Description:DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
[001] The present disclosure relates generally to field of antenna technology, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to an ultra-wideband magneto-electric dipole antenna structure.
Background
[002] Antennas are critical components in modern wireless communication systems, enabling transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves across a wide range of applications, including mobile communication, satellite communication, radar, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Among various antenna types, magneto-electric dipole antennas have gained significant attention due to their stable radiation patterns, wide impedance bandwidth, and dual-polarization characteristics. Conventional magneto-electric dipole antennas are generally fabricated by assembling multiple metallic parts or by employing complex machining processes, which can increase manufacturing cost, metal wastage, and structural complexity.
[003] However, existing magneto-electric dipole antennas often require intricate joining, welding, or fabrication of multiple components, leading to increased production time, higher cost, and significant material wastage. Moreover, although some conventional magneto-electric dipole antenna designs are capable of achieving ultra-wideband performance of up to 90–100% bandwidth, such designs typically rely on complex structures that are not cost-efficient for large-scale or low-cost deployment. This makes these conventional magneto-electric dipole antenna designs less suitable for cost-sensitive applications, such as consumer electronics, IoT devices, and emerging Fifth Generation (5G) or Sixth Generation (6G) communication systems. Accordingly, there is a need for an antenna structure that provides wideband performance with dual polarization while being simple, cost-effective, and material-efficient to manufacture.
[004] Therefore, the present invention is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the known arts.
SUMMARY
[005] In accordance with a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided an antenna structure. The antenna structure includes at least one antenna unit. The at least one antenna unit includes a set of predefined antenna elements. Each of the set of predefined antenna elements is formed by sequentially folding a planar metal sheet according to a predefined antenna element forming pattern. The set of predefined antenna elements is symmetrically arranged at a central axis of a dielectric substrate, and soldered on a top side, configured to provide dual linear polarization. The at least one antenna unit includes a set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips. Each of the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips is formed by folding and stamping a planar metal sheet according to a predefined feeding strip forming pattern. The set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips is soldered to a microstrip feed line printed on a rear side of dielectric substrate. The at least one antenna unit includes a support structure mounted on a surface of the dielectric substrate, configured to hold the set of predefined antenna elements and the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips on the dielectric substrate. The support structure is configured to enable electric coupling of the set of predefined antenna elements with the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips.
[006] In accordance with a second aspect of the disclosure there is provided an antenna. The antenna includes a set of predefined antenna elements. Each of the set of predefined antenna elements is formed by sequentially folding a planar metal sheet according to a predefined antenna element forming pattern. The set of predefined antenna elements is symmetrically arranged at a central axis of a dielectric substrate, and soldered on a top side, configured to provide dual linear polarization. The antenna includes a set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips. Each of the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips is formed by folding and stamping a planar metal sheet according to a predefined feeding strip forming pattern. The set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips is soldered to a microstrip feed line printed on a rear side of dielectric substrate. The antenna includes a support structure mounted on a surface of the dielectric substrate, configured to hold the set of predefined antenna elements and the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips on the dielectric substrate. The support structure is configured to enable electric coupling of the set of predefined antenna elements with the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips.
[007] Further features of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the disclosure, which are given by way of example only.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] The present application can be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, in which like parts may be referred to by like numerals.
[009] FIG. 1 depicts an antenna structure, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[010] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary perspective view representing an arrangement of a set of predefined antenna elements and a set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[011] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary top view of at least one antenna unit, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[012] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary rear view of at least one antenna unit, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[013] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary exploded view of at least one antenna unit, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[014] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary stepwise process of forming an antenna element based on a predefined antenna element forming pattern, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[015] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary stepwise process of forming an inverted L-shaped feeding strip based on a predefined feeding strip forming pattern, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[016] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary stepwise process of forming another inverted L-shaped feeding strip based on a predefined feeding strip forming pattern, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[017] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary graph depicting performance of an antenna structure, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[018] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary graph depicting performance of an antenna structure, in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[019] The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure and is provided in the context of particular applications and their requirements. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, in the following description, numerous details are set forth for the purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the disclosure might be practiced without the use of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the description of the disclosure with unnecessary detail. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
[020] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[021] FIG. 1 depicts an antenna structure 100, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna structure 100 may include at least one antenna unit 102. The at least one antenna unit 102 may be an ultra-wideband magneto electric dipole antenna unit. The ultra-wideband magneto-electric dipole antenna unit is an antenna that combines electric dipole radiation and magnetic dipole radiation characteristics to achieve stable radiation patterns, dual linear polarization, and enhanced impedance bandwidth. The ultra-wideband magneto-electric dipole antenna unit enables wideband operation while maintaining compact design and efficient performance. In an embodiment, the electric dipole radiation characteristics refer to radiation produced by oscillating charges in a linear conductor, exhibiting a bidirectional radiation pattern along a dipole axis and contributing primarily to an electric field component of the antenna. The magnetic dipole radiation characteristics refers to radiation generated by circulating currents in a conductor, such as a loop structure or a folded structure, typically exhibiting a toroidal radiation pattern and contributing primarily to a magnetic field component of the antenna. The radiation patterns refer to a spatial distribution of radiated power from the antenna as a function of direction. The radiation patterns describe how the antenna transmits or receives energy in three-dimensional space. The dual linear polarization is capability of the antenna to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves in two orthogonal polarizations, typically horizontal and vertical, thereby enhancing signal reliability, channel capacity, and reducing polarization mismatch losses. Further, the impedance bandwidth for the antenna is a frequency range over which the antenna maintains acceptable input impedance matching with a feed line (i.e., a microstrip feed line), defined by a Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) of less than or equal to 2 decibel (dB), or a return loss of greater than or equal to 10 dB.
[022] In an embodiment, the at least one antenna unit 102 is an element in an antenna array or a standalone antenna. The antenna array refers to an arrangement of two or more antenna units configured to operate together in a coordinated manner to achieve enhanced performance characteristics, such as increased gain, improved directivity, or beam steering capability. The element in the antenna array is an individual antenna unit that forms part of the antenna array and contributes to collective radiation and reception characteristics of the antenna array. Further, the standalone antenna refers to a single antenna unit that operates independently by itself to transmit and receive signals without being combined with other antenna units.
[023] The at least one antenna unit 102 may include a set of predefined antenna elements 104. For example, the set of predefined antenna elements 104 may be four identical radiating antenna elements. Each of the set of predefined antenna elements 104 is formed by sequentially folding a planar metal sheet according to a predefined antenna element forming pattern. As depicted in present FIG. 1, the set of predefined antenna elements 104 is symmetrically arranged at a central axis of a dielectric substrate 106 and soldered on a top side of the dielectric substrate 106. Further, the set of predefined antenna elements 104 is configured to provide the dual linear polarization. In an embodiment, the dielectric substrate 106 refers to a non-conductive supporting layer on which the set of predefined antenna elements 104 and feeding structures are mounted, providing mechanical stability and electrical insulation while influencing performance of the at least one antenna unit 102. The dielectric substrate 106, for example, may be a Flame Retardant (FR) 4 Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The FR 4 PCB may be a substrate material that includes a woven fiberglass cloth reinforced with an epoxy resin binder, where the epoxy resin is flame retardant. In some embodiments, other examples of the dielectric substrate 106 may include, but are not limited to, rogers laminates (e.g., RO4003C, RO3006), taconic laminates, ceramic substrates, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based composites. The set of predefined antenna elements 104 along with an arrangement of each antenna element and a stepwise process of forming each antenna element is further depicted and explained in conjunction with FIGS. 2-6.
[024] The at least one antenna unit 102 may further include a set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108. The set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 may also be referred to as the feeding structures or a set of predefined Γ shaped feeding strips. The set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 includes two inverted L-shaped feeding strips. In an embodiment, each of the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 is formed by folding and stamping a planar metal sheet according to a predefined feeding strip forming pattern. Further, the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 is soldered to the microstrip feed line printed on a rear side of the dielectric substrate 106. In an embodiment, each of the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 is configured to couple energy from the microstrip feed line to the set of predefined antenna elements 104, enabling efficient electrical excitation and polarization control to the set of predefined antenna elements 104. The electrical excitation refers to a process of transferring electromagnetic energy from the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 into the set of predefined antenna elements 104 to initiate radiation. The polarization control refers to capability of the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 to determine and maintain an orientation of radiated electromagnetic waves, thereby enabling the dual linear polarization in the at least one antenna unit 102. The set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 along with an arrangement of each feeding strip is further depicted and explained in conjunction with FIGS. 2-5. In addition, a stepwise process of forming each feeding strip is further depicted and explained in conjunction with FIGS.7 and 8.
