Variable-directivity antenna
First Claim
1. A variable-directivity antenna comprisingfeed elements, which are implemented as linear conductors running parallel to a Z-axis, anda passive element assembly,wherein the passive element assembly includes a number n (where n is a natural number that is equal to or greater than three) of linear passive elements that also run parallel to the Z-axis so as to surround the feed elements, andwherein each said passive element includes:
- a plurality of element pieces that are arranged parallel to the Z-axis; and
at least one switching element of a first type that electrically connects selected ones of the element pieces to each other, andwherein the passive element assembly further includes at least one switching element of a second type that electrically connects two adjacent ones of the n passive elements to each other when turned ON but electrically disconnects the two adjacent passive elements from each other when turned OFF, andwherein the variable-directivity antenna changes its directivities by turning ON and OFF the at least one switching element of the first type and the at least one switching element of the second type, andwherein the switching elements of the first type are arranged on a first type of planar substrates, andwherein the switching elements of the second type are arranged on a second type of planar substrates, andwherein the element pieces are interposed between the first and second types of planar substrates, andwherein the feed elements run through respective through holes of the first type of planar substrates and respective through holes of the second type of planar substrates.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A variable-directivity antenna according to the present invention includes at least three linear passive elements, which are arranged parallel to a Z-axis so as to surround a feed element. Each of those passive elements includes at least two element pieces, etc. that are arranged parallel to the Z-axis and switching elements, etc. of a first type. The passive element assembly further includes at least one switching element, etc. of a second type that makes two adjacent passive elements electrically continuous with each other when turned ON but electrically insulates them from each other when turned OFF. By turning ON and OFF the at least one switching element of the first type and the at least one switching element of the second type, the antenna can change its directivities. As a result, a linear variable-directivity antenna, which can change its radiation directivities within a vertical plane and of which the overall length in the longitudinal (or major-axis) direction does not increase excessively due to the presence of the passive elements, is realized.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A variable-directivity antenna comprising
feed elements, which are implemented as linear conductors running parallel to a Z-axis, and a passive element assembly, wherein the passive element assembly includes a number n (where n is a natural number that is equal to or greater than three) of linear passive elements that also run parallel to the Z-axis so as to surround the feed elements, and wherein each said passive element includes: -
a plurality of element pieces that are arranged parallel to the Z-axis; and at least one switching element of a first type that electrically connects selected ones of the element pieces to each other, and wherein the passive element assembly further includes at least one switching element of a second type that electrically connects two adjacent ones of the n passive elements to each other when turned ON but electrically disconnects the two adjacent passive elements from each other when turned OFF, and wherein the variable-directivity antenna changes its directivities by turning ON and OFF the at least one switching element of the first type and the at least one switching element of the second type, and wherein the switching elements of the first type are arranged on a first type of planar substrates, and wherein the switching elements of the second type are arranged on a second type of planar substrates, and wherein the element pieces are interposed between the first and second types of planar substrates, and wherein the feed elements run through respective through holes of the first type of planar substrates and respective through holes of the second type of planar substrates. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification