JP2002504767A - Board antenna - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an antenna that is downsized and can be resiliently built in by a wireless device. A substrate antenna (400) comprising one or more conductive traces (402) supported on a dielectric substrate (404) having a predetermined thickness. Appropriate dimensions are selected for the length and width of the trace based on the wavelengths involved, the elements connected and the space allocated. The support substrate (404) associated with the device in which the antenna is used is generally offset from and perpendicular to the ground plane (502). The trace is electrically connected at one end to a conductive pad (408). A signal supply (410) to the antenna is connected to the conductive pad (408).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to antennas for wireless devices, and more particularly, to antennas mounted on a substrate. The invention further relates to an internal antenna for a radio device having, in particular, improved dimensions, connections, frequency bands and radiation characteristics. II. 2. Description of the Related Art Antennas are an important component of wireless communication devices and systems. Antennas are available in various shapes and sizes, but each operate on the same electromagnetic principles.
An antenna is a structure that couples the transition field between guided and free-space waves or vice versa. As a general principle, guided waves traveling along open transmission lines are:
Radiated as free-space waves known as electromagnetic waves.

In recent years, with the increase of personal wireless communication devices such as mobile, cellular and personal communication service (PSC) telephones, the demand for convenient small antennas for such communication devices has increased. Recent developments in integrated circuit and battery technology have allowed the size and weight of such communication devices to be significantly reduced over the past few years. One area in which size reduction is required is in communication device antennas. This is due to the fact that the size of the antenna plays an important role in reducing the size of the device. In addition, the size and shape of the antenna will affect the aesthetics and manufacturing costs of the device.

One important factor that must be considered when designing an antenna for a wireless communication device is the radiation pattern of the antenna. In a typical application, the communication device must be able to communicate with other such devices or base stations, hubs, or satellites that can be located in any direction from the device. Therefore,
It is essential that the antenna for such wireless communication devices have a nearly omni-directional radiation pattern or a pattern extending upward from the local horizon.

An important factor to consider in designing an antenna for a wireless communication device is the frequency bandwidth of the antenna. For example, wireless devices such as telephones used with PCS communication systems operate in the 1.85-1.99 GHz frequency band and require 7.29 percent of the available frequency bandwidth. Telephones used for typical cellular communication systems operate above the 824-894 MHz frequency band, which requires 8.14 percent of the bandwidth.
Therefore, the antennas used in these types of wireless devices need to be designed to meet the requirements of the appropriate band, otherwise the communication signal will be significantly attenuated.

[0005] A type of antenna commonly used in wireless communication devices is the whip antenna, which can be retracted into the device when not in use. However, whip antennas have several disadvantages. Frequently, whip antennas can be damaged by objects, people, or surfaces when extended for use or even when retracted. Even if the whip antenna is designed to be retractable to minimize such damage, it will still cover the entire dimensions of the device, affecting the state-of-the-art features and the installation of some circuitry in the device. . There is also a need for a housing that is larger than desired to accommodate minimal equipment when retracted.

[0006] Whip antennas are often used with short helical antennas, which are activated when the whip antenna is retracted into the phone. The helical antenna has the same radiation length in a more compact space and maintains appropriate radiation coupling characteristics. The helical antenna, even shorter, still protrudes significantly from the surface of the wireless device, detracting from aesthetics and coming into contact with other objects. Storing such an antenna in a wireless device requires a large volume, which is not preferable.

[0007] Another type of antenna that may be suitable for wireless communication devices is a conformal antenna antenna. In general, a conformal antenna is an antenna that traces the shape of the surface to which it is attached and generally has little appearance.
There are a variety of different types of conforum antennas, such as patches, microstrips, and stripline antennas. Microstrip antennas have been used particularly recently for personal communications equipment.

[0008] For example, one type of antenna that may be suitable for use in wireless communication devices is an "inverted-F" antenna, but it has several disadvantages. The antenna is much larger in size than desired, has a lower frequency bandwidth, and lacks a preferred omni-directional radiation pattern.

As the term implies, microstrip antennas consist of patches or microstrip elements, which generally refer to radiator patches. The length of the microstrip element is set in proportion to the wavelength λ ₀ which is linked to the resonance frequency f ₀ which is selected to match the relevant frequency, for example 800 MHz or 1900 MHz. The length of the microstrip element is commonly used, a half wavelength (λ _0/2) and quarter wavelength (λ _0/4)
It is. Although some limited types of microstrip antennas have recently been used in wireless communication devices, some areas require further improvement.
One area that requires further improvement is overall downsizing. On the other hand, significant improvements are required in frequency bandwidth. Current patch or microstrip antenna designs have achieved the desired 7.29 to 8.14 percent or better frequency bandwidth characteristics required to use most practically sized communication systems. I don't think

[0010] Conventional patches and strip antennas also suffer from the problems that most radios exhibit when placed near a large ground plane. The ground plane may change the resonance frequency and may not be able to repeat the manufactured design. In addition, "hand-held", i.e., the position of the user's hand, near the antenna, dramatically changes the resonance frequency and antenna performance.

[0011] Radiation patterns, as explained above, are very important not only for establishing communication links, but also in relation to government radiation standards for wireless device users. The radiation pattern must be controlled or adjusted so that a minimal amount of radiation can be absorbed by the user of the instrument. There are government standards set for the amount of radiation allowed near wireless device users. One effect of these rules is that the internal antenna cannot be placed in many places in the radio, because the user is exposed to theoretical radiation. However, as mentioned above, when using current antennas elsewhere, ground planes and other structures often prevent effective use of the antenna.

[0012] Accordingly, to achieve a structure for a wireless device internal antenna that has a radiation pattern that better meets the latest radiation requirements for the end user, new antenna structures and techniques are needed to manufacture the antenna. . At the same time, more conductive to the built-in, providing more resilient component positioning in wireless devices, significantly improved aesthetics, and even better protection against antenna damage However, antennas need to be able to respond to the demands on frequency bandwidth and coupling efficiency of modern communication systems.

[0013]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above and other problems discovered in the art relating to internal antennas in wireless devices, a first object of the present invention is to provide an antenna that is downsized and can be resiliently built into the wireless device. It is.

A second object of the present invention is to reduce the interaction between the user of the wireless device and the antenna, which will reduce performance.

One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a physically deformable support substrate for incorporation into a wireless device.

Another advantage is to reduce the manual work and time required to connect and install the antenna in the wireless device, and to reduce the number of cables and connectors required for the purpose.

This and other objects, goals and advantages are to realize a substrate antenna for use in wireless devices, comprising one or more conductive wires supported on a dielectric substrate having a predetermined thickness. It is to be. Appropriate dimensions are selected depending on the associated wavelength for the wireless device and the length and width of the trace based on the allocated space. The support substrate is mounted offset from and perpendicular to the ground plane associated with circuitry and components in the equipment for using the antenna.
That is, the substrate is mounted adjacent to a ground plane edge and has a surface that is offset by less than 90 degrees from the ground plane. The location of the substrate is not directly above or below the ground plane.

The trace is electrically connected at one end of the trace to a conductive pad,
The one end is joined to a signal feeding device for the antenna. Since conductive pads are used, the signal feed device may comprise a conductive spring-loaded, spring or clip-type device in which the electrical power is applied through the pressure on the conductive pad. Contact is formed. With this configuration, when the board is installed in a wireless device, automatic contact can be made to the antenna without the need for installation of a cable or hand-like connector.

A very thin and compact structure is used for the substrate antenna, which provides a suitable frequency bandwidth. With the compactness of the antenna and a variety of easy-to-use forms, the substrate antenna can be used very efficiently as an internal antenna of a wireless device. Despite the many possible interference characteristics or structures in the housing, the antenna can be placed in an advantageous location in the housing of the device to take advantage of space.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Conventional microstrip antennas, such as inverted F-shaped antennas, have certain characteristics that could potentially render personal communication devices unusable, while having the same characteristics as cellular and PCS phones. There is still a need in the art for further improvements to make this type of antenna convenient in wireless communication devices. An area in which further improvement is sought is frequency bandwidth. In general, cellular phones require larger frequency bandwidths than can be obtained with a practically sized microstrip antenna to operate satisfactorily.

Another area in which further improvement is required is the size of the microstrip antenna. For example, downsizing of a microstrip antenna can make a wireless communication device more compact and more aesthetically pleasing. In fact, this can affect whether the antenna can be used for wireless communication equipment or not. Downsizing of conventional microstrip antennas could be done by reducing the thickness of the dielectric substrate used, or by increasing the relative permittivity figure to reduce the required length . However, this has the undesirable effect of reducing the frequency bandwidth of the antenna and, as a result, is less suitable for wireless communication devices.

Moreover, the pattern of the magnetic field of a conventional microstrip antenna, such as a patch radiator, is generally directional. Most patch radiators are
Radiates only in the upper hemisphere relative to the local level of the antenna. This pattern may move or rotate with the motion of the device, creating undesirable holes in the transmit and receive radio range. Therefore, a microstrip antenna is
The use of a large number of wireless communication devices has been undesirable.

The present invention provides a solution to the above and other problems. The present invention focuses on substrate antennas that provide better frequency bandwidth and downsizing than other antenna designs, while retaining other characteristics that are favorable for use in wireless communication devices. The substrate antenna of the present invention may be built near the surface of a wireless or personal communication device such as a mobile phone, or adjacent to other elements such as an I / O circuit or keyboard in a wireless device. Or behind it. The substrate antenna can also be embedded during plastic molding of the housing, or can be built directly on the surface of the wireless device.

