GB2500884A

GB2500884A - Method and means of controlling the ground plane of an antenna to provide a steerable radiation beam

Info

Publication number: GB2500884A
Application number: GB1205889.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marko Tapio Autti; Seppo Rousu; Reetta Kuonanoja
Original assignee: Renesas Mobile Corp
Current assignee: Renesas Electronics Corp
Priority date: 2012-04-02
Filing date: 2012-04-02
Publication date: 2013-10-09
Also published as: GB201205889D0

Abstract

An antenna, or a method of controlling an antenna, comprises: an antenna element, an electrically conductive plane which is divided into a plurality of isolated parts and a switching unit controlled to connect one or more of the conductive plane parts to a ground potential of the antenna. The electrically conductive plane parts may be any conceivable shape and may be arranged in two or three dimensional designs and the said parts may overlap one another. The ground plane control system may be arranged to use at least one parameter associated with the radio propagation properties of the antenna to steer the antenna radiation beam to improve the antenna operational performance. Antenna properties such as: signal strength, signal to noise ratio or interference levels may be used by a computer to control the switching unit to derive an optimal antenna operating condition. The antenna may provide a simple, compact and cheap steerable antenna for vehicles, computers, satellites or communication equipment.

Description

An Apparatus for use as an Antenna Module and a Method of Controlling the Same.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for use as an antenna module and a method of controlling the same. Some embodiments of the invention relate to a steerable antenna arrangement and a control thereof. More specifically, some embodiments of the present invention relate to structural and functional features of a steerable antenna arrangement and a control thereof.

Background

Typically, omnidirectional antennas are mostly used in contemporary (cellular) communication systems, especially at mobile devices such as vehicles and terminal equipments. The use of such omnidirectional antennas can lead to situations where a connection to a base station (i.e. a downlink wireless link) or to another mobile device (i.e. a D2D wireless link) is dropped or at least degraded due to degrading radio propagation properties of a wireless path, e.g. when operating on cell edges, especially in rural areas.

In view thereof, it is beneficial to use directional antennas, particularly steerable antennas with variable antenna radiation patterns. The use of such (steerable) directional antennas can enable an improved directivity towards a communication countcrpart such as a base station or another mobilc device, thereby avoiding connection drop or connection degradation.

However, with conventional approaches, such as a phased antenna array, a mechanically rotating antenna or multiple switchable directional antennas, implementation of such (steerable) directional antennas would lead to a complex configuration, increased insertion loss for a communication link, expensive and/or enlarged antenna setup. Such increase in complexity, costs and/or size as well as a potential performance tradeoff with insertion loss is specifically inacccptable for any communication devices/terminals/vehicles operable in (cellular) communication systems.

Thus, there is a desire to provide for a steerable antenna arrangement and a control thereof, which is capable of providing for improved directivity towards a communication counterpart without or with less increase in complexity, costs and/or size.

Summary

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention aim at addressing at least part of the above issues and/or problems and drawbacks.

Various aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus (which may c.g. bc arranged/configurcd for usc as an antenna module), comprising an antenna element, an electrically conductive ground plane which is divided into a plurality of electrically isolated parts, and a switching unit arranged/configured to electrically connect at least one of the plurality of parts of the ground plane with a ground potential of the apparatus.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an apparatus comprising an antenna element, an electrically conductive ground plane which is divided into a plurality of electrically isolated parts, and a switching unit arranged/configured to electrically connect at least one of the plurality of parts of the ground plane with a ground potential of the apparatus, said method comprising controlling the switching unit in accordance with at least one parameter.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising a set of instructions (e.g. computer-executable computer program code) which, when executed on an apparatus or a computer of an apparatus (e.g. an apparatus according to the aforementioned apparatus-related exemplary aspect of the present invention), is arranged to cause the computer or apparatus to carry out the method according to the aforementioned method-related exemplary aspect of the present invention.

Such computer program product may comprise or be embodied as a (tangible) computer-readable (storage) medium or the like on which the computer-executable computer program code is stored, and/or the program may be directly loadable into an internal memory of the computer or a processor thereof Advantageous further developments or modifications of the aforementioned exemplary aspects of the present invention are set out in the following.

By virtue of any one of the aforementioned exemplary aspects of the present invention, there is provided a steerable antenna arrangement and a control thereof, which is capable of providing for improved directivity towards a communication counterpart without or with less increase in complexity, costs andior size.

Thus, by way of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, enhancements and/or improvements are achieved by measures for a steerable antenna arrangement and a control thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a more complete understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of two examples of typical antenna radiation patterns of conventional monopole antennas, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a first exemplary construction of an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a second exemplary construction of an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary construction of an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an operational example in the construction of an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 6 shows a functional block diagram of an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile device for which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are applicable.

Detailed Description

Exemplary aspects of the present invention will be described herein below.

More specifically, exemplary aspects of the present are described hereinafter with reference to particular non-limiting examples and to what are presently considered to be conceivable embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is by no means limited to these examples, and may be more broadly applied.