[025] The at least one antenna unit 102 may further include a support structure 110 mounted on a surface of the dielectric substrate 106. The support structure 110 may be configured to hold the set of predefined antenna elements 104 and the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 on the dielectric substrate 106. In addition, the support structure 110 may be configured to enable electric coupling of the set of predefined antenna elements 104 with the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108. In an embodiment, the support structure 110 may be configured to maintain a vertical spacing between the set of predefined antenna elements 104 and the dielectric substrate 106. The support structure 110 may be made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, ceramic, polymer composite, dielectric foam, and the like. In an embodiment, the support structure 110 is made of the non-conductive material to prevent interference with electromagnetic performance of the at least one antenna unit 102. Further, as depicted in FIG.1, the at least one antenna unit 102 may further include a metallic fence 112. The metallic fence 112 may be positioned around a perimeter of the dielectric substrate 106. In an embodiment, the metallic fence 112 may be formed by bending a planar metal sheet to obtain a pre-defined shaped enclosure, e.g., a square shape, a rectangle shape, and the like.
[026] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary perspective view 200 representing an arrangement of a set of predefined antenna elements and a set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips, in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. The set of predefined antenna elements may correspond to the set of predefined antenna elements 104. Further, the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips may correspond to the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108. In an embodiment, the set of predefined antenna elements 104 may include four identical radiating antenna elements, i.e., a radiating antenna element 202, a radiating antenna element 204, a radiating antenna element 206, and a radiating antenna element 208. The radiating antenna element 202, the radiating antenna element 204, the radiating antenna element 206, and the radiating antenna element 208 may be collectively referred to as four identical radiating elements 202, 204, 206, and 208. The set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 may include two inverted L-shaped feeding strips represented as a feeding strip 210 and a feeding strip 212. In an embodiment, the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 are positioned orthogonally with respect to each other to enable dual linear polarization.
[027] As depicted in FIG. 2, the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 are supported by a support structure 214, while the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 are positioned in proximity to the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208. The support structure 214 may correspond to the support structure 110. In an embodiment, the support structure 214 may provide necessary mechanical stability to hold both the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208, and the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 in a fixed spatial arrangement relative to the dielectric substrate 106. This configuration of the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 with respect to the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 enables electric coupling between the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 and the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208. The electrical coupling ensures that electromagnetic energy from the microstrip feed line is efficiently transferred to the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 for electrical excitation. Moreover, orthogonal positioning of the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 allows for controlled excitation of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208, thereby achieving dual linear polarization. The arrangement of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208, and the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 maintains precise alignment and spacing, which is critical to achieving wideband impedance matching, stable radiation patterns, and polarization diversity. Additionally, by employing the support structure 214 as a non-conductive mechanical holder that is made of the non-conductive material, unwanted electrical interference is minimized while ensuring structural robustness and ease of fabrication.
[028] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary top view 300 of the at least one antenna unit 102, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2.
[029] The at least one antenna unit 102 may be the ultra-wideband magneto electric dipole antenna unit. In an embodiment, the at least one antenna unit 102 may be the element in the antenna array or the standalone antenna. The at least one antenna unit 102 may include the set of predefined antenna elements 104, the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108, and the support structure 214, mounted on a dielectric substrate 302. The dielectric substrate 302 may correspond to the dielectric substrate 106. The dielectric substrate 302 may be the non-conductive supporting layer on which the set of predefined antenna elements 104 and the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 are mounted to provide mechanical stability and electrical insulation while influencing performance of the at least one antenna unit 102. The dielectric substrate 302, for example, may be the FR 4 PCB. In some embodiments, other examples of the dielectric substrate 302 may include, but are not limited to, rogers laminates (e.g., RO4003C, RO3006), taconic laminates, ceramic substrates, and PTFE based composites.