Unlike whip or external helical antennas, the substrate antenna of the present invention is not susceptible to damage from hitting an object or surface. This antenna does not take up the internal space required for advanced functions and circuitry, and does not require the large housing dimensions when retracted. Since the substrate antenna of the present invention can be manufactured with automation and minimum manual work, it is possible to reduce costs and improve reliability. Further, the substrate antenna radiates a pattern in almost all directions, so that it is suitable for many wireless communication devices.

In a broad sense, the invention can be used with any type of wireless device, such as a personal communication device, wireless telephone, wireless modem, fax machine, portable computer, pager, message broadcast receiver, and the like. One such environment is a portable radiotelephone used for cellular PCS or other commercial communication services. Various such wireless telephones having various housing configurations are well known in the art.

FIGS. 1-3 show a typical wireless telephone used in a wireless communication system such as the cellular and PCS systems described above. The telephone shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a "clamshell" type or flip-type telephone, while the telephone shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). The phone in use is a typical rectangular or "bar" phone. These telephones are typical wireless telephones used in wireless communication systems such as cellular and PCS systems, as described above. These phones are used for illustrative purposes because there are many types of wireless devices and phones, and the present invention may use these and other related types or styles of physical devices. The shape will be clear from the description below.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a telephone 100 having a main housing or body 102 supporting a whip antenna 104 and a helical antenna 106. The antenna 104 is typically not required for correct operation, but is mounted on a common central axis that is shared with the antenna 106 when extended. These antennas are manufactured at lengths that are tuned to the associated frequency or frequency used for a particular wireless device. The particular design is known and understood in the relevant art.

The front surface 102 of the housing includes a speaker 110 and a display panel or screen 1.
12, a keyboard 114, a microphone or microphone opening 116, and a connector 118 are shown. In FIG. 2, the antenna 104 is in an extended position when the wireless device is used, but the antenna 104 in FIG. 1 is shown in a position retracted into the housing 102.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, main housing or main body 202 supporting whip antenna 204 and helical antenna 206 in the same manner as telephone 100.
Is shown. The front 200 of the housing is the speaker 2
10, a display panel or screen 212, a keyboard 214, a microphone or microphone opening 216, and a connector 118. FIG.
), The antenna 204 is in an extended position, but the antenna 204 in FIG. 3b is shown in a retracted position in the housing 202.

As discussed above, whip antennas 104 and 204 have several drawbacks, one of which is that when stretched for use, they can get caught in other objects or surfaces and break. It is easy to receive. The antennas 104 and 204
Also, the placement of components for advanced features and circuits, including power sources such as batteries, is constrained and takes up internal space in such a way as to reduce resiliency. In addition, the antennas 104 and 204 require an unacceptably large minimum storage dimension when retracted. Alternatively, the antennas 104 and 204 can be configured with telescoping portions to reduce size when retracted, but are generally less aesthetic and likely to be weaker. May be seen by the user as being unstable, or unwieldy. The antennas 106 and 206 are also susceptible to breakage during use by catching on other items or surfaces and cannot be retracted into the phone housings 102 and 202, respectively.

Although the use of the present invention has been described in the context of an exemplary wireless telephone for convenience of clarity, this is not intended to limit the present invention to the exemplary environment. . After reading the following description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how to implement the invention in alternative environments. In fact, it should be apparent that the invention can be used with other wireless communication devices, such as, but not limited to, pagers, portable faxes, and portable computers with wireless communication capabilities.

Each of these phones typically has various components supported by one or more circuit boards to perform various necessary functions.
4 to 6 are used to illustrate the general internal structure of a typical wireless telephone. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the telephone of FIG. 2 viewed from the side to see how the circuits or components within the housing 102 are supported. FIG. 5 shows a cutaway cross-sectional view of the same phone as viewed from the back and back from the keyboard to see the relationship between the circuitry and components typically within the housing 102. FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the telephone shown in FIG. 3 (b) viewed from the side.

4 and 5, a circuit board 302 includes an integrated circuit or a chip 304,
Discrete components 306, such as resistors and capacitors, and various connectors 308
Are shown inside the housing 102 supporting various components such as
The panel display device and the keyboard are generally mounted on the back side of the circuit board 302, and wires and connectors (not shown) include a speaker, a microphone,
Alternatively, a similar element is connected to a circuit on the circuit board 302. The locations of the antennas 104 and 106 are located on one side and are connected to the circuit board 302 using special wire connectors and clips for this purpose.

Generally, a predetermined number of posts or supports 310 are used in housing 102 to mount circuit boards and other components in the housing. These columns can be formed as part of the housing, or mounted in place with adhesive or other known mechanisms, as when molded with injection molded plastic. Further, to secure portions of the housing 102 together, there is typically one or more securing posts 312 used to receive screws, bolts, or similar fasteners 313. That is, the housing 102 is manufactured using a large number of components or a cover that covers the main body portion and the electronic components. The fixing post 312 is here used to receive an element 313 for fixing the housing parts to one another. The present invention readily accepts or anticipates the various struts 310 or 312, and
Provides a very efficient internal antenna design.