It is to be noted that the following description of the present invention and its embodiments mainly refers to explanations being used as non-limiting examples for exempli'ing purposes. As such, the description of exemplary embodiments given herein specifically refers to terminology which is related thereto. Such terminology is only used in the context of the presented non-limiting examples, and does naturally not limit the invention in any way.

In particular, the present invention and its embodiments may be applicable to any antenna in any use case scenario or operational scenario, for which directivity properties are desirable, including application areas of mobile communications as well as radar, network measurements, network positioning measurements, satellite positioning and satellite communications, for example. Antenna use case scenarios in the meaning of the present invention and its embodiments may appear in computers, PCs, communication devices with user interface(s), communication devices without user interfaces, vehicles, ears, relays, routers, base stations, satellites etc., when having capability for radio communication with a communication counterpart such as for example networks, ad hoc networks, satellites, alternate terminals, any other communication equipment or the like.

Hereinafter, various embodiments and implementations of the present invention and its aspects or embodiments are described using several alternatives. It is generally noted that, according to certain needs and constraints, all of the described alternatives may be provided alone or in any conceivable combination (also including combinations of individual features of the various alternatives).

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in general terms, there are provided measures for a steerable antenna arrangement and a control thereof.

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of two examples of typical antenna radiation patterns of conventional monopoic antennas, which serve as a comparative example for explanation of the present invention.

In Figure 1, exemplary antenna radiation patterns for quarter-wave monopole antennas are depicted, which comprise a monopole antenna element ANT and an electrically conductive ground plane GND, respectively. The antenna clement ANT is electrically isolated from the ground plane GND. In Figure 1 (a) on the left hand side it is assumed that the ground plane GND is infinite and symmetrical with respect to the antenna clement ANT, and in Figure 1(b) on the right hand side it is assumed that the ground plane GND is finite and asymmetrical with respect to the antenna element ANT.

From a comparison of Figures 1(a) and 1(b), it is evident that an antenna's radiation pattern tends to have some directivity on the plane formed by the antenna clement ANT and the ground plane GND.

While Figure 1 exemplarily relates to monopole antennas, comparable considerations similarly apply to other types of antennas (such as dipole antennas) as well.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, such finding may be utilized for realizing a steerable antenna arrangement and a control thereof; which is effective for providing for improved direetivity towards a communication counterpart without or with less increase in complexity, costs and/or size.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a first exemplary construction of an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 2, an apparatus 10, i.e. an antenna arrangement, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprises an antenna element ANT, an electrically conductive ground plane GND which is divided into a plurality of electrically isolated parts, and a switching unit SW configured to electrically connect at least one of the plurality of parts of the ground plane GND with a ground potential of the apparatus 10.

As shown in Figure 2, the antenna element ANT (representing one or more antenna radiators) is disposed in a center portion of the ground plane GND, and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ground plane GND. It is noted that exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to such exemplary configuration, but the antenna element ANT may be disposed unsymmetrically with respect to the ground plane (i.e. not in a center portion thereof), andi'or the antenna element ANT may havc a diffcrcnt angle with rcspcct to the ground plane (i.e. may be arranged other than perpendicular to the ground plane). The antenna element ANT as such is electrically isolated from the ground plane GND, e.g. by way of an air gap or an isolator there-between. The parts of the ground plane may also be divided e.g. byway of an air gap or an isolator there-between, respectively.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the antenna element may be any antenna element capable of transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the antenna element may be any one of a system main antenna, a diversity antenna, a MIMO antenna, an alternate antcnna or any other special purpose antenna e.g. sharing functionality between wireless communication systems. For example, the ailtenna element ANT may be a monopole antenna element, a dipole antenna element, and so on. Also, the antenna element ANT may havc any resonant frequency property, e.g. may be a quarter-wave antenna element, a half-wave antenna element, and so on.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the ground plane does not comprise any elongate portions such as probes, stubs or the like (extending in a perpendicular direction), which might serve as (additional) resonator antenna elements or the like.

In the exemplary configuration of Figure 2, the ground plane has a circular/annular shape as an example of a curved basic shape, and it is diyided into four parts having a scctor shape, rcspectively. It is noted that exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to such exemplary configuration, but different shapes of the ground plane and different numbers of divided parts are equally applicable. For example, the ground plane may have an ellipsoidal shape (as an cxample of a curved basic shape) with scctor-shapcd parts, or thc ground plane may have a rectangular or polygonal (as an example of a straight-line basic shape) shape with trapezoid-shaped parts. Generally speaking, the ground plane may have any conceivable shape, such as any curved basic shape, in which case the divided parts thereof have a sector-like basic shape, or any straight-lined basic shape, in which case the divided parts thereof have a trapezoid-like basic shape. Also, the number of divided parts may adopt any number equal to or larger than two.

