TWI523333B - Antenna system,circuit board,and radio communications device for portable digital television receivers - Google Patents

Description

Antenna system, circuit board and radio communication device for portable digital television receiver

The present invention relates to an antenna for a small portable radio terminal device such as a mobile radiotelephone or a personal television receiver.

Although there are many international standards for digital television broadcasting, many broadcasts are performed in internationally designated frequency bands such as 174 to 240 megahertz (MHz) and 470 to 860 MHz.

Antennas suitable for use in a mobile receiver typically need to be tunable to provide operation over the entire frequency range with a maximum frequency to minimum frequency ratio of approximately 5:1. Small antennas are known which have a bandwidth limited by their size, so that one solution for this application is to tune the antenna to optimally receive in certain sub-bands occupied by, for example, a desired television or radio channel. signal. The present invention relates to the design and tuning of antennas that operate in this manner.

A low-profile antenna known to be suitable for a small portable terminal device is an inverted-L antenna shown in Fig. 1, wherein a feed element 2 is connected to an extended conductive member 3. A transmitter or receiver is coupled between the feed member 2 and a ground plane 1.

Although known as in Figure 2 (see McGraw-Hill, 1993, "Antenna Engineering Handbook", 3rd Edition, Chapter 27, pages 27-21) by being located, or close to one down The variable tuning capacitor 4 of the open end of the L-shaped antenna adjusts the operating frequency of the antenna, but it is not possible to achieve an accurate impedance matching over a frequency range of up to 5:1 by this method. Fig. 2 shows an inverted L-shaped antenna similar to that of Fig. 1, but having a variable capacitor 4 connected between the upper elongated conductive member 3 and the ground plane 1. The tuning frequency is changed by adjusting the value of the capacitor 4. A transmitter or receiver is coupled between the feed member 2 and the ground plane 1.

A second known antenna architecture is shown in FIG. 3 in which the extended top side conductor 3 of the inverted L-shaped antenna is excited by the second conductor 10 attached to the top side conductor 3. This architecture is described as an inverted F antenna. The conductive member 2 connects the elongated conductive member 3 to the ground plane 1. A transmitter or receiver is coupled between the feed member 10 and the ground plane 1.

The combination of these architectures shown in Figure 3 provides another solution for antennas that can be tuned over an extended frequency band. When considering the impedance matching of an inverted F-type antenna, it is known to achieve matching by controlling two different parameters (John Wiley Press, 2007, published by Zhi Ning Chen (editor), "A Portable Antenna" "chapter 2). The resonant frequency is controlled by the length of the extended top side conductor of the inverted F antenna combined with the effective capacitance between the open end of the conductor and the ground. The magnitude of the resistive component of the input impedance can be varied by changing the position of the feed conductor relative to the shorted end of the antenna, even to the extent that the feed conductor moves to the opposite end of the antenna, as shown in FIG. 4, wherein A feed member 12 is coupled to one end of the elongated member 3 and the ground connection point 11 is positioned between the feed member 12 and the open end of the elongated member 3.

When applied to an antenna to be operated on a limited frequency band such as a mobile telephone band of 880 to 960 MHz, the connection point 11 between the elongated conductive member 3 and the ground 1 is positioned so as to achieve acceptable performance over the entire frequency band. However, when the antenna is to be tuned over a wide frequency range, it is often necessary to change the position of the ground connection point 11 to achieve a desired impedance match, particularly a value of the input impedance resistive component that is close to a desired value. It is not possible to achieve the desired tuning range with a fixed ground position and a single variable reactance.

A television antenna for a portable communication device such as a mobile phone is disclosed in European Patent No. EP 1 569 298. The portable communication device has two separate antennas - one for television signals and one separate telephone antenna for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) signals. There is no disclosure of a single antenna capable of transmitting and receiving both television and GSM signals. The television antenna can be in the form of a flat inverted-F antenna (PIFA) having a variable tuning capacitor that can connect one end of the PIFA to the ground. This configuration is comparable to the combination of Figures 2 and 3, but does not provide a sufficient tuning range for the antenna of the EP 1 569 298 patent to cover both a television signal band and a GSM band.

In order to provide multiple ground locations, multiple switching ground connection points may be used, but this does not provide a continuous adjustment. Also, the capacitive load generated by the multiple switches, their connection points, and their control circuitry can compromise the radio frequency (RF) performance of the antenna.

It is known from the international patent application No. WO 2006/033199 to provide a panel antenna via a first variable capacitor at a first circumferential edge portion and also via a second variable capacitor second Ground at the location. The first variable capacitor acts primarily to tune the antenna, and the second is primarily responsible for varying the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). The first and second capacitors can be adjusted to adjust the resonant frequency of the antenna, thereby reducing the antenna when placed in proximity to a user's body (eg, when a user holds the hand and abuts the user's head) ) Temporary mismatch loss. Patent No. WO 2006/033199 specifically refers to a microstrip patch and provides a detailed description of the tuning system control algorithm, wherein the algorithms allow the antenna to re-tune in response to the sensed mismatch loss. . Patent No. WO 2006/033199 does not have any suggestion for reacting such a tuning system to an inverted-F antenna, and Patent No. WO 2006/033199 does not recognize any tuning antenna to improve for, for example, a television. Or the associated problem of reception of signals in a given sub-band occupied by the radio channel.

It is also known from the International Patent Publication No. WO 2008/049921 to provide an antenna having multiple microstrip elements. The case is primarily directed to driving the microstrip components in parallel to provide related problems in operation at multiple frequencies. The operating frequency of the microstrip element can be changed by adjusting the capacitor that grounds the microstrip element, but does not mention the problem of making adjustments over a very wide frequency range, which means that there is no need to quickly adjust the Means of the feeding zone of the microstrip element. Furthermore, the use of multiple microstrip element resonators will result in a larger overall antenna size. In the case of a single radiating microstrip element, the problem of wideband tuning is not recognized or addressed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an antenna system includes a conductive inverted-F antenna element, at least one first and second lines for grounding the antenna element, and the first and second line systems are connected And at a different position to the antenna element, and a third line for connecting the antenna element to a radio device, wherein the first and second lines are respectively provided with a first and a second circuit component, each circuit component Each has an adjustable capacitive and/or inductive reactance to allow tuning of the antenna system.

The third line is typically adapted to be connected to an RF output of a radio transmitter, and/or to an RF input of a radio transmitter.

The first line can be considered a load line in some embodiments, the second line is a tuning line, and the third line is a feed circuit.

The antenna system is preferably a monopole antenna system that can be used with a conductive ground plane that acts as a balancing force.

In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit components can be constructed as varactors (components with variable or adjustable capacitance), or as part of a capacitor forming a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device, or have an adjustable Reactance MEMS device. However, it will be appreciated that any type of component or device that allows for adjustment, control, and/or change of capacitance and/or inductance as desired may be used. Preferably, such components or devices can be electronically controlled, adjusted, or altered, but in some embodiments, manual control can be appropriate. Any type of switching, or continuously variable inductor, and/or capacitor, can be used in the first or second line, or both.

The first or the second circuit component (or both) may actually be configured as a capacitor, an inductor, a capacitor in parallel with an inductor, or a capacitor in series with an inductor, and in each case A resistor that selectively combines at least one of series or parallel, or both.

In a plurality of preferred embodiments, the antenna element is an inverted-F antenna element having an elongated conductive radiation/receiving component, and the conductive radiation/receiving component is attached with a first and a second end, a ground The legs, and a feed line, can connect the input/output of the antenna to an associated radio transmitter/receiver. The first line includes the ground leg, and the first circuit component will be in series with the first line and the third line is the feed line. The first and third lines are preferably disposed adjacent to each other at a first end of the elongated conductive radiation/receiving component, and the second line is connected in series with the second circuit component as a tuning line Preferably, it is connected between the ground and a position at or near the second end of the elongated conductive radiation/receiving assembly.

The first line may be located between the third line and the second line, or the third line may be connected between the first line and the second line. In other words, if the relative position of the third line to the adjacent first line is interchanged, the ability to wideband tuning can be maintained.

A plurality of additional lines can be provided that can ground the antenna elements, each of which is in series with a circuit component having a reactance, preferably a variable reactance. These additional lines may include switching means to allow them to be cut in or out.

However, it can be appreciated that these additional lines are subscribers. Important technical results of embodiments of the present invention result from systems that can implement a minimum number of components (two variable capacitors, such as varactors, MEMS devices, etc.) that can match the various classes of loads across the full band. By reducing the number of components and switches, the total capacitive load is reduced and the overall RF performance of the antenna can be improved. In addition, in the patents No. WO 2006/033199 or WO 2008/049921, it is not entirely recommended to tune an inverted F antenna to a required number of subbands in a given frequency band with a minimum number of components. (For example, for television signals, different sub-bands are assigned to different TV channels).

The electrically conductive antenna elements can be substantially planar and, preferably, mounted substantially parallel to a ground plane. When the electrically conductive antenna element is elongate, it may extend along a generally straight line, or may be curved, or formed into any suitable form (including regular or irregular meandering patterns, and/or spiral patterns). The conductive antenna element, in some embodiments, may itself be reversed, or folded, or otherwise shaped or swiveled.

It has been found that the coupling factor of the antenna system can be varied by controlling the capacitive or inductive reactance value set in series with the first (ground or load) line. It can be seen from the foregoing that a variable reactance can be provided at or near the open end of the conductive radiation/receiving component, and a conductor can be provided in series with a conductor connected to the conductive radiating/receiving component to form a ground connection. Both of the second variable reactances are effective to match the antenna system over the desired frequency range.