As can be seen in the enlarged view of FIG. 5, the circuit board 302 generally comprises
Manufactured on multilayer circuit boards in which multiple conductor and dielectric substrates are alternately bonded to form a fairly complex circuit interconnect structure. This substrate is a known technique. As part of the overall structure, the substrate 302 has at least one, and possibly more, ground layers or ground planes embedded on the bottommost surface or at intermediate locations within the substrate. ing.

The Applicant has determined that this can be any of the antennas 104, 106, 204 or 20
6 and the ground plane that forms the radiation pattern for the wireless device. The antenna effectively excites the ground plane. That is, there is a current directed between the conductive material in the whip or helical antenna and the ground plane that radiates into the air and generates electromagnetic waves that form communication signals. This is the combination for receiving the incoming signal received by the wireless device. For this and other reasons, Applicants have discovered that large and useless antennas can be replaced with smaller and more compact antenna elements, provided that they are properly positioned relative to the ground plane of the wireless device. did.

It has been found that others besides the applicant have attempted antenna radiating elements on the ground plane, in particular requiring a certain amount of shielding, in creating an internal antenna location. Unfortunately, this is the usual cellular and PCS
Have failed to create a low loss match with sufficient operating frequency bandwidth to be used for That is, as a result, the antenna has very low efficiency and low gain, often reducing gain by about 6 dB or so.

A substrate 400 constructed and operated in accordance with one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the substrate 400 comprises conductive traces 402, also referred to as strips or elongated conductors, a dielectric support substrate 404, and a signal feed region 406. . The conductive traces 402 can be manufactured or considered as two or more traces that are electrically connected in series with one another to form a preferred antenna radiator structure. Trace 402 is electrically connected to conductive pad 408 in signal feed region 406 at or adjacent one end of substrate 404.

The substrate 404 is made of a circuit board or a dielectric material such as a flexible material or a substrate known to be suitable for use. For example, a printed circuit board (PCB) based on small glass fibers can be used. Various materials,
It can be obtained for the manufacture of the substrate. Generally, commercially available glass fibers, phenyl, plastic, or other printed wiring boards or substrate materials can be used. It is not necessary to use a thin substrate, but it offers the advantage that it is deformable and can be mounted in place. A sheet of Teflon reinforced with very thin glass fiber can be used for very thin substrates, which is preferred for large bending and flexing, but such thin materials may cause the antenna properties It may not provide sufficient support strength to prevent changes with exercise. Those skilled in the art of electronics and antenna design are familiar with the variety of products for which a suitable antenna substrate can be obtained, based on favorable dielectric properties or antenna frequency bandwidth properties.

The substrate may be used to separate the antenna radiator elements, here traces, from support and other conductive surfaces, or to minimize the need for hand or other radiation absorbing or interacting materials (such as tissue). Serves as a means of providing spacing.

The traces are made of a conductive material, such as, for example, copper, brass, aluminum, silver or gold or other conductive materials, which are known to be convenient for manufacturing antenna elements. The material includes a conductive material embedded in a plastic or conductive epoxy that serves as a substrate.

The trace (s) may include, but are not limited to, photoetching of standard conductive material on a dielectric or insulating substrate, plating or deposition of other conductors on the substrate, or adhesive. Can be deposited using one of a number of known techniques, such as the provision of a conductive material such as a thin metal plate on a support substrate by such means. In addition, known coating or deposition techniques can be used to deposit metal or conductive materials on plastic support elements or substrates that can change shape.

The length of the trace 402 uniquely determines the resonance frequency of the board antenna 400. The size of the trace 402, or series of connected traces, is adapted to a particular operating frequency. The traces used to construct the antenna are deposited to provide conductive elements that are approximately one quarter effective wavelength (λ) for the frequency of interest. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the advantage of having a length slightly smaller or larger than λ / 4 for the purpose of matching the impedance to the corresponding transmitting or receiving circuit. In addition, exposed connecting elements, such as cables, wires or clips, described below, affect the overall length of the antenna and are taken into account when choosing the dimensions of the traces, as is known.

When the board antenna 400 is used in a wireless device that can communicate at two or more frequencies, the length of the trace 402 is based on the frequency relationship. That is, a multiplex frequency can be accepted on condition that the multiplex frequency is a fractional relationship of wavelengths. For example, the length of λ / 4 of one frequency is 3λ / 4 with respect to the second frequency.
, Or 2λ / 2. Such a relationship for using a single radiator for multiple frequencies is well understood in the art.

The trace (s) 402 are typically approximately a small fraction of the wavelength to minimize or prevent traversal currents or modes and maintain a minimum antenna size (thickness). The values chosen are based on the frequency bandwidth over which the antenna must operate, as is known in conventional antenna technology. The width of the trace (s) 402 is also below the wavelength in the dielectric substrate material because higher order modes are not excited.

The total length of the trace 402 is about λ / 4, but may be folded, bent, or otherwise changed to stretch the trace back along the direction it originally came from. It should be noted that the antenna structure can be much shorter than λ / 4. With the dimensions of thin conductors combined with a relatively thin supporting substrate and a length of λ / 4 or less, a significant downsizing of the entire antenna is possible compared to conventional strip or patch antennas, Thus, the personal communication device can be made preferable. For example, compare the dimensions to the ground plane of a conventional microstrip antenna, which is typically at least λ / 4 for proper operation.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C, the position of the conductive pad 408 is in the signal supply region 406 and is electrically connected to the trace 402. Generally, pads 408 and traces 402 are not necessarily required, but are formed using the same fabrication techniques, using the same materials, and in some cases, as a unitary or unitary structure. Pads 408 are simply electrically connected to trace 4 to transfer signals without adversely affecting the impedance or performance of the antenna.
02 only needs to be brought into contact.

In some configurations, the traces face the circuit board and the signal source or receiver; in other configurations, they may face away from the substrate. In the latter situation, the location of the conductive pad 408 is located on the back of the substrate so that it can be received directly from the circuit board without the need for wires or other conductors extending around the board. It is in. This is undesirable because in many applications it requires more complicated connection and installation procedures. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), a second contact pad 410 is used on the back side of the substrate (as seen in FIG. 8) and for transferring signals through the substrate. Conductor bias can be used.

The signal transfer power supply device uses the pad 408 (and 410) to
00 is connected. Using conductive pads 408 (and 410), the antenna can be installed to provide convenient electrical connection and signal transfer via conventional "spring-type" or spring-loaded contacts or clips. Can be operated in the manner provided. This construction eliminates the need for manual installation with bespoke connectors or manual insertion of antennas into contact structures.
Simplify the construction and manufacture of wireless devices. This type of electrical connection can also be used to re-solder the antenna or special connectors, as needed or for repair, or to upgrade the radio or change to another frequency. Means that they can be easily replaced. As explained above, spring contact contributes to the overall length of the antenna or antenna radiator (trace) and must be taken into account when choosing the dimensions of the trace.

The signal feeding device connects a signal from a signal processing device or a circuit (not specifically shown) on the circuit board 302 to the board antenna 400. "Circuit" is used to refer to the functions provided by known signal processing circuits, including all known and generally receivers, transmitters, amplifiers, filters, transceivers, etc. You have to keep in mind.

8 and 9, the antennas 104 and 106 are replaced with a substrate antenna 400. The circuit board 302 is a multi-layer board or a printed wiring board (P
It is shown in FIG. 8 as consisting of multiple layers of conductive and dielectric materials, such as copper and glass fibers, being formed, referred to as CB) technology. This is the metal conductor layer 5
08, or on top of or next to metal conductor layer 504 of dielectric material layer 506 supporting metal conductor layer 508. Conductor biases (not shown) have been used to interconnect various conductors on various layers or levels with components on the outer surface. The etched pattern on every given layer defines the interconnect pattern for that layer. In that form, either layer 504 or 508 can be formed on a ground layer or surface pointing to substrate 302, as is generally known in the art.

The antenna 400 is mounted adjacent to the circuit board 302, but is offset from the ground plane (GP) and is disposed with the board 404 almost perpendicular to the ground plane (GP). The arrangement provides a very thin profile for the antenna 400 so that it can be placed in a very confined space and the housing 1
02 can be placed adjacent to the surface. For example, the location of the antenna 400 can be between a fastener or mounting post and the side (top) of the housing 102, which cannot be achieved using conventional microstrip antenna designs.

Optionally, the post can now be used to automatically position and support the antenna 400 without additional support or mounting equipment. In order to determine the predetermined position of the board, some support means are required, and this structure provides a simple mounting mechanism that can reduce the cost for installation of the antenna and perform an automated assembly. Can be provided. Due to the nature of the method of mounting the substrate in place, it is sufficient to simply place the substrate on the housing. The circuit board can simply be placed on the housing using a push fit of the display panel or connector 118 that is fitted via holes or passages in the housing.

In an alternative, the substrate 404 can be mounted in place in the wireless device using small brackets, struts, ridges, ridges, slots, channels, support extrusions, protrusions and the like. Either possible or similar molded of the material used to manufacture the walls of the housing 102 can be used to place the substrate. That is, the support can be molded or molded into the wall of the device housing as manufactured, such as by injection molding. With the support element, the substrate 404 can be held in place, or attached to the element using a fastener, as the phone is assembled, inserted between or within them. . Ridges or tabs formed in the walls of the housing (or posts) can be snapped around the edges of the substrate to help hold it in place.

Another means of attachment is the use of adhesives or tape to hold the substrate to the sidewalls or other parts or components to the wireless device.

As can be seen in FIG. 9, the substrate 404 is matched as closely as possible to the shape of the housing or is curved to accommodate other elements, parts or components in the wireless device. Can be bent. The substrate can be manufactured in the shape or deformed during installation. The use of a thin substrate allows the substrate to be fixed or bent during mounting, and the substrate can be pressed into place by pressure against an adjacent surface. The pressure can help to secure the substrate in place, generally without screws or other types of fasteners.