[030] As depicted in FIG. 3, the dielectric substrate 302 may be of a predefined shape and size (e.g. a length and a width). For example, the predefined shape of the dielectric substrate 302 may be a square shape. Further, for example, when the predefined shape of the dielectric substrate 302 is the square shape the length and the width of the dielectric substrate 302 may be 65 millimeters (mm). The predefined shape and size of the dielectric substrate 302 may be selected based on design parameters such as an intended operating frequency range, required impedance bandwidth, and desired radiation characteristics of the at least one antenna unit 102.
[031] Further, as depicted via the top view 300, the set of predefined antenna elements 104 may include the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208, which are symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the dielectric substrate 302. In an embodiment, the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 means that each radiating element may be of a predefined shape, a predefined size, and a predefined structure. This identical design ensures symmetrical radiation, balanced performance, and uniform excitation for achieving wideband operation and dual linear polarization. For example, as depicted, each radiating element may be of the predefined shape, e.g., square, the predefine size, e.g., a length of 11 mm and a width of 11 mm, and the predefined structure, e.g., formed by sequentially folding the planar metal sheet according to the predefined antenna element forming pattern. The usage of the planar metal sheet minimizes metal wastage and simplifying fabrication. Further, as depicted via the top view 300, the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips 108 may include the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212, which are positioned orthogonally with respect to each other. This orthogonal configuration enables efficient coupling of electromagnetic energy from the microstrip feed line (further depicted and explained in FIG. 4) into the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206,and 208, thereby achieving dual linear polarization.
[032] The feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 are soldered onto the dielectric substrate 302 and are configured to directly couple energy to the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 through electric coupling. The dielectric substrate 302 may serve as a base platform for mounting the support structure 214, the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208, and the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212. The dielectric substrate 302 enables integration of the microstrip feed line on its rear surface, which connects to the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 to excite the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208. Further, the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208, and the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 are mounted on the support structure 214 positioned on the dielectric substrate 302, such that this arrangement is of a preconfigured shape and size. For example, the preconfigured shape and size of this arrangement may be of a square shape having a length and a width of 31 mm x 31 mm. In an embodiment, the preconfigured shape and size of this arrangement may be determined based on the design parameters. Further, for example, the size of this arrangement, such as 31 mm x 31 mm, may be optimized to achieve compactness of the at least one antenna unit 102 while ensuring efficient coupling, wideband operation, and stable radiation performance.
[033] The top view 300 depicted in FIG. 3 demonstrates a compact geometry of the at least one antenna unit 102, with dimensions optimized to achieve required impedance bandwidth. This symmetrical arrangement of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 around the central axis of the support structure 214 ensures uniform radiation, while the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 provide polarization diversity. This configuration allows the at least one antenna unit 102 to operate either as the standalone antenna or as the element within the antenna array for advanced communication systems. In an embodiment, coupling of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, 208, and the feeding strips 210 and the feeding strip 212 with the dielectric substrate 302 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 4.
[034] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary rear view 400 of the at least one antenna unit 102, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. In particular, as depicted via the rear view 400 of the at least one antenna unit 102 represents soldering configuration of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208, and the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 with the dielectric substrate 302. As depicted via the rear view 400, a rear side of the dielectric substrate 302 may include microstrip feed lines 402 printed on the dielectric substrate 306. Each of the microstrip feed lines 402 may include an associated feeding strip soldering joint. The feeding strip soldering joint associated with each of the microstrip feed lines 402 are depicted as feeding strip soldering joints 404. Each of the associated feeding strip soldering joints 404 may be used to couple a corresponding feeding strip (e.g., the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 210) with a corresponding microstrip feed line by interfacing at least one soldering leg of the feeding strip with the corresponding microstrip feed line. The feeding strip is coupled with the corresponding microstrip feed line to provide electrical excitation to each of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208.
[035] Further, as depicted via the rear view 400, the rear side of the dielectric substrate 302 may include a pair of antenna element soldering joints (e.g., a pair of antenna element soldering joints 406) for each of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208. The pair of antenna element soldering joints 406 may be used to couple a corresponding antenna element (e.g., the radiating antenna element 206) via two orthogonal arms associated with the radiating antenna element 206. In other words, each of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 may include two orthogonal arms. Further, the two orthogonal arms may be used to solder a radiating antenna element (e.g., the radiating antenna element 206) with a corresponding pair antenna element soldering joints (e.g., the pair of antenna element soldering joints 406) within the dielectric substrate 302.