Although a slight interaction between the two reactances has been found, these effects can be adequately partitioned to allow for rapid selection of the correct values to tune the antenna system to a demand channel. In a practical application, it can be executed by a microprocessor operating under the control of a software program, and the antenna system can be tuned by controlling the tuning reactance value, wherein the software program can implement the circuit for any desired operating frequency. A simple control algorithm for component values, or a look-up table.

A tuning circuit including a variable reactance and an optional switch can be controlled by a microprocessor that can be connected to the associated receiver from the antenna system during the tuning process or alternatively at other times Receiving information, such as analog or digital information about the level of the signal at the input of the receiver, or the quality of the output of the receiver.

Although the starting point of the tuning procedure can be stored in the receiver or associated memory circuit, the frequency of regional radio or television transmissions may not be known, especially when the receiver has moved between positions in its closed state. Of course. The process of searching for signals and optimizing antenna tuning at the same time requires all available channels and attempts to tune a signal, so it is not meaningless and will take a considerable amount of time. When attempting to tune on an empty channel (i.e., most of the channels at any location), the program will take longer than on a occupied channel, so most of the tuning time consumption will be futile. The tuning procedure can be supported by providing an auxiliary receiver, wherein the function of the auxiliary receiver is determined by reference to a satellite positioning system such as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), such as a Global Positioning System (GPS). The location of the receiving device. Such a receiver is small and can be obtained at low cost. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving device is provided with a satellite navigation receiver, and a communication means such as a mobile phone or a wireless area connection, and can be connected to the information server connected to the Internet by means of this means. communication. When the receiving device receives a polling location, specifically referring to the geographic location of the receiver, an information server responds to a frequency list in which it is expected that the usable signals at the frequencies can be found at the location of the receiver. The receiver then attempts to tune the antenna system only at the frequencies at which the signal is likely to be found. Moreover, the internet server can selectively provide information to enable the receiver to display a list of broadcast sources (e.g., the name of the television channel) and a list of broadcast content that can be selectively obtained from such sources for use.

An alternative method of enabling the receiver to obtain information to identify a regionally available radio or television broadcast channel by identifying the number of mobile radio handsets at which the receiving device is currently located and transmitting the information to the information server. The server will then respond in the same way. Since this method requires maintenance of all mobile phone identification codes and an international database of all operator locations, it is more complicated to acquire a satellite-based geographic location. Direct transmission of geographic coordinates has the advantage of not requiring updates with mobile radio network expansion or modification.

In a particularly useful embodiment, the second line configured as a tuning line can include a printed, etched, or otherwise formed conductive trace or component that can be configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the antenna element. Coupling, but not electrically connected to the antenna element itself.

The conductive traces of the second line may be directly connected to the RF ground or may be connected to the RF ground via at least one circuit component having an adjustable capacitive and/or inductive reactance.

In a plurality of prior preferred embodiments, a portion of the antenna element that is configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the second line is configured to have a meandering pattern defining at least one, and preferably at least two recesses An inlet, or slot, or gap, and at least one, and preferably at least two, fingers or extensions of a conductive RF grounding member may extend therein, respectively.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an antenna system is provided, including a conductive inverted-F antenna element, at least one first and second lines for grounding the antenna element, and the first and second line systems are connected And at a different position to the antenna element, and a third line for connecting the antenna element to a radio device, wherein the first line is provided with at least one circuit component having an adjustable capacitive and/or inductive The reactance, and wherein the second line comprises an electrical conductor that is not electrically connected to the electrically conductive antenna element, but is configured to be electromagnetically coupled thereto.

The second line may additionally include at least one circuit component having an adjustable capacitive and/or inductive reactance, the second line being connectable to the RF ground via the circuit component, or directly connectable to the RF earth . When at least one adjustable reactance circuit component is disposed between the second line and the RF ground, this can be used to tune the resonant frequency of the antenna over a wide frequency range.

In a plurality of prior preferred embodiments, a portion of the antenna element that is configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the second line is configured to have a meandering pattern defining at least one, and preferably at least two recesses An inlet, or slot, or gap, and at least one, and preferably at least two, fingers or extensions of a conductive RF grounding member may extend therein, respectively.

In a specific embodiment in which the conductive antenna elements are formed as conductive traces on a dielectric substrate, portions of the antenna elements configured for electromagnetic coupling may be tortuous on the substrate to define a desired plurality of a recessed inlet, or a slit, or a gap, and the conductive RF grounding member may also be formed as a conductive trace on the substrate, wherein a plurality of fingers of the trace may be formed to extend into the recessed inlet, Or a slit, or a gap (hereinafter referred to simply as a concave inlet). The recessed inlets generally have a plurality of parallel sides defined by the meandering portions of the antenna elements, although it is understood that the recessed inlets need not be straight but may be curved or formed with a meandering angle.

By adjusting the respective widths of each of the fingers and the recessed inlets, it is possible to arrange the degree of electromagnetic coupling such that any effect of the minimum capacitance of the (etc.) variable reactance circuit component is integral to the antenna The resonant frequency has a reduced or minimal effect, and gradually increasing the capacitance of the (relevant) reactive reactance circuit component to its maximum value will allow tuning across the desired frequency band.