However, one of ordinary skill in the art will immediately recognize that there is no need to deform or bend the substrate during manufacture or installation to properly operate the invention. A straight, flat substrate exhibits a good function as its basic shape. Other forms have the advantage of storage under various mounting conditions, but do not change the operation of the present invention.

Once all the parts etc. are in place, the cover or plate on the back of the housing is fixed in place with screws, bolts or other methods. this is,
Simply "attach" the antenna or board into the housing by simply attaching the cover or housing to the adjacent circuit board that is fixed in place.
In the form, achieved. No additional fasteners or fastening elements are needed for the antenna in this approach. A set of tabs, or similar projections, can be used to interface with the cover at certain points to reduce the number of screws required to hold the antenna in place.

The conductive pad 408 may be a spring, a spring contact or a clip 510.
Is placed adjacent to and electrically connected to the substrate 302. The spring contacts or clips 510 are mounted on the circuit board using known techniques such as soldering or conductive bonding. Clip 510
One end is electrically connected to a suitable conductor or conductive bias to transfer signals to and / or from the desired circuit or circuits in the wireless device, the circuit comprising an antenna. 400. The other end of the clip 510 is generally free floating, extending from the circuit board 302 to where the antenna 400 is to be placed. More specifically, clip 510 is placed where contact pad 408 is located, adjacent to the end of trace 402. As shown in the figures, the clip 510 is bent circularly away from the antenna and then arcs until the clip returns toward the antenna. While the circular arc makes working on the substrate more resilient and simpler, other types of clips found in FIG. 11 are also known to be useful, and the present invention provides: It is not limited to this. The spring contact or clip 510 is typically manufactured from a metallic material such as copper or brass, but is well known in the art, subject to signal attenuation or other favorable contact characteristics, for this application. All known deformable conductive materials can be used.

Since the antenna 400 is not placed on or adjacent to or parallel to a ground plane, such as the layer 504, the antenna has or maintains a sufficiently large radiation resistance.
This means that it is possible to provide adequate matching to the antenna 400 without suffering significant losses, ie the antenna has a good matching impedance. This efficiency is achieved even when the antenna 400 is moved to various offset positions to one side of the circuit board 302, ie, when the antenna is moved laterally.
It is maintained as long as it does not approach the substrate 302. This antenna design serves as a very efficient means to excite the ground plane (GP) without compromising performance.

Although a substrate perpendicular to the ground plane is not required, a key feature of the present invention is its small size and minimal space utilization. Obviously, if the substrate is placed in the same plane as the ground plane and parallel to it, it will take up more space between the housing and the ground plane. This is not preferred, but the orientation of the substrate does not hinder the operation of the antenna. Conventional patch antennas must be used, which is why they require a large amount of space. The invention differs in that the antenna can use a small lateral space in a wireless device.

Whether the antenna is located adjacent to or above the ground plane (GP) with respect to the housing and beyond the edge of the ground plane (GP), the antenna is better than a conventional whip antenna. Provides a very multi-directional pattern. This position of the antenna also means that the resulting radiation pattern is almost vertically polarized, which is desirable for most wireless communication devices.

The board must not be placed “above” or “below” the ground plane (GP) with respect to the electronic components in the wireless device. As explained above, the reason is that in that location, impedance can have a negative effect on performance. It is important that the antenna not be above the ground plane. This can be revealed in several ways. For example, there is a volume or space on the top surface of the ground plane that occupies up to the ground plane edge (surrounded by the edge). This volume is
The exclusion area or area for the substrate. Placing the trace in this volume means placing it on a ground plane. From another point of view, no elevation or offset angle between the plane of the ground plane and the position of the substrate antenna can be more than 90 degrees from the plane of the ground plane. In fact, it must be much less than 90 degrees to ensure proper or sufficient separation from the ground plane.

Another way to look at the antenna, and thus the substrate, is for the positioning to look at the advantages created by the design. This antenna can be mounted between the ground plane (GP) and the side wall (depending on the viewpoint or the top or bottom wall), close to the top part of the wireless device. In the case of a flip phone, two antennas, m
It can be mounted between the parts, near a hinge or pivot or pivot connection point. This will provide a location for the antenna that is further away from the user, such as the user's head during use, due to the nature of the way the phone is opened and the location of the connection. This is a distinct advantage in terms of head absorption and the like. For "bar" phones or wireless devices, the substrate antenna can be mounted on the top or side as desired.

The present invention is the first invention having a form in which the space or the area can be used. The present invention, in this sense, is a new way to take advantage of the space, volume, or area of a wireless device that is adjacent to a circuit board, next to a housing, and offset from a ground plane (GP). A new type of internal antenna that can be mounted in the area immediately adjacent to the ground plane (GP).

