Communications: radio wave antennas – Antennas – With grounding structure
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-20
2001-07-10
Wong, Don (Department: 2821)
Communications: radio wave antennas
Antennas
With grounding structure
C343S702000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06259418
ABSTRACT:
THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to compact antennas used in restricted profile, wireless electronic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an antenna with a novel geometric configuration which improves performance and conserves space in its host device. The antenna of the present invention comprises a radiator with unique reverse curvature that allows the radiator to emanate from a central position on a ground plane element and be redirected to a position distal to the host device.
BACKGROUND
Wireless communication devices are now becoming commonplace in the electronics industry. Wireless networking of portable computers and associated devices is now replacing a large segment of the networking market. Wireless communication devices including wireless networking adapters, hubs and other equipment utilize radio transmitters and receivers to transmit data signals from one device or node to another. These radio transmitters and receivers must utilize a specific frequency band and protocol to accomplish this task. Since these wireless networks and communications areas may often overlap, standards, protocols and privacy protection are necessary. One current standard in the industry has been established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) and is known as IEEE 802.11. This standard comprises communications standards, protocol and equipment specifications for wireless communication equipment including privacy and encryption provisions.
Another emerging standard in wireless communications and networking, known as Bluetooth® is being established by a collaborative group of communications and computing companies. Devices incorporating Bluetooth® technology will utilize a micro-chip transceiver for communications between devices. Bluetooth® devices will transmit in the previously unused 2.4 GHz range. Bluetooth® technology promises to be a viable and economical networking solution for interconnection of cell phones, computers, printers, modems, computer peripherals, fax machines and other communications and computing devices. The size of the Bluetooth® transceiver will make it usable in devices as small as palm computers and cell phones.
Antennas are well known for enabling and improving transmission to radio receivers and from radio transmitters. Antennas can dramatically increase the range of radio transceivers, however most antenna designs function best when protruding from their host device. In small electronic devices protruding antennas are often vulnerable to breakage as the devices are often stowed in purses, pockets, backpacks and other areas where neglect can occur. A retractable or otherwise deployable antenna is more convenient and durable and occupies less space when retracted.
Known monopole antennas perform optimally when they can radiate against a ground plane. Performance is further enhanced when these antennas extend substantially perpendicularly from a central location on a ground plane. However, retractable monopole antennas that are centrally located on a ground plane often occupy a relatively large amount of space when the centrally located antenna and ground plane are retracted into a host device.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to antennas with a novel radiator geometry which allows the radiator to protrude from a substantially central location on a ground plane while minimizing the space occupied by the antenna when it is retracted or stowed. This configuration occupies less space in a host device when the antenna is retracted while providing performance similar to an antenna with a fixed, perpendicular radiator protruding from a ground plane.
Wireless communications devices are becoming extremely common especially in the fields of telephone communications and computer network communications. Wireless local area networks (LAN's) and even wide area networks (WAN's) are now widespread. Keeping with the pace of technology, wireless communications devices are also becoming smaller and more compact to increase convenience and lower costs. As wireless devices become more compact, the need for compact, retractable antennas increases.
Some wireless protocols involve the use of relatively low power transceivers which have a limited range. Devices which operate within these protocols are often small portable devices which are powered by batteries or low power sources. Components for these devices must be very efficient with very little losses so that range can be maximized with limited power.
Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a retractable extension used in conjunction with a wireless communications device. The extension comprises a ground plane from which an antenna radiator extends. The antenna radiator may be of a deployable type which hinges or otherwise deploys into a position of optimal performance. In preferred embodiments the extension is extended from the device and the antenna radiator is hinged into a substantially vertical position. When the radiator is stowed and the extension retracted, the antenna radiator and extension may fit within the form factor of the device.
Because the entire radiator and extension, including the ground plane, must fit within the device, it is desirable to have a radiator which will minimize the area occupied within the device. This is achieved with the use of a radiator which extends substantially perpendicularly from a substantially centralized location on a ground plane and which subsequently bends outwardly toward the outward end of the ground plane and extension. Preferred embodiments may also bend back toward a substantially vertical position near the tip of the radiator.
Some embodiments of the present invention comprise hinges or other movable parts which may be used to deploy the antenna from a retracted, folded or stowed position to a position that will improve reception and performance. For example, and not by way of limitation, an antenna may hinge from a position which fully or partially falls within the form factor of relatively flat extension to an upright position for improved performance.
Some embodiments of the present invention may also comprise switching circuitry which automatically activates a wireless device when the antenna is deployed. For example, and not by way of limitation, a combination wireless network adapter and wired network adapter may be contained in a single expansion card. When the antenna is deployed, the circuitry automatically activates the wireless adapter and when the antenna is stowed, the wired adapter is activated. The same principle may be used for a wired/wireless modem combination or a simple wireless device may activate and access a wireless network when the antenna is deployed.
Accordingly, it is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide an antenna which can be combined with thin profile devices without substantially increasing space requirements.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following, description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5565877 (1996-10-01), Du et al.
patent: 5646635 (1997-07-01), Cockson et al.
patent: 5933116 (1999-08-01), Suesada et al.
patent: 5949379 (1999-09-01), Yang
patent: 5973652 (1999-10-01), Sanford et al.
patent: 6054955 (2000-04-01), Schlegel, Jr. et al.
Andrus David
Jones Jeffrey L.
Prestwich Sy
3COM Corp.
Kirton & McConkie
Krieger Michael F.
Tran Chuc D
Wong Don
LandOfFree
Modified monopole antenna does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Modified monopole antenna, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modified monopole antenna will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2560014