As in the first aspect, the first line may be located between the third line and the second line, or the third line may be connected between the first line and the second line. In other words, if the relative position of the third line to the adjacent first line is interchanged, the ability to wideband tuning can be maintained.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a system is provided in accordance with the first or second aspect and incorporating a radio device to which the antenna element is attached.

The radio can include a radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a circuit board includes a dielectric substrate including a conductive ground plane and a predetermined area where the ground plane is not present, and further includes any of the antenna systems of the foregoing concept, The conductive antenna element is formed or printed in the predetermined area on the dielectric substrate.

The board can include a printed circuit board (PCB), or a printed bobbin (PWB), which can be standard or custom designed. Typically, such a circuit board includes a dielectric substrate having a conductive ground plane formed on a surface or both surfaces. Alternatively, the circuit board can include a laminate structure in which one or more ground planes are sandwiched between the dielectric layers.

At least one of the circuit components (such as the first, second, third, or other further circuit components, and optionally any of the switches) is disposed in the predetermined area.

In some embodiments, all of the circuit components are disposed in the predetermined area.

When a microprocessor is provided, it can also be disposed in the predetermined area.

In a particular embodiment of the radio device comprising, for example, an RF integrated circuit, the radio device can be disposed within the predetermined area.

Such a radio itself is optionally provided with the ability to control the tuning signal fed to the antenna.

Thus, a discrete radio module including an antenna, a radio, and an optional control means can be formed, the module being adapted to be mated to various communication devices, such as a mobile phone handset, a mobile television or a radio device, such as a note. Computers, netbooks, personal digital assistants, and other portable computers.

In addition, the valuable part of the main part of the board (where the ground plane is not present) can be saved, allowing for a tight design.

The radio device can be disposed on the first surface of the predetermined area, and the antenna element can be printed or formed in the predetermined area and opposed to the second surface of the first surface. This will help to further save space or substrate surface on the board.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a radio communication apparatus including the antenna system of the first or second aspect is provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a radio communication device including the circuit board of the fourth aspect is provided.

In some embodiments of the antenna system contemplated by the present invention, the electrically conductive antenna element, and the RF ground connection member (when provided), are along one or more substantially parallel to the long axis of the antenna system The line segment is folded. This can be achieved by forming the associated conductive elements as etched, or printed, or other tracks on a flexible substrate, or by printing and folding a metal sheet onto the associated conductive elements, or by borrowing Printing the related conductive elements onto a supporting insulating substrate or by other means.

In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the antenna system can be configured with a conductive ground plane extending in the antenna system without any conductive traces or portions or regions on which the components are formed. Below. Thus, other electronic components such as an RF receiver can be located here, and thus contribute to saving valuable PCB substrate surfaces. The RF feed point and/or the first line can be connected to an edge portion of the extended ground plane area.

It will be appreciated that the conductive traces or lines of the antenna system, as well as other conductive components, can be formed in a number of different ways. In a typical PCB or PWB, a conductive trace can be formed by an etching process, but on other substrates, particularly a flexible substrate, can be printed by a conductive ink. Other techniques include sputtering and spraying. All of these and other suitable techniques can be used in the specific embodiments of the present invention, and when referring to a particular technology in the description of any given embodiment, it is not intended to exclude the application of the other than.

The words "including" and "including" and variations of such words are used to mean "including, but not limited to," and not intended (and not exclusive). Other components, additives, components, wholes, or steps.

In the full description of the specification and the scope of the patent application, the singular type includes the plural type unless otherwise required. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as a plural and singular, unless otherwise required.

The features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical components, or groups described in connection with the specific aspects, specific examples, or examples of the invention are to be understood as being applicable to any other An embodiment, or example, unless otherwise excluded.

Figure 5 is a view showing a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein a first variable-reaction circuit component 13 is connected between a position point of the elongated conductive member 3 and the ground plane 1, and a second variable The reactive circuit component 14 is disposed in series with the conductive member 2.

Figure 6 is a view showing a second embodiment of the present invention in which a variable-reaction circuit component 13 is connected between a position point of the elongated conductive member 3 and the ground plane 1, and a second variable-reaction circuit The element 14 is disposed in series with the conductive member 11.

In an exemplary embodiment, the variable reactive circuit component 13 is a variable capacitor or a variable diode, and the length of the conductive member 3 is at a quarter wavelength level at the highest operating frequency.

Figure 7 is a specific embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plurality of reactive circuit elements 13, 14, 15, 15', 15" are connected in parallel, and a plurality of switching means 16, 17 are provided, whereby the control signals can be used. The selected reactive circuit components 15, 15', 15" are connected or disconnected. Such switches 16, 17 can be, for example, microelectromechanical (MEMS) switches that are actuated by signals from a control microprocessor (not shown).

The application of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment in which the conductive members forming the antenna are arranged in a simple F-frame. For example, the elongated conductor 3 can be folded as shown in Figure 8, or can be tortuous or spiraled to provide an antenna having a smaller overall size.

Figure 9 shows a specific embodiment of the invention in which conductive members 32, 33, 34, 37 are formed using coplanar conductors on a laminate comprising at least one conductive layer and a dielectric layer using printed circuit techniques. In the present embodiment, the variable reactive component or MEMS device 35, 36 is fed by a plurality of conductors 40, 41 to a control voltage, and the return path of the control signal is connected to the feed conductor, such as at 40. It is provided by a conventional decoupling circuit. A variable reactive component or MEMS device 36 can be placed between the junction of conductors 33 and 37, and the closest edge of ground plane conductor 30, and along any selected location of conductor 37. Signals that control the variable reactive components or MEMS devices 35, 36 can be coupled by a plurality of wires or circuit traces 41, 42 that do not require any special decoupling means.

Figure 10 shows another configuration whereby the control voltage can be passed to a variable capacitance (varactor) diode or MEMS device without compromising the action of the antenna. In the present embodiment, a conductor pattern is etched onto a double-sided or multi-layer printed circuit laminate 31. An antenna is formed by the conductive members 32, 33, 34 in the base layer, on the same surface as the ground plane 30 and the protruding conductive member 37. The control signals of the plurality of varactor diodes 35, 36 can be transmitted by a plurality of traces 38, 39 preferably formed on opposite faces of the laminate of the conductive element 33. In accordance with known implementations, the conductors are connected via a plurality of decoupling networks 40, 41, 42, 43 comprising a series inductor and a shunt capacitor. The protruding portion 37 and the corresponding protruding size of the conductive member 36 can be selected for convenience. Conductive member 32 is formed as an antenna input in the form of a microstrip or coplanar waveguide transmission line. It will be appreciated that additional conductors and decoupling circuits can be added to control a plurality of MEMS devices, or multiple varactor diodes, connected in series or in parallel.

In order to minimize, or at least reduce, the area or volume occupied by the antenna and its associated control circuitry, the control circuitry can be positioned at the edge of the ground plane 30 and within the area defined by the conductive members 37, 33, 34, 32. . The dashed line 100 indicates the extent of the printed circuit laminate 31, from which it can be seen that the ground plane 30 will block the edge from shorting, and the remaining one may be occupied by the antenna and its associated control circuitry, and optionally other components. Substrate area.

In an alternative implementation, the control circuitry is positioned within the area defined by the electrically conductive members themselves and mounted on the face of the printed circuit board relative to the conductors. The exact width and shape of the conductors are not critical to antenna performance, and the shapes can be adjusted to provide sufficient containment space for the control circuitry at the junction of conductive members 33 and 34, for example. In the implementation of the present configuration, the DC power supply line and the input data line of the controller can be decoupled at a point of connection to the antenna feed point 32.

Figure 11 shows another embodiment in which the electrically conductive members 32, 33, 34 are adapted to accommodate a radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit for receiving or transmitting radio signals in addition to the function of the antenna conductor, wherein the product The body circuit is positioned within the contour of the electrically conductive members. The feed from the antenna to the RF circuit is provided by traces 52 and 53 that are connected to conductive members 54 and 55, respectively. Additional layers may be added to the printed circuit board to provide additional further traces associated with the integrated circuit, and additional decoupling components may be added to prevent assembly of the antenna assembly and circuitry from being placed on the ground plane 30. Loss of RF energy at the connection.

Figure 12 shows a specific embodiment in which the area of the ground plane has been extended and an RF integrated circuit 50 housing space is provided on the projection from the ground plane. Here, the RF microcircuit is connected to the antenna structure by a contact 56 and grounded by a contact 57.

It will be appreciated that other locations of the RFIC integrated circuit may be located within the antenna architecture without departing from the general concepts.

In all of the above examples, the distance between the elongate conductive member and the ground plane is typically less than one tenth of the wavelength of the center of the operating band, and the length of the elongate member is typically less than four quarters of the same frequency. One wavelength. Since electrical very small antennas have poor efficiency and limited bandwidth, the minimum available size will be determined by the efficiency and bandwidth required for a particular application.

The configuration described herein can also be applied to a flat inverted-F antenna (PIFA) in which the elongated conductive member 33 is replaced by a planar conductor that is positioned parallel to the ground plane and has an intermediate band frequency therebetween. One of the lower wavelengths is in a plane.

In implementing the above tuning system, it has been found that a range of capacitances, and in particular large values of the minimum capacitance of the low voltage variable capacitance diode (varactor diode), can have a significant limitation on the performance of the antenna. This limitation will in particular affect the tuning capacitor at the end of the tortuous section of the antenna.

The solution has been found by indirectly coupling the tuning circuit to the longer section of the antenna.

Figure 13 shows a specific embodiment (in the second aspect of the invention) in which the longer section or branch of the antenna conductor 3 has been tortuous to reduce the space it occupies (please compare the embodiment of Fig. 8, It shows a single example of a tortuous part). Figure 13 also shows the conductor member 2, a feed member 21, and first and second variable reactance circuit members 13, 14 positioned on the line connecting the antenna conductor to the ground plane 30.

Figure 14 shows a specific embodiment in which an indirect load is incorporated in a meandering section. In the present configuration, a conductive member pattern of a conductive RF ground member 20 is provided for electromagnetic coupling with the meandering conductor 3, wherein the ground member has a plurality of fingers 200. The fingers 200 extend into a plurality of recessed inlets 300 defined by the meandering portions of the meandering conductor 3. By connecting a variable reactance 13 to the end of the radio grounding member 20 closest to the earth, the resonant frequency of the antenna can be tuned over a wide frequency range. In the example illustrated in the illustrated figures, the variable reactance 13 is in the form of a varactor diode. By adjusting the respective widths of each of the fingers 200 and the recessed inlets 300, the degree of coupling can be arranged such that the effect of the minimum capacitance of the varactor diode has a minimum or at least a small effect on the resonant frequency of the antenna, while Gradually increasing the capacitance of the varactor diode to a maximum will allow for tuning over a desired frequency band, such as 470 to 860 megahertz (MHz). As previously described, the value of the coupled control reactance 14 can be adjusted to provide a low voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) at the desired operating frequency.

In another embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the antenna system is folded along one or more line segments 201 that are parallel to its long axis. An example of such a fold line 201 is shown in Figure 15. A practical embodiment incorporating such folding can be achieved using a flexible printed circuit, printing from a sheet of metal and folding the antenna, printing the conductor onto a supporting insulating substrate, or by other means. A single fold can vary, for example, from a typical 50 mm x 15 mm x 1 mm to 50 mm x 10 mm x 5 mm. Other further options include forming the antenna around a tube member, the tube member having a cross section that can be circular, elliptical, or any desired shape. Variations in antenna elements printed with conductive inks provide a more versatile 3-dimensional spatial shape change that is curved in all planes.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the area occupied by the conductive ground plane 30 extends into the region 22 between the conductive elements forming the antenna to provide other electronic components such as a receiver. Containment space.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the area occupied by the conductive ground plane 30 is further extended and the feed point 21 of the antenna is moved to a convenient location on the extended land area 22. The ground end of the varactor diode 14 can also be selectively located on the extended earth region 22.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing the actual circuit configuration for tuning the antenna. In the illustrated configuration, the two-varactor diodes 36, 36' are connected in series to form a variable tuning capacitor to reduce the minimum capacitance that can be achieved using the low voltage diode. A variable coupling capacitor 35 can be provided as a single diode. An inductor 62 provides a DC path from the self-coupling structure 20 to the ground, and also provides a grounded susceptance, the value of which can be selected to operate in conjunction with the tuning diodes 36, 36', while the plurality of inductors 60, 61 can An RF current choke is formed in the DC bias control line. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, DC bias voltages Vt and Vc are each provided by a voltage doubling circuit including a charge pump and an operational amplifier coupled to the receiver control output.

In order to better understand the present invention and to show how it is implemented, reference is made to the accompanying drawings as an example.

1. . . Ground plane

2. . . Feeding element

3. . . Extended conductive member

4. . . Variable tuning capacitor

10. . . Second conductor

11. . . Earth

12. . . Feeding member

13. . . (first) variable reactive circuit components

14. . . Second variable reactive circuit component

15. . . Reactive circuit component

15’. . . Reactive circuit component

15"...reactive circuit components

16. . . Switching device

17. . . Switching device

20. . . Conductive RF grounding member

twenty one. . . Feeding member

twenty two. . . region

30. . . Ground plane conductor

31. . . (double-sided or multi-layer) printed circuit laminate

32. . . Conductive member

33. . . Conductive member

34. . . Conductive member

35. . . Variable reactive component or MEMS device

36. . . Variable reactive component or MEMS device

36’. . . Variable container diode

37. . . Conductive member

38. . . Trace

39. . . Trace

40. . . conductor

41. . . conductor

42. . . Wire or circuit trace

43. . . Decoupling network

50. . . RF integrated circuit

52. . . Trace

53. . . Trace

54. . . Conductive member

55. . . Conductive member

56. . . contact

57. . . contact

60. . . Inductor

61. . . Inductor

62. . . Inductor

100. . . dotted line

200. . . Finger

201. . . Line segment

300. . . Concave entrance

Vt. . . DC bias

Vc. . . DC bias

Figure 1 shows a conventional inverted L-shaped antenna;

Figure 2 shows an inverted L-shaped antenna as shown in Figure 1, but with a tuning capacitor;

Figure 3 shows a conventional inverted F antenna;

Figure 4 is a diagram showing another alternative architecture of the inverted-F antenna of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a schematic view showing a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic view showing a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention by using printed circuit technology;

Figure 10 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present preferred embodiment of the present invention using printed circuit technology and integrated signal lines connected to the tuning component;