In the exemplary configurations of Figure 2, the ground plane (or parts thereof) may have any conccivablc design or form. For cxample, the ground plane may have a two-dimensional design/form (i.e. a one-dimensional profile shape in a side view) or a three-dimensional design/form (i.e. a two-dimensional proffic shape in a side view). When being three-dimensionally designed/formed, the ground plane may for example be convex, concave, or may have any other (e.g. combined) appearance.

A ground plane with a three-dimensional design is exemplarily depicted in Figure 4.

In the exemplary configuration of Figure 2, the switching unit SW comprises a plurality of switches, each of which is configured to electrically connect one of the plurality of parts of the ground plane GND with the ground potential of the apparatus.

Accordingly, the number of switches is exemplarily equal to the number of divided parts of thc ground plane. lrrcspcctivc thcrcof, thc ground planc may also have one or more switches, as explained below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The number of switches (between the antenna element and the ground plane and/or in the ground plane region) depends on how many ground planes and/or how many switches are designed to create possible ground current flow possibilities. In some embodiments, there may also be used floating ground planes without switching possibility. It is noted that exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to such an exemplaiy configuration, but different structures of the switching unit are equally applicable. Generally, the number of switches may be equal to or higher than the number of divided -of the ground plane UND. For example, the switching unit may alternatively have a single switching structure configured to individually connect a respective one of the parts of the ground plane GND with the ground potential of the apparatus, instead of a number of distinct switches as cxcmplarily depicted.

In the exemplary configuration of Figure 2, the antenna element ANT is shown with some surrounding portion in the plane of the ground plane OND, which may be electrically connected with the ground plane by a respective switch (but which is not electrically connected with the antenna element ANT). Such a surrounding portion may be a part representing the ground potential of the apparatus, i.e. a part being connected with the ground of the apparatus or a part corresponding to the ground of the apparatus. It is noted that exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to such exemplary configuration, but such surrounding portion at the antenna element ANT may also be omitted, at least in the center portion of the ground plane OND. Namely, as long as the switching unit is capable of electrically connecting at least one of the plurality of parts of the ground plane OND with a ground potential of the apparatus, any mutual spatial relationship between the ground plane and (a part on) the ground potential of the relationship is feasible.

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a second exemplary construction of an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 3, an apparatus 10, i.e. an antenna arrangement, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprises an antenna element ANT, an electrically conductive ground plane GND which is divided into a plurality of electrically isolated parts, two alternate ground planes which are electrically conductive, and a switching unit SW configured to electrically connect at least one of the plurality of parts of the ground plane GND with a ground potential of the apparatus 10. Further, the apparatus comprises additional switches between the electrically isolated parts of the ground plane and between the ground plane (i.e. isolated parts thereof) and the altemate ground planes, respectively.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the additional switches thnction to shape the antenna pattern (e.g. the antenna radiation pattern) of the antenna arrangement. Accordingly, the additional switches are controllable (by a controller) to this end. The additional switches may form part of the switching unit SW, and may thus be controlled in a coordinated manner.

It is noted that the configuration according to Figure 3 is for illustrative purposes by way of example only. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the additional switches may comprise only the additional switches between the isolated parts of the ground plane, only the additional switches between the ground plane and the (one or more) alternate ground planes, or both (as exemplarily illustrated in Figure 3). The number of additional switches at the various possible positions is not limited in any way. Also, as exemplarily illustrated in Figure 3, the number of additional switches between isolated parts of the ground plane and/or between any isolated part of the ground plane and an alternate ground plane are not necessarily equal to each other. Further, there does not have to be an additional switch between every pair of adjacent isolated parts of the ground plane and/or an alternate ground plane. The respective additional switches between isolated parts of the ground plane may be disposed at different distances from the center portion and/or the antenna element, respectively.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there may be any conceivable number of alternate ground planes, such as one or more (while two alternate ground planes are exemplarily illustrated in Figure 3), and the shape and designiform of the alternate ground planes is not limited in any way but may adopt any shape and/or design/form as described above for the ground plane GND.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the switching unit SW (i.e. the additional switches) may connect an electrically conductive ground plane GND (or part thereof) to one or more electrically conductive ground plane(s) OND (or parts thereof). One ground plane may have one or more SW with corresponding controls. As illustrated in Figure 3, connected electrically conductive ground plane(s) GND may be adjacent or any other alternate electrically conductive ground plane(s) GND designed to be connected together to shape the antenna (radiation) pattern.

As illustrated in Figure 3, positions of switches may vary around the ground plane GND, which may for example be according to design implementation, in order to shape the antenna (radiation) pattern.

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary construction of an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In the diagram of Figure 4, the additional switches between ground planes are specifically illustrated in conjunction with various other parts of an antenna arrangement according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

The electrical parts indicated in Figure 4 could for example comprise one or more switches, one or more transceivers, one or more modems, one or more memories, one or more positioning receivers, one or more processors, one or more interfaces, and the like. The thick double-line arrow in Figure 4 could indicate any kind of galvanic, wired, wireless or inductive connection to the outside, which is capable for analog and/or digital signal transmission.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, although not illustrated, ground planes (or parts thereof) may overlap each other, and/or ground planes (or parts thereof) may be extended with steps around the center portion and/or the antenna element, and/or ground planes (or parts thereof) may be extended with steps with distance from the center portion and/or the antenna element.