[036] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary exploded view 500 of the at least one antenna unit 102, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4. The exploded view 500 depicts the dielectric substrate 302, the set of predefined antenna elements, i.e., the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208, the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips, i.e., the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212, and the support structure 214. As depicted via the exploded view 500, the support structure 214 may be mounted in a center of the top side of the dielectric substrate 302. Further, the support structure 214 may be configured to hold the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 and the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212. In addition, the support structure 214 is configured to enable the electric coupling of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 with the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212. The electrical coupling is enabled to provide electrical excitation to each of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208. In an embodiment, the support structure 214 may be made of the non-conductive material, e.g., plastic, ceramic, polymer composite, dielectric foam, and the like.
[037] Further, each of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 may be formed sequentially folding the planar metal sheet according to the predefined antenna element forming pattern. A step-wise process of creating an antenna element is depicted and explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 6. Further, the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 may be symmetrically arranged at the central axis of the dielectric substrate 302 using the support structure 214. Further, each of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 may be configured to provide dual linear polarization. In an embodiment, each of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208 may include two orthogonal arms. For example, an exploded view 502 of the radiating antenna element 206 depicts the two orthogonal arms 504 of the radiating antenna element 206. Each of the two orthogonal arms 504 of the radiating antenna element 206 may be coupled with the corresponding antenna element soldering joint of the dielectric substrate 302. With reference to FIG. 4, for example, each of the two orthogonal arms 504 of the radiating antenna element 206 may be coupled on the top side of the dielectric substrate 302 with the corresponding antenna element soldering joint of the pair of antenna element soldering joints 406 within the dielectric substrate 302.
[038] Further, each of the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 may be formed by folding and stamping the planar metal sheet according to the predefined feeding strip forming pattern. A stepwise process of creating a feeding strip (i.e., an inverted L-shaped feeding strip) is depicted and explained in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 7 and 8. With reference to FIG. 4, each of the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 may be soldered to the microstrip feed lines 402 printed on the rear side of the dielectric substrate 302. In an embodiment, in order to solder each of the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 to the microstrip feed lines 402, each of the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 may include at least one soldering leg. The at least one soldering leg may interface with the associated feeding strip soldering joint of a corresponding microstrip line within the dielectric substrate 302. For example, an exploded view 506 of the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 depicts an arrangement of the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 with each other. Further, as depicted via the exploded view 506, each of the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 may include the at least one soldering leg, depicted as soldering legs 508. With reference to FIG. 4, a corresponding soldering leg of the soldering legs 508 of the feeding strip 210 and the feeding strip 212 may be coupled with the associated feeding strip soldering joint of the feeding strip soldering joints 404 of the microstrip feed lines 402 printed on the dielectric substrate 302.
[039] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary stepwise process 600 of forming an antenna element based on the predefined antenna element forming pattern, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The antenna element, for example, may be one of the four identical radiating antenna elements 202, 204, 206, and 208. In order to form the antenna element, the planar metal sheet is sequentially folded according to the predefined antenna element forming pattern. At step 602, the planar metal sheet used for creating the antenna element is depicted. In an embodiment, the planar metal sheet may be of a predefined length and a predefined width, e.g., 35 mm length and 8 mm width, respectively. The planar metal sheet may include a first portion 602-2 and a second portion 602-4. The first portion 602-2 includes two attached sections 602-6. Further, as depicted via step 602, each of the two attached sections 602-6 is of an equal predefined length (e.g., 15 mm each) and includes a corresponding orthogonal arm. The corresponding orthogonal arm of each of the two attached sections 602-6 are depicted as orthogonal arms 602-8. In particular, the antenna element may include the two orthogonal arms 602-8. Each of the two orthogonal arms 602-8 may be of a predefined length, e.g., 2.75 mm.
[040] The second portion 602-4 of the planar metal sheet is bifurcated into two sections, i.e., a first section 602-10 and a second section 602-12. Further, as depicted in step 602, each of the first section 602-10 and the second section 602-12 is further divided into a first part 602-14 and a second part 602-16 of a corresponding predefined length. For example, the corresponding predefined length of the first part 602-14 of each of the first section 602-10 and the second section 602-12 may be 10 mm. Similarly, the corresponding predefined length of the second part 602-16 of each of the first section 602-10 and the second section 602-12 may be 7.25 mm.
