Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q5/00—Arrangements for simultaneous operation of antennas on two or more different wavebands, e.g. dual-band or multi-band arrangements
  • H01Q5/30—Arrangements for providing operation on different wavebands
  • H01Q5/307—Individual or coupled radiating elements, each element being fed in an unspecified way
  • H01Q5/342—Individual or coupled radiating elements, each element being fed in an unspecified way for different propagation modes
  • H01Q5/357—Individual or coupled radiating elements, each element being fed in an unspecified way for different propagation modes using a single feed point
  • H01Q5/364—Creating multiple current paths
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
  • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
  • H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
  • H01Q1/2291—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles used in bluetooth or WI-FI devices of Wireless Local Area Networks [WLAN]
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
  • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
  • H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
  • H01Q1/24—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set
  • H01Q1/241—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM
  • H01Q1/246—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM specially adapted for base stations
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
  • H01Q1/42—Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q19/00—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic
  • H01Q19/10—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces
  • H01Q19/108—Combination of a dipole with a plane reflecting surface
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
  • H01Q21/06—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
  • H01Q21/08—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart the units being spaced along or adjacent to a rectilinear path
  • H01Q21/10—Collinear arrangements of substantially straight elongated conductive units
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q25/00—Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns
  • H01Q25/005—Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns providing two patterns of opposite direction; back to back antennas
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
  • H01Q9/00—Electrically-short antennas having dimensions not more than twice the operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
  • H01Q9/04—Resonant antennas
  • H01Q9/16—Resonant antennas with feed intermediate between the extremities of the antenna, e.g. centre-fed dipole
  • H01Q9/28—Conical, cylindrical, cage, strip, gauze, or like elements having an extended radiating surface; Elements comprising two conical surfaces having collinear axes and adjacent apices and fed by two-conductor transmission lines
  • H01Q9/285—Planar dipole

Definitions

• the present disclosure generally relates to antenna assemblies.
• Wireless local area networks may operate in multiple frequency ranges, such as, for example, a range between about 2.4 GHz and about 2.5 GHz, and a range between about 5.15 GHz and about 5.9 GHz. These WLAN networks may be used indoors or outdoors. Omnidirectional antennas may be configured to radiate approximately equally in all directions, and may be configured to radiate at multiple operating frequencies.
• an antenna assembly generally includes a feed network and a ground plane. Radiating dipoles or dipole radiating elements are along or on opposite sides of the feed network and the ground plane. The radiating dipoles or dipole radiating elements may be operable simultaneously and may co-locate radio frequency currents for a first frequency band and a second frequency band.
• FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an antenna assembly according to an exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the antenna components shown in FIG. 1 after being assembled and without showing the radome;
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 1 after being fully assembled and also showing the radome;
• FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the antenna assembly shown in
• FIG. 3
• FIG. 5A is a top view of the network board shown in FIG. 1 , and illustrating microstrip lines along a top of the network board according to this exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 5B is a side view of the network board shown in FIG. 5A;
• FIG. 5C is a bottom view of the network board shown in FIG. 5A, and illustrating an electrically-conductive laminate (ground plane) along a bottom of the network board according to this exemplary embodiment;
• FIG. 6A is a front view of two of the four interconnect boards shown in FIG. 1 , and illustrating microstrip lines and vias along the front sides of the interconnect boards according to this exemplary embodiment;
• FIG. 6B is a side view of the two interconnect boards shown in FIG.
• FIG. 6C is a back view of the two interconnect boards shown in FIG. 6A, and illustrating a ground plane and vias along the back sides of the interconnect boards according to this exemplary embodiment;
• FIG. 7A is a plan view of one of the two radiating boards shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and illustrating an array of radiating dipoles spaced apart along the board according to this exemplary embodiment;
• FIG. 7B is a side view of the radiating board shown in FIG. 7A;
• FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of a portion of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 2, and illustrating an interconnect board, a network board, two dipole or radiating boards, and a dipole on the top of the upper board according to this exemplary embodiment, where the 0 to 50 millimeter (mm) scale is shown for purpose of illustration only;
• FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of the portion of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 8, and further illustrating a dipole on the bottom of the lower board and an electrically-conductive laminate (ground plane) along a bottom of the network board according to this exemplary embodiment, where the 0 to 50 mm scale is shown for purpose of illustration only;
• FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view showing a portion of the interconnect board and network board of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 2, and illustrating an exemplary way of connecting the microstrip lines of the network board and interconnect board according to this exemplary embodiment, where the 0 to 4 mm scale is shown for purpose of illustration only;
• FIG. 1 1 is a side view of a portion of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 2, and illustrating how a four dipole-like 2.4 GHz array may be co-located with an eight dipole-like 5 GHz array in this exemplary embodiment, where the arrows indicate radiating currents for the 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band that are co-located on the radiating elements;
• FIG. 12 is a top view of a dipole or radiating element shown in FIG. 1 1 , where the arrows indicate radiating currents for the 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band that are co-located on the radiating element, and also illustrating how the radiating element is operable as a typical single dipole element for the 2.4 GHz band and operable as two separate dipole-like elements separated by a distance for the 5 GHz band;
• FIG. 13 is a side view of a conventional antenna that includes twelve different radiating elements on each side, where an array of four dipole radiating elements is operable for the low band (2.4 GHz band) and another array of eight dipole radiating elements is operable for the high band (5 GHz band), where the arrows indicate radiating currents at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz separately located on the respective four and eight dipole arrays;
• FIG. 14 shows an example current flow in a dipole of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 2 when the dipole is operated at a frequency of about 2.5 GHz;
• FIG. 15 shows an example current flow in a dipole of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 2 when the dipole is operated at a frequency of about 5.5 GHz;
• FIG. 16 is an example circuit model for the dipole shown in FIG. 14 when the dipole is operated at a frequency of about 2.5 GHz;
• FIG. 17 is an example circuit model for the dipole shown in FIG. 15 when the dipole is operated at a frequency of about 5.5 GHz;
• FIG. 18 is an exemplary line graph of the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) versus frequency in gigahertz (GHz) measured for a physical prototype of the antenna assembly including the radome shown in FIGS. 1 through 4;
• VSWR voltage standing wave ratio
• GHz gigahertz
• FIG. 19 is an exemplary line graph of the peak gain in decibels relative to isotropic (dBi) versus frequency in megahertz (MHz) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly including the radome shown in FIGS. 1 through 4;
• FIG. 20 is an exemplary line graph of the ripple in decibels (dB) versus frequency (MHz) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly including the radome shown in FIGS. 1 through 4;
• FIG. 21 shows the pattern orientation and planes relative to an antenna during radiation pattern testing;
• FIG. 22 illustrates radiation patterns (Theta 90°, Phi 0°, and Phi 90° plane) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly including the radome shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 at a frequency of about 2450 MHz;
• FIG. 23 illustrates radiation patterns (Theta 90°, Phi 0°, and Phi 90° plane) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly including the radome shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 at a frequency of about 5500 MHz;
• FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of an antenna assembly according to another exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the antenna components shown in FIG. 24 after being assembled
• FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 24 after being fully assembled
• FIG. 27 is a plan view of one of the two radiating boards shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, and illustrating an array of four radiating dual band dipoles spaced apart along the board according to this exemplary embodiment, where the 0 to 80 mm scale is shown for purpose of illustration only;
• FIG. 28 is a plan view of a single radiating dipole of the dipole array shown in FIG. 27, and illustrating the symmetrical shapes of the high band dipole branches and the symmetrical shapes of the low band dipole branches according to this exemplary embodiment, where the 0 to 20 mm scale is shown for purpose of illustration only;
• FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 25, and illustrating an interconnect board, a network board having a ground along its lower surface, and two radiating boards having dipoles where the radiating boards are along opposite upper and lower sides of the network board according to this exemplary embodiment, where the 0 to 60 mm scale is shown for purpose of illustration only;
• FIG. 30 is an exemplary line graph of the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) versus frequency in gigahertz (GHz) measured for a physical prototype of the antenna assembly including the radome shown in FIGS. 24 through 26;
• VSWR voltage standing wave ratio
• GHz gigahertz
• FIG. 31 is an exemplary line graph of peak gain in decibels relative to isotropic (dBi) versus frequency in megahertz (MHz) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly including the radome shown in FIGS. 24 through 26;
• the inventor has developed and discloses herein exemplary embodiments of antennas assemblies that may be multi-band, compact, and omnidirectional.
• the antenna assemblies may be used for indoor/outdoor wireless local area network (WLAN) applications.
• the antenna assemblies may operate in multiple bands including a first or low band ⁇ e.g., 2.4 GHz band, etc.) and a second or high band ⁇ e.g., 5 GHz band, etc.).
• the antenna assemblies may thus operate within multiple frequency ranges or band ⁇ e.g., multiple Wi-Fi bands, etc.) including a first or low frequency range or band ⁇ e.g., from about 2.4 GHz to about 2.5 GHz) and a second or high frequency range or band ⁇ e.g., from about 5.15 GHz to about 5.9 GHz).
• a first or low frequency range or band e.g., from about 2.4 GHz to about 2.5 GHz
• a second or high frequency range or band e.g., from about 5.15 GHz to about 5.9 GHz.
• Antenna assemblies disclosed herein may have a good gain while radiating omnidirectionally in the horizon at frequencies from about 2.4 GHz to about 2.5 GHz and from about 5.15 GHz to about 5.9 GHz.
• an antenna assembly may have a high gain of between about eight decibels and about ten decibels (dB) for Wi-Fi band frequencies.
• an antenna assembly may have a high gain of greater than about seven decibels relative to isotropic (dBi) while radiating omnidirectionally in the horizon at frequencies from about 2.4 GHz to about 2.5 GHz and from about 5.15 GHz to about 5.9 GHz.
• an antenna assembly may have a measured radiating gain averaging 4 dBi at low band ⁇ e.g., 2.4 GHz band, etc.) band and about 7.5 dBi at high band (e.g., 5 GHz band, etc.).
• Antenna assemblies disclosed herein may have a compact size ⁇ e.g., length less than about 15 inches or 381 millimeters, length less than 8 inches or 203.2 millimeters, diameter of about 1 .5. inches or 38.1 millimeters, etc.).
• the antenna assemblies may have a low omnidirectional radiation ripple ⁇ e.g., less than two decibels, etc.) in the horizon for all operating frequencies.
• the antenna assemblies may have a low voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of less than 2:1 and/or less than 1 .5:1 for some or most frequencies.
• the VSWR in the connector of an antenna assembly may be less than 2:1 at both the low band and high band simultaneously.
• an antenna assembly includes an array of radiating dipoles ⁇ e.g., radiating elements printed on printed circuit boards, etc.) along and spaced apart from opposite sides of a network board.
• the network board may be a printed circuit board having a first or upper side that includes a feed network ⁇ e.g., a microstrip feedline network, transmission line network, electrically-conductive traces, etc.) and a second or lower side that includes a ground plane ⁇ e.g., electrically- conductive laminate, etc.).
• a first set or plurality of radiating elements ⁇ e.g., an array of four dipoles, etc.
• a first radiating board which, in turn, is spaced apart from the first side of the network board.
• a second set or plurality of radiating elements ⁇ e.g., an array of four dipoles, etc.
• a second radiating board is spaced apart along ⁇ e.g., equally spaced apart, etc.
• a second radiating board which, in turn, is spaced apart from the second side of the network board.
• the first and second set of radiating elements may be positioned such that each radiating element of the first radiating board is aligned with corresponding one of the radiating elements of the second radiating board.
• the first and second sets of radiating elements cooperatively define the array of radiating dipoles (e.g., 2 x 4 array of dipoles, etc.).
• the radiating elements may be configured to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy omnidirectionally.
• RF radio frequency
• RF energy may enter the antenna assembly through a connector [e.g., N-connector, etc.) connected to a transmission or communication line or link [e.g., a coaxial cable, etc.).
• Interconnect boards are used to move RF energy from the network board to the radiating dipoles of the first and second radiating boards.
• Each interconnect board may be used to electrically connect a corresponding pair of the radiating elements of the first and second radiating boards.
• the antenna components may be enclosed within a radome, such as a cylindrical radome ⁇ e.g., 1 18, etc.) having a length of 15 inches (381 millimeters) or less, a cylindrical radome ⁇ e.g., 218, etc.) having a length of 8 inches (203.2 millimeters) or less, etc.
• a radome such as a cylindrical radome ⁇ e.g., 1 18, etc. having a length of 15 inches (381 millimeters) or less, a cylindrical radome ⁇ e.g., 218, etc.) having a length of 8 inches (203.2 millimeters) or less, etc.
• the antenna assembly includes only four interconnecting boards and only four dipole type radiating elements on each of the first and second radiating boards.
• the radiating elements may be operable to co-locate RF currents for both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band.
• the radiating elements may be operable simultaneously for both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. Accordingly, RF currents for the 2.4 GHz band and RF currents for the 5 GHz band may be co-located on each of the radiating elements.
• each radiating element is operable as a typical single dipole element for the 2.4 GHz band, such that the radiating elements are collectively operable as or similar to an array of four radiating dipoles. But for the 5 GHz band, each radiating element is operable as two separate dipole-like elements separated by a slot or distance. The radiating elements are thus collectively operable as or similar to an array of eight dipoles for the 5 GHz band.
• this exemplary embodiment includes or co-locates a four dipole-like 2.4 GHz array with an eight dipole-like 5 GHz array where both arrays are defined by or use the same radiating elements, i.e., the first set of four radiating elements of the first radiating board and the second set of four radiating elements of the second radiating board.
• an antenna assembly includes a four dual band dipole array along each side of a network board, which is also operable as a reflector.
• Each dual band dipole may be operable such that RF currents for both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band are co- located on each dual band dipole.
• each array is operable simultaneously and co-locates a 4 dipole-like 2.4 GHz array with a 4 dipole-like 5 GHz array.
• each array includes four dual band dipoles that may be co- located very close to each other.
• the dual band dipoles may be less than one wavelength apart at high band ⁇ e.g., one wavelength apart for the 5 GHz band, one wavelength apart at a frequency of 5.9 GHz, spaced apart by about 2 inches (about 5.08 centimeters) or less, etc.), Due to the close spacing of the dipoles (e.g., about 2 inches apart or less, etc.), the sidelobes are relatively small. And, the small sidelobes help prevent radiating power from going in unwanted directions.
• FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a multi-band omnidirectional antenna assembly 100 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
• the antenna assembly 100 includes a network board 102 having a first or upper side and a second or lower side.
• the first side of the network board 102 includes a feed network comprised of one or more microstrip lines 104 (broadly, one or more transmission or communication lines or links).
• the second side includes a ground plane 124 [e.g., electrically-conductive laminate, etc.) as shown in FIG. 5C.
• a first radiating board 106 is approximately parallel to the network board 102 and spaced apart from the first side of the network board 102.
• a second radiating board 108 is located approximately parallel to the network board 102 and spaced apart from the second side of the network board 102.
• Each radiating board 106, 108 has at least one dipole or dipole radiating element 1 10 (broadly, radiating element).
• the first radiating board 106 includes a first set or array of only four dipole radiating elements 1 10 spaced apart along (e.g., equally spaced apart, etc.) the upper side of the first radiating board 106.
• the second radiating board 108 includes a second set or array of only four dipole radiating elements 1 10 spaced apart along (e.g., equally spaced apart, etc.) the lower side of the second radiating board 108.
• the antenna assembly 100 also includes one or more interconnect or interconnecting boards 1 12.
• the interconnect boards 1 12 are operable to provide an electrical connection between the feed network of the network board 102 and the radiating elements 1 10 of the radiating boards 106, 108.
• the antenna assembly 100 includes only four interconnecting boards 1 12 and only four dipole radiating elements 1 10 on each of the radiating boards 106, 108.
• Alternative embodiments may include different configurations of interconnecting boards and/or dipole radiating elements, such as more or less than four, other sizes, other shapes, non-linear arrays, antenna elements or radiators that are not in an array, etc.
• the network board 102 may be coupled to a connector 1 14.
• the connector 1 14 may be configured to connect to a transmission or communication line or link ⁇ e.g., coaxial cable, etc.) for sending and/or receiving signals between the antenna assembly 100 and an antenna signal source. RF energy may enter and leave the antenna assembly 100 through the connector 1 14.
• the connector 1 14 is illustrated as an N-connector for connection to a coaxial cable, but other suitable connectors may also be used.
• the connector 1 14 may be coupled to the network board 102 using a semi-rigid cable 1 16. Other suitable coupling elements may also be used to couple the network board 102 to the connector 1 14.
• the antenna assembly 100 includes a radome 1 18.
• the radome 1 18 may have a cylindrical shape and a length of 15 inches (381 millimeters) or less.
• the radome 1 18 may include a radome cap 120 coupled to a first end of the radome 1 18.
• the second end of the radome 1 18 may be coupled to the connector 1 14.
• the radome 1 18 may be used to house, enclose, and protect the antenna components from the environment.
• the network board 102, radiating boards 106, 108, and interconnect boards 1 12 may be positioned within and enclosed in an internal space or cavity defined by the radome 1 18, radome cap 120, and connector 1 14.
• FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C respectively show the top, side, and bottom of the network board 102.
• the first or top side of the network board 102 includes microstrip lines 104.
• the microstrip lines 104 may be used to transfer radio frequency (RF) energy between the connector 1 14 and interconnect boards 1 12.
• the interconnect boards 1 12 may be used to transfer RF energy between network board 102 and the dipole radiating elements 1 10 on the radiating boards 106, 108.
• RF radio frequency
• the microstrip lines 104 may cover a portion of the first side of the network board 102 and may comprise any suitable material for providing an electrical connection, such as, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB), conductive metal, electrically-conductive traces, etc.
• the microstrip lines 104 may provide an electrical connection path between the connector 1 14 and each interconnect board 1 12, which may create as many microstrip line paths as interconnect boards 1 12.
• the network board 102 may include one or more slots 122 for receiving the interconnect boards 1 12. In this example embodiment, the network board 102 includes four slots 122. Each slot 122 is configured for receiving therethrough a portion of a corresponding one of the four interconnect boards 1 12 as shown by FIGS. 1 and 2.
• the microstrip lines 104 may provide a path from each slot 122 to the connector 1 14. Although one example microstrip line configuration is illustrated in FIG. 5A, other configurations, other feeds, or transmission line types may also be used.
• the second or bottom side of the network board 102 includes a ground plane 124.
• the ground plane 124 may cover a portion, substantially all, or the entirety of the second side of the network board 102.
• the ground plane 124 may comprise any suitable material for creating a grounding plane for the antenna assembly 100, such as, for example, an electrically-conductive laminate, an electrically-conductive metal, etc.
• FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C respectively show the front, side, and back of two of the four interconnect boards 1 12.
• the interconnect boards 1 12 include microstrip lines 126 (broadly, more transmission or communication lines or links) along the front sides.
• the interconnect boards 1 12 include a ground 130 (e.g., a tapered ground plane, a diamond-shaped ground plane, etc.) along the back sides.
• the interconnect board microstrip lines 126 may be used to move RF energy from the network board 102 to the radiating boards 106, 108.
• Each microstrip line 126 of the interconnect boards 1 12 may be electrically coupled to a corresponding portion of the microstrip lines 104 of the network board 102, to thereby provide a path from the interconnect board microstrip lines 126 to the connector 1 14.
• the microstrip line 126 of each interconnect board 1 12 may be electrically coupled to the radiating boards 106, 108 at each end of the interconnect board microstrip line 126.
• the interconnect board microstrip lines 126 are electrically coupled to corresponding ones of the dipole radiating elements 1 10 of the radiating boards 106, 108 at each end portion of the interconnect board microstrip line 126.
• the interconnect board microstrip line 126 may be approximately symmetrical to provide equal (or substantially equal) amounts of RF energy to each radiating board 106, 108.
• FIGS. 6A-C illustrate example configurations of the interconnect boards 1 12, microstrip lines 126, and ground 130, other configurations, other feeds, other transmission line types, etc. may also be used.
• the microstrip lines 126 may cover a portion of one or both sides of the corresponding interconnect board 1 12.
• the microstrip lines 126 of the interconnect boards 1 12 may comprise any suitable material for providing an electrical connection, such as, for example, a PCB, conductive metal, electrically-conductive trace, etc.
• the interconnect boards 1 12 include vias 128 extending through the interconnect boards 1 12 from the front side (FIG. 6A) to the back side (FIG. 6C).
• the first and third interconnect boards 1 12 include three vias 128 as also shown for the lower interconnect board 1 12 in FIGS. 6A and 6C.
• the second and fourth interconnect boards 1 12 include two vias 128 as also shown for the upper interconnect board 1 12 in FIGS. 6A and 6C.
• the vias 128 provide electrical connection from the ground plane 130 of the interconnected board to the ground plane 124 of network board.
• the ground level may be exactly in the middle between radiating elements 1 10.
• a signal at the ground level may be divided symmetrically and reach the radiating elements 1 10 at the two sides of the ground plane 124 at or at about the same time.
• the ground currents of the network board may be moved from the vias connection to the interconnect board microstrip ground 130 (at which point the signal may then split up and down).
• the feed from the network board 102 to the interconnected boards 1 12 may be constructed or configured in a way that is perfectly symmetric, such that the feed point is exactly at the center of the interconnecting vertical microstrip line 126 of the interconnect boards 1 12.
• This symmetric feed results in same phase currents at the two dipole elements 1 10 above and below the network board 102.
• the same current phase in the radiating (dipole) elements 1 10 ensures low ripple in the azimuth plane radiation in these exemplary embodiments.
• the tapered shape of the ground side 130 of the interconnected board 1 12 also functions as a balun. It gracefully transitions the RF currents from the unbalanced microstrip line 126 to the balanced dipole radiating elements 1 10.
• each radiating board 106, 108 includes an array of four dipole radiating elements 1 10 spaced apart along (e.g., equally spaced apart, etc.) along a side of the board 106, 108.
• the dipole radiating elements 1 10 cover a portion of one side of the radiating boards 106, 108.
• the dipole radiating elements 1 10 may comprise any suitable material for radiating RF energy, such as, for example, PCB traces, electrically-conductive metal, etc.
• the radiating boards 106, 108 include slots 1 15 for receiving corresponding end portions of the interconnect boards 1 12.
• a slot or thru-hole 1 15 is located adjacent to each dipole radiating element 1 10 at the middle of each radiating dipole 1 10 between the first and second spaced-apart portions or legs 1 1 1 1 of the dipole radiating element 1 10, etc.
• the first and second spaced-apart portions or legs 1 1 1 of each dipole 1 10 are spaced apart by a slot or gap 1 13.
• the dipole legs or portions 1 1 1 are on opposite sides of the upper end portion of the interconnect board 1 12, which is received through the slot 1 15 in the board 106.
• the dipole legs or portions 1 1 1 are on opposite sides of the lower end portion of the interconnect board 1 12, which is received through the slot 1 15 in the board 108.
• the electrically-conductive laminate 124 (broadly, ground plane) is along the bottom of the network board 102.
• the electrically-conductive laminate 124 may act as a reflector for each dipole 1 10 and may be located approximately an equal distance from each dipole 1 10.
• the dipole radiating elements 1 10 may radiate omnidirectionally in the Z-Y plane during operation of the antenna assembly 100.
• the 0 to 50 millimeter (mm) scale shown at the bottom of FIGS. 8 and 9 is for purpose of illustration only, as other embodiments may include larger or smaller antenna components.
• FIG. 10 shows an exemplary way of connecting the microstrip lines of the network board 102 and interconnect boards 1 12 according to this exemplary embodiment.
• the network board 102 includes via 123.
• the feeding structure from the network board's microstrip lines 104 to the interconnect board's microstrip lines 126 may ensure or provide symmetrical feeding of each dipole 1 10 from the network's microstrip lines 104.
• FIG. 1 1 is a side view of a portion of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 2, and illustrating how a four dipole-like 2.4 GHz array may be co-located with an eight dipole-like 5 GHz array in this exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 12 is a top view of one of the dipoles or radiating elements 1 10 shown in FIG. 1 1 .
• the arrows indicate radiating currents for the 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band that are co- located on the radiating elements 1 10.
• a single set of three arrows 125 extends across the entire radiating element 1 10, which indicates that the radiating element 1 10 is operable as a typical single dipole element for the 2.4 GHz band.
• the radiating element 1 10 is operable as two separate dipole-like elements separated by a distance as indicated by the two separate sets 127 of three arrows.
• One set of three arrows is on the left dipole portion or leg 1 1 1
• the other set of three arrows is on the right dipole portion or leg 1 1 1 .
• FIGS. 1 1 and 12 only the radiating currents are indicated because the radiating currents determine the radiation performance.
• the slot currents are not shown in FIGS. 1 1 and 12 for the 5 GHz band, but they are shown in FIG. 15 discussed below.
• the antenna assembly includes only four interconnecting boards 1 12 and only four dipoles or radiating elements 1 10 on each radiating board.
• RF currents for both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band are co-located on each radiating element 1 10.
• Each radiating element 1 10 is operable simultaneously for both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band.
• each radiating element 1 10 is operable as a typical single dipole element.
• each radiating element 1 10 is operable as two separate dipole- like elements or legs 1 1 1 separated by the slot or distance 1 13.
• the network of the antenna assembly 100 may be simplified and take up much less space as compared to the network required for the conventional antenna shown in FIG. 13.
• the length of the radome 1 18 ⁇ e.g., 15 inches or 381 millimeters, etc.
• the length of the radome 1 18 can be reduced considerably as compared to the radome length ⁇ e.g., 27 1 ⁇ 2 inches to 31 1 ⁇ 2 inches or 700 to 800 millimeters, etc.) required for the conventional antenna shown in FIG. 13.
• the antenna assembly includes only four interconnecting boards 1 12 and only four dipoles or radiating elements 1 10 on each radiating board. This is significantly less than the conventional antenna shown in FIG. 13, which requires twelve interconnecting boards 12 and twelve different radiating elements 10 on each side.
• This conventional antenna includes an array 3 of four dipole radiating elements for the low band (2.4 GHz band) and another array 5 of eight dipole radiating elements for the high band (5 GHz band). The arrays 3, 5 are spaced apart from each other and do not use or rely upon the same radiating elements 10.
• the arrows indicate radiating currents at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which are not co-located as in FIGS. 1 1 and 12. Instead, FIG.
• FIG. 13 shows the radiating currents at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz separated or isolated from each other as the low band radiating currents are located on or confined to the array 3 of four dipoles (on the right hand side of FIG. 13), whereas the high band radiating currents are located on or confined to the array 5 of eight dipoles (on the left hand side of FIG. 13).
• the length of the conventional antenna is very large especially when configured to have omnidirectional patterns in the azimuth plane.
• the conventional antenna may have a length of 27 1 ⁇ 2 inches to 31 1 ⁇ 2 inches (700 to 800 millimeters).
• the network board 2 is also very complex for this conventional antenna. For example, a special circuit or diplexer is required to combine the 2.4 GHz signals with the 5 GHz signals.
• the network board 2 takes up a lot of space because there are twelve total signals coming to the network board 2 that have to be combined.
• the network board 2 thus has to be relatively long, such that the antenna length is very large for the conventional antenna of FIG. 13 as compared to the antenna assembly of FIGS.
• FIG. 14 shows an example current flow (as indicated by arrows) in a dipole radiating element 1 10 of the antenna assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2 when the dipole 1 10 is operated at a frequency of about 2.5 GHz.
• the currents in this frequency band may be typical of a 1/2 lambda dipole.
• the dipole radiating element 1 10 includes first and second portions or legs 1 1 1 , which are spaced apart in the center by the slot or gap 1 13.
• the currents may flow in the same direction ⁇ e.g., parallel to or toward the direction of polarization) along each portion 1 1 1 of the dipole radiating element 1 10.
• FIG. 14 shows an example current flow (as indicated by arrows) in a dipole radiating element 1 10 of the antenna assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2 when the dipole 1 10 is operated at a frequency of about 2.5 GHz.
• the currents in this frequency band may be typical of a 1/2 lambda dipole.
• the dipole radiating element 1 10 includes first and second portions or legs
• FIG. 15 shows the current flow (as indicated by arrows) in the dipole radiating element 1 10 of the antenna assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2 when the dipole is operated at a frequency of about 5.5 GHz.
• the dipole radiating element 1 10 includes four dipole slots 1 17 near the center of the dipole radiating element 1 10, with two dipole slots 1 17 along each portion 1 1 1 of the dipole 1 10.
• Each dipole slot 1 17 is oriented substantially parallel to the polarization direction.
• FIG. 15 shows one example dipole slot configuration.
• the currents in the 5 GHz frequency band may resemble a second mode of radiation of the dipole 1 10 of about one wavelength long.
• the dipole 1 10 there may be two types of currents present or flowing in the dipole 1 10, which are slot currents 1 19 and same direction currents 121 .
• the slot currents 1 19 flow around the dipole slots 1 17 in the dipole 1 10.
• the same direction currents 121 flow in the same direction ⁇ e.g., parallel to or toward the direction of polarization) along each portion 1 1 1 of the dipole 1 10.
• the slot currents 1 19 present at a frequency of about 5.5 GHz may not contribute significantly to radiation because their contributions may be cancelled in the far-field zone. But the same direction currents 121 may constructively contribute to provide the same polarization fields in the far-field zone. Without the slot currents 1 19, the impedance of the radiating dipoles at the high band may be very far away from a reasonable value of, for example, 50 ohms.
• FIG. 16 is an example circuit model for the dipole radiating element 1 10 illustrated in FIG. 14 when the dipole 1 10 is operated at a frequency of about 2.5 GHz.
• the model may represent a typical 1/2 wavelength dipole at 2.5 GHz.
• FIG. 17 is an example circuit model for the dipole radiating element 1 10 illustrated in FIG. 15 when the dipole 1 10 is operated at a frequency of about 5.5 GHz.
• Each dipole slot 1 17 may be modeled as an inductor 131 that raises the current at the base of the dipole 1 10 to match its impedance to the microstrip line impedance of the interconnect board 1 12.
• the currents responsible for radiation may be similar to currents that appear in a half wave dipole, which take about one-half wavelength on each dipole leg ⁇ e.g., see the set of three arrows on each dipole leg 1 1 1 in FIGS. 1 1 and 12, etc.).
• the overall current distribution at 5 GHz on one dipole leg is about 5/8 wavelengths long, and includes the one-half wavelength radiating currents and the additional slot currents.
• the additional slot currents do not contribute substantially to radiation. But the extended current path provided by the slot currents raises the current level substantially to bring impedance at the feed point of each dipole leg close to 50 ohms.
• ground plane 124 that acts as reflector to the dipoles 1 10 at both sides of the boards 102
• dipole radiating elements 1 10 for multiple frequency bands allows less dipole radiating elements 1 10 to be used in the antenna assembly 100.
• the size of the network may also be reduced to allow for a smaller antenna.
• the distribution of currents on the dipole radiating elements 1 10 may allow the array to have high gain ⁇ e.g., greater than seven dBi, etc.) and low radiation ripple ⁇ e.g., less than two decibels, etc.) without large grating lobes in the 5 GHz band in the elevation plane.
• FIGS. 18 through 23 provide analysis results measured for a physical prototype of the antenna assembly 100 including the radome 1 18 shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. These analysis results are provided only for purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limitation.
• FIG. 18 is an exemplary line graph of the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) versus frequency (GHz) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly 100 including the radome 1 18.
• the VSWR may be lower because of a wide dipole shape that may allow approximately constant impedance versus frequency.
• FIG. 19 is an exemplary line graph of the peak gain in decibels relative to isotropic (dBi) versus frequency (MHz) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly 100 including the radome 1 18.
• the measured radiating gain may average about eight dBi. Accordingly, the antenna assembly 100 may thus provide the benefit of high gain within limited real estate and have a compact size.
• FIG. 20 is an exemplary line graph of the ripple in decibels versus frequency (MHz) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly 100 including the radome 1 18.
• the radiating ripple may be very low, such as, for example, less than about two decibels.
• FIG. 21 shows the pattern orientation and planes relative to a prototype antenna during radiation pattern testing.
• FIG. 22 illustrates radiation patterns (Theta 90°, Phi 0°, and Phi 90° plane) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly 100 including the radome 1 18 at a frequency of about 2450 MHz.
• FIG. 23 illustrates radiation patterns (Theta 90°, Phi 0°, and Phi 90° plane) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly 100 including the radome 1 18 at a frequency of about 5500 MHz.
• FIGS. 22 and 23 show that the example antenna assembly 100 may provide excellent azimuth radiation patterns with very little ripple in the horizon, and may provide clean elevation patterns with the beam steady at horizon. Accordingly, the antenna assembly 100 may thus provide the benefit of omnidirectional patterns with low ripple, which benefit may be obtained from the distinct structure in having a combination of network reflector and the array factor of dipoles on each side of network board.
• FIGS. 24 through 26 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a multi-band omnidirectional antenna assembly 200 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
• the antenna assembly 200 includes a network board 202 having a first or upper side and a second or lower side.
• the first side of the network board 202 includes a feed network ⁇ e.g., a microstrip network printed on the board 202, etc.) comprised of one or more microstrip lines 204 (broadly, one or more transmission or communication lines or links).
• the second side includes a ground plane 224 (e.g., electrically-conductive laminate, etc.) as shown in FIG. 29.
• a first radiating board 206 is approximately parallel to the network board 202 and spaced apart from the first side of the network board 202.
• a second radiating board 208 is located approximately parallel to the network board 202 and spaced apart from the second side of the network board 202.
• Each radiating board 206, 208 has at least one dipole or dipole radiating element 210 (broadly, radiating element).
• the first radiating board 206 includes a first set or array of only four dipole radiating elements 210 spaced apart along (e.g., equally spaced apart, etc.) the upper side of the first radiating board 206.
• the second radiating board 208 includes a second set or array of only four dipole radiating elements 210 spaced apart along (e.g., equally spaced apart, etc.) the lower side of the second radiating board 208.
• the antenna assembly 200 also includes one or more interconnect or interconnecting boards 212.
• the interconnect boards 212 are operable to provide an electrical connection between the feed network of the network board 202 and the radiating elements 210 of the radiating boards 206, 208.
• the antenna assembly 200 includes only four interconnecting boards 212 and only four dipole radiating elements 210 on each of the radiating boards 206, 208.
• Alternative embodiments may include different configurations of interconnecting boards and/or dipole radiating elements, such as more or less than four, other sizes, other shapes, non-linear arrays, antenna elements or radiators that are not in an array, etc.
• the network board 202 may be coupled to a connector 214.
• the connector 214 may be configured to connect to a transmission or communication line or link (e.g., coaxial cable, etc.) for sending and/or receiving signals between the antenna assembly 200 and an antenna signal source. RF energy may enter and leave the antenna assembly 200 through the connector 214.
• the connector 214 is illustrated as an N-connector for connection to a coaxial cable, but other suitable connectors may also be used.
• the connector 214 may be coupled to the network board 202 using a semi-rigid cable 216 and a choke 234.
• the choke 234 is operable for helping increase bandwidth of the antenna assembly 200.
• Other suitable coupling elements may also be used to couple the network board 202 to the connector 214.
• the antenna assembly 200 includes a radome 218.
• the radome 218 may have a cylindrical shape and a length of 8 inches ( 203.2 millimeters) or less.
• the radome 218 may include a radome cap 220 coupled to a first end of the radome 218.
• a sleeve 238 (e.g., metal cylindrical sleeve, etc.) is coupled to a second end of the radome 218.
• a collar or component 242 [e.g., metallic collar, etc.) provides a mechanical interface or mechanical coupling between the connector 214 and the radome 218, e.g., for mechanical integrity.
• the sleeve 238 acts as intermediary mechanical interface between collar 242 and radome 218.
• An element 246 ⁇ e.g., foam pad, etc.) is positioned on an end portion of the network board 202 to help stabilize and hold the antenna components in place within the radome 218 and/or inhibit vibrations during travel
• the radome 218 may be used to house, enclose, and protect the antenna components from the environment.
• the network board 202, radiating boards 206, 208, and interconnect boards 212 may be positioned within and enclosed in an internal space or cavity defined by or between the radome 218, radome cap 220, sleeve 238, and connector 214.
• the microstrip lines 204 of the network board 202 may be specially designed or configured to be matched simultaneously on both the low and high band, such that the VSWR in the connector 214 is below 2:1 at both the low and high bands simultaneously.
• the microstrip lines 204 may cover a portion of the first side of the network board 202 and may comprise any suitable material for providing an electrical connection, such as, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB), conductive metal, electrically-conductive traces, etc.
• the microstrip lines 204 may provide an electrical connection path between the connector 214 and each interconnect board 212, which may create as many microstrip line paths as interconnect boards 212.
• the network board 202 may include slots 222 for receiving the corresponding interconnect boards 212.
• the network board 202 includes four slots 222. Each slot 222 is configured for receiving therethrough a portion of a corresponding one of the four interconnect boards 212 as shown by FIGS. 24 and 25.
• the microstrip lines 204 may provide a path from each slot 222 to the connector 214. Although one example microstrip line configuration is illustrated in FIG. 24, other configurations, other feeds, or transmission line types may also be used.
• the second or bottom side of the network board 202 includes a ground plane 224.
• the ground plane 224 may cover a portion, substantially all, or the entirety of the second side of the network board 202.
• the ground plane 224 may comprise any suitable material for creating a grounding plane for the antenna assembly 200, such as, for example, an electrically-conductive laminate, an electrically-conductive metal, etc.
• the interconnect boards 212 of the antenna assembly 200 may be identical or substantially similar to the interconnect boards 1 12 of the antenna assembly 100. Accordingly, the interconnect boards 212 may have the same configuration as the interconnect boards 1 12 as described herein and shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C. In which case, the interconnect boards 212 may include microstrip lines (broadly, more transmission or communication lines or links) along the front sides and a ground (e.g., a tapered or diamond-shaped ground plane printed on the board, etc.) along the back sides. The interconnect boards 212 may also include vias extending through the interconnect boards 212 from the front side to the back side.
• the interconnect boards 212 may be used to transfer RF energy or power from the network board 202 to the radiating elements 210 of the radiating boards 206, 208.
• the interconnect boards 212 may be configured to act or operate as a "balun" and help to ensure a smooth transition from the unbalanced microstrip line 204 on the network board 212 to the balanced load of a dipole 210.
• Each microstrip line of the interconnect boards 212 may be electrically coupled to a corresponding portion of the microstrip lines of the network board 202, to thereby provide a path from the interconnect board microstrip lines to the connector 214.
• the microstrip line of each interconnect board 212 may be electrically coupled to the radiating boards 206, 208 at each end of the interconnect board microstrip line.
• the interconnect board microstrip lines are electrically coupled to corresponding ones of the dipole radiating elements 210 of the radiating boards 206, 208 at each end portion of the interconnect board microstrip line.
• the interconnect board microstrip line may be approximately symmetrical to provide equal (or substantially equal) amounts of RF energy to each radiating board 206, 208.
• the microstrip lines may cover a portion of one or both sides of the corresponding interconnect board 212.
• the microstrip lines of the interconnect boards 212 may comprise any suitable material for providing an electrical connection, such as, for example, a PCB, conductive metal, electrically-conductive trace, etc.
• the vias of the interconnect boards 212 provide electrical connection from the ground laminate of the interconnected board 212 (tapered line) to the ground laminate 224 of the network board 202.
• the ground level may be exactly in the middle between radiating elements 210.
• a signal at the network microstrip line 204 may be divided symmetrically and reach (through the microstrip line of the interconnected board 212) the radiating elements 210 at the two sides of the ground plane 224 at or at about the same time.
• the ground signal may be moved from the vias connection to the interconnect board microstrip ground (tapered section).
• the feed from the network board 202 to the interconnected boards 212 may be constructed or configured in a way that is perfectly symmetric, such that the feed point is exactly at the center of the interconnecting vertical microstrip line of the interconnect boards 212.
• This symmetric feed results in same phase currents at the two dipole elements 210 above and below the network board 202.
• the same current phase in the radiating (dipole) elements 210 ensures low ripple in the azimuth plane radiation in these exemplary embodiments.
• each radiating board 206, 208 includes an array of four dipole radiating elements 210 spaced apart along (e.g., equally spaced apart, etc.) along a side of the board 206, 208.
• the dipole radiating elements 210 cover a portion of one side of the radiating boards 206, 208.
• the antenna assembly 200 thus includes four pairs of dipole radiating elements 210.
• the network board 202 is between each pair of dipole radiating elements 210, such that each pair includes a dipole radiating element along one side of the network board 202 and another dipole radiating element along the opposite side of the network board 202.
• the dipole radiating elements 210 may comprise any suitable material for radiating RF energy, such as, for example, PCB traces, electrically-conductive metal, etc.
• the radiating boards 206, 208 include slots 215 for receiving corresponding end portions of the interconnect boards 212.
• a slot or thru-hole 215 is located adjacent to each dipole radiating element 210 at the middle of each radiating dipole 210 between the first and second spaced-apart portions or legs 21 1 of the dipole radiating element 210, etc.
• the first and second spaced-apart portions or legs 21 1 of each dipole 210 are spaced apart by a slot or gap 213.
• the dipole legs or portions 21 1 are on opposite sides of the end portion of the interconnect board 212, which is received through the slot 215 in the board 206, 208.
• FIG. 28 shows the unique shape of the dipole radiating element 210, which makes it suitable for high and low bands, e.g., 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band.
• the dipole radiating element 210 includes low band dipole branches 250 and high band dipole branches 254.
• the dipole branches 250 and 254 of one dipole leg or portion 21 1 are symmetrical with the corresponding dipole branches 250 and 254 of the other dipole leg or portion 21 1 .
• the dipole branches are symmetrical to ensure that only co-polarized currents (at z-direction) contribute to the radiation fields and that the currents flow in the same direction [e.g., parallel to or toward the direction of polarization) on each side 21 1 of the dipole 210.
• each low band dipole branch 250 include a generally rectangular annular section 251 between a first generally linear or straight (solid rectangular) section 253 and a second generally linear or straight (solid rectangular) section 255.
• a third generally linear or straight (solid rectangular) section 257 is at the end of the low band dipole branch 250.
• the end section 257 is generally perpendicular to the second linear section 255 such that the sections 255 and 257 cooperative define a generally T-shape portion.
• the low band dipole branches 250 thus have a non-linear shape to reduce the overall footprint or physical area required for the low band dipole branches 250 while also increasing their electrical length. Accordingly, the low band dipole branches 250 are configured to be physically small but electrically large to resonate within the 2.4 GHz band.
• the high band dipole branches 254 are generally rectangular in shape with a notch or stepped portion 259 at a corner of the rectangular.
• the high band dipole branches 254 extend along opposite sides of the first section 251 of the low band dipole branch 250.
• the high band dipole branches 254 are spaced apart from the low band dipole branch 250 by a spaced distance 259 (e.g., L- shaped slots, etc.).
• each dipole leg or portion 21 1 there is generally linear or straight section 263 that is disposed between and/or connects the high band dipole branches 254 to the first section 251 of the low band dipole branch 250.
• the dipole radiating element 210 thus comprises a dual band dipole that is operable at the low and high bands.
• the 0 to 80 millimeter (mm) scale and 0 to 20 mm scale shown at the bottom of FIGS. 27 and 28, respectively, are for purpose of illustration only, as other embodiments may include larger or smaller antenna components.
• the electrically-conductive laminate 224 (broadly, ground plane) is along the bottom of the network board 202.
• the electrically-conductive laminate 224 may act as a reflector for each dipole 210 and may be located approximately an equal distance from each dipole 210.
• the dipole radiating elements 210 may radiate RF energy omnidirectionally in the Z-Y plane during operation of the antenna assembly 200.
• the 0 to 60 millimeter (mm) scale shown at the bottom of FIG. 29 is for purpose of illustration only, as other embodiments may include larger or smaller antenna components.
• the microstrip lines of the network board 202 and interconnect boards 212 may be connected in a similar way ⁇ e.g., using a via, etc.) to that shown in FIG. 10 for connecting the microstrip lines of the network board 102 and interconnect boards 1 12.
• the feeding structure from the network board's microstrip lines 204 to the microstrip lines of the interconnect board 212 may ensure or provide symmetrical feeding of each dipole 210 from the network's microstrip lines 204.
• the antenna assembly 200 includes a four dual band dipole array along each side of the network board 202.
• the network board 202 is also operable as a reflector.
• Each dual band dipole 210 is operable such that RF currents for both the high band ⁇ e.g., 5 GHz band, etc.) and the low band ⁇ e.g., 2.4 GHz band, etc.) are co-located on each dual band dipole 210.
• Each dual band dipole 210 is operable as a single dipole element simultaneously for the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band.
• each array of four dual band dipoles 210 is operable simultaneously and co-locates a 4 dipole-like 2.4 GHz array with a 4 dipole- like 5 GHz array.
• the four dual band dipoles 210 array may be co- located very close to each other within the array.
• the dual band dipoles 210 may be less than one wavelength apart at high band ⁇ e.g., one wavelength apart for the 5 GHz band, one wavelength apart at a frequency of 5.9 GHz, spaced apart by about 2 inches (about 5.08 centimeters) or less, etc.), Due to the close spacing of the dipoles 210 ⁇ e.g., about 2 inches apart, etc.), the sidelobes are relatively small and may thus help prevent radiating power from going in unwanted directions. But the close spacing of the dipoles 210 may also limit the gain of the antenna assembly 200. Accordingly, the radiating elements 210 may be configured to be physically small to allow close positioning of the radiating elements 210 ⁇ e.g., spaced apart by about 2 inches or less, etc.).
• the antenna assembly 200 may have good symmetrical main beams at both low and high bands and no grading lobes at high band.
• the sidelobes at the elevation patterns may thus also be small relative to main beam. Accordingly, the antenna assembly 200 may thus provide the benefit of low sidelobes within limited real estate or with a compact size.
• the antenna assembly 200 includes only four interconnecting boards 212 and only four dual band dipoles or radiating elements 210 along each radiating board 206, 208. This is significantly less than the conventional antenna shown in FIG. 13, which requires twelve interconnecting boards 12 and twelve different radiating elements 10 on each side.
• This conventional antenna includes an array 3 of four dipole radiating elements for the low band (2.4 GHz band) and another array 5 of eight dipole radiating elements for the high band (5 GHz band).
• the arrays 3, 5 are spaced apart from each other and do not use or rely upon the same radiating elements 10.
• the arrows indicate radiating currents at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which are not co-located on any one of the radiating elements 10.
• FIG. 13 shows the radiating currents at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz separated or isolated from each other as the low band radiating currents are located on or confined to the array 3 of four dipoles (on the right hand side of FIG. 13), whereas the high band radiating currents are located on or confined to the array 5 of eight dipoles (on the left hand side of FIG. 13).
• the length of the conventional antenna is very large especially when configured to have omnidirectional patterns in the azimuth plane.
• the conventional antenna may have a length of 27 1 ⁇ 2 inches to 31 1 ⁇ 2 inches (700 to 800 millimeters).
• the network board 2 is also very complex for this conventional antenna. For example, a special circuit or diplexer is required to combine the 2.4 GHz signals with the 5 GHz signals.
• the network board 2 takes up a lot of space because there are twelve total signals coming to the network board 2 that have to be combined.
• the network board 2 thus has to be relatively long, such that the antenna length is very large for the conventional antenna of FIG. 13 as compared to the antenna assembly 200 of FIG. 24, which may have a length of 8 inches of less.
• FIGS. 30 through 33 provide analysis results measured for a physical prototype of the antenna assembly 200 including the radome 218 shown in FIGS. 24 through 26. These analysis results are provided only for purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limitation.
• FIG. 30 is an exemplary line graph of voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) versus frequency (MHz) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly 200 including the radome 218.
• the VSWR may be lower because of a wide dipole shape that may allow approximately constant impedance versus frequency.
• FIG. 31 is an exemplary line graph of peak gain in decibels relative to isotropic (dBi) versus frequency (MHz) measured for the physical prototype of the antenna assembly 200 including the radome 218. As shown, the measured radiating gain is averaging around 4 dBi at low band and around 7.5 dBi at high band.
• FIG. 21 shows the pattern orientation and planes relative to a prototype antenna during radiation pattern testing.
• the example antenna assembly 200 may provide excellent azimuth radiation patterns with very little ripple in the horizon, and may provide clean elevation patterns with the beam steady at horizon. Accordingly, the antenna assembly 200 may thus provide the benefit of omnidirectional patterns with low ripple, which benefit may be obtained from the distinct structure in having a combination of network reflector and the array factor of dipoles on each side of network board.
• Exemplary embodiments of the antenna assemblies are disclosed herein that may provide one or more of (but not necessarily any or all of) the following advantages.
• Exemplary antenna assemblies may provide a compact form, such as, for example, an antenna assembly (e.g., 100, etc.) with a length less than 15 inches (381 millimeters), an antenna assembly (e.g., 200, etc.) with a length less than 8 inches ( 203.2 millimeters), etc.
• Exemplary antenna assemblies may include only four dipole-like radiating elements on a first board and on a second board, and may include only four interconnecting boards.
• An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly may provide a high gain, such as, for example, between about 8 dBi and about 10 dBi, for at least two Wi-Fi frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band and 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, etc.).
• a medium gain e.g., 4 to 7 dBi, etc.
• a measured radiating gain averaging 4 dBi at low band ⁇ e.g., 2.4 GHz band, etc.
• about 7.5 dBi at high band ⁇ e.g., 5 GHz band, etc.
• An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly may provide low omnidirectional radiation ripple in the horizon for substantially all desirable operating frequencies.
• An exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly may provide a low VSWR, such as, for example, less than about 1 .5:1 for substantially all desirable operating frequencies.
• the VSWR in the connector may be less than 2:1 at both the low band and high band simultaneously.
• 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.
• parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z.
• disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter 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 -
• Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1 -
• 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.
• [00135] 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.

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• 2014
  • 2014-08-25 WO PCT/US2014/052550 patent/WO2015147906A1/en active Application Filing
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