WO2015003384A1

WO2015003384A1 - Multiband vehicular antenna assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2015003384A1
Application number: PCT/CN2013/079293
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ye Yang; Jinfeng SUN; Yu Cheng; Sheng YUAN; Zhigao Chen
Original assignee: Laird Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2013-07-12
Filing date: 2013-07-12
Publication date: 2015-01-15
Also published as: KR101814301B1; KR20160033720A

Abstract

Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of multiband vehicular antenna assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicular antenna assembly for installation to a vehicle body wall generally includes a first antenna configured for use with AM/FM radio. The first antenna includes a first printed circuit board having a first side surface and an opposing second side surface. Electrical conductors are along the first and second side surfaces of the first printed circuit board. An electrically-conductive planar structure is coupled to an upper portion of the first printed circuit board.

Description

MULTIBAND VEHICULAR ANTENNA ASSEMBLIES

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to multiband vehicular antenna assemblies.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Various different types of antennas are used in the automotive industry, including AM/FM radio antennas, satellite digital audio radio service antenna, global positioning system antennas, cell phone antennas, etc. Multiband antenna assembles are also commonly used in the automotive industry. A multiband antenna assembly typically includes multiple antennas to cover and operate at multiple frequency ranges. A printed circuit board (PCB) having radiating antenna elements is a typical component of the multiband antenna assembly.

Automotive antennas may be installed or mounted on a vehicle surface, such as the roof, trunk, or hood of the vehicle to help ensure that the antennas have unobstructed views overhead or toward the zenith. The antenna may be connected (e.g., via a coaxial cable, etc.) to one or more electronic devices (e.g., a radio receiver, a touchscreen display, navigation device, cellular phone, etc.) inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, such that the multiband antenna assembly is operable for transmitting and/or receiving signals to/from the electronic device(s) inside the vehicle.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of multiband vehicular antenna assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicular antenna assembly for installation to a vehicle body wall generally includes a first antenna configured for use with AM/FM radio. The first antenna includes a first printed circuit board having a first side surface and an opposing second side surface. Electrical conductors are along the first and second side surfaces of the first printed circuit board. An electrically-conductive planar structure is coupled to an upper portion of the first printed circuit board.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example embodiment of an antenna assembly including at least one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 1 after being assembled together where the cover or radome is not shown;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of AM/FM antenna components of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the AM/FM antenna components shown in FIG. 3, and also illustrating GPS antenna components of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the AM/FM antenna components shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the AM/FM antenna shown in FIG. 5, and illustrating an exemplary manner by which a planar structure may be aligned and coupled with an upper portion of a printed circuit board (PCB) via engagement of tabs or portions protruding outwardly from the planar structure within holes or slots in the PCB according to exemplary embodiments; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of AM/FM antenna components including an AM/FM antenna component having a planar structure that is soldered to an upper portion of a printed circuit board according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of AM/FM antenna components including a stamped AM/FM antenna element mechanically fastened to an upper portion of a printed circuit board, where a comparison of FIGS. 7 and 8 helps to illustrate the narrower or thinner upper profile that may be realized by exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a radome or cover positioned over the AM/FM antenna components shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a radome or cover positioned over the AM/FM antenna components shown in FIG. 8, where a comparison of FIGS. 9 and 10 helps to illustrate the narrower or thinner upper profile that may be realized by exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1 1 is a line graph of AM (amplitude modulation) relative gain showing signal strength in decibels relative to reference level (dBr) versus frequency in kilohertz (KHz) measured for the AM/FM antenna components of a prototype of the example antenna assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 on a one-meter diameter generally circular ground plane;

FIG. 12 is a line graph of linear vertical average FM gain in decibels-isotropic (dBi) versus frequency in megahertz (MHz) measured for the AM/FM antenna components of the prototype of the example antenna assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 on a one-meter diameter generally circular ground plane; and

FIGS. 13 through 19 illustrate radiation patterns for the AM/FM antenna components of the prototype of the example antenna assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 on a one-meter diameter generally circular ground plane, and where the linear average gain is also shown in FIG. 12.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The inventors hereof recognized a need for smaller (e.g., narrower, thinner, etc.) multiband vehicular antenna assemblies that do not necessarily require a complicated manufacturing process to make AM/FM antenna components. After recognizing the above, the inventors developed and disclose herein exemplary embodiments of multiband vehicular antenna assemblies or systems that are small or compact in overall size with narrow or thin upper profiles.

In exemplary embodiments of an antenna assembly, there is an AM/FM antenna that includes a generally planar or flat electrically-conductive structure or element (e.g., a stamped sheet metal element, etc.). The electrically-conductive structure or element is coupled (e.g. , soldered without using screws, clips, or other separate mechanical fasteners, etc.) to an upper portion of an AM/FM printed circuit board (PCB) antenna (e.g., a printed circuit board having electrically-conductive traces therearound, etc.). During use, the electrically- conductive structure or element operates to form a capacitive load portion of the AM/FM antenna. Using a generally planar or flat electrically-conductive structure or element allows a radome, housing, or cover with a narrow or thin upper portion to be used, e.g., as shown by a comparison of FIGS. 9 and 10. This, in turn, allows the overall size or profile of the antenna assembly to be reduced and/or allows the radome to have a narrow and better styling (e.g. , an aesthetically pleasing, aerodynamic shark-fin configuration, etc.). For example, the radome may have a length of about 177 millimeters, a height of about 68.3 millimeters, a maximum width of about 74.5 millimeters, and a minimum width (near the top) of about 8 millimeters.

With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example embodiment of an antenna assembly 100 including at least one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the antenna assembly 100 includes a chassis 104 (or base) and first and second antennas 108 and 1 12 co-located on or supported by the chassis 104 as disclosed herein. The first antenna 108 is a vertical monopole antenna configured for use with AM/FM radio (e.g., configured for receiving desired AM/FM radio signals, etc.). In this exemplary embodiment, the AM/FM antenna 108 includes, is defined by, etc. a first printed circuit board 1 16. The AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16 is coupled to another or second printed circuit board 120 located toward a rearward portion of the chassis 104. The PCB 1 16 is generally perpendicular to the PCB 120. The PCB 120 is coupled to the chassis 104 by mechanical fasteners 124. The AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16 may be coupled to the PCB 120 by solder, etc. Other suitable couplings may be used as desired. In addition, the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16 may include tab portions that extend downwardly and interconnect with corresponding slot portions of the PCB 120 to further help position and/or couple the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16 on the PCB 120.

Electrically conductive traces 128 (broadly, electrical conductors) are provided along a middle portion of the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16 for inductively loading the AM/FM antenna 108. The traces 128 define an inductively loaded portion of the AM/FM antenna 108, toward a middle portion of the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16. The traces 128 may be etched around the PCB 1 16. The traces 128 are oriented generally parallel to each other along respective side surfaces of the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16 and extend lengthwise along the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16. End portions of the traces 128 may curve around or extend through the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16 (at locations toward side edge portions of the PCB 1 16) and thereby interconnect corresponding traces 128 on the opposing side surfaces of the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16. As such, the traces 128 define a continuous electrical path generally coiling around at least part of the AM/FM antenna 108 (e.g., around the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16 in a clockwise direction when viewed from above, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, there are ten traces 128 located along the first and second surfaces of the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16. Other antenna assemblies may include other numbers of traces (e.g., nine traces, eleven traces, etc.) as desired. In addition, the number of traces on each side of the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16 may be different. A trace 130 extends from the bottom trace 128 and is soldered to the PCB 120 for electrically connecting the traces 128 to the PCB 120. Alternative embodiments may include other means for electrically connecting the traces 128 to the PCB 120. For example, a coupling wire may be used to electrically connect the AM/FM antenna 108 to the PCB 120. The coupling wire may connect through the PCB 120 (e.g., via a solder connection, etc.) to the lower trace on the PCB 1 16. Electrically connecting the traces 128 to the PCB 120 helps define an inductively loaded portion of the AM/FM antenna 108. One or more upper traces on the PCB 1 16 may be electrically connected (e.g., via a solder connection, etc.) to an electrically-conductive structure or element 132. Electrically connecting the traces 128 to the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 helps define a capacitively loaded portion of the AM/FM antenna 108.

The electrically-conductive structure or element 132 is coupled to an upper portion of the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16. The electrically-conductive structure or element 132 may also be referred to herein as a top load element or plate.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 may be coupled (e.g., soldered, etc.) to the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16 without using screws, clips, or other separate mechanical fasteners. In this exemplary embodiment, the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 includes tabs or portions 136 protruding outwardly from (e.g., perpendicular to, etc.) a planar or flat portion 138 (FIG. 6) of the electrically-conductive structure 132. The tabs 136 are engageable or positionable within openings, holes, or slots 140 in the PCB 1 16. Position of the tabs 136 within the openings 140 may help to align and retain the electrically-conductive structure or element to the PCB 1 16 during assembly, e.g., prior to soldering of the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 to the PCB 1 16. Accordingly, this exemplary embodiment does not require or use separate contact clips to electrically connect a top load element to a PCB, and it also does not require or use mechanical fasteners to directly attach a top load element to a radome. For example, screws are not needed or used to directly attach the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 to the radome, cover, or housing 156. In this exemplary embodiment, the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 is directly attached to the PCB 1 16, but the electrically- conductive structure or element 132 is not directly attached to the radome 156. Also, a contact clip is also not needed or used between the electrically- conductive structure or element 132 and PCB 1 16. Alternatively, other embodiments may include other means for soldering or connecting the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 to the PCB 1 16.

The electrically-conductive structure or element 132 is constructed from one or more suitable electrically-conductive materials (e.g., sheet metal, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 comprises stamped sheet metal. For example, the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 may be stamped from a single piece of sheet metal or other suitable electrically-conductive materials. The stamped material may be bent or folded to form tabs or portions 140 protruding outwardly from the stamped sheet metal as shown in FIG. 6. But other than the folded, bent, or formed tabs 140, the remainder of the stamped sheet metal piece is not folded, bent, or otherwise three-dimensionally formed in this example. In this example, the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 may be manufactured via a relatively low cost and not overly complicated process.

The electrically-conductive structure or element 132 is generally flat and planar with a sheet-like construction except for the tabs 140. Accordingly, a majority, most, or substantial entirety of the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 is flat and planar with a sheet-like construction, and parallel to the PCB 1 16. As shown by FIGS. 3 and 5, the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 may remain substantially within the same plane or is substantially co-planar with the traces 128 on the same side of the PCB 1 16 as the element 132. Stated differently, the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 may remain substantially within and does not protrude a significant amount outside the footprint or thickness of the traces 128 on the same side of the PCB 1 16 as the element 132.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 may be located at or along a center or longitudinal centerline axis of the PCB 120 and the antenna assembly 100. In this example, the longitudinal centerlines of the PCB 120 and antenna assembly 100 extends from front to back thereof. When the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 is located at or along the longitudinal centerline axis of the PCB 120, the PCB 1 16 is thus off-centered or not along the longtidunal centerline axis of the PCB 120 in this example. In this exemplary way, the width of the top portion of the radome 156 can be reduced and made narrower.

In alternative embodiments, the electrically-conductive structure or element may not include the tabs 140. In which case, the entire electrically-conductive structure may be generally flat and planar with a sheet-like construction and be parallel to the AM/FM antenna PCB. Also in these alternative embodiments, the entire electrically-conductive structure or element may remain substantially within the same plane as or be substantially co-planar with the AM/FM antenna PCB and traces thereon. Stated differently, the entire electrically-conductive structure or element in these alternative embodiments may remain substantially within and not protrude a significant amount outside the footprint or width of the AM/FM antenna PCB and its traces thereon.

With reference to FIG. 3, the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 is configured (e.g., shaped, sized, etc.) such that a slot or gap 144 is defined between a forward portions 148, 152 of the electrically-conductive structure 132 and PCB 1 16. The slot 144 may be configured to provide impedance matching and increase antenna element length to lower center frequency. Having matched impedance generally improves the power transfer for the antenna assembly 100.

During use, the electrically-conductive structure or element 132 operates to form a capacitive load portion of the AM/FM antenna 108. In addition, using the generally planar or flat electrically-conductive structure or element 132 allows a radome, housing, or cover 156 (FIG. 1 ) with a narrow or thin upper portion to be used.

In some exemplary embodiments, electrically-conductive plating may be provided on an upper portion of the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16 for capacitively loading the AM/FM antenna 108. For example, electrically-conductive plating may be provided on the AM/FM antenna PCB 116 such that the electrically- conductive plating is under the element 132 between the PCB 1 16 and element 132. The electrically-conductive plating may help define a capacitively loaded portion toward an upper portion of the AM/FM antenna PCB 1 16.

The AM/FM antenna 108 may be operable at one or more frequencies including, for example frequencies ranging between about 140 KHz and about 1 10 MHz, etc. For example, the illustrated AM/FM antenna 108 can be resonant in the FM band (e.g., at frequencies between about 88 MHz and about 108 MHz, etc.) and can also work at AM frequencies, but may not at all be resonant at various AM frequencies (e.g., frequencies between about 535 KHz and about 1735 KHz, etc.). The AM/FM antenna 108 may also be tuned as desired for operation at desired frequency bands by, for example, adjusting dimensions of the electrically-conductive structure 132, adjusting size and/or number and/or orientation and/or type of the traces 128 provided around the PCB 1 16, etc. For example, the AM/FM antenna 108 could be tuned (or retuned), as desired, to Japanese FM frequencies (e.g., including frequencies between about 76 MHz and about 93 MHz, etc.), DAB-VHF-III (e.g., including frequencies between about 174 MHz and about 240 MHz, etc.) other similar VHF bands, other frequency bands, etc.

The second antenna 112 of the illustrated antenna assembly 100 is configured for use with global positioning systems (GPS) (e.g., configured for receiving desired GPS signals, etc.). The second antenna 1 12 includes a patch antenna 160 coupled to a third PCB 164. The PCB 164 is coupled to the chassis 104 by mechanical fasteners 124 at a location toward a forward portion of the chassis 104. The GPS antenna 1 12 may be operable at one or more desired frequencies including, for example, frequencies ranging between about 1 ,574 MHz and about 1 ,576 MHz, etc. And, the GPS antenna 1 12 may also be tuned as desired for operation at desired frequency bands by, for example, changing dielectric materials, changing sizes of metal plating, etc. used in connection with the GPS antenna 112, etc. An electrical connector (not shown) may be attached to the PCBs 120 and 164 for coupling the antenna assembly 100 to a suitable communication link (e.g., a coaxial cable, etc.) in a mobile platform or vehicle (e.g., through an opening 169 (FIG. 2) in the chassis 104 aligned with an opening in a roof of a car, etc.). In this way, the PCB 120 and/or PCB 164 may receive signal inputs from the respective antennas 108 and 1 12, process the signal inputs, and transmit the processed signal inputs to the suitable communication link. Alternatively, or in addition, the PCB 120 and/or PCB 164 may process signal inputs to be transmitted via or through the respective antennas 108, 1 12. With this said, it is understood that that the antennas 108, 1 12 may receive and/or transmit radio signals as desired. The electrical connector may be an ISO (International Standards Organization) standard electrical connector or a Fakra connector attached to the PCBs 120, 164. Accordingly, a coaxial cable (or other suitable communication link) may be relatively easily connected to the electrical connector and used for communicating signals received by the AM/FM antenna 108 and GPS antenna 120 to devices in the vehicle. In such embodiments, the use of standard ISO electrical connectors or Fakra connectors may allow for reduced costs as compared to those antenna installations that require a customized design and tooling for the electrical connection between the antenna assembly 100 and cable. In addition, the pluggable electrical connections between the communication link and the antenna assembly's electrical connector may be accomplished by the installer without the installer having to complexly route wiring or cabling through the vehicle body wall. Accordingly, the pluggable electrical connection may be easily accomplished without requiring any particular technical and/or skilled operations on the part of the installer. Alternative embodiments may include using other types of electrical connectors and communication links (e.g., pig tail connections, etc.) besides standard ISO electrical connectors, Fakra connectors, and coaxial cables.

The radome 156 can substantially seal the components of the antenna assembly 100 within the radome 156 thereby protecting the components against ingress of contaminants (e.g., dust, moisture, etc.) into an interior enclosure of the radome 156. In addition, the radome 156 can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the antenna assembly 100, and can be configured (e.g. , sized, shaped, constructed, etc.) with an aerodynamic configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the radome 156 has an aesthetically pleasing, aerodynamic shark-fin configuration. In other example embodiments, however, antenna assemblies may include radomes having configurations different than illustrated herein, for example, having configurations other than shark-fin configurations, etc. The radome 156 may also be formed from a wide range of materials, such as, for example, polymers, urethanes, plastic materials (e.g. , polycarbonate blends, Polycarbonate-Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol-Copolymer (PC/ABS) blend, etc.), glass-reinforced plastic materials, synthetic resin materials, thermoplastic materials (e.g., GE Plastics Geloy® XP4034 Resin, etc.), etc. within the scope of the present disclosure.

The radome 156 is configured to fit over the first and second antennas 108, 1 12 and their respective PCBs 120, 164. The radome 156 is configured to be secured to the chassis 104. And, the chassis 104 is configured to couple to a vehicle body wall, e.g., a roof of a car, etc. The radome 156 may secure to the chassis 104 via any suitable operation, for example, a snap fit connection, mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, other fastening devices, etc.), ultrasonic welding, solvent welding, heat staking, latching, bayonet connections, hook connections, integrated fastening features, etc. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the radome 156 may be secured to the chassis by screws 168. Alternatively, the radome 156 may connect directly to a vehicle body wall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The chassis 104 may be formed from materials similar to those used to form the radome 156. For example, the material of the chassis 104 may be formed from one or more alloys, e.g. , zinc alloy, etc. Alternatively, the chassis 104 may be formed from plastic, injection molded from polymer, steel, and other materials (including composites) by a suitable forming process, for example, a die cast process, etc. within the scope of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly 100 also includes a fastener member 172 (e.g. , threaded mounting bolt having a hexagonal head, etc.), a first retention component 176 (e.g. , retaining clip, etc.), and a second retention component 180 (e.g. , an insulator clip, etc.). The fastener member 172 and retention members 176, 180 may be used to mount the antenna assembly to an automobile roof, hood, trunk (e.g. , with an unobstructed view overhead or toward the zenith, etc.) where the mounting surface of the automobile acts as a ground plane for the antenna assembly 100 and improves reception of signals. The relatively large size of the ground plane (e.g. , a car roof, etc.) improves reception of radio signals having generally lower frequencies. And, the large size of the ground plane would not be considered negligible compared to the operating wavelength of the AM/FM antenna 108.

The first retaining component 176 includes legs, and the second retaining component 180 includes tapered faces. The legs of the first retaining component 176 are configured to make contact with the corresponding tapered faces of the second retaining component 180. The first and second retaining components 176, 180 also include aligned openings through which passes the fastener member 172 to be threadedly connected to a threaded opening in the chassis 104.

The fastener member 172 and retaining components 176, 180 allow the antenna assembly 100 to be installed and fixedly mounted to a vehicle body wall. The fastener member 172 and retaining components 176, 180 may first be assembled onto the chassis 104 before the antenna installation onto the vehicle. Then, the antenna assembly 100 may be positioned (from the external side of the vehicle) relative to a mounting hole in the vehicle body wall such that the fastener member 172 and retaining components 176, 180 are inserted into the mounting hole (e.g., pulled downward through the mounting hole, etc.). The chassis 104 is then disposed along the external side of the vehicle body wall. The fastener 172 is accessible from inside the vehicle. In this stage of the installation process, the antenna assembly 100 may thus be held in place relative to the vehicle body wall in a first installed position. When the first retaining component 176 is compressively moved generally towards the mounting hole by driving the fastener member 172 in a direction generally towards the antenna base 104, the legs of first retaining component 176 may deform and expand generally outwardly relative to the mounting hole against the interior compartment side of the vehicle body wall, thereby securing the antenna assembly 100 to the vehicle body wall in a second, operational installed position. This installation process is but one example way to install the antenna assembly 100 to a vehicle. Alternative mechanisms, processes, and means may also be used for installing an antenna assembly (e.g., antenna assembly 100, etc.) to a vehicle in exemplary embodiments.

The antenna assembly 100 includes a sealing member 184 (e.g., an O-ring, a resiliently compressible elastomeric or foam gasket, a PORON microcellular urethane foam gasket, etc.) that will be positioned between the chassis 104 and the roof of a car (or other mounting surface). The sealing member 184 may substantial seal the chassis 104 against the roof and substantially seal the mounting hole in the roof. The antenna assembly 100 also includes a sealing member 188 (e.g., an O-ring, a resiliently compressible elastomeric or foam gasket, caulk, adhesives, other suitable packing or sealing members, etc.) that is positioned between the radome 156 and the chassis 104 for substantially sealing the radome 156 against the chassis 104. In this example, the sealing member 188 may be at least partially seated within a groove defined along or by the chassis 104.

The antenna assembly 100 may also include one or more gaskets (not shown) coupled to a bottom of the chassis 104. In operation, the gaskets may help ensure that the chassis 104 will be grounded to a vehicle roof and also allows the antenna assembly 100 to be used with different roof curvatures. The gaskets may include electrically-conductive fingers (e.g., metallic or metal spring fingers, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the gaskets comprise fingerstock gaskets from Laird Technologies, Inc.

The antenna assembly 100 further includes vibration dampening members (e.g., foam pads, foam tape, etc.). For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, foam pads 192, 196 may be positioned about respective front and back portions of the electrically-conductive structure or element 132. The foam pads 192, 196 may help hold the front and back portions in place and/or inhibit vibrations during travel of the vehicle to which the antenna assembly 100 is mounted.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example embodiment of an antenna assembly 200 including at least one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the antenna assembly 200 includes a radome, housing, or cover 256 positioned over the AM/FM antenna 208 shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the AM/FM antenna 208 may include features similar to the AM/FM antenna 108 shown in FIGS. 1 through 7. For example, the AM/FM antenna 208 includes, is defined by, etc. a PCB 216. The AM/FM antenna PCB 216 is coupled to a PCB 220. Electrically conductive traces 228 (broadly, electrical conductors) are provided along a middle portion of the AM/FM antenna PCB 216 for inductively loading the AM/FM antenna 208. An electrically- conductive structure or element 232 (e.g., top load element or plate, etc.) is coupled (e.g., soldered, etc.) to an upper portion of the AM/FM antenna PCB 216. In this example, the electrically-conductive structure or element 232 is generally flat and planar with a sheet-like construction. As shown by FIG. 9, this exemplary flat configuration of a top load element allows the radome to have a narrow and better styling (e.g., an aesthetically pleasing, aerodynamic shark-fin configuration, etc.).

By comparison, FIG. 8 illustrates an AM/FM antenna 308 that also includes, is defined by, etc. a PCB 316. The AM/FM antenna PCB 316 is coupled to a PCB 320. Electrically conductive traces 328 (broadly, electrical conductors) are provided along a middle portion of the AM/FM antenna PCB 316. The PCB 320 (FIG. 8) is larger than the PCB 220 (FIG. 7) as the PCB 320 is configured to support both the AM/FM antenna PCB 316 and at least one cellular antenna (not shown). By comparison, the PCB 220 is configured to support the AM/FM antenna PCB 216 but not any cellular antennas in this example.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the AM/FM antenna 308 includes a top load element 332 that is wide, non-flat, and non-planar. In addition, the top load element 332 may be screwed onto the interior of the radome. A clip may be soldered on to the top of the PCB 316 to breakover and electrically connect the PCB 316 with the element 332. As compared to the radome 256 shown in FIG. 9, a larger (e.g., wider and taller) radome 356 (FIG. 10) is needed for the AM/FM antenna 308 due to the increased width or footprint of the top load element 332 and manner in which it is coupled to the radome 356 and PCB 316.

A sample prototype antenna assembly having features similar to the corresponding features of the antenna assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 was constructed and tested. FIGS. 11 through 19 provide analysis results measured for the prototype antenna assembly. Generally, these results show that the antenna assembly has good AM/FM performance despite smaller overall size and narrower profile as compared to some existing antennas. These analysis results shown in FIGS. 1 1 through 19 are provided only for purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limitation. Alternative embodiments of the antenna assembly may be configured differently and have different operational or performance parameters than what is shown in FIGS. 1 1 through 19.

FIG. 1 1 is a line graph of AM (amplitude modulation) relative gain showing signal strength in decibels relative to reference level (dBr) versus frequency in kilohertz (KHz) measured for the AM/FM antenna components of the sample prototype antenna assembly on a one-meter diameter generally circular ground plane. As shown, the sample prototype antenna assembly had good signal strength for the AM frequencies, such as -3.55 dBr at 792 KHz, -338 dBr at 990 KHz, -2.66 dBr at 1 197 KHz, and -2.42 dBr at 1422 KHz. The sample prototype antenna assembly also had signal strength of -34.10 decibels above a reference level of one milliwatt (dBm) at 792 KHz, -28.10 dBr at 990 KHz, -39.31 dBr at 1 197 KHz, and -41.72 dBr at 1422 KHz.

FIG. 12 is a line graph (with corresponding data shown in Table 1 below) of linear vertical average FM gain in decibels-isotropic (dBi) versus frequency in megahertz (MHz) measured for the AM/FM antenna components of the sample prototype antenna assembly on a one-meter diameter generally circular ground plane. As shown, the sample prototype antenna assembly had good linear gain across the entire FM (frequency modulation) frequency band between 88 MHz and 108 MHz. Because an AM/FM antenna is substantially fixed in its vertical position when an antenna assembly is mounted to a vehicle roof or other location, vertical gain is an important characteristic as it represents the ability of the AM/FM antenna to receive signals from substantially vertically overhead.

TABLE 1

Example Vertical Gain for AM/FM Antenna

Frequency (MHz) Vertical Gain (dBi)

76 -14.81

78 -10.14

80 -8.06

82 -4.95

84 -4.26

86 -2.39

88 -3.56

90 -2.68

92 -5.49

94 -5.61

96 -3.27

98 2.65

100 3.40

101 3.44

102 2.48

103 1.17

104 0.91

105 -1.27

106 -2.48

107 -3.62

108 -6.28 FIGS. 13 through 19 illustrate radiation patterns for the AM/FM antenna components of the sample prototype antenna assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 on a one-meter diameter generally circular ground plane at the frequencies listed in table 1 above. The linear average gain set forth in FIGS. 13 through 19 is also shown in FIG. 12.

As disclosed herein, the multiband vehicular antenna assembly 100 includes the AM/FM antenna 108 and GPS antenna 1 12. In alternative exemplary embodiments, an antenna assembly may include only an AM/FM antenna (e.g. , 108, etc.) having a generally planar or flat electrically-conductive structure or element (e.g. , 132, etc.) coupled to an upper portion of an AM/FM antenna PCB (e.g. , 1 16, etc.) but not any other antennas (e.g. , GPS antenna 1 12, etc.). In other exemplary embodiments, an antenna assembly may include an AM/FM antenna (e.g. , 108, etc.) as disclosed herein and also include one or more antennas besides or in addition to a GPS antenna. For example, an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly may include an AM/FM antenna (e.g., 108, etc.) as disclosed herein and an SDARS antenna (e.g. , patch antenna, etc.) instead of a GPS antenna. Or, for example, an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly may include an AM/FM antenna as disclosed herein and GPS and SDARS patch antennas. The GPS patch antenna may be stacked on top of or positioned adjacent or side-by side with the SDARS patch antenna.

By way of further example, exemplary embodiments of antenna assemblies may be configured for use as multiband multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna assemblies operable in the AM/FM frequency bands via an AM/FM antenna (e.g. , 108, etc.) disclosed herein and operable in one or more other frequency bands associated with cellular communications, Wi-Fi, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), satellite signals, terrestrial signals, etc. For example, exemplary embodiments of antenna assemblies may be operable in the AM frequency band, FM frequency band, and one or more or any combination (or all) of the following frequency bands: global positioning system (GPS), global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS) (e.g., Sirius XM Satellite Radio, etc.), AMPS, GSM850, GSM900, PCS, GSM1800, GSM1900, AWS, UMTS, digital audio broadcasting (DAB)-VHF-II I, DAB-L, Long Term Evolution (e.g., 4G, 3G, other LTE generation, B17 (LTE), LTE (700 MHz), etc.), Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, PCS, EBS (Educational Broadband Services), BRS (Broadband Radio Services), WCS (Broadband Wireless Communication Services/Internet Services), cellular frequency bandwidth(s) associated with or unique to a particular one or more geographic regions or countries, one or more frequency bandwidth(s) from Table 2 and/or Table 3 below, etc.

TABLE 2

TABLE 3

Accordingly, exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein of multiband vehicular antenna assemblies that include a generally planar or flat electrically- conductive structure or element coupled (e.g., soldered, etc.) to a top or upper portion of an AM/FM antenna PCB. Such exemplary embodiments may provide one or more (but not necessarily any or all) of the following advantages or benefits as compared to some existing multiband vehicular antenna assemblies. For example, exemplary embodiments may include a radome, housing, or cover with a narrow or thin upper portion, e.g., as shown by a comparison of FIGS. 9 and 10. This, in turn, allows the overall size or profile of the antenna assembly to be reduced and/or allows the radome to have a narrow and better styling (e.g., an aesthetically pleasing, aerodynamic shark-fin configuration, etc.). The generally planar or flat electrically-conductive structure or element may be a relatively low cost part and/or that may be manufactured via a relatively low cost and not overly complicated process. Exemplary embodiments may have good electrical performance, such as shown in FIGS. 1 1 through 19. In exemplary embodiments, an electrically-conductive structure or element may be soldered to an upper portion of an AM/FM printed circuit board, which may eliminate potential rattling issues and/or eliminate the need for separate mechanical fasters (e.g., screws, clips, etc.) that might otherwise be used for attaching a top load element to a radome and AM/FM PCB.

