FIELD
[0001] The specification relates generally to antennas, and specifically to a coupled-feed
wideband antenna.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Current mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets and the like, generally
have different antennas implemented to support different types of wireless protocols
and/or to cover different frequency ranges. For example, LTE (Long Term Evolution)
bands, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) bands, UMTS (Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System) bands, and/or WLAN (wireless local area network) bands,
cover frequency ranges from 700 to 960 MHz, 1710- 2170 MHz, and 2500-2700 MHz and
the specific channels within these bands can vary from region to region necessitating
the use of different antennas for each region in similar models of devices. This can
complicate both resourcing and managing the different antennas for devices in each
region.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present disclosure describes examples of a coupled-feed wideband antenna that
can resonate at three frequency responses to cover bands that include channels for
LTE bands, GSM bands, UMTS bands, and/or WLAN bands in a plurality of geographical
regions.
[0004] In this specification, elements may be described as "configured to" perform one or
more functions or "configured for" such functions. In general, an element that is
configured to perform or configured for performing a function is enabled to perform
the function, or is suitable for performing the function, or is adapted to perform
the function, or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing
the function.
[0005] Furthermore, as will become apparent, in this specification certain elements may
be described as connected physically, electronically, or any combination thereof,
according to context. In general, components that are electrically connected are configured
to communicate (that is, they are capable of communicating) by way of electric signals.
According to context, two components that are physically coupled and/or physically
connected may behave as a single element. In some cases, physically connected elements
may be integrally formed, e.g., part of a single-piece article that may share structures
and materials. In other cases, physically connected elements may comprise discrete
components that may be fastened together in any fashion. Physical connections may
also include a combination of discrete components fastened together, and components
fashioned as a single piece.
[0006] Furthermore, as will become apparent in this specification, certain antenna components
may be described as being configured for generating a resonance at a given frequency
and/or resonating at a given frequency and/or having a resonance at a given frequency.
In general, an antenna component that is configured to resonate at a given frequency,
and the like, can also be described as having a resonant length and/or a radiation
length, an electrical length and the like corresponding to the given frequency. The
electrical length can be similar to or different from a physical length of the antenna
component. However, the electrical length of the antenna component can also be different
from the physical length, for example by using electronic components to effectively
lengthen the electrical length as compared to the physical length. However, the term
electrical length is most often used with respect to simple monopole and/or dipole
antennas. The resonant length can be similar to, or different from, the electrical
length and the physical length of the antenna component. In general, the resonant
length corresponds to an effective length of an antenna component used to generate
a resonance at the given frequency; for example, for irregularly shaped and/or complex
antenna components that resonate at a given frequency, the resonant length can be
described as a length of a simple antenna component, including but not limited to
a monopole antenna and a dipole antenna, that resonates at the same given frequency.
[0007] An aspect of the specification provides a device comprising: a chassis comprising
a ground plane; an antenna feed, a ground side of the antenna feed connected to the
ground plane; and, an antenna comprising: a first radiating arm configured for generating
a first resonance at a first frequency, the first radiating arm connected to the ground
plane; a second radiating arm configured for generating a second resonance at a second
frequency higher than the first frequency, the second radiating arm connected to the
ground plane; and a third radiating arm configured for generating a third resonance
at a third frequency higher than the second frequency, the first radiating arm capacitively
coupled to the third radiating arm, and the third radiating arm connected to a positive
side of the antenna feed.
[0008] The first resonance can comprise a frequency range from about 700 MHz to about 960
MHz.
[0009] The second resonance can comprise a frequency range from about 1710 MHz to about
2170 MHz.
[0010] The third resonance can comprise a frequency range from about 2500 MHz to about 2700
MHz.
[0011] The third radiating arm can comprise a first rectangle and a second rectangle smaller
than the first rectangle and forming an L-shape with the first rectangle.
[0012] The first radiating arm and the second radiating arm can be arranged along a line,
and radiating ends of each of the first radiating arm and the second radiating arm
can be separated by a gap for preventing capacitive coupling there between. The chassis
can define an opening and the first radiating arm and the second radiating arm can
extend along an outer edge of the opening. The third radiating arm can be located
within the opening. The first radiating arm and the third radiating arm can be capacitively
coupled across a gap. The gap can be less than about 1 mm wide. The first radiating
arm can comprise a larger width than a remainder of the first radiating arm in a region
that forms the gap with the third radiating arm. The region can be about 23.5 mm long.
[0013] The first radiating arm can be about 53 mm long.
[0014] The second radiating arm can be about 11 mm long.
[0015] The third radiating arm can comprise a first rectangle that can be about 6.5 mm by
about 25 mm, and a second rectangle extending from a small edge of the first rectangle,
and the second rectangle can be about 5 mm by about 3.3 mm.
[0016] One or more of the first radiating arm and the second radiating arm can be L-shaped.
[0017] The chassis can comprise one or more of a conducting material and a conducting metal.
[0018] The antenna can be at least partially integrated with the chassis.
[0019] The first radiating arm and the second radiating arm can be connected to the chassis
using attachment portions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] For a better understanding of the various implementations described herein and to
show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made,
by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0021] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a device that includes a coupled-feed wideband
antenna, according to non-limiting implementations.
[0022] Fig. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of the coupled-feed wideband antenna of Fig. 1,
according to non-limiting implementations.
[0023] Fig. 3 depicts a return-loss curve of the coupled-feed wideband antenna of Fig. 1,
according to non-limiting implementations.
[0024] Fig. 4 depicts an efficiency curve of the coupled-feed wideband antenna of Fig. 1,
according to non-limiting implementations.
[0025] Fig. 5 depicts dimensions of the coupled-feed wideband antenna of Fig. 1 used to
produce the return-loss curve of Fig. 3 and the efficiency curve of Fig. 4, according
to non-limiting implementations.
[0026] Fig. 6 depicts a portion of the chassis of the device of Fig. 1 prior to being adapted
to include the coupled-feed wideband antenna, according to non-limiting implementations.
[0027] Fig. 7 depicts the portion of the chassis of Fig. 6 adapted to form a first radiating
arm and a second radiating arm of the coupled-feed wideband antenna, according to
non-limiting implementations.
[0028] Fig. 8 depicts the chassis of Fig. 7 further adapted to widen a portion of a length
of the first radiating arm, according to non-limiting implementations.
[0029] Fig. 9 depicts an alternative portion of the chassis of the device of Fig. 1 prior
to being adapted to include a coupled-feed wideband antenna, according to non-limiting
implementations.
[0030] Fig. 10 depicts the portion of the chassis of Fig. 9 adapted to include the coupled-feed
wideband antenna, according to non-limiting implementations.
[0031] Fig. 11 an alternative coupled-feed wideband antenna, according to non-limiting implementations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a mobile electronic device 101, referred to
interchangeably hereafter as device 101. Device 101 comprises: a chassis 109 comprising
a ground plane; and antenna feed 111, a ground side (labelled "-" in Fig. 1) of antenna
feed 111 connected to the ground plane, and a coupled-feed wideband antenna 115, described
in further detail below. Coupled-feed wideband antenna 115 will be interchangeably
referred to hereafter as antenna 115. Device 101 can be any type of electronic device
that can be used in a self-contained manner to communicate with one or more communication
networks using antenna 115. Device 101 includes, but is not limited to, any suitable
combination of electronic devices, communications devices, computing devices, personal
computers, laptop computers, portable electronic devices, mobile computing devices,
portable computing devices, tablet computing devices, laptop computing devices, desktop
phones, telephones, PDAs (personal digital assistants), cellphones, smartphones, e-readers,
internet-enabled appliances and the like. Other suitable devices are within the scope
of present implementations. Device hence further comprise a processor 120, a memory
122, a display 126, a communication interface 124 that can optionally comprise antenna
feed 111, at least one input device 128, a speaker 132 and a microphone 134.
[0033] It should be emphasized that the structure of device 101 in Fig. 1 is purely an example,
and contemplates a device that can be used for both wireless voice (e.g. telephony)
and wireless data communications (e.g. email, web browsing, text, and the like). However,
Fig. 1 contemplates a device that can be used for any suitable specialized functions,
including, but not limited, to one or more of, telephony, computing, appliance, and/or
entertainment related functions.
[0034] Device 101 comprises at least one input device 128 generally configured to receive
input data, and can comprise any suitable combination of input devices, including
but not limited to a keyboard, a keypad, a pointing device, a mouse, a track wheel,
a trackball, a touchpad, a touch screen and the like. Other suitable input devices
are within the scope of present implementations.
[0035] Input from input device 128 is received at processor 120 (which can be implemented
as a plurality of processors, including but not limited to one or more central processors
(CPUs)). Processor 120 is configured to communicate with a memory 122 comprising a
non-volatile storage unit (e.g. Erasable Electronic Programmable Read Only Memory
("EEPROM"), Flash Memory) and a volatile storage unit (e.g. random access memory ("RAM")).
Programming instructions that implement the functional teachings of device 101 as
described herein are typically maintained, persistently, in memory 122 and used by
processor 120 which makes appropriate utilization of volatile storage during the execution
of such programming instructions. Those skilled in the art will now recognize that
memory 122 is an example of computer readable media that can store programming instructions
executable on processor 120. Furthermore, memory 122 is also an example of a memory
unit and/or memory module.
[0036] Processor 120 can be further configured to communicate with display 126, and microphone
134 and speaker 132. Display 126 comprises any suitable one of, or combination of,
CRT (cathode ray tube) and/or flat panel display (e.g. LCD (liquid crystal display),
plasma, OLED (organic light emitting diode), capacitive or resistive touchscreens,
and the like). Microphone 134, comprises any suitable microphone for receiving sound
and converting to audio data. Speaker 132 comprises any suitable speaker for converting
audio data to sound to provide one or more of audible alerts, audible communications
from remote communication devices, and the like. In some implementations, input device
128 and display 126 are external to device 101, with processor 120 in communication
with each of input device 128 and display 126 via a suitable connection and/or link.
[0037] Processor 120 also connects to communication interface 124 (interchangeably referred
to interchangeably as interface 124), which can be implemented as one or more radios
and/or connectors and/or network adaptors, configured to wirelessly communicate with
one or more communication networks (not depicted) via antenna 115. It will be appreciated
that interface 124 is configured to correspond with network architecture that is used
to implement one or more communication links to the one or more communication networks,
including but not limited to any suitable combination of USB (universal serial bus)
cables, serial cables, wireless links, cell-phone links, cellular network links (including
but not limited to 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 4G+ such as UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications
System), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), CDMA (Code division multiple
access), , FDD (frequency division duplexing), LTE (Long Term Evolution), TDD (time
division duplexing), TDD-LTE (TDD-Long Term Evolution), TD-SCDMA (Time Division Synchronous
Code Division Multiple Access) and the like, wireless data, Bluetooth links, NFC (near
field communication) links, WLAN (wireless local area network) links, WiFi links,
WiMax links, packet based links, the Internet, analog networks, the PSTN (public switched
telephone network), access points, and the like, and/or a combination.
[0038] Specifically, interface 124 comprises radio equipment (i.e. a radio transmitter and/or
radio receiver) for receiving and transmitting signals using antenna 115. It is further
appreciated that interface 124 can comprise antenna feed 111, which alternatively
can be separate from interface 124.
[0039] It is yet further appreciated that device 101 comprises a power source, not depicted,
for example a battery or the like. In some implementations the power source can comprise
a connection to a mains power supply and a power adaptor (e.g. and AC-to-DC (alternating
current to direct current) adaptor).
[0040] It is yet further appreciated that device 101 further comprises an outer housing
which houses components of device 101, including chassis 109. Chassis 109 can be internal
to the outer housing and be configured to provide structural integrity to device 101.
Chassis 109 can be further configured to support components of device 101 attached
thereto, for example, display 126. In specific implementations chassis 109 can comprise
one or more of a conducting material and a conducting metal, such that chassis 109
forms the ground plane; in alternative implementations, at least a portion of chassis
109 can comprise one or more of a conductive covering and a conductive coating which
forms the ground plane.
[0041] In any event, it should be understood that a wide variety of configurations for device
101 are contemplated.
[0042] Attention is next directed to Fig. 2, which depicts non-limiting implementations
of antenna 115 at least partially integrated with chassis 109. Specifically, Fig.
2 depicts an internal portion of device 101 that includes chassis 109 comprising ground
plane 200, connection portions of antenna feed 111, and antenna 115. It is appreciated
that Fig. 2 does not depict all of chassis 109, but a portion that includes antenna
115.
[0043] In general, antenna 115 comprises: a first radiating arm 201 configured for generating
a first resonance at a first frequency, first radiating arm 201 connected to ground
plane 200 (i.e. as depicted, first radiating arm 201 is connected to chassis 109);
a second radiating arm 202 configured for generating a second resonance at a second
frequency higher than the first frequency, second radiating arm 202 connected to ground
plane 200 (i.e. as depicted, second radiating arm 202 is connected to chassis 109);
and a third radiating arm 203 configured for generating a third resonance at a third
frequency higher than the second frequency, first radiating arm 201 capacitively coupled
to third radiating arm 203, and third radiating arm 203 connected to a positive side
of antenna feed 111 (i.e. a side opposite the ground side of antenna feed 111, and/or
the side labelled "+" in Fig. 1).
[0044] In these implementations first radiating arm 201 and second radiating arm 202 are
integrated with chassis 109 and hence ground plane 200; hence components of antenna
115 are indicated In Fig. 2 using stippled lines. Hence, each of first radiating arm
201 and second radiating arm 202 comprise monopole parasitic components in communication
with antenna feed 111 using third radiating arm 203.
[0045] Furthermore, third radiating arm 203 comprises a monopole antenna located in an opening
205 formed by first radiating arm 201, second radiating arm 202 and chassis 109. Specifically,
first radiating arm 201 and second radiating arm 202 are arranged along a line along
an outer side of chassis 109, and radiating ends of each of first radiating arm 201
and second radiating arm 202 are separated by a gap 207 for preventing capacitive
coupling there between. In other words, gap 207 is wide enough so that capacitive
coupling does not occur between first radiating arm 201 and second radiating arm 202.
Furthermore, in depicted implementations, as first radiating arm 201 and second radiating
arm 202 are integrated with chassis 109, chassis 109 defining and/or forming opening
205, and first radiating arm 201 and second radiating arm 202 extend along an outer
edge of opening 205. Further gap 207 extends from an outer edge of each of first radiating
arm 201 and second radiating arm 202 into opening 205.
[0046] Third radiating arm is located within opening 205 but is not electrically connected
to chassis 109 other than through antenna feed 111. In depicted implementations, third
radiating arm 203 comprises a first rectangle 209 and a second rectangle 211 smaller
than first rectangle 209 and forming an L-shape with first rectangle 209; further,
as depicted first radiating arm 201 is capacitively coupled to third radiating arm
203 along a portion of first rectangle 209 but not second rectangle 211. However,
in other implementations, first radiating arm 201 can be capacitively coupled to third
radiating arm 203 along a portion of one or more of first rectangle 209 and second
rectangle 211.
[0047] It is yet further appreciated that first radiating arm 201 and third radiating arm
203 are capacitively coupled across a gap 213 there between. In other words, gap 213
is small enough for capacitive coupling to occur between first radiating arm 201 and
third radiating arm 203; this affects the resonance frequency of each and allows for
greater versatility in designing antenna 115. Indeed, antenna feed 111 can hence feed
first radiating arm 201 using both ground plane 200 and the capacitive coupling with
third radiating arm 203 across gap 213.
[0048] A width of gap 213 can be controlled by widening at least a portion of first radiating
arm 201. For example, in depicted implementations, first radiating arm 201 comprises
a larger width than a remainder of first radiating arm 201 in a region 215 that forms
gap 213 with third radiating arm 203. Widening of first radiating arm 201 is described
below with reference to Fig. 8.
[0049] It is further appreciated that antenna 115 is configured to generate resonances at
three frequencies corresponding to each of first radiating arm 201, second radiating
arm 202 and third radiating arm 203. In specific non-limiting implementations, antenna
115 can be configured to generate resonances in frequency bands corresponding to one
or more of LTE frequency bands, GSM frequency bands, UMTS frequency bands and WLAN
frequency bands.
[0050] For example, attention is directed to Fig.3 which depicts a return-loss curve for
specific non-limiting implementations of successful prototypes of antenna 115 between
about 650 MHz and about 3000 MHz (or 3 GHz), with return-loss shown on the Y-axis
and frequency shown on the x-axis.
[0051] In these implementations, first radiating arm 201 generates the first resonance at
a first frequency, the first resonance comprising a frequency range of about 700 MHz
to about 960 MHz (e.g. including point 1 at about 734 MHz, point 2 at about 821 MHz,
and point 4 at about 960 MHz on the return-loss curve). In other words, from Fig.
3 it is apparent that the first frequency is about 800 MHz, and the first resonance
has a bandwidth that includes frequencies in a frequency range of about 700 MHz to
about 960 MHz. However, by adjusting the dimensions of antenna 115, both the first
frequency and the bandwidth of the first resonance can be tuned.
[0052] Further, second radiating arm 202 generates the second resonance, the second resonance
comprising a frequency range of about 1710 MHz to about 2170 MHz (e.g. including point
3 at about 1710 MHz, point 5 at about 1805 MHz, point 6 at about 1930 MHz and point
7 at about 2170 MHz on the return-loss curve). In other words, from Fig. 3 it is apparent
that the second frequency is about 1930 MHz, and the first resonance has a bandwidth
that includes frequencies in a frequency range of about 1710 MHz to about 2170 MHz.
However, by adjusting the dimensions of antenna 115, both the second frequency and
the bandwidth of the second resonance can be tuned.
[0053] Further, third radiating arm 203 generates the third resonance, the third resonance
comprising a frequency range of about 2500 MHz to about 2700 MHz (e.g. including point
8 at about 2500 MHz and point 9 at about 2690 MHz on the return-loss curve). In other
words, from Fig. 3 it is apparent that the third frequency is about 2670 MHz, and
the first resonance has a bandwidth that includes frequencies in a frequency range
of about 2500 MHz to about 2700 MHz. However, by adjusting the dimensions of antenna
115, both the third frequency and the bandwidth of the third resonance can be tuned.
[0054] Furthermore, antenna 115 can achieve good efficiency over these frequency ranges.
For example, attention is directed to Fig. 4 which depicts efficiency of specific
non-limiting implementations the successful prototypes of antenna 115 over a similar
frequency range as that depicted in Fig. 3, with efficiency shown on the y-axis and
frequency shown on the x-axis. The poorest efficiency is about -4.5 dB, around 950
MHz, while the best efficiency is around -0.8 dB at around 2060 MHz, with a relatively
flat efficiency from about 1710 MHz to about 2700 MHz.
