Multimode Antenna Structure

摘要

One or more embodiments are directed to a multimode antenna structure for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals in a communications device. The communications device includes circuitry for processing signals communicated to and from the antenna structure. The antenna structure is configured for optimal operation in a given frequency range. The antenna structure includes a plurality of antenna ports operatively coupled to the circuitry, and a plurality of antenna elements, each operatively coupled to a different one of the antenna ports. Each of the plurality of antenna elements is configured to have an electrical length selected to provide optimal operation within the given frequency range. The antenna structure also includes one or more connecting elements electrically connecting the antenna elements such that electrical currents on one antenna element flow to a connected neighboring antenna element and generally bypass the antenna port coupled to the neighboring antenna element. The electrical currents flowing through the one antenna element and the neighboring antenna element are generally equal in magnitude, such that an antenna mode excited by one antenna port is generally electrically isolated from a mode excited by another antenna port at a given desired signal frequency range without the use of a decoupling network connected to the antenna ports, and the antenna structure generates diverse antenna patterns.

主权项

1. An antenna structure comprising:
a plurality of antenna ports; a plurality of antenna elements, wherein each of the plurality of antenna elements is coupled to a different one of the plurality of antenna ports, and wherein each of the plurality of antenna elements operates in a frequency range; a counterpoise connected with the plurality of antenna elements; and one or more connection elements electrically coupling the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the one or more connection elements have a length and a conductivity that causes electrical currents on one of the plurality of antenna elements to flow to a neighboring one of the plurality of antenna elements at least substantially bypassing one of the plurality of antenna ports coupled to the neighboring one of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the electrical currents flowing through the one of the plurality of antenna elements and the neighboring one of the plurality of antenna elements have a magnitude such that a first antenna mode excited by one of the plurality of antenna ports is at least substantially electrically isolated from a second antenna mode excited by another one of the plurality of antenna ports at a desired signal frequency range.