Figure 11 shows a specific embodiment in which a radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit for receiving or transmitting a radio signal is positioned within the contour of the conductive member;

Figure 12 shows a specific embodiment in which the area of the ground plane has been extended to provide an RF integrated circuit receiving space on the projection from the ground plane;

Figure 13 shows a simple embodiment in which a branch of the antenna element has been tortuous and then directly connected to the RF ground via a variable tuning component;

Figure 14 shows an evolutionary development in which the tortuous branches of the antenna elements are not directly connected to the RF ground, but are provided with a plurality of finger-connected RF grounding members, wherein the fingers project into the meandering a plurality of recessed inlets, the grounding member being coupled to the RF earth via a variable tuning component;

Figure 15 is a view showing a specific embodiment of Figure 14 having a folding line with which the antenna system can be folded;

Figure 16 is a modification of the embodiment of Figure 14, wherein the conductive ground plane extends into the area occupied by the antenna system;

Figure 17 is a variation of the embodiment of Figure 14, wherein the conductive ground plane extends into the area occupied by the antenna system and the RF feed point is connected to the edge of the extended ground plane;

Figure 18 shows the actual circuit configuration for tuning a particular embodiment of the invention.

1. . . Ground plane

2. . . Conductive member

3. . . Slender conductive member

10. . . Second conductor

13. . . (first) variable reactive circuit components

14. . . Second variable reactive circuit component

Claims (45)

An antenna system includes an elongated conductive radiation/receiving assembly, a first line, and a third (feed) line having first and second ends disposed adjacent to a conductive ground plane, The first line connects the first end of the radiation/receiving component or the radiation/receiving component to a point of the first end, and is connected to the ground plane by a variable capacitive and/or inductive reactance, the first A three line for connecting the radiation/receiving component to a radio device, wherein the antenna system is tunable by adjusting the individual variable capacitive and/or inductive reactance; wherein the antenna system is further provided with a second line, The second line includes a conductive trace or component configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the radiation/receiving component, but the conductive trace or component is not electrically coupled to the radiation/receiving component itself; And the antenna system is further provided with a conductive radio frequency (RF) grounding member having at least one finger or extension, the conductive RF ground member preferably being Having at least two fingers or extensions, wherein at least one component of the radiation/receiving component is configured with a meandering pattern defining at least one recessed inlet, or slot, or gap, the conductive RF grounding member At least one finger or extension extends into the at least one recessed inlet, or slot, or gap, respectively; preferably the meandering pattern defines at least two recessed inlets, or slits, or gaps, and the conductive RF grounding member The at least two fingers or extensions are separable Do not extend into the at least two recessed inlets, or slots, or gaps. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the variable reactance is provided in the form of at least one varactor diode. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the variable reactance is provided in the form of at least one microelectromechanical (MEMS) device. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the variable reactance is provided with an electronic means for adjusting its capacitance and/or inductance. An antenna system according to claim 4, wherein the electronic means comprises a tuning controller. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the variable reactance is actually configured as a capacitor, an inductor, a capacitor in parallel with an inductor, or a capacitor in series with an inductor, in each case A resistor that selectively combines at least one of series or parallel or both. The antenna system of claim 1, further comprising at least a fourth line connected to the ground by a variable capacitive and/or inductive reactance flat. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the first line and the third line are connected to the first end of the radiation/receiving component adjacent to each other, or to the first of the radiation/receiving components At one end. The antenna system of claim 8 wherein the second line is coupled to the second end of the radiation/receiving assembly or to the second end of the radiation/receiving assembly. Such as the antenna system of claim 9 of the patent scope, wherein the lines are The first end to the second end of the radiation/receiving component are connected in the order of the third line, the first line, and the second line. The antenna system of claim 9, wherein the lines are connected in the order of the third line, the second line, and the first line from the first end to the second end of the radiation/receiving unit. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the antenna system further comprises at least one fourth line, the at least one fourth line connecting the radiation/receiving component to the antenna via an alternative variable capacitive and/or inductive reactance The ground plane, wherein the first line and the third line are connected adjacent to each other at the first end of the radiation/receiving component, or to the first end of the radiation/receiving component, and wherein a second line is coupled to the second end of the radiation/receiving assembly, or proximate to the second end of the radiation/receiving assembly, and wherein the fourth line is coupled to the second line and the radiation/ Between the first ends of the receiving component. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the radiation/receiving component is substantially planar. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the radiation/receiving component extends along a substantially straight line. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the radiation/receiving component is curved or has a regular or irregular meander, or spiral pattern. An antenna system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the radiation/reception group The piece itself is either double inverted or foldable. An antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the antenna system comprises at least one additional line, the at least one additional line comprising a switching means operable to connect or disconnect the ground plane and the radiation/receiving component The line between. The antenna system of claim 1, further comprising at least one microprocessor operable to control or adjust at least one of the variable reactances to tune the antenna system. An antenna system according to claim 18, wherein the antenna system comprises at least one additional line, the at least one additional line comprising a switching means operable to connect or disconnect the ground plane and the radiation/receiving component An inter-circuit, wherein the at least one microprocessor is operable to operate the switching means. The antenna system of claim 18, wherein the at least one microprocessor is configured to receive data from the radio device. An antenna system according to claim 18, which incorporates a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, wherein the location of the system determined by the GNSS or GPS receiver is used A suitable starting point is determined to tune the antenna system by obtaining information about the broadcast frequency in the location from a remote server. An antenna system according to claim 18, wherein a receiver is adapted to be adapted to identify a mobile radio handset in which the system is located, wherein the system is determined by the identification of the mobile radio handset A location is used to determine an appropriate starting point to tune the antenna system by obtaining information about the broadcast frequency in the location from a remote server. An antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the antenna system incorporates the radio device to which the radiation/receiving component is attached. An antenna system according to claim 23, wherein the radio device comprises a radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the recessed inlets have parallel sides defined by the meandering portions of the radiation/receiving assembly. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the conductive radiation/receiving component and the RF grounding member are folded along one or more line segments that are substantially parallel to one of the long axes of the antenna system. The system of claim 26, wherein the conductive elements are disposed as printed or etched tracks on a flexible substrate, or by printing and folding a metal sheet onto the associated conductive elements, or by The related conductive elements are printed onto a supporting insulating substrate. A circuit board comprising a dielectric substrate, the dielectric substrate comprising a conductive ground plane, and a predetermined area of the ground plane, wherein the circuit board further comprises an antenna system according to claim 1 The conductive radiation/receiving component is formed or printed in the predetermined area on the dielectric substrate. The circuit board of claim 28, wherein at least one of the circuit components is disposed in the predetermined area. A circuit board as claimed in claim 28, wherein all of the circuit components are disposed in the predetermined area. The circuit board of claim 29 or 30, wherein the antenna system comprises at least one additional line, the at least one additional line comprising a switching means operable to connect or disconnect the ground plane and the radiation/receiving component The inter-circuit, and the switching means thereof, are disposed in the predetermined area. The circuit board of claim 29, wherein the antenna system includes at least one microprocessor operable to control or adjust at least one of the variable reactances to tune the antenna system, and wherein The microprocessor is disposed in the predetermined area. The circuit board of claim 28, wherein the antenna system incorporates the radio device to which the radiation/receiving component is attached, wherein the radio device is disposed in the predetermined area. The circuit board of claim 33, wherein the radio device is disposed on a first surface of the predetermined area, and wherein the radiation/receiving component is printed or formed on a second surface of the predetermined area, The second surface is opposite the first surface. A radio communication device comprising the antenna system of claim 1 of the patent application. A radio communication device comprising the circuit board of claim 28 of the patent application. An antenna system comprising an elongated conductive radiation/receiving component, at least a first and second line and a third (feed) line, the conductive radiation/receiving component having first and second ends and disposed adjacent to a conductive ground plane, the at least one first and second lines being used The first and second ends of the radiation/receiving assembly are coupled to the ground plane, the third line for connecting the radiation/receiving assembly to a radio, wherein the first line is A capacitive and/or inductive reactance is coupled to the ground plane, and wherein the second line includes an electrical conductor that is non-electrically coupled to the electrically conductive radiating/receiving component but configured to be electromagnetically coupled thereto; Wherein at least one component of the radiation/receiving component is configured with a meandering pattern defining at least one recessed inlet, or slot, or gap, at least one finger or extension of a conductive RF grounding member extending into the at least one a recessed inlet, or a slit, or a gap; preferably the meandering pattern defines at least two recessed inlets, or slits, or gaps, and preferably at least two fingers of the electrically conductive RF grounding member The extension member may extend into the at least two inlet recess, or aperture, respectively, or the gap. The antenna system of claim 37, wherein the conductive RF grounding member is further included. The antenna system of claim 37, wherein the recessed inlets have parallel sides defined by the meandering portions of the radiation/receiving assembly. The antenna system of claim 38, wherein the conductive RF grounding member has an end that is directly connectable to the RF ground. Such as the antenna system of claim 38, wherein the conductive RF connection The ground member has an end connectable to the RF ground via at least one circuit component, the at least one circuit component having an adjustable capacitive and/or inductive reactance. The antenna system of claim 37, wherein the conductive radiation/receiving component and the RF grounding member are folded along one or more line segments, the one or more line segments being substantially parallel to one of the antenna systems axis. The antenna system of claim 42, wherein the conductive elements are disposed as printed or etched tracks on a flexible substrate, or by printing and folding a metal sheet into the associated conductive elements, or by The related conductive elements are printed onto a supporting insulating substrate. An antenna system according to claim 37, wherein the antenna system is provided with a conductive ground plane extending in the antenna system without any conductive traces or underneath portions or regions on which the components are formed. A radio communication device comprising an antenna system as claimed in claim 37.