An advantage of the present invention is that it does not require a detached portion of the substrate to be mounted or put in place. Large patch antennas or elements
A large area or area is required to provide space for mounting the removed circuit board or the removed circuit components. Another aspect of the antenna is that the antenna is mounted aligned with a generally round planar surface. That is, the antenna radiating device is formed in a planar shape (even if the radiating device is bent), and its plane axis is aligned with the plane axis of its ground plane (GP), and the purpose of using the built-in antenna is The abuse of space by the antenna, which is the loss of space that fails in some of them.

The trace 402 shown in FIGS. 7-9 must be interpreted as being considered sensitive to changes in effective resonance length.
This part is the part that most easily represents the change in the resonance of the antenna from the presence of the hand or head of the user of the wireless device. There are three main energy losses that affect the operation of the antenna 400 in the wireless device. They are impedance mismatch losses due to the absorption of the user's hand, the user's head, and the absorption of the user's hand absorption. The energy absorption or mismatch loss can degrade performance. For example, hand or head absorption can significantly attenuate the signals used by wireless devices and degrade performance.

The most susceptible portions of antenna 400 are the open end of antenna 402, the unpowered, and the adjacent bent portion. Adjust the point on the antenna so that the user's hand is the hardest to touch or at a sufficient distance from the hand.
Can be inside the phone housing. In designing this antenna, to minimize hand absorption, and more importantly, to reduce mismatch losses created by the presence of a hand or other article adjacent to the antenna (such shifts may be desired). Resilience of the installation location in the wireless device can be provided.

Another aspect of the size of the small antenna and the resiliency of the installation location is the potential impact on energy levels present near the user of the device. The smaller size and resilient configuration of the antenna affects the location of the antenna in the housing, which can significantly affect the level of radiation received at certain locations outside the equipment.

To further assist in downsizing the antenna or providing resilience to a set location in the housing 102, the antenna may be provided by placing conductive material on the housing or in the surface of the wireless device. Alternatively, it can be formed by vapor deposition. That is, the traces can be deposited or molded just above the wall for applications where there is a clear passage along the side wall of the housing.
This is shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. In FIG. 11, the trace (s) are disposed on a housing that directly serves as a support substrate. This allows the minimum space to be utilized.

The portion of the housing wall used may be coated with metal or made of metal or other electrically conductive material, and an intermediate layer of insulating material may be used between the housing and the trace 402 . In this configuration, a metal layer having a preferred trace configuration is formed on a thin layer of material having an adhesive material on the back that can be easily placed in a wireless device by simply pressing against the side of the housing. be able to. This method can even be automated using known "pick-up" machines. In this or other embodiments, the trace is
In addition, it can be used with known techniques, such as coatings for surface protection.

However, the relative placement of the antenna or conductive material with respect to the ground plane (GP)
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it must be the same as described above in the sense that it must not be above the ground plane (CP).

FIG. 12 shows several alternative embodiments for the traces in forming the antenna of the present invention. In FIG. 12A, the trace 402
The contact 4 extends along the length of the substrate 404 (not shown).
08 is shown as a single thin conductive strip connected to or formed on one end of the same. In FIG. 12 (b), trace 402 is a single thin conductive strip having an enlarged or rounded portion connected to contact pad 408 and formed on a non-contact end. This trace has the appearance of a "dog bone". In FIG. 12 (c), trace 402 is a thin conductive strip that is connected to or molded into longer, more angular contact pads 408. Here, the strip extends along the length of the substrate 404 and is folded or bent near the far non-contact end so that it is redirected back toward the contact pad. This allows the overall length of the antenna to be shorter than the length of the trace used to form a λ / 4 element. As noted above, various patterns or features must be interpreted as being able to be used to redirect or fold traces along various directions. For example, square corners, circular bands, or other forms can be used for this function. The trace is also wider at the folded part than at other parts. As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the increased width provides a "top load" or improved frequency width for the antenna, which is useful for some applications. , The extra width is
Not required by the present invention.

In FIG. 12 (d), trace 402 is again shown as a conductive strip connected to contact pads 408 extending along the length of substrate 404. In this embodiment, the traces take on a more complex form along the edge of a substrate manufactured with corresponding tabs or projections along one end and a corresponding inset or recess at the opposite end. . The trace is turned twice before reaching the farthest end of the substrate where the trace is folded towards the contact end. The last part of the trace after being folded is also slightly larger than the original length of the trace.

Tabs and other angles and depressions along the length of the substrate serve to interface with the features of the wireless device housing and the sides of the various support elements. That is, the edge of the substrate 404 can be variously shaped to fit the housing. The shape of the rim is matched or arranged to a corresponding deformation in the housing wall to avoid various bumps, projections, irregular or known projections from the surface of the housing wall,
It can even leave room for wires and conductors and cables that need to be placed inside the wireless device. For this purpose, various round,
Square or other shapes can be used. At the rim, the antenna can be mounted in a space that was not previously suitable for a microstrip antenna.