[041] In order to form the antenna element, the first portion 602-2 of the planar metal sheet is folded at a predefined angle (e.g., 90-degree angle) as depicted via step 604. In response to folding the first portion 602-2, the second portion 602-4 of the planar metal sheet may also get folded as depicted via step 604. Further, the second portion 602-4 of the planar metal sheet may be folded to create an overlap between the first part 602-14 of the first section 602-10 with the first part 602-14 of the second section 602-12 as depicted via step 606. Upon creating the overlap as depicted via step 606, at step 608, the second part 602-16 of each of the first section 602-10 and the second section 602-12 of the second portion 602-4 is folded to form the antenna element. As will be appreciated, the stepwise process 600 of forming the antenna element is just an exemplary depiction. However, the planar metal sheet may be folded based on any predefined antenna element forming pattern to obtain the antenna element depicted via step 608. The antenna element formed may be of a predefined length, for example, 15.5 mm. In an embodiment, the predefined length of the antenna element may be defined based on the design parameters, such as, the intended operating frequency range, the required impedance bandwidth, the desired radiation characteristics, and the like. In an embodiment, the planar metal sheet may be made of a conductive metal such as copper, aluminum, or beryllium copper. In some embodiments, the planar metal sheet may be further plated with a protective conductive coating, such as silver, nickel, tin, or gold, to minimize oxidation and enhance the durability of the antenna element.
[042] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary stepwise process 700 of forming an inverted L-shape feeding strip based on the predefined feeding strip forming pattern, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The inverted L-shaped feeding strip, for example, may be the feeding strip 210. In an embodiment, the feeding strip 210 may be of a predefined length and a predefined width, for example, 30.2 mm length and 4 mm width. The predefined length and the predefined width for the feeding strip 210 may be selected based on the design parameters
[043] In order to form the feeding strip 210, the planar metal sheet is folded and stamped according to the predefined feeding strip forming pattern. At step 702, the planar metal sheet used for creating the feeding strip 210 is depicted. In an embodiment, the planar metal sheet may be made of the conductive metal, such as copper, aluminum, or beryllium copper, and optionally plated with the protective conductive coating such as silver, nickel, tin, or gold. To form the feeding strip 210, as depicted in step 702, the planar metal sheet may be divided into a set of five sections. The set of five sections, for example may include, a first section 702-2, a second section 702-4, a third section 702-6, a fourth section 702-8, and a fifth section 702-10. In an embodiment, each of the set of five sections may be of a predefined length. Further, as depicted via step 702, one end of the planar metal sheet may include a corresponding soldering leg 702-12, i.e., the at least one soldering leg. For example, when the planar metal sheet is of the predefined length 30.2 mm, the first section 702-2, the second section 702-4, the third section 702-6, the fourth section 702-8, and the fifth section 702-10 may have the predefined length of 10 mm, 3.5 mm, 8 mm, 3.5 mm, and 3 mm, respectively. Further, the corresponding soldering leg 702-12 of the feeding strip 210 may be of the predefined length, e.g., 2.2 mm.
[044] In order to form the feeding strip 210, the planar metal sheet may be folder from the first section 702-2 at a predefined angle (e.g., a 90-degree angle), as depicted via step 704. As depicted, an end of the first section 702-2 may include the corresponding soldering leg 702-12. Further, at step 706, the third section 702-6 of the planar metal sheet may be stamped to obtain a curve (an arc structure) between the second section 702-4 and the fourth section 702-8. The curve obtained by stamping the third section 702-6 may be an inverted U-shape curved. Further, as depicted via step 708, the fifth section 702-10 of the planar metal sheet may be folded at a predefined angle (e.g., a 90-degree angle) to form the feeding strip 210 (also referred to as the inverted L-shaped feeding strip). As will be appreciated, the stepwise process 700 of forming the feeding strip 210 is exemplary and illustrative. However, the planar metal sheet may be folded or stamped based on any predefined feeding strip forming pattern to obtain the feeding strip 210 depicted via step 708.
[045] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary stepwise process 800 of forming another inverted L-shaped feeding strip based on the predefined feeding strip forming pattern, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The inverted L-shaped feeding strip, for example, may be the feeding strip 212. In an embodiment, the feeding strip 212 may be of the predefined length and the predefined width, for example, 30.2 mm length and 4 mm width, that is same as the feeding strip 210.
[046] In order to form the feeding strip 212, the planar metal sheet is folded and stamped according to the predefined feeding strip forming pattern. At step 802, the planar metal sheet used for creating the feeding strip 210 is depicted. In an embodiment, the planar metal sheet may be made of the conductive metal, such as copper, aluminum, or beryllium copper, and optionally plated with the protective conductive coating such as silver, nickel, tin, or gold. To form the feeding strip 212, as depicted in step 802, the planar metal sheet may be divided into a set of five sections. The set of five sections, for example may include, a first section 802-2, a second section 802-4, a third section 802-6, a fourth section 802-8, and a fifth section 802-10. In an embodiment, each of the set of five sections may be of a predefined length. Further, as depicted via step 802 one end of the planar metal sheet may include a corresponding soldering leg 802-12, i.e., the at least one soldering leg. For example, when the planar metal sheet is of the predefined length 30.2 mm, the first section 802-2, the second section 802-4, the third section 802-6, the fourth section 802-8, and the fifth section 802-10 may have the predefined length of 10 mm, 3.5 mm, 8 mm, 3.5 mm, and 3 mm, respectively. Further, the corresponding soldering leg 802-12 of the feeding strip 212 may be of the predefined length, e.g., 2.2 mm.
[047] In order to form the feeding strip 212, the planar metal sheet may be folded from the first section 802-2 at a predefine angle, i.e., the 90-degree angle, as depicted via step 804. As depicted, an end of the first section 802-2 may include the corresponding soldering leg 802-12. Further, at step 806, the third section 802-6 of the planar metal sheet may be stamped to obtain a curve (an arc structure) between the second section 802-4 and the fourth section 802-8. The curve obtained by stamping the third section 802-6 may be a U-shape curved. Further, as depicted via step 808, the fifth section 802-10 of the planar metal sheet may be folded at a predefined angle, i.e., the 90-degree angle, to form the feeding strip 212. As will be appreciated, the stepwise process 800 of forming the feeding strip 212 is exemplary and illustrative. However, the planar metal sheet may be folded or stamped based on any predefined feeding strip forming pattern to obtain the feeding strip 212 depicted via step 808.
[048] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary graph 900 depicting performance of the antenna structure 100, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
[049] In particular, the exemplary graph 900 depicts a S-parameter (i.e., magnitude) response of the antenna structure 100. The S-parameter (magnitude) is a key performance indicator of the antenna structure 100. The graph 900 illustrates return loss and port isolation characteristics of the antenna structure 100 across an operating frequency band. In the graph 900, an X-axis represents frequency in Gigahertz (GHz), ranging approximately from 3.1 GHz to 7.3 GHz. Further, a Y-axis represents the S-parameter (magnitude) in dB, ranging from 0 dB to -40 dB. As shown via graph 900, a curve 902 (depicted via a dotted line) represents a horizontal (H) -port return loss. The H-port return loss characterizes an impedance matching and reflection coefficient of the antenna structure 100 when excited through a horizontal polarization port. A curve 904 (depicted via a dashed line) represents a V-H isolation between the horizontal polarization port and a vertical polarization port. The V-H isolation characterizes a degree of electromagnetic decoupling between two ports, i.e., the horizontal and vertical polarization ports, ensuring that energy excited at one port is minimally coupled into another port. Further, a curve 906 (depicted via a solid line) represents a vertical (V) - port return loss, which indicates the impedance matching performance when the antenna structure 100 is excited through the vertical polarization port.
[050] Both curves 902 and 906 demonstrate that the antenna structure 100 achieves low return loss across a frequency range, thereby validating efficient wideband impedance matching for both orthogonal polarizations (i.e., both polarization ports). Further, as observed, the curve 904 maintains values below -20 dB across an operating band, which confirms excellent polarization isolation. This characteristic enhances the ability of the antenna structure 100 to support dual linear polarization with minimal interference and cross-coupling, thereