EP1385231A1 - An antenna array - Google Patents
An antenna array Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1385231A1 EP1385231A1 EP03024914A EP03024914A EP1385231A1 EP 1385231 A1 EP1385231 A1 EP 1385231A1 EP 03024914 A EP03024914 A EP 03024914A EP 03024914 A EP03024914 A EP 03024914A EP 1385231 A1 EP1385231 A1 EP 1385231A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- antenna elements
- antenna
- antenna array
- housing
- extending
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- H01Q21/12—Parallel arrangements of substantially straight elongated conductive units
-
- 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
- H01Q11/00—Electrically-long antennas having dimensions more than twice the shortest operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
- H01Q11/02—Non-resonant antennas, e.g. travelling-wave antenna
- H01Q11/04—Non-resonant antennas, e.g. travelling-wave antenna with parts bent, folded, shaped, screened or electrically loaded to obtain desired phase relation of radiation from selected sections of the antenna
-
- 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
- H01Q21/061—Two dimensional planar arrays
-
- 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
- H01Q21/061—Two dimensional planar arrays
- H01Q21/062—Two dimensional planar arrays using dipole aerials
-
- 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
- H01Q21/061—Two dimensional planar arrays
- H01Q21/067—Two dimensional planar arrays using endfire radiating aerial units transverse to the plane of the array
-
- 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
-
- 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
- H01Q9/30—Resonant antennas with feed to end of elongated active element, e.g. unipole
-
- 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
- H01Q9/30—Resonant antennas with feed to end of elongated active element, e.g. unipole
- H01Q9/32—Vertical arrangement of element
Definitions
- This invention relates to an antenna array for use in conjunction with personal communication systems (PCS) and, more specifically, to a compact antenna for use in conjunction with mobile communication systems.
- PCS personal communication systems
- the prior art has generally used patch and dipole antennas in a flat or "billboard” style with the “billboard” plane being vertical for this purpose with the antenna elements extending outwardly horizontally or parallel to the ground to provide the proper pattern for these types of antenna elements.
- Such antenna arrays generally have dimensions of about 3 feet by about 5 feet or more to obtain the required gain.
- the antenna array in accordance with the present invention utilizes a plurality of endfire monopole antenna elements which transmit energy in a direction normal to their major axis.
- the antenna array has a low cross section, low profile package with the area being used vertical or tube-like as opposed to the billboard shape and patch or dipole arrays of the prior art.
- the monopole antenna elements are stacked in a plurality of planes above and below each other rather than being all in one plane as in the prior art and preferably extend upwardly and/or downwardly in a direction generally normal to the ground though the antenna array will operate, but less efficiently, as long as a major component of the major axes of the antenna elements is normal to the ground.
- the radome housing the array is aerodynamically shaped on one or more sides in order to minimize wind resistance.
- the antenna array includes an RF transparent housing having a tapered end portion which is preferably substantially "V" shaped, a first plurality of parallel endfire monopole antenna elements preferably secured to a stripline or microstrip within the housing, each antenna element of the second plurality extending in the first direction, the first plurality being spaced from the second plurality extending in the first direction, the first plurality being spaced from the second plurality in the first direction.
- An energy feeding structure in the form of the stripline or microstrip is coupled to the antenna elements, with a dielectric layer disposed over that feeding structure and a ground plane disposed over the dielectric layer.
- a tapered end portion preferably is disposed so that a line bisecting the "V" is normal to the first direction.
- FIGURE 1 there is shown a typical antenna array in accordance with the present invention.
- the antenna array 1 is disposed on a pole 3 which is anchored in the ground 5.
- the antenna 1 is coupled to a communication system in standard manner which forms no part of this invention and will not be discussed herein.
- the antenna 1 includes a plurality of vertically extending dipole antenna elements 7 which will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow.
- the antenna 1 is shown in greater detail in FIGURES 2a and 2b and includes a radome portion 9 of a dielectric material which is transparent to RF in the range of interest, such as, for example, fiberglass, and secured to a pair of multilayered regions 11 and 13 which retain the dipole antenna elements 7.
- the frequency range for which the dipole antenna elements 7 is designed is determined by the height thereof as is well known.
- the radome portion 9 and multilayered portions 11 are in the form of a "V" with the dipole antenna elements 7 extending vertically upward from the multilayered region 11 and extending vertically downward from the multilayered region 13.
- the radome portion is aerodynamically shaped with the curved or bottom portion of the "V" preferably, but not necessarily, being essentially pointed to minimize wind resistance. It should be understood that a radome portion can be disposed on some or all edges to minimize wind resistance in all directions.
- each multilayered region 11 and 13 are shown in part in greater detail in FIGURE 3 wherein each multilayered region is shown as having a first feed layer 15 formed of an electrical conductor, preferably copper, the layer 15 preferably being a microstrip or strip line secured to the dipole antenna element 7 by, for example, solder 21.
- the dipole antenna element 7 is spaced from a ground plane 17, preferably of copper, which is also spaced from the feed layer 15 by a layer 19 of any standard dielectric material.
- the dipole antenna element 7 has a major axis extending in a vertical direction along the length of said dipole antenna element.
- the antenna array is shown in the shape of a "V” in the preferred embodiment, that shape is not critical.
- the array can fold back and forth several times, such as in the shape of a "W” or two or more "V”s connected together or any other shape which will provide compactness and, preferably, lower wind resistance.
Landscapes
- Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)
Abstract
An endfire monopole array in a low cross section, low profile package with
the area used being vertical or tube-like. The array is aerodynamically shaped on
one or more sides in order to minimize wind resistance. The antenna array
includes an RF transparent housing having a tapered end portion which is
substantially "V" shaped, a first plurality of parallel endfire monopole antenna
elements 7 secured to a stripline or microstrip within the housing, each antenna
element thereof extending in a first direction (e.g. antenna elements 7 extending
vertically upward from multilayered region 11) and a second plurality of parallel
endfire monopole antenna elements 7 secured to a stripline or microstrip within
the housing, each antenna elements of the second plurality extending in the first
direction (e.g. antenna elements extending vertically downward from multilayered
region 13), the first plurality being spaced from the second plurality in the first
direction. An energy feeding structure is coupled to the antenna elements, with a
dielectric layer disposed over that structure and a ground plane disposed over the
dielectric layer. A line bisecting the "V" is normal to the first direction.
Description
- This invention relates to an antenna array for use in conjunction with personal communication systems (PCS) and, more specifically, to a compact antenna for use in conjunction with mobile communication systems.
- In the field of mobile communication, such as, for example, cellular telephone systems which operate generally in the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz frequency regions, it is necessary to provide a multiplicity of antennas throughout the area covered by the system so that a user of the system has access thereto at all locations within the covered area. The quality of communication depends in part upon the gain of the antenna rays and the number and proximity of antenna rays to each other within the covered area. Gains in excess of 21 dBli are consistently requested by users. Improved gain is constantly being sought, especially in the 1900 MHz frequency region. The prior art has generally used patch and dipole antennas in a flat or "billboard" style with the "billboard" plane being vertical for this purpose with the antenna elements extending outwardly horizontally or parallel to the ground to provide the proper pattern for these types of antenna elements. Such antenna arrays generally have dimensions of about 3 feet by about 5 feet or more to obtain the required gain.
- Two methods of improving access to the system have been to increase the number of antenna arrays in the covered area and/or to increase the gain of the system antenna arrays, this being accomplished by increasing the surface areas of the individual antenna arrays. While an increase in antenna array does and has improved access to the mobile communication systems, such larger area antenna arrays become increasingly unsightly with increase in size, especially for tower top applications in urban environments where their use can also be subject to adverse zoning requirements. Such larger area antennas also become more subject to wind load effects with increase in exposed area. Such wind load effects also have a deleterious effect on the electrical properties of the antenna. It is therefore apparent that an improved type of antenna system which eliminates or at least minimizes the above noted problems of the prior art is highly desirable.
- In accordance with the present invention, the above described problems of the prior art are minimized. This is accomplished by providing an antenna array for use in conjunction with PCS systems and the like which has a low profile and smaller cross sectional area as compared with the prior art "billboard" type antenna of the same gain and appears in shape closer to that of a light fixture to provide improved aesthetics.
- Briefly, the antenna array in accordance with the present invention utilizes a plurality of endfire monopole antenna elements which transmit energy in a direction normal to their major axis. The antenna array has a low cross section, low profile package with the area being used vertical or tube-like as opposed to the billboard shape and patch or dipole arrays of the prior art. The monopole antenna elements are stacked in a plurality of planes above and below each other rather than being all in one plane as in the prior art and preferably extend upwardly and/or downwardly in a direction generally normal to the ground though the antenna array will operate, but less efficiently, as long as a major component of the major axes of the antenna elements is normal to the ground. In addition, the radome housing the array is aerodynamically shaped on one or more sides in order to minimize wind resistance.
- The antenna array includes an RF transparent housing having a tapered end portion which is preferably substantially "V" shaped, a first plurality of parallel endfire monopole antenna elements preferably secured to a stripline or microstrip within the housing, each antenna element of the second plurality extending in the first direction, the first plurality being spaced from the second plurality extending in the first direction, the first plurality being spaced from the second plurality in the first direction. An energy feeding structure in the form of the stripline or microstrip is coupled to the antenna elements, with a dielectric layer disposed over that feeding structure and a ground plane disposed over the dielectric layer. A tapered end portion preferably is disposed so that a line bisecting the "V" is normal to the first direction.
- The present invention will now be further described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of the antenna array of the present invention operationally positioned;
- FIGURE 2a is a perspective view of an antenna array in accordance with the present invention;
- FIGURE 2b is a cross sectional view taken along the line 2b-2b of FIGURE 2a; and
- FIGURE 3 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2b.
-
- Referring first to FIGURE 1, there is shown a typical antenna array in accordance with the present invention. The antenna array 1 is disposed on a pole 3 which is anchored in the ground 5. The antenna 1 is coupled to a communication system in standard manner which forms no part of this invention and will not be discussed herein. The antenna 1 includes a plurality of vertically extending
dipole antenna elements 7 which will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow. - The antenna 1 is shown in greater detail in FIGURES 2a and 2b and includes a radome portion 9 of a dielectric material which is transparent to RF in the range of interest, such as, for example, fiberglass, and secured to a pair of
multilayered regions dipole antenna elements 7. The frequency range for which thedipole antenna elements 7 is designed is determined by the height thereof as is well known. The radome portion 9 andmultilayered portions 11 are in the form of a "V" with thedipole antenna elements 7 extending vertically upward from themultilayered region 11 and extending vertically downward from themultilayered region 13. The radome portion is aerodynamically shaped with the curved or bottom portion of the "V" preferably, but not necessarily, being essentially pointed to minimize wind resistance. It should be understood that a radome portion can be disposed on some or all edges to minimize wind resistance in all directions. - The
multilayered regions first feed layer 15 formed of an electrical conductor, preferably copper, thelayer 15 preferably being a microstrip or strip line secured to thedipole antenna element 7 by, for example,solder 21. Thedipole antenna element 7 is spaced from aground plane 17, preferably of copper, which is also spaced from thefeed layer 15 by alayer 19 of any standard dielectric material. Thedipole antenna element 7 has a major axis extending in a vertical direction along the length of said dipole antenna element. - It should be understood that, though the antenna array is shown in the shape of a "V" in the preferred embodiment, that shape is not critical. The array can fold back and forth several times, such as in the shape of a "W" or two or more "V"s connected together or any other shape which will provide compactness and, preferably, lower wind resistance.
- Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment thereof, many variations and modifications will immediately become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (5)
- A ground-based antenna array which comprises:(a) a housing having an aerodynamically tapered end portion secured from substantial movement relative to the surface of the earth and having a cross section including a pair of spaced apart parallel regions terminating at said tapered end portion;(b) a first plurality of parallel monopole antenna elements secured to said housing at one of said pair of regions, each antenna element of said first plurality extending in a first direction; and(c) a second plurality of parallel monopole antenna elements secured to said housing at the other of said pair of regions, each antenna elements of said second plurality extending in said first direction, said first plurality being spaced from said second plurality and extending in said first direction.
- The antenna array of claim 1 wherein said housing is RF transparent in at least a predetermined RF range.
- The antenna array of claim 1 or claim 2, further including energy feeding means coupled to said antenna elements, a dielectric layer disposed over said energy feeding means and a ground plane disposed over said dielectric layer and spaced from said energy feeding means.
- The antenna array of any of claims 1 to 3 wherein said tapered portion is substantially "V" shaped, a line substantially bisecting said "V" being substantially normal to said first direction.
- The antenna array of any of claims 1 to 4 wherein a bisector of said tapered portion is disposed substantially parallel to the surface of the earth at the location of said antenna array and wherein the bottom portion of said tapered portion is pointed to minimize wind resistance.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US2676896P | 1996-09-26 | 1996-09-26 | |
US26768P | 1996-09-26 | ||
EP97116712A EP0833404A3 (en) | 1996-09-26 | 1997-09-25 | An antenna array |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP97116712A Division EP0833404A3 (en) | 1996-09-26 | 1997-09-25 | An antenna array |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1385231A1 true EP1385231A1 (en) | 2004-01-28 |
Family
ID=30001895
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP03024914A Withdrawn EP1385231A1 (en) | 1996-09-26 | 1997-09-25 | An antenna array |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1385231A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2410498A1 (en) * | 1974-03-05 | 1975-09-18 | Kathrein Werke Kg | LOGARITHMIC-PERIODIC ANTENNA |
EP0082053A1 (en) * | 1981-12-15 | 1983-06-22 | Thomson-Csf | Radiating system comprising two stacked antennas working in the same frequency band |
GB2207557A (en) * | 1987-06-01 | 1989-02-01 | Leader Radio Co Ltd | Antenna |
EP0519855A1 (en) * | 1991-06-17 | 1992-12-23 | Tecnes S.A. | Compact active antenna for weather satellite |
EP0717460A1 (en) * | 1994-12-12 | 1996-06-19 | Teracom Components Ab | Device at antenna systems for generating radio waves |
-
1997
- 1997-09-25 EP EP03024914A patent/EP1385231A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2410498A1 (en) * | 1974-03-05 | 1975-09-18 | Kathrein Werke Kg | LOGARITHMIC-PERIODIC ANTENNA |
EP0082053A1 (en) * | 1981-12-15 | 1983-06-22 | Thomson-Csf | Radiating system comprising two stacked antennas working in the same frequency band |
GB2207557A (en) * | 1987-06-01 | 1989-02-01 | Leader Radio Co Ltd | Antenna |
EP0519855A1 (en) * | 1991-06-17 | 1992-12-23 | Tecnes S.A. | Compact active antenna for weather satellite |
EP0717460A1 (en) * | 1994-12-12 | 1996-06-19 | Teracom Components Ab | Device at antenna systems for generating radio waves |
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