Further, the trace 402 or the substrate antenna 400 can be changed in a three-dimensional sense. That is, while the trace is formed on a generally planar surface, the substrate or surface of the substrate that supports the trace can be curved or bent into various mounting shapes. That is, because the substrate is generally thin but tough in nature, it can be made deformable into a curved or bent structure, variable surface, or edge during mounting. This is the top view of the board,
This is shown in FIG. 12 (e), which shows the substrate 404 curved across its length. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various curves or bends can be used within this feature. For example, the substrate surface can also be formed into some kind of "bent" pattern.

The preferred embodiments of the invention constructed and tested are shown in FIGS.
h) are shown in side and front views. Here, the substrate 402 has a total length of about 52 mm, and the trace is made to be about 1 mm. The trace is widened to approach 1.5 mm near the end 702 of the portion to be folded. Contact pads 408 and 410
Were both made approximately 6.75 mm2 of conductor with appropriate conductor vias connecting the two through the substrate. A glass fiber substrate of about 1 mm thickness was used, and the trace and pad thickness was about 0.01 mm. Note the space 704 between the edge of the trace being folded and the edge of the substrate. Optional edge spaces or gaps help set the back of the trace to further reduce the effects of hands approaching or touching the antenna edge.

For those skilled in the art, various forms such as, but not limited to, circular, elliptical, parabolic, bent or square C-, L- or V-folded joints and ends may be used with traces. Obviously, it can be used for a substrate. The width of the conductor can be varied along its length so as to taper, curve, or step to increase or decrease its width toward the outer end (non-powered portion). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a number of these effects or shapes can be
It can be combined with a single antenna structure. For example, curved, stepped strips that are later curved along other dimensions are possible.

The result of removing the whip antenna 104 and the spiral antenna 106 is evident in the side view of FIG. 10 showing the telephone of FIG. 2 using the present invention.

The above description of the preferred embodiments will enable those skilled in the art to utilize the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, such as the type of wireless device of the type used therein, and are intended to be comprehensive as defined herein. The same principles can be applied to other embodiments without using inventive talent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but has the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Shall be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, or structurally similar elements. In the figures, the first described element is indicated by the leftmost digit of the reference number.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable wireless telephone having a whip type and a helical antenna.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a portable wireless telephone having a whip type and a helical antenna.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view and a side view of another portable wireless telephone having a whip type and a helical antenna.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the telephone of FIG. 2 with an example internal circuit.

FIG. 5 is a rear cross-sectional view of the telephone of FIG. 2 with an example internal circuit.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the telephone of FIG. 3 with an example internal circuit.

FIG. 7 illustrates a substrate antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the telephone of FIG. 2 using the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the telephone of FIG. 2 using the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the telephone of FIG. 2 using the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the telephone of FIG. 8 in an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates several alternative embodiments of the present invention.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE , KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZW (72) Inventor Nyvek, James El United States, California 92116 San Diego, Collier Avenue 3546 (72) Inventor Avar, Thailand United States, California 91945 Lemon Grove, Fisher Lane 3003 (72) Inventor Monson, Rodney H. United States, Illinois 60096 U Innrop Harbor, South Park 1008 F term (reference) 5J046 AA00 AA03 AA09 AB06 AB12 PA07 5J047 AA00 AA03 AA09 AB06 AB12 FD01

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A substrate antenna for a wireless communication device having a ground plane for a circuit incorporated therein, comprising: a non-conductive support substrate having a predetermined thickness and length; and at least one predetermined frequency; Comprising conductive traces formed on the support substrate having a length selected to act as an active radiator of electromagnetic energy, wherein the support substrate is located in the wireless device at an end of the ground plane. A substrate antenna which is disposed adjacent to or beyond. 2. The substrate antenna according to claim 1, wherein said traces are formed by depositing a metal material on a dielectric material. 3. The board antenna according to claim 1, further comprising a conductive pad connected to a feed end of the trace. 4. The board antenna according to claim 3, wherein the conductive pad is connected to a spring-type signal power supply. 5. The length and width of said trace, wherein said substrate antenna is 824M
The board antenna according to claim 1, wherein the board antenna is sized so as to be able to transmit and receive a signal having a frequency range from Hz to 894 MHz. 6. The length and width of the trace being such that the substrate antenna is 1.85 GHz.
The board antenna according to claim 1, wherein the board antenna has a size capable of transmitting and receiving a signal having a frequency width of 1.99 GHz from z. 7. The board antenna according to claim 1, wherein the board is disposed adjacent to an end of the ground plane, and is offset from the ground plane by an angle of 90 degrees or less. 8. The board antenna according to claim 1, wherein the board is arranged in parallel with an end of the ground plane. 9. The board antenna according to claim 8, wherein the board is further arranged substantially perpendicular to a plane including the ground plane. 10. The board antenna according to claim 1, wherein the board is not disposed directly above or below the ground plane. 11. The board antenna according to claim 1, wherein the board is provided between the ground plane edge and a wall of a housing for the wireless device.