a first coil having Ni number of turns, the first coil capable of exhibiting a first inductance disposed on the substrate top surface and a second conductive wire forming a second coil having N 2 number of turns, the second coil capable of exhibiting a second inductance disposed within an inner perimeter of the first coil on the substrate top surface, wherein the first and second coil are connected in electrical series; a third conductive wire forming a third coil having N 3 number of turns, the third coil capable of exhibiting a third inductance disposed on the opposing bottom substrate surface; at least one first via electrically connecting the third conductive wire to at least one of the first and second conductive wires; a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first,
• the antenna wherein a first gap is disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• the antenna wherein a length of the first gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• the antenna wherein at least one of the first second and third conductive wires comprise two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the antenna wherein a fourth conductive wire forming a fourth coil having N 4 number of turns, the fourth coil capable of exhibiting a fourth inductance is disposed within an inner perimeter of the third coil on the bottom substrate surface, wherein the third and fourth coils are connected in electrical series.
• the antenna wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, the first end of the first coil disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, the third terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• the antenna wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to the first, second and third terminals, wherein the selection circuit electrically connects two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• N 1 is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• each terminal has a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first, second, and third conductive wires of the first, second, and third coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first, second, and third conductive wires of the first, second, and third coils, respectively.
• the antenna wherein a plurality of second vias are positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of third vias are positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of second vias so that each of the plurality of second vias opposes one of the plurality of third vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of second and third vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first, second, and third coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• the antenna wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to two of the first, second, and third terminal ends.
• the antenna wherein the selection circuit comprises at least one of an electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• the antenna wherein at least one of the first, second, and third conductive wires has a variable wire width.
• the antenna having a quality factor greater than 10.
• an electrical signal is selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable or transmittable by at least one of the first, second, and third coils.
• the antenna wherein the substrate material is composed of an electrically insulative material selected from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene,
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmit frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• a single structure multi mode antenna includes a substrate composed of a material having a permeability greater than 10.
• the antenna includes a first conductive wire forming a first coil capable of generating a first inductance having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends, and wherein the first coil is disposed on a surface of the substrate.
• the antenna also includes a second conductive wire forming a second coil disposed on the substrate surface having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil capable of generating a second inductance, is positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil.
• the antenna includes a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first or second coils.
• the antenna also includes wherein a tunable inductance is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals.
• the substrate material is a ferrite material selected from the group consisting of manganese-zinc, nickel-zinc, copper-zinc, magnesium- zinc, and combinations thereof.
• the first coil is disposed on a first portion of the substrate, and wherein the first substrate portion comprises a first ferrite material having a permeability greater than about 40.
• the second coil is disposed on a second portion of the substrate, and wherein the second substrate portion comprises a second ferrite material having a permeability greater than about 40.
• a gap is disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the first conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the second conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, wherein the first end of the first coil is disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, the third terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• a selection circuit is electrically connected to the first, second and third terminals, the selection circuit electrically connecting two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the selection circuit comprises at least one electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• Ni is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• N 2 is greater than Ni.
• each terminal has a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to one of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a plurality of first vias are positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias are positioned along a left side of a length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof. One or more embodiments include wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting frequencies of at least 100 kHz. One or more embodiments include wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable or transmitable by at least the first and second coils. One or more embodiments include wherein at least the first or second coil has a variable wire width. One or more embodiments include the antenna having a quality factor of at least 10.
• One or more embodiments include a single structure multi mode antenna, comprising: a substrate composed of a material having a permeability greater than 10; a first conductive wire forming a first coil having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends that are disposed on the substrate surface, wherein the first coil is capable of generating a first inductance; a second conductive wire forming a second coil having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil on the substrate surface; a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first or second coils; and wherein a tunable inductance is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals.
• the antenna wherein the substrate material is a ferrite material selected from the group consisting of manganese-zinc, nickel-zinc, copper-zinc, magnesium-zinc, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna wherein the first coil is disposed on a first portion of the substrate, and wherein the first substrate portion comprises a first ferrite material having a permeability greater than about 40.
• a gap is disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• the antenna wherein the gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• the antenna wherein the first conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the antenna wherein the second conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the antenna wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, wherein the first end of the first coil is disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, the third terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• the antenna wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to the first, second and third terminals, the selection circuit electrically connecting two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• the antenna wherein the selection circuit comprises at least one electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• the antenna wherein N 1 is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• each terminal has a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to one of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• the antenna wherein a plurality of first vias are positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias are positioned along a left side of a length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable or transmitable by at least the first and second coils.
• the antenna wherein at least the first or second coil has a variable wire width.
• the antenna having a quality factor of at least 10.
• a system that includes a single structure multi mode antenna.
• the system includes an antenna having a first conductive wire forming a first coil capable of generating a first inductance having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends, the first coil is contactable to a substrate surface.
• the antenna also includes a second conductive wire forming a second coil capable of generating a second inductance having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil is positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil.
• the antenna further includes a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first or second coils.
• the antenna also includes wherein a tunable inductance or frequency that is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals.
• the system also includes a control circuit that is electrically connected to at least one of the first, second and third antenna terminals. The control circuit of the system is capable of controlling the operation of the antenna.
• control circuit comprises at least one of an electrical resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• a gap is disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• the gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• first conductive wire or the second conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, the first end of the first coil disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, the third terminal electrically connected to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to the first, second, and third terminals of the antenna, wherein actuation of the selection circuit electrically connects two of the three terminal ends so that an antenna operating frequency is modified.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one of an electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor.
• the third terminal of the antenna is electrically connected to an electrical switch circuit comprising at least one capacitor, wherein the electrical switch circuit is electrically connected to the second end of the first coil and the first end of the second coil, and wherein actuation of the electrical switch electrically connects two of the three antenna terminal ends so that an antenna operating frequency is modified.
• Ni is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• N 2 is greater than Ni.
• each terminal has a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a plurality of first vias are positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias are positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• At least the first or second coil has a variable wire width.
• One or more embodiments include the antenna having a quality factor greater than 10.
• One or more embodiments include wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable by at least the first and second coils.
• an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is transmittable by at least the first and second coils.
• the substrate comprises material composed of an electrically insulative material selected from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene napthalate, fluropolymers, copolymers, a ceramic material, a ferrite material, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• One or more embodiments include an electrical system, comprising: a) an antenna, including: a first conductive wire forming a first coil having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends contactable to a substrate surface, wherein the first coil is capable of generating a first inductance; a second conductive wire forming a second coil having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil; and a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first or second coils; a control circuit electrically connected to at least one of the first, second and third antenna terminals, wherein the control circuit is capable of controlling the operation of the antenna; and wherein a tunable inductance is generatable by selecting an electrical connection between two of the first, second and third terminals.
• control circuit comprises at least one of an electrical resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• a gap is disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• the electrical system, wherein the gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• the electrical system, wherein the first conductive wire or the second conductive wire comprises two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the electrical system wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, the first end of the first coil disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, the third terminal electrically connected to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• a selection circuit is electrically connected to the first, second, and third terminals of the antenna, wherein actuation of the selection circuit electrically connects two of the three terminal ends so that an antenna operating frequency is modified.
• the electrical system wherein the selection circuit comprises at least one of an electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor.
• the electrical system wherein the third terminal of the antenna is electrically connected to an electrical switch circuit comprising at least one capacitor, wherein the electrical switch circuit is electrically connected to the second end of the first coil and the first end of the second coil, and wherein actuation of the electrical switch electrically connects two of the three antenna terminal ends so that an antenna operating frequency is modified.
• the antenna wherein Ni is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• each terminal has a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• the antenna wherein a plurality of first vias are positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias are positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• the antenna wherein at least the first or second coil has a variable wire width.
• the antenna the antenna having a quality factor greater than 10.
• the antenna wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable by at least the first and second coils.
• the antenna wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is transmittable by at least the first and second coils.
• the antenna wherein the substrate comprises material composed of an electrically insulative material selected from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene,
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• a method of providing a single structure multi mode antenna includes forming a first coil capable of generating a first inductance contactable to a substrate surface with a first conductive wire having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends.
• the method also includes forming a second coil capable of generating a second inductance having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil.
• the method further includes electrically connecting a first terminal to the first end of the first coil, electrically connecting a second terminal to the second end of the second coil and electrically connecting a third terminal along either of the first or second coils.
• the method also includes selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals to tune an inductance or frequency that is generatable by the antenna.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing a gap between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing a gap size of at least about 0.1 mm.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing the first conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing the second conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising electrically connecting the first terminal to the first end of the first coil, wherein the first end of the first coil is disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, electrically connecting the third terminal to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and electrically connecting the second terminal to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing a selection circuit and electrically connecting the selection circuit to the first, second, and third terminals, wherein the selection circuit actively connects two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing Ni at least one and N 2 at least two.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing N 2 greater than Ni.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing each terminal with a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing a plurality of first vias positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing at least the first and the second coil with a variable wire width.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing a quality factor greater than 10.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising receiving an electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof by at least one of the first and second coils.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising transmitting an electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof by at least one of the first and second coils.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising selecting a substrate material from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene,
• One or more embodiments include wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof. One or more embodiments include wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz. One or more embodiments include further comprising selecting a connection between two of the first, second, and third terminals to generate a tunable operating frequency.
• One or more embodiments include a method of providing a single structure multi mode antenna, the method comprising: forming a first coil with a first conductive wire having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends contactable to a substrate surface, wherein the first coil is capable of generating a first inductance; forming a second coil with a second conductive wire having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second coil ends, the second coil capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil; electrically connecting a first terminal to the first end of the first coil, electrically connecting a second terminal to the second end of the second coil and electrically connecting a third terminal along either of the first or second coils; and selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals to tune an inductance that is generatable by the antenna.
• the method further comprising providing a gap between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• the method further comprising providing a gap size of at least about 0.1 mm.
• the method further comprising providing the first conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the method further comprising providing the second conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the method further comprising electrically connecting the first terminal to the first end of the first coil, wherein the first end of the first coil is disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, electrically connecting the third terminal to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and electrically connecting the second terminal to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• the method further comprising providing a selection circuit and electrically connecting the selection circuit to the first, second, and third terminals, wherein the selection circuit actively connects two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor.
• the method further comprising providing N 1 at least one and N 2 at least two.
• the method further comprising providing N 2 greater than Ni.
• the method further comprising providing each terminal with a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• the method further comprising providing a plurality of first vias positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• the method further comprising providing at least the first and the second coil with a variable wire width.
• the method further comprising providing a quality factor greater than 10.
• the method further comprising receiving an electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof by at least one of the first and second coils.
• the method further comprising transmitting an electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof by at least one of the first and second coils.
• the method further comprising selecting a substrate material from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene napthalate, fluropolymers, copolymers, a ceramic material, a ferrite material, and combinations thereof.
• the method wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the method wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• the method further comprising selecting a connection between two of the first, second, and third terminals to generate a tunable operating frequency.
• a method of operating a single structure multi mode antenna includes providing an antenna that includes a first conductive wire forming a first coil capable of generating a first inductance having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends, the first coil contactable to a substrate surface.
• the antenna also includes a second conductive wire forming a second coil capable of generating a second inductance having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil.
• the antenna further includes a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first or second coils.
• the method also includes providing a control circuit that is electrically connected to the antenna. Furthermore, the method includes selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals to achieve a desired antenna inductance or operating frequency so that an electrical signal can be received or transmitted.
• One or more embodiments include providing a gap between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil of the antenna.
• One or more embodiments include providing a gap size of at least about 0.1 mm.
• One or more embodiments include providing the first conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• One or more embodiments include providing the second conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• One or more embodiments include electrically connecting the first terminal to the first end of the first coil, wherein the first end of the first coil is disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, electrically connecting the third terminal to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and electrically connecting the second terminal to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• One or more embodiments include providing a selection circuit electrically connected to the first, second, and third terminals, wherein the selection circuit electrically connects two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• One or more embodiments include providing Ni at least one and N 2 at least two.
• One or more embodiments include providing N 2 greater than Ni.
• One or more embodiments include providing each terminal with a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• One or more embodiments include providing a plurality of first vias positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• One or more embodiments include providing at least the first or second coil with a variable wire width.
• One or more embodiments include providing a quality factor greater than 10.
• One or more embodiments include receiving the electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof, wherein the electrical signal is receivable by at least one of the first and second coils.
• One or more embodiments include transmitting the electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof, wherein the electrical signal is transmittable by at least one of the first and second coils.
• One or more embodiments include selecting the substrate material from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene napthalate, fluropolymers, copolymers, a ceramic material, a ferrite material and combinations thereof.
• One or more embodiments include receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• One or more embodiments include receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• the control circuit comprises at least one of an electrical resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• One or more embodiments include a method of operating a single structure multi mode antenna, the method comprising: providing an antenna by: forming a first coil with a first conductive wire having N 1 number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends contactable to a substrate surface, wherein the first coil is capable of generating a first inductance; forming a second coil with a second conductive wire having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil; and electrically connecting a first terminal to the first end of the first coil, electrically connecting a second terminal to the second end of the second coil and electrically connecting a third terminal along either of the second or third coils; providing a control circuit electrically connected to the antenna; and selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals to achieve a desired antenna operating frequency so that an electrical signal can be received or transmitted.
• the method further comprising providing a gap between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• the method further comprising providing a gap size of at least about 0.1 mm.
• the method further comprising providing the first conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the method further comprising providing the second conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the method further comprising electrically connecting the first terminal to the first end of the first coil, wherein the first end of the first coil is disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, electrically connecting the third terminal to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and electrically connecting the second terminal to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• the method further comprising providing a selection circuit and electrically connecting the selection circuit to the first, second, and third terminals, wherein the selection circuit actively connects two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor.
• the method further comprising providing Ni at least one and N 2 at least two.
• the method further comprising providing N 2 greater than Ni.
• the method further comprising providing each terminal with a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• the method further comprising providing a plurality of first vias positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• the method further comprising providing at least the first and the second coil with a variable wire width.
• the method further comprising providing a quality factor greater than 10.
• the method further comprising receiving an electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof by at least one of the first and second coils.
• the method further comprising transmitting an electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof by at least one of the first and second coils.
• the method further comprising selecting a substrate material from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene napthalate, fluropolymers, copolymers, a ceramic material, a ferrite material, and combinations thereof.
• the method wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the method wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• the method further comprising selecting a connection between two of the first, second, and third terminals to generate a tunable operating frequency.
• a method of fabricating a single structure multi mode antenna includes providing a substrate having a surface composed of an electrically insulative material.
• the method includes forming a first coil capable of generating a first inductance disposed on the substrate surface, the first coil formed of a first conductive wire having N 1 number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends.
• the method also includes forming a second coil capable of generating a second inductance that is positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil, the second coil formed of a second conductive wire having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends.
• the method further includes electrically connecting a first terminal to the first end of the first coil, electrically connecting a second terminal to the second end of the second coil and electrically connecting a third terminal along either of the second or third coils.
• the method further includes selecting an electrical connection between two of the first, second, and third terminals to selectively tune an inductance or frequency that is generatable by the antenna.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the first and second conductive wires are formed by at least one of the following methods: a surface printing technique, photolithography, chemical or laser etching, laser cladding, laser cutting, physical or chemical vapor deposition, electrochemical deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, atomic layer deposition, stamping, or chemical processing.