[0055] Dimensions and/or shapes of antenna 115 and each of first radiating arm 201, second
radiating arm 202 and third radiating arm 203 can be varied heuristically and/or experimentally
to determine dimensions for achieving the return-loss curve of Fig. 3 and the efficiency
of Fig. 4. For example, attention is directed to Fig. 5 which depicts a subset of
the portion of chassis 109 depicted in Fig. 2, and first radiating arm 201, second
radiating arm 202 and third radiating arm 203, as well as dimensions thereof used
to achieve the return-loss curve of Fig. 3 and the efficiency of Fig. 4 in a successful
prototype.
[0056] In these implementations, first radiating arm 201 is about 53 mm long, second radiating
arm 202 is about 11 mm long, and third radiating arm 203 comprises first rectangle
209 that is about 6.5 mm by about 25 mm, and second rectangle 211 extending from a
small edge of first rectangle 209, second rectangle 211 being about 5 mm by about
3.3 mm.
[0057] First radiating arm 201 is capacitively coupled to third radiating arm 203 across
gap 213, gap 213 being less than about 1 mm. Furthermore, region 215 is about 23.5
mm long, slightly less than the length of about 25 mm of first rectangle 209.
[0058] Gap 207 between first radiating arm 201 and second radiating arm 202 is about 3 mm.
Each of first radiating arm 201 and second radiating arm 202 is about 4.5 mm wide,
and region 215 is about 2.5 mm wider than a remainder of first radiating arm 201.
[0059] Opening 205 is about 67 mm by about 10 mm, and furthermore, as depicted, a right
edge of third radiating arm 203 is located about 29.5 mm from a right edge of opening
205. A left edge of first rectangle 209 of third radiating arm 203 is located about
12.5 mm from a left edge of opening 205. Further, a bottom edge of third radiating
arm 203 is separated from chassis 109 by a gap of less than about 1 mm; in some implementations
the gap between a bottom edge of third radiating arm 203 and chassis is about 0.7
mm. It is appreciated, however, that the terms "right", "left", and "bottom" are only
meant to refer to Fig. 5 and is not meant to imply that the referred to edges are
always located on the right or on the bottom; rather, components depicted in Fig.
5 can be rotated in any given direction.
[0060] However, while specific dimensions are depicted in Fig. 5, in other implementations,
other dimensions and/or shapes of components of antenna 115 can be used to achieve
resonances at different bandwidths.
[0061] It is further appreciated that, in present implementations, a chassis of a device
can be adapted to form at least a portion of antenna 115. For example, attention is
directed to Fig. 6, which depicts a same portion of chassis 109 of device 101 as in
Fig. 2, prior to chassis 109 being adapted to form antenna 115. It is appreciated
that chassis 109 forms opening 205 and chassis 109 further includes ground plane 200.
Opening 205 can be a feature of chassis 109 provided specifically for an antenna structure,
such as antenna 115. In any event, stippled vertical lines 601 correspond to edges
of gap 207 and it is appreciated that the area of chassis 109 between lines 601 can
be removed and/or machined away to form first radiating arm 201, second radiating
arm 202 and gap 207.
[0062] Indeed, attention is next directed to Fig. 7 which is similar to Fig. 6, however
material from the area of chassis 109 between lines 601 has been removed and/or machined
away to form first radiating arm 201, second radiating arm 201, and gap 207.
[0063] In some implementations, a width of first radiating arm 201 can initially be about
a width of region 215 and material can be removed, machined away and the like to narrow
a width of first radiating arm 201 except in region 215. Indeed, the method of forming
region 215 is generally appreciated to be non-limiting.
[0064] In alternative implementations, and as depicted in Fig. 8, first radiating arm 201
can be adapted to increase a width of first radiating arm 201 in region 215. Fig.
8 is similar to Fig. 6, but with conducting material added to region 215 to widen
first radiating arm 201. For example, as depicted, one or more of conducting foil,
conducting material and the like can be wrapped around and/or attached to first radiating
arm 201 in region 215 to widen first radiating arm, presuming electrical contact is
made between the conducting foil, conducting material and the like and first radiating
arm 201; alternatively, conducting material can be attached to an edge of first radiating
arm 201 in region 215 to widen first radiating arm 201.
[0065] It is further appreciated that, in some implementations, region 215 can be integral
with a remainder of first radiating arm 201 (e.g. as in Fig. 2), while in other implementations
region 215 can be removably attached to a remainder of first radiating arm 201, as
in Fig. 8.
[0066] It is appreciated that chassis 109 depicted in Fig. 8 can then be further adapted
to add third radiating arm 203 as depicted in Fig. 2. For example, third radiating
arm 203 can be mounted on non-conducting material within opening 205 and/or underneath
opening 205.
[0067] Hence, the sequence of Figs. 6, 7, 8 and 2 depict chassis 109 being adapted to include
antenna 115. However, the steps for adapting chassis 109 to include antenna 115 need
not be performed in the order as described above. For example, gap 207 can be formed
before or after region 215 is formed and/or third radiating arm 203 is added. Indeed
the sequence depicted in Figs. 6, 7, 8 and 2 can be performed in any order that results
in the configuration of Fig. 2.
[0068] Attention is next directed to Fig. 9, which depicts an alternate chassis 109a comprising
a ground plane 200a and an opening 205a, respectively similar to chassis 109 and ground
plane 200, however opening 205a comprises an open cutout of chassis 109a rather than
an aperture. In any event, attention is next directed to Fig. 10 which depicts chassis
109a adapted to include an antenna 115a, which is similar to antenna 115. Fig. 10
is similar to Fig. 2, with like elements having like numbers, but with an "a" appended
thereto; further, while not all components of Fig. 10 are labelled similar to Fig.
2, they are appreciated to be nonetheless present.
[0069] Hence, antenna 115a comprises a first radiating arm 201a having a region 215a, a
second radiating arm 202a, and a third radiating arm 203a, each respectively similar
to first radiating arm 201, second radiating arm 202, and third radiating arm 203,
with a gap 207a between first radiating arm 201a and second radiating arm 202a, similar
to gap 207, and a gap 213a between first radiating arm 201a, and third radiating arm
203a, similar to gap 213. Further, an antenna feed 111a is connected to third radiating
arm 203a and ground plane 200a, similar to antenna feed 111. In other words, antenna
115a is similar to antenna 115, however first radiating arm 201a and second radiating
arm 202a are not integral with chassis 109a; rather first radiating arm 201a and second
radiating arm 202a are physically and electrically attached to chassis 109a using
respective attachment portions 1001. Each attachment portion 1001 can comprise one
or more of a spring, an electrical connector, a conducting material and the like;
however, in general, respective attachment portions 1001 are each configured to attach
first radiating arm 201a and second radiating arm 202a to chassis 109a in opening
205a.
[0070] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations
and modifications possible. For example, attention is directed to Fig. 11 which depicts
another non-limiting implementation of a chassis 109b comprising a ground plane 200b,
an opening 205b, and an antenna 115b, similar to antenna 115. Indeed, Fig. 11 is similar
to Fig. 2, with like elements having like numbers, but with a "b" appended thereto;
further, while not all components of Fig. 11 are labelled similar to Fig. 2, there
are appreciated to be nonetheless present. Hence, antenna 115b comprises a first radiating
arm 201b, having a region 215b, a second radiating arm 202b, and a third radiating
arm 203b, each respectively similar to first radiating arm 201, second radiating arm
202, and third radiating arm 203, with a gap 207b between first radiating arm 201b
and second radiating arm 202b, similar to gap 207, and a gap 213b between first radiating
arm 201b, and third radiating arm 203b, similar to gap 213. Further, an antenna feed
111b is connected to third radiating arm 203b and ground plane 200b, similar to antenna
feed 111. Hence, antenna 115b is similar to antenna 115, however each of first radiating
arm 201b and second radiating arm 202b are "L" shaped, at respective radiating ends
adjacent gap 207b. Indeed, in other implementations, only one of first radiating arm
201b and second radiating arm 202b can be "L" shaped. Further the specific shape of
each of first radiating arm 201b, second radiating arm 202b and third radiating arm
203b are not specifically limited to those shapes depicted herein, but can be determined
heuristally and/or experimentally.
[0071] In any event, a versatile coupled-feed wideband antenna is described herein that
can replace a plurality of antennas at a mobile electronic device. The specific resonance
bands of the antennas described herein can be varied by varying the dimensions of
components of the antenna to advantageously align the bands with bands used by service
providers to provide communication providers. Further, the present antenna obviates
the need to use different antennas for different bands in different regions as the
width of resonance in each frequency band is also wide enough to accommodate a plurality
of channels in each band.
[0072] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject
to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction
by any one of the patent document or patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent
and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights
whatsoever.
[0073] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations
and modifications possible, and that the above examples are only illustrations of
one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims
appended here.
1. A device (101) comprising:
a chassis (109) comprising a ground plane (200);
an antenna feed (111), a ground side of the antenna feed (111) connected to the ground
plane (200); and,
an antenna (115) comprising:
a first radiating arm (201) configured for generating a first resonance at a first
frequency, the first radiating arm (201) connected to the ground plane (200);
a second radiating arm (202) configured for generating a second resonance at a second
frequency higher than the first frequency, the second radiating arm (202) connected
to the ground plane (200); and
a third radiating arm (203) configured for generating a third resonance at a third
frequency higher than the second frequency, the first radiating arm (201) capacitively
coupled to the third radiating arm (203), and the third radiating arm (203) connected
to a positive side of the antenna feed (111).
2. The device (101) of claim 1, wherein the first resonance comprises a frequency range
from about 700 MHz to about 960 MHz, the second resonance comprises a frequency range
from about 1710 MHz to about 2170 MHz, and the third resonance comprises a frequency
range from about 2500 MHz to about 2700 MHz.
3. The device (101) of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the third radiating arm (203) comprises
a first rectangle and a second rectangle smaller than the first rectangle and forming
an L-shape with the first rectangle.
4. The device (101) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first radiating arm (201) and
the second radiating arm (202) are arranged along a line, and radiating ends of each
of the first radiating arm (201) and the second radiating arm (202) are separated
by a gap (207) for preventing capacitive coupling there between.
5. The device (101) of claim 4, wherein the chassis (109) defines an opening (205) and
the first radiating arm (201) and the second radiating arm (202) extend along an outer
edge of the opening (205).
6. The device (101) of claim 5, wherein the third radiating arm (203) is located within
the opening (205).
7. The device (101) of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first radiating arm (201) and
the third radiating arm (203) are capacitively coupled across a gap (213).
8. The device (101) of claim 7, wherein the gap (213) is less than about 1 mm wide.
9. The device (101) of claim 7, wherein the first radiating arm (201) comprises a larger
width than a remainder of the first radiating arm (201) in a region that forms the
gap (213) with the third radiating arm (203).
10. The device (101) of claim 9, wherein the region is about 23.5 mm long.
11. The device (101) any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first radiating arm (201) is about
53 mm long, and the second radiating arm (202) is about 11 mm long, and the third
radiating arm (203) comprises a first rectangle that is about 6.5 mm by about 25 mm,
and a second rectangle extending from a small edge of the first rectangle, the second
rectangle being about 5 mm by about 3.3 mm.
12. The device (101) of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first radiating arm (201)
and the second radiating arm (202) are L-shaped.
13. The device (101) of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the chassis (109) comprises one
or more of a conducting material and a conducting metal.
14. The device (101) of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the antenna (115) is at least partially
integrated with the chassis (109).
15. The device (101) of claim 1, wherein the first radiating arm (201) and the second
radiating arm (202) are connected to the chassis (109) using attachment portions (1001).