Dielectric-patch resonator antenna

• US 6,292,141 B1
• Filed: 04/01/2000
• Issued: 09/18/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Lim, Beng-Teck
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Don
• Assistant Examiner(s): VANNUCCI, JAMES
• Application Number:
  US09/541,880
• Time in Patent Office: 535 Days
• Field of Search: 343/700.MS, 343/702, 343/725, 343/785, 343/829, 343/873
• US Class Current: 343/700.0MS
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/40 Radiating elements coated with or embedded in protective material
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/28 Combinations of substantially independent non-interacting antenna units or systems multiple beam H01Q25/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 5/00 Arrangements for simultaneous operation of antennas on two or more different wavebands, e.g. dual-band or multi-band arrangements combinations of separate active antenna units operating in different wavebands and connected to a common feeder system H01Q21/30
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 5/40 Imbricated or interleaved structures; Combined or electromagnetically coupled arrangements, e.g. comprising two or more non-connected fed radiating elements
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/0407 Substantially flat resonant element parallel to ground plane, e.g. patch antenna dipole H01Q9/285; monopole H01Q9/40
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/0414 in a stacked or folded configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/0485 Dielectric resonator antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/32 Vertical arrangement of element H01Q9/40 takes precedence

Abstract

A dielectric-patch resonator antenna having a resonator formed from a dielectric material mounted on a ground plane with a conductive skirt, and a patch element disposed inbetween. The ground plane and patch are formed from conductive materials. First and second probes are electrically coupled to the resonator for providing first and second signals, respectively, to or receiving from the resonator. The first and second probes are spaced apart from each other. The first and second probes are formed of conductive strips that are electrically connected to the perimeter of the resonator and are substantially orthogonal with respect to the ground plane. A dual band antenna can be constructed by positioning and connecting two dielectric resonator antennas together. Each resonator in the dual band configuration resonates at a particular frequency, thereby providing dual band operation. The resonators can be positioned either side by side or vertically.

Claims

1. A dielectric-patch resonator antenna, comprising:

a dielectric resonator formed from a dielectric material;

at least a first signal feed coupled to said first resonator;

a ground plane formed of a conductive material supporting said dielectric resonator;

a patch antenna element disposed between and in contact with said dielectric material and ground plane; and

at least a second signal feed coupled to said patch element, separate from said first signal feed.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein said dielectric resonator is shaped as a right cylinder, said ground plane is substantially flat over a central portion.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, further comprising at least one signal probe electrically coupled to said resonator to transfer signals to and from said resonator, and produce circularly polarized radiation in said antenna.

4. The antenna according to claim 3, wherein said probe is substantially orthogonal to said ground plane and said patch element.

5. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein said resonator is formed of a ceramic material.

6. The antenna according to claim 5, wherein the dielectric constant ∈

_r of said ceramic material is greater than 10.

7. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein said resonator is substantially non-circular in cross section.

8. The antenna according to claim 1, further comprising a second dielectric resonator positioned on said ground plane.

9. The antenna according to claim 1. wherein said ground plane further comprises a support substrate and a layer of conductive material deposited on said substrate.

10. The antenna according to claim 9, wherein said substrate comprises a multi-layered circuit board.

11. A dual band dielectric-patch resonator antenna, comprising:

a first resonator formed of a dielectric material;

at least a first signal feed coupled to said first resonator;

a first ground plane formed of a conductive material on which said first resonator is mounted;

a patch element disposed between and in contact with said first resonator dielectric material and ground plane;

at least a second signal feed coupled to said patch element, separate from said first signal feed;

a second resonator formed of a dielectric material;

at least a third signal feed for said second resonator; and

a second ground plane formed of a conductive material on which said second resonator is mounted, said first and second ground planes being separated from each other by a predetermined distance.

12. The dual band antenna according to claim 11, further comprising

first and second probes electrically coupled to each of said resonators spaced approximately 90 degrees apart around the perimeter of each resonator providing first and second signals, respectively, to each resonator,

wherein each of said resonators resonates in a predetermined frequency band that differs between said resonators.

13. The dual band antenna according to claim 11, further comprising support members for mounting said first and second ground planes in spaced apart relation with a predetermined separation distance such that the central axes of said resonators are substantially aligned with each other.