The switching unit and/or the switch/switches according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be realized by any conceivable element with electrical (controllable) switching functionality, such as e.g. diodes, transistors, relays, or the like.

Any one of the above-mentioned switching functionalities may for example be embedded to a printed wircd board (PWB), LTCC (Low temperature co-fired ceramic) or the like with control circuitry with routings. Routing length or routing loops on the PWB or the like may be used to adjust antenna radiation patterns). The PWB or the like may have electrical components at single or both sides or embedded to layers of the PWB. In some embodiments, the PWB may have integrated frmnctionalities of one or more of antenna switches, RF path filtering, transceiver, modem, application processor, memory, user interface, positioning receiver, for example. This integrated functional system may be designed to single package as industrial design. Industrial design may also contain other embedded elements like brand logo. Integrated functional system may be assembled to apparatus in factory assembly or it may be sold as service part, after market part, upgrade part, or the like, for example. Interfaces to the apparatus, when needed to other elements of system, may be provided by galvanic, inductive, wireless, digital, analog, etc. manner as example for powering, controls, data connections, voice connection. In some embodiments, the apparatus may have special purpose user interface(s) like keyboard, display, touch display, camera, special purpose sensors, etc. In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus may have one or more steerable antenna(s) as described herein and one or more fixed beanVbandwidth antennas in the same or a similar configurationldesign.

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an operational example in the construction of an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

As indicated above, each of the parts (e.g. sectors) can be switched on and off by the switching unit, respectively. Accordingly, one or more of the parts (e.g. sectors) can be connected with the ground potential of the apparatus at a time, thereby varying the effective area of the ground plane and, thus, the antenna radiation pattern.

Furthermore, one or more of the parts (e.g. sectors) can be connected with the alternate sectors at a time, thereby varying the effective area of the ground plane and, thus, the antenna radiation pattern, as is indicated above in connection with Figures 3 and 4.

In the exemplary operational situation of Figure 5, part (e.g. sector) #2 of the ground plane GND is electrically connected with the part representing the ground potential of the apparatus by way of a corresponding switch on the right side thereof, while the remaining three parts (e.g. sectors) #1, #3 and #4 of the ground plane GND arc unconnected due to an open state of the respective switches. Thereby, an antenna radiation pattern as indicated in Figure 5 would result, e.g. a transmit emission direction in the case of a transmit antenna or transmit antenna usage of a transmit/receive/MIMO/diversity antenna. Similarly, in the case of a receive antenna or receive antenna usage of a transmit/reeeive/MIMO/diversity antenna, the resulting antenna radiation pattern as indicated in Figure 5 would represent a receive sensitivity direction.

As evident from the above, in an antenna arrangement according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the antenna (element) itself is simple, and the division and switching of the antenna ground plane is effective to form directional properties into the antenna radiation pattern. Namely, by virtue of the division of the antenna ground plane and a controlled switching of the switching unit, the effective area of the ground plane, i.e. the electrically connected area influencing the antenna operation pattern, and, thus, the antenna operation pattern may be varied. Details of a corresponding control are set out below.

Figure 6 shows a functional block diagram of an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 6, an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise any apparatus 100, e.g. an antenna module, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise an apparatus 10, i.e. an antenna arrangement, as exemplified above in conjunction with Figures 2 to 5, and a feeding/communication unit 20 which may exemplarily comprise at least one of a modem and a transceiver unit (in the ease of a transmit/receive antenna or corresponding usage). The apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also comprise a controller 200, irrespective of the presence/absence of the feeding/communication unit 20 in the apparatus 100. In some embodiments of the present invention, all (or some) needed cireuitries with aforementioned ftinetionalities may be embedded to the same circuitry, a system in package, a system on chip, a module, a LTCC (Low temperature co-fired ceramic) or the like, as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 6.

As evident from Figure 6, the antenna arrangement according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention is for example applicable for use as or in an antenna module or an antenna module with electronics or a vehicle factory assembly part, or a vehicle after sale assembly part, or a vehicle service upgrade part, or the like according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the controller is configured to control the switching unit SW of the antenna arrangement 100, i.e. the state/s of the switchlswitches thereof. In particular, the controller 200 is configured to control the switching unit SW of the antenna arrangement 100 in accordance with at least one parameter.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the at least one parameter may comprise at least one parameter indicative of radio propagation properties of a wircless path between the antenna element ANT and a communication counterpart (not shown). Additionally or alternative, the at least one parameter according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise at least one parameter indicative of a transmit and/or receive activity of the antenna element ANT and/or at least one parameter indicative of a radio communication activity of the antenna element ANT.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the controller may be specifically configured to control the switching unit SW of the antenna arrangement 100 such that power characteristics relating to the wireless path (between the anteima element ANT and a communication counterpart) are optimized on the basis of the at least one parameter. The power characteristics relating to the wireless path may for example refer to capture of (power of) radio waves at the antenna element/arrangement, or the like. In this regard, reference is made to Figure 7 below.

In this regard, any conceivable parameter indicative of radio propagation properties of the wireless path may be applicable. For example, the at least one parameter may relate to at least one of a received signal strength (such as RSSI), an interference power, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), downlink or/and uplink radio communication link data class, transmitter power level, power class, quality of service, running application performance, interference use case scenario from other antennas or the like. . The communication counterpart, to which the apparatus is to transmit and/or from which the apparatus is to receive, may be any entity being operable to communicate with the apparatus. For example, the communication counterpart may be a base station or any other access point of a communication system and a mobile device (when the wireless path corresponds to a downlink wireless link) or any mobile device (when the wireless path corresponds to a D2D, V2I, V2V, V2R wireless link). In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus may be able to define its own location in geographical area and/or the communication counterpart's location, and the apparatus may be capable of defining a parameter set in order to aim/direct an antenna beam towards the communication counterpart. The apparatus may define its own location, as an example, with satellite positioning methods, network positioning methods, or with special purpose sensors, like gyroscope. The communication counterpart's location may be obtained from a network server on the basis of an identifier, a communication with the communication counterpart, from the apparatus memory from on the basis of an identifier of the communication counterpart or the like.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus memory (such as memory 40 in Figure 6) may maintain and update a (preferable or optimal) parameter set. Such (preferable or optimal) parameter set may for example relate to road sections or the like. Typically, a vehicle with a driver follows the same route between home-work -home -mall -hobbies -home and the like, and the apparatus may pick a preferable or optimal parameter set from the memory for each road section (based on pre-stored route information). The apparatus may leam poor radio performance road sections and may with trial-and-error update the database for a better parameter set e.g. for tunnels etc. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

The thus illustrated procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention basically corresponds to a method of controlling the apparatus according to Figure 6, particularly the antenna arrangement 10 according to Figures 2 to 5. The thus illustrated procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be realized by the controller 200 according to Figure 6.

As shown in Figure 7, a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprises an operation (5500) of controlling the switching unit SW in accordance with at least one parameter, such as e.g. a parameter indicative of radio propagation properties of a wireless path between the antenna element ANT and a communication counterpart. As indicated above, various parameters may be applicable, and in particular the aforementioned example parameters may be applicable.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the procedure may also comprise an operation (S5 10) that the at least one parameter to be utilized for switching control purposes may be set or obtained (e.g. by the controller 200). In such operation, one or more usable parameters may for example be selected out of a set of generally applicable parameters, e.g. depending on its/theft applicability/suitability for a use case in question. Such setting/obtaining may be effected locally and/or by corresponding instructions e.g. from the communication counterpart or a controlling/serving network entity. In terms of optimizing power characteristics at the antenna element/arrangement on the basis of the at least one parameter, a loop process including operations 5520 to 5550 may for example be performed.

While more than one parameter may be used for switching control purposes, the values of which may e.g. be weighted in some manner, the following example is described with reference to a single parameter only for the sake of clarity, without limitation.

For example, in operation S520, a value of a parameter (such as a RSSI value) is determined (e.g. measured, read from a look-up table based on other variables, etc.) for a currently applicable antenna configuration (e.g. GND sector #2 is selected, as illustrated in Figure 5). In operation S530, the antenna configuration is modified (e.g. such that GND sector #3 is selected), and a value of the parameter (such as the RSSI value) is determined (e.g. measured, read from a look-up table based on other variables, etc.) for the thus modified antenna configuration. Such modification and determination operation is repeated for all available (or applicable) antenna configurations, including switching of individual parts of the ground plane (e.g. such that GND sector #4 and then GND sector #1 is selected) and/or combinations of parts of the ground plane (if applicable). When all available (or applicable) antenna configurations are processed (NO in S540), the antenna configuration with a preferred parameter (e.g. quality parameter of special purpose algorithm output,RSSI, data throughput, quality of service, quality of running application) value is established.

Thereby, the power characteristics at the antenna element/arrangement may be optimized on the basis ofthe at least one parameter.

This operation or a similar operation may be performed when the apparatus is moving (e.g. car) or non moving (e.g. relay, router, car). In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, this operation or a similar operation can be performed according to transmission and reception activity, for example in TDD system where DL an UL arc at diffcrcnt frcqucncics, likc GSM. In cxcmplary cmbodimcnts of thc present invention, this operation or a similar operation may be performed according to time domain activity and/or priority and/or power levels of transmission/reception of different communication systems when communication radios share common antenna.