In addition, various antenna assemblies (e.g., 100, etc.) disclosed herein may be mounted to a wide range of supporting structures, including stationary platforms and mobile platforms. For example, an antenna assembly (e.g., 100, etc.) disclosed herein could be mounted to supporting structure of a bus, train, aircraft, bicycle, motor cycle, boat, among other mobile platforms. Accordingly, the specific references to motor vehicles or automobiles herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to any specific type of supporting structure or environment.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well- known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that may be achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1 - 10, or 2 - 9, or 3 - 8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1 - 9, 1 - 8, 1 - 3, 1 - 2, 2 - 10, 2 - 8, 2 - 3, 3 - 10, and 3 - 9.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The term "about" when applied to values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms "generally," "about," and "substantially," may be used herein to mean within manufacturing tolerances. Or, for example, the term "about" as used herein when modifying a quantity of an ingredient or reactant of the invention or employed refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can happen through typical measuring and handling procedures used, for example, when making concentrates or solutions in the real world through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the compositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term "about," the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended or stated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A vehicular antenna assembly for installation to a vehicle body wall, the antenna assembly comprising a first antenna configured for use with AM/FM radio, the first antenna including:

a first printed circuit board having a first side surface and an opposing second side surface;

electrical conductors along the first and second side surfaces of the first printed circuit board; and

an electrically-conductive planar structure coupled to an upper portion of the first printed circuit board.

2. The vehicular antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein:

the electrically-conductive planar structure is soldered to the upper portion of the first printed circuit board; and/or

the electrically-conductive planar structure is coupled to the upper portion of the first printed circuit board without using mechanical fasteners or contact clips.

3. The vehicular antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein:

the electrically-conductive planar structure is substantially within the same plane as the first printed circuit board and the electrical conductors; and/or

the electrically-conductive planar structure is substantially co-planar with the first printed circuit board and the electrical conductors; and/or

the electrically-conductive planar structure is substantially within a footprint defined by the first printed circuit board and the electrical conductors; and/or the electrically-conductive planar structure comprises stamped sheet metal.

4. The vehicular antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein: the electrically-conductive planar structure includes a planar portion and tabs protruding outwardly from the planar portion; and

the first printed circuit board includes openings configured for receiving the tabs therein;

whereby positioning of the tabs within the openings helps to align and/or retain the electrically-conductive planar structure to the first printed circuit board.

5. The vehicular antenna assembly of claim 4, wherein:

the electrically-conductive planar structure is entirely flat and planar with a sheet-like construction except for the tabs; and/or

the planar portion of the electrically-conductive planar structure is parallel to the first printed circuit board; and/or

engagement of the tabs within the openings helps to align and/or retain the electrically-conductive planar structure to the first printed circuit board to thereby facilitate soldering of the electrically-conductive planar structure to the first printed circuit board; and/or

the electrically-conductive planar structure comprises stamped sheet metal having folded portions defining the tabs.

6. The vehicular antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein:

the electrical conductors are interconnected around at least a part of the printed circuit board to thereby establish a continuous electrical path around the at least a part of the printed circuit board, whereby the electrical conductors are operable for defining an inductively loaded portion of the first antenna, and whereby the electrically-conductive planar structure is operable for defining a capacitively loaded portion of the first antenna; and/or

the electrical conductors are defined by traces along the first and/or second side surfaces of the first printed circuit board.

7. The vehicular antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the vehicular antenna assembly is configured to be installed and fixedly mounted to a vehicle body wall after being inserted into a mounting hole in the vehicle body wall from an external side of the vehicle and nipped from the interior compartment side.

8. The vehicular antenna assembly of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a chassis; and

a radome coupled to the chassis such that an interior enclosure is collectively defined by the radome and the chassis; and

a second antenna operable within one or more frequency bands different than AM/FM radio;

wherein the first and second antennas are within the interior enclosure.

9. The vehicular antenna assembly of claim 8, wherein:

the electrically-conductive planar structure is not directly attached to the radome; and/or

the electrically-conductive planar structure is soldered to the upper portion of the first printed circuit board without any contact clips electrically connecting the electrically-conductive planar structure to the first printed circuit board and without any mechanical fasteners directly attaching the electrically-conductive planar structure to the radome; and/or

the radome includes a shark-fin configuration having an upper portion configured to receive the electrically-conductive planar structure.

10. The vehicular antenna assembly of claim 8, wherein:

the first printed circuit board is coupled to a second printed circuit board; the second antenna comprises a patch antenna configured to be operable for receiving satellite signals, such as global positioning system (GPS) signals; the patch antenna is coupled to a third printed circuit board; and

the second and third printed circuit boards are coupled to the chassis.