Communications: radio wave antennas – Antennas – Microstrip
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-05
2001-02-20
Wimer, Michael C. (Department: 2821)
Communications: radio wave antennas
Antennas
Microstrip
C343S767000, C343S795000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06191740
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a multi-band antenna and, more particularly, to a slot fed multi-band antenna for utilization in millimeter-wave to radio frequency antenna applications.
BACKGROUND ART
It is well-known in the art that microstrip antenna arrays radiate efficiently as devices on printed circuit boards. These arrays typically consist of microstrip antenna elements, dielectric substrates, and feed and phasing networks, along with other microstrip devices. The lightweight and compact design of microstrip antennas make them suitable for use in airborne and satellite applications.
One type of microstrip antenna is a slot fed antenna. The slot fed antenna typically operates at a single frequency band. If an application requires multiple frequencies, then multiple slot-fed antenna circuits are integrated within an array to perform the required system function.
This integration may cause potential problems with the antenna system. The individual circuits used in combination to radiate multiple signals add unwanted mass to the system. Also, multiple circuits utilize much needed space within a satellite application. Additionally, multiple circuits must be individually joined, or interfaced, which requires more assembly time, thereby adding cost to the antenna system.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved slot fed antenna and an improved antenna circuit. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a slot fed antenna which transmits multiple frequency bands.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-band slot fed antenna which is capable of transmitting or receiving at two or more frequency bands with an antenna member capable of operating at different lengths, each length having a characteristic resonance frequency. The inventive antenna includes a bottom ground plane, a single stripline feed member, a top ground plane, a ring slot, and an antenna member having a switch, all configured within a dielectric substrate. Coupled with the resonant frequencies are radiating frequencies radiated by the ring slot appropriately positioned through the top ground plane over the stripline feed member.
The top ground plane and the bottom ground plane are held at the same potential and extend out sufficiently to prevent unwanted radiation. In order for the antenna to operate at multiple frequencies, a plurality of radiating slots are positioned through the top ground plane and a plurality of varying antenna member lengths are provided. The bottom ground plane also serves as the bottom ground for the stripline feed member and eliminates any direct back radiation from the antenna member and radiating ring slot.
The ability of the present invention to operate at multiple frequencies eliminates the drawbacks of the previous art. No longer must multiple circuits be combined in order to radiate multiple signals. The smaller size inherent with the single circuit of the present invention saves space and utilizes less mass than known antenna circuits. In addition, since the integration of multiple circuits is no longer required, manufacturing is simplified, thereby reducing cost.
The present invention can be used in any commercial, military or automotive application that requires a multiple frequency antenna. Such uses include, for example, distance tracking, scanning arrays, Doppler systems, GPS and communications in the cellular and wireless industries.
A more complete understanding of the present invention can be determined from the following detailed description when taken in view of the attached drawings and the claims appended hereto.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4710775 (1987-12-01), Coe
patent: 5355143 (1994-10-01), Zurcher et al.
Kates Ronald M.
Petre Peter
Duraiswamy V. D.
Hughes Electronics Corporation
Sales M. W.
Wimer Michael C.
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