According to exemplary embodiments of thc prcscnt invention, the communication counterpart may indicate when a preferable or optimal radiation pattern is achieved, and the above operation may act accordingly. Namely, upon such indication from the communication counterpart, thc corresponding parameter value could bc specified as thc prcfcrrcd paramctcr valuc, and/or thc corresponding antcnna configuration could be established.

According to exernplary embodiments of the present invention, hysteresis may be applied in the above operation in terms of specifying a preferred or optimal paramctcr value for antcnna configuration establishment.

It is noted that the aforementioned value deterrnination may not only be based on a local measurement, processing or computation, but may also be based on externally supplied data, instructions, or the like (e.g. from the communication counterpart or a controlling/serving network entity) like requested power level from apparatus or RSSI values of the communication counterpart.

Generally, the following is noted with regard to the above description of structural and functional principles of exemplary embodiments of the prcscnt invcntion.

Any apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may create different antenna beams to different directions with software and/or hardware settings. A summary peak antenna radiation pattern with different software and/or hardwarc sctting may bc substantially circular or unsymmetrical with highcr efficiencies to predefined directions. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as described above, higher efficiencies may be achieved in a vehicle environment to thc backward and/or forward dircction. This is because typically basc stations are road side in rural areas and in urban canyons scattered signals propagates along streets. For this purpose, the antenna module according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may have a direction mark for an appropriate design dircction assembly.

Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile device for which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are applicable.

As shown in Figure 8, the apparatus according to Figure 6, particularly the antenna arrangement 10 according to Figures 2 to 5, may be mounted or mountable on any mobile device, such as e.g. a vehicle. In the exemplary illustration of Figure 8, the apparatus according to Figure 6, particularly the antenna arrangement 10 according to Figures 2 to 5, may be mounted or mountable e.g. above the front windshield at the roof of a car. Practically, the apparatus may be placed to any place in/at a car or other vehicle with suitable industrial design, or the apparatus may be integrated into another assembly part or functional module/part of car or other vehicle.

Namely, an antenna arrangement and/or an antenna module (e.g. including a modem) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be installed in the roof of a car. The antenna arrangement and/or an antenna module (e.g. including a modem) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention has its own configurable ground plane, which enables a beam steering. As indicated in Figure 6, a USB cable or the like may provide for data connection (and power) for a modem and a radio frequency operation of the antenna element.

Although not illustrated, the apparatus according to Figure 6, particularly the antenna arrangement 10 according to Figures 2 to 5, may be mounted or mountable at any conceivable mobile device, including a communication terminal equipment or user equipment of any conceivable cellular/radar/satellite communication system or any other positioning/measuring system. For example, it may be mounted or mountable at a terminal device of a 2G/3G/4G communication system, a WLAN/WiFi communication system, a Bluetooth communication system, as receive/transmit/receive and transmit/diversity/MIMO antenna, or the like.

As indicated above, depending on the type of wireless communication link to be sewed/realized by way of an antenna arrangement according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the communication counterpart may be a mobile device or satellite or a radio communication system infrastructure (including relays, routers, etc). Referring to the exemplary configuration of Figure 8, a car-to-car communication may be served/realized when the communication counterpart is also a car.

In the exemplary configuration of Figure 6, the controller 200 may comprise a processor 30, a memory 40 and an interface 50, which are connected by a bus 60 or the like. The processor 30 and/or the interface 50 may also include a modem or the like. The memory 40 may store respective programs assumed to include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 30, enables the respective electronic device or apparatus to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. For example, the memory 12 may store a computer-readable implementation of a control procedure as illustrated in Figure 7.

In general terms, the respective devices/apparatuses (and/or parts thereof) may represent means for performing respective operations andlor exhibiting respective functionalities, and/or the rcspcctivc dcviccs (and/or parts thcrcof) may havc functions for performing respective operations and/or exhibiting respective functionalities.

It is noted that exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to such exemplary configuration as depicted in Figure 6, but any configuration capable of realizing the structural and/or functional features described herein is equally applicable.

It is further noted that Figures 2 to 6 represent simplified schematic/block diagrams. In Figure 6, the solid line blocks are basically configured to perform respective operations as described herein. The entirety of solid line blocks are basically configured to perform the methods and operations as described herein, respectively. With respect to Figure 6, it is to be noted that the individual blocks are meant to illustrate respective functional blocks implementing a respective function, proccss or procedure, respectively. Such functional blocks arc implementation-independent, i.e. may be implemented by means of any kind of hardware or software, respectively. The arrows and lines interconnecting individual blocks are meant to illustrate an operational coupling there-between, which may be a physical andlor logical coupling, which on the one hand is implementation-independent (e.g. wired or wireless) and on the other hand may also comprise an arbitrary number of intermediary functional entities not shown. The direction of arrow is meant to illustrate the direction in which certain operations arc performed and/or the direction in which certain data is transferred.

Further, in Figures 2 to 6, only those structural/functional blocks are illustrated, which relate to any one of the (specific) methods, procedures and functions according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. A skilled person will acknowlcdgc thc prcscncc of any othcr conventional functional blocks required for an operation of respective structural arrangements, such as e.g. a power supply, a central proccssing unit, rcspcctivc mcmorics or thc 111cc. Among othcrs, mcmorics arc provided for storing programs or program instructions for controlling the individual functional entities to operate as described herein.

When in the above description it is stated that the processor (or some other mcans) is configured to perform some function, this is to bc construed to bc equivalent to a description stating that at least one processor, potentially in cooperation with computer program code stored in the memory of the respective apparatus, is configured to cause thc apparatus to perform at least thc thus mentioned function. Also, such function is to bc construed to bc cquivalcntly implcmcntablc by specifically configured means for performing the respective function (i.e. the expression "processor configured to [cause the apparatus to] perform xxx-ing" is construed to be equivalent to an expression such as "means for xxx-ing").

In general, it is to bc notcd that rcspectivc functional blocks or clemcnts according to above-described aspects can be implemented by any known means, either in hardware and/or software/firmware, respectively, if it is only adapted to perform the described functions of the respective parts. The mentioned method steps can be realized in individual functional blocks or by individual devices, or one or more of the method steps can be realized in a single functional block or by a single device.

Generally, any structural mcans such as a proccssor or other circuitry may rcfcr to one or morc of thc following: (a) hardwarc-only circuit implcmcntations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (D a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal proccssor(s)), soflwarc, and mcmory(ics) that work togcthcr to causc an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmwarc for operation, cvcn if thc sottwarc or firmwarc is not physically prescnt.

Also, it may also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware, any integrated circuit, or the like.

Generally, any proccdural stcp or functionality is suitablc to bc implcmcnted as software/firmware or by hardwarc without changing thc idca of thc prescnt invention. Such software may be software code independent and can be specified using any known or future developed programming language, such as e.g. Java, C++, C, and Assembler, as long as the functionality defined by the method steps is preserved. Such hardware may be hardware type independent and can be implemented using any known or future developed hardware technology or any hybrids of these, such as MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor), CMOS (Complementary MOS), BiMOS (Bipolar MOS), BiCMOS (Bipolar CMOS), ECL (Emitter Coupled Logic), TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic), etc., using for example ASIC (Application Specific IC (Integrated Circuit)) components, SIP (system in package), SOC (System on chip), FPGA (Field-programmable Gatc Arrays) components, CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) components or DSP (Digital Signal Processor) components. A device/apparatus may be represented by a semiconductor chip, a chipset, or a (hardware) module comprising such chip or chipset; this, however, does not exclude the possibility that a ifinctionality of a device/apparatus or module, instead of being hardware implemented, be implemented as software in a (software) module such as a computer program or a computer program product comprising executable software code portions for execution/being run on a processor. A device may be regarded as a device/apparatus or as an assembly of more than one device/apparatus, whether functionally in cooperation with each other or functionally independently of each other but in a same device housing, industrial design, for

example.

Apparatuses and/or means or parts thereof can be implcmcntcd as individual devices, but this does not exclude that they may be implemented in a distributed fashion thsoughout the system, as long as the functionality of the device is preserved.

Such and similar principles are to be considered as known to a skilled person.

Software in the sense of the present description comprises software code as such comprising code means or portions or a computer program or a computer program product for performing the respective functions, as well as software (or a computer program or a computer program product) embodied on a tangible medium such as a computer-readable (storage) medium having stored thereon a respective data structure or code means/portions or embodied in a signal or in a chip, potentially during processing thereof The present invention also covers any conceivable combination of method steps and operations dcscribcd abovc, and any conccivablc combination of nodcs, apparatuses, modules or elements described above, as long as the above-described concepts of methodology and structural arrangement are applicable.

In view of the above, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide for an antenna radiation pattern (i.e. antenna beam) steering technique, including a steerable antenna arrangement and a control (including a control structure and function) thereof. Basically, the antenna radiation pattern (i.e. antenna beam) steering technique according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention is based on a divided and switchable (i.e. configurable) ground plane of an antenna. By virtue of the division of the antenna ground plane and a controlled switching of the switching unit, the effective area of the ground plane, i.e. the electrically connected area influencing the antenna operation pattern, and, thus, the antenna operation pattern may be varied.

By virtue of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a steerable antenna arrangement and a control thereof, which is capable of providing for improved directivity towards a communication counterpart without or with less increase in complexity, costs and/or size. Thereby, improved communication quality and increased bitrates as well as increased operating radius in radio environments and/or operation in interference scenarios may be achieved due to the simple and efficient antenna radiation pattern (i.e. antenna beam) steering technique according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In summary, it could be said that the present invention and/or exemplary embodiments thereof provide measures for a steerable antenna arrangement and a control thereof. A steerable antenna arrangement may exemplarily comprise an antenna element, an electrically conductive ground plane which is divided into a plurality of electrically isolated parts, and a switching unit capable of electrically connecting at least one of the plurality of parts of the ground plane with a ground potential of the apparatus. The control of the steerable antenna arrangement may exemplarily comprise controlling the switching unit in accordance with at least one parameter indicative of radio propagation properties of a wireless path between the antenna clement and a communication counterpart.

Even though the present invention andior exemplary embodiments are described above with reference to the examples according to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that they are not restricted thereto. Rather, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be modified in many ways without departing from the scope of the inventive idea as disclosed herein.

List of acronyms and abbreviations D2D Device to Device DL Downlink GSM Global System for Mobile Communication LTCC Low temperature co-fired ceramic MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output PWB Printed Wiring Board RF Radio Frequency RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator SINR Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio TDD Time Division Duplex DL Uplink USB Universal Serial Bus V21 Vehicle to Infrastructure V2R Vehicle to Roadside V2V Vehicle to Vehicle WLAN Wireless Local Area Network The above embodiments arc to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. For example, [add possibilities]. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for use as an antenna module, comprising an antenna element, an electrically conductive ground plane which is divided into a plurality of electrically isolated parts, and a switching unit arranged to electrically connect at least one of the plurality of parts of the ground plane with a ground potential of the apparatus.
2. Thc apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit is further arranged to electrically connect two or more of the plurality of parts of the ground plane with each other, and/or the switching unit is further arranged to electrically connect at least one of the plurality of parts of the ground plane with at least one alternate ground plane.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ground plane has a curved basic shape, wherein the divided parts thereof have a sector-like basic shape, or the ground plane has a substantially straight-lined basic shape, wherein the divided parts thereof have a substantially trapezoid-like basic shape, and/or the ground plane has a two-dimensional design or a three-dimensional design.
4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a controller arranged to control the switching unit in accordance with at least one parameter indicative of radio propagation properties of a wireless path between the antenna element and a communication counterpart.
5. The apparatus according to any one of claims I to 4, further comprising a controller arranged to control the switching unit in accordance with at least one parameter indicative of a transmit and/or receive activity of the antenna element and/or at least one parameter indicative of a radio communication activity of the antenna clement.
6. Thc apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, whcrcin the controller is arranged to control the switching unit such that power characteristics relating to the wireless path are optimized on the basis of the at least one parameter, and/or the controller is arranged to set or obtain the at least one parameter, and/or the at least one parameter indicative of radio propagation properties relates to at least one of a received signal strength, an interference power, a signal-to-noise ratio, and a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, and/or thc communication counterpart comprises at icast one of an access point of a communication system, a satellite, and a mobile device.
7. The apparatus according to any one of claims I to 6, wherein thc apparatus flirthcr compriscs at least onc of a modem and a transcciver unit, andlor the apparatus is mounted or mountable at a mobile device operable in communication with at least one of an access point of a communication system and another mobile device, wherein the mobile device comprises at least one of a vehicle, a computer, a satellite, a communication equipment, and a communication terminal equipment.
8. A method of controlling an apparatus comprising an antenna element, an electrically conductive ground plane which is divided into a plurality of electrically isolatcd parts, and a switching unit arranged to electrically connect at least one of the plurality of parts of the ground plane with a ground potential of the apparatus, said method comprising controlling the switching unit in accordance with at least one parameter.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the switching unit is further arranged to electrically connect two or more of the plurality of parts of the ground plane with each other, and/or the switching unit is thrther arranged to electrically connect at least one of the plurality of parts of the ground plane with at least one alternate ground plane.
10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the parameter comprises at least one parameter indicative of radio propagation properties of a wireless path between the antenna element and a communication counterpart
11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the parameter comprises at least one parameter indicative of a transmit and/or receive activity of the antenna element and/or at least one parameter indicative of a radio communication activity ofthe antenna element.
12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the switching unit is controlled such that power characteristics relating to the wireless path are optimized on the basis of the at least one parameter, and/or the method further comprises setting or obtaining the at least one parameter, and/or the at least one parameter relates to at least one of a received signal strength, an interference power, a signal-to-noise ratio, and a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, and/or the communication counterpart comprises at least one of an access point of a communication system, a satellite, and a mobile device.
13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the ground plane has a curved basic shape, wherein the divided parts thereof have a sector-like basic shape, or the ground plane has a substantially straight-line basic shape, wherein the divided parts thereof have a substantially trapezoid-like basic shape, and/or the ground plane has a two-dimensional design or a three-dimensional design.
14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one of a modem and a transceiver unit, and/or the apparatus is mounted or mountable at a mobile device operable in communication with at least one of an access point of a communication system and another mobile device, wherein the mobile device comprises at least one of a vehicle, a computer, a satellite, a communication equipment, and a communication terminal equipment.
15. A computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed on an apparatus, is arranged to cause the apparatus to carry out the method according to any one of claims to 14.
16. The computer program product accordiiig to claim 15, embodied as a computer-readable medium.