• One or more embodiments include creating a gap between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil.
• One or more embodiments include providing a gap size of at least about 0.1 mm.
• One or more embodiments include further comprising providing the first conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• One or more embodiments include providing the second conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• One or more embodiments include electrically connecting the first terminal to the first end of the first coil, wherein the first end of the first coil is disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, electrically connecting the third terminal to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and electrically connecting the second terminal to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• One or more embodiments include providing a selection circuit comprising at least one of a capacitor, a resistor, and an inductor electrically connected to the first, second, and third terminals.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the selection circuit actively connects two of the first, second, and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• embodiments include providing Ni at least one and N 2 at least two.
• One or more embodiments include providing N 2 greater than Ni.
• One or more embodiments include providing each terminal with a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to one of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• One or more embodiments include providing a plurality of first vias are positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias are positioned along a left side of a length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• One or more embodiments include providing at least the first or second wires with a variable wire width.
• One or more embodiments include providing a quality factor greater than 10.
• One or more embodiments include selecting an electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof receivable by at least one of the first and second coils.
• One or more embodiments include selecting an electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof transmittable by at least one of the first and second coils.
• One or more embodiments include selecting the substrate material from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide, polytetrafluoroethylene,
• the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• One or more embodiments include a method of fabricating a single structure multi mode antenna, comprising: providing a substrate having a surface composed of an electrically insulative material; forming a first coil of a first conductive wire having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil ends that are disposed on the substrate surface, wherein the first coil is capable of generating a first inductance; forming a second coil of a second conductive wire having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil ends, the second coil capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil on the substrate surface; electrically connecting a first terminal to the first end of the first coil, electrically connecting a second terminal to the second end of the second coil and electrically connecting a third terminal along either of the second or third coils; and selecting an electrical connection between two of the first, second, and third terminals to selectively tune an inductance generatable by the antenna.
• the method further comprising providing a gap between the inner perimeter of the first coil and an outer perimeter of the second coil of the antenna.
• the method further comprising providing a gap size of at least about 0.1 mm.
• the method further comprising providing the first conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the method further comprising providing the second conductive wire with two or more filars electrically connected in parallel.
• the method further comprising electrically connecting the first terminal to the first end of the first coil, wherein the first end of the first coil is disposed at an end of the first wire of the first coil located at an outermost first coil perimeter, electrically connecting the third terminal to the first end of the second coil positioned at a second coil outer perimeter, and electrically connecting the second terminal to the second end of the second coil located along an interior perimeter of the second coil.
• the method further comprising providing a selection circuit electrically connected to the first, second, and third terminals, wherein the selection circuit electrically connects two of the first, second and third terminals to generate a tunable inductance.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one electrical component selected from the group consisting of a resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• the method further comprising providing N 1 at least one and N 2 at least two.
• the method further comprising providing N 2 greater than Ni.
• the method further comprising providing each terminal with a terminal lead portion that extends between a coil connection point and a terminal end, the coil connection point electrically connected to either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively, and wherein the terminal lead portion extends over at least a portion of either of the first and second conductive wires of the first and second coils, respectively.
• the method further comprising providing a plurality of first vias positioned adjacently along a right side of a length of the terminal lead portion and a plurality of second vias positioned along a left side of the length of the terminal lead portion and opposed from the plurality of first vias so that each of the plurality of first vias opposes one of the plurality of second vias, wherein the respective opposing vias of the plurality of first and second vias are electrically connected to the same conductive wire of either of the first or second coils, thereby establishing a conductive electrical path therebetween that bypasses the terminal lead portion.
• the method further comprising providing at least the first or second coil with a variable wire width.
• the method further comprising providing a quality factor greater than 10.
• the method further comprising receiving the electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof, wherein the electrical signal is receivable by at least one of the first and second coils.
• the method further comprising transmitting the electrical signal from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and
• the electrical signal is transmittable by at least one of the first and second coils.
