Transparent Wideband Antenna System

• US 20090135068A1
• Filed: 05/13/2008
• Published: 05/28/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/1995
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Fractal Antenna Systems Inc.
• Original Assignee: Fractal Antenna Systems Inc.
• Inventors: Cohen, Nathan
• Application Number:
  US12/119,740
• Publication Number:
  US 20090135068A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 343/700.MS
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/1271 for mounting on windscreens
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/36 Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewithH01Q1/08, H01Q1/14 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/38 formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support patch antennas H01Q9/0407; microstrip dipole antennas H01Q9/065; microstrip slot antennas H01Q13/106; transmission line microstrip antennas H01Q13/206; manufacturing reflecting surfaces using insulating material for supporting the reflecting surface H01Q15/142
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 5/371 Branching current paths

Abstract

Antennas are disclosed that include an electrically conductive conformal portion that is substantially defined by a triangular portion and self-similar extensions. The antennas also includes an electrically non-conductive conformal portion. Both the electrically conductive conformal portion and the electrically non-conductive portion are substantially transparent at visual wavelengths.

Claims

1. An antenna comprising:

an electrically conductive conformal portion defined substantially by a triangular portion and self-similar extensions; and

an electrically non-conductive conformal portion;

wherein the electrically conductive conformal portion and the electrically non-conductive portion are substantially transparent at visual wavelengths.

2. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the self-similar extensions include two or more angular bends.

3. The antenna of claim 1, further comprising:

a counterpoise to balance the electrically conductive conformal portion.

4. The antenna of claim 1, further comprising:

a counterpoise is defined substantially by a repetitive tooth-like pattern.

5. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit electromagnetic energy between approximately 70 MHz and 3000 MHz.

6. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the antenna is configured to receive electromagnetic energy between approximately 70 MHz and 3000 MHz.

7. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive portion is coated with a substantially transparent material.

8. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive portion is mounted to a substantially transparent substrate that includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

9. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the electrically non-conductive portion is coated with a transparent laminate.

10. The antenna of claim 4, wherein the counterpoise includes conductive attachments.

11. An antenna system comprising:

an antenna including,

a electrically conductive conformal portion defined substantially by a triangular portion and self-similar extensions, and

an electrically non-conductive conformal portion;

wherein the electrically conductive conformal portion and the electrically non-conductive portion are substantially transparent at visual wavelengths; and

an electrical connector connected to the electrically conductive conformal portion of the antenna to transfer electromagnetic signals.

12. The antenna system of claim 11, wherein a conductive epoxy connects the electrical connector to the electrically conductive conformal portion of the antenna.

13. The antenna system of claim 11, further comprising:

a transceiver is connected to the electrical connector.

14. The antenna system of claim 13, wherein the transceiver includes a low noise amplifier.

15. The antenna system of claim 13, wherein the transceiver includes a power amplifier.