• the method further comprising selecting the substrate material from the group consisting of a polyimide, an acrylic, fiberglass, polyester, polyether imide,
• the method further comprising receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the method further comprising receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• the method wherein the control circuit comprises at least one of an electrical resistor, a capacitor and an inductor.
• a single structure multi mode antenna includes a first coil portion capable of generating a first inductance having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil portion ends.
• the antenna includes a second coil portion capable of generating a second inductance having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil portion ends, the second coil portion positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil portion, and wherein the first end of the second coil portion is electrically connected to the second end of the first coil portion, thereby forming a unitary antenna body.
• the antenna further includes a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil portion, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil portion and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first or second coil portions.
• the antenna also includes wherein a tunable inductance or frequency is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals.
• first and second coil portions are formed from a single wire structure.
• wire structure of the first and second coil portions comprise a width that is not the same.
• One or more embodiments include a gap disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil portion and an outer perimeter of the second coil portion.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil portion located at an outermost perimeter of the first coil portion, the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil portion, and the third terminal is electrically connected at a junction where the first and second coil portions meet.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to at least one of the first, second, and third terminals.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of a capacitor, a resistor, and an inductor.
• Ni is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• One or more embodiments include wherein N 2 is greater than Ni.
• One or more embodiments include the antenna having a quality factor greater than 10.
• One or more embodiments include wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable by at least the first and second coil portions.
• One or more embodiments include wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is transmittable by at least the first and second coil portions.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof. One or more embodiments include wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz. One or more embodiments include wherein a tunable operating frequency is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second, and third terminals.
• One or more embodiments include a single structure multi mode antenna, comprising: a first coil portion having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil portion ends, wherein the first coil portion is capable of generating a first inductance; a second coil portion having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil portion ends, the second coil portion capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil portion, wherein the first end of the second coil portion is electrically connected to the second end of the first coil portion, thereby forming a unitary antenna body; a first terminal electrically connected to the first end of the first coil portion, a second terminal electrically connected to the second end of the second coil portion and a third terminal electrically connected along either of the first or second coil portions; and wherein a tunable inductance is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second and third terminals.
• the antenna wherein the first and second coil portions are formed from a single wire structure.
• the antenna wherein the wire structure of the first and second coil portions comprise a width that is not the same.
• the antenna further comprising a gap disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil portion and an outer perimeter of the second coil portion.
• the antenna wherein the gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• the antenna wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil portion located at an outermost perimeter of the first coil portion, the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil portion, and the third terminal is electrically connected at a junction where the first and second coil portions meet.
• the antenna wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to at least one of the first, second, and third terminals.
• the antenna wherein the selection circuit comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of a capacitor, a resistor, and an inductor.
• the antenna wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable by at least the first and second coil portions.
• the antenna wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is transmittable by at least the first and second coil portions.
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the antenna wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• the antenna wherein a tunable operating frequency is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second, and third terminals.
• a method of providing a single structure multi mode antenna having a unitary body includes providing a blank of metal.
• the method further includes providing a die and mold.
• the method also includes positioning the blank of metal between the die and mold.
• the method further includes stamping the metal blank to form an antenna having a unitary antenna body.
• the antenna includes a first coil portion capable of generating a first inductance having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil portion ends.
• the antenna includes a second coil portion capable of generating a second inductance having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil portion ends, the second coil portion positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil portion, and wherein the first end of the second coil portion is electrically connected to the second end of the first coil portion, thereby forming a unitary antenna body.
• the method further includes electrically connecting a first terminal to a first end of the first coil portion, a second terminal to a second end of the second coil portion and a third terminal along either of the first or second coil portions.
• first and second coil portions are formed from a single metal structure.
• wire structure of the first and second coil portions comprise a width that is not the same.
• a gap is disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil portion and an outer perimeter of the second coil portion.
• the gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil portion located at an outermost perimeter of the first coil portion, the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil portion, and the third terminal is electrically connected at a junction where the first and second coil portions meet.
• One or more embodiments include wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to at least one of the first, second, and third terminals.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of a capacitor, a resistor, and an inductor.
• One or more embodiments include wherein Ni is at least one and N 2 is at least two. One or more embodiments include wherein N 2 is greater than Ni. One or more embodiments include wherein the antenna has a quality factor greater than 10. One or more embodiments include wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable by at least the first and second coil portions. One or more embodiments include wherein an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is transmittable by at least the first and second coil portions.
• One or more embodiments include wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof. One or more embodiments include wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz. One or more embodiments include wherein a tunable operating frequency is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second, and third terminals. [0193] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of providing a single structure multi mode antenna having a unitary body is provided.
• the method of providing the antenna comprising: providing a blank of metal; providing a die and mold; positioning the blank of metal between the die and mold; stamping the metal blank, thereby forming an antenna having a unitary antenna body, the unitary antenna body comprising: a first coil portion having Ni number of turns with spaced apart first and second first coil portion ends, wherein the first coil portion is capable of generating a first inductance; and a second coil portion having N 2 number of turns with spaced apart first and second second coil portion ends, the second coil portions capable of generating a second inductance positioned within an inner perimeter formed by the first coil portion; and electrically connecting a first terminal to the first end of the first coil portion, a second terminal to the second end of the second coil portion and a third terminal along either of the first or second coil portions.
• first and second coil portions are formed from a single metal structure.
• the method wherein the wire structure of the first and second coil portions comprise a width that is not the same.
• the method wherein a gap is disposed between the inner perimeter of the first coil portion and an outer perimeter of the second coil portion.
• the method wherein the gap is at least about 0.1 mm.
• the method wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first end of the first coil portion located at an outermost perimeter of the first coil portion, the second terminal is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil portion, and the third terminal is electrically connected at a junction where the first and second coil portions meet.
• the method wherein a selection circuit is electrically connected to at least one of the first, second, and third terminals.
• the selection circuit comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of a capacitor, a resistor, and an inductor.
• N 1 is at least one and N 2 is at least two.
• N 2 is greater than Ni.
• the antenna has a quality factor greater than 10.
• an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is receivable by at least the first and second coil portions.
• an electrical signal selected from the group consisting of a data signal, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, and combinations thereof is transmittable by at least the first and second coil portions.
• the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting within a frequency band selected from the group consisting of about 100 kHz to about 250 kHz, about 250 kHz to about 500 kHz, 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, and combinations thereof.
• the method wherein the antenna is capable of receiving or transmitting at frequencies of at least 100 kHz.
• a tunable operating frequency is generatable by selecting a connection between two of the first, second, and third terminals.
• the phrase "at least one of preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item).
• phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.
• a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or a component may also mean the processor being programmed to monitor and control the operation or the processor being operable to monitor and control the operation.
• a processor configured to execute code can be construed as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code.
• a phrase such as "an aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology.
• a disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more
• An aspect may provide one or more examples of the disclosure.
• a phrase such as an "aspect” may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa.
• Emdiment does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology.
• a disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments.
• An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the disclosure.
• a phrase such an “embodiment” may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa.
• a phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology.
• a disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations.
• a configuration may provide one or more examples of the disclosure.
• a phrase such as a "configuration” may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

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• 2016
  • 2016-08-04 CN CN202010539982.7A patent/CN111681847B/zh active Active
  • 2016-08-04 EP EP16835665.7A patent/EP3332409A4/de active Pending
  • 2016-08-04 JP JP2018505432A patent/JP6937741B2/ja active Active
  • 2016-08-04 CN CN201680058731.9A patent/CN108140464B/zh active Active
  • 2016-08-04 KR KR1020187003572A patent/KR20180050279A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2016-08-04 EP EP19216241.0A patent/EP3657519A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2016-08-04 WO PCT/US2016/045588 patent/WO2017027326A1/en active Application Filing
• 2021
  • 2021-08-31 JP JP2021141712A patent/JP2022008313A/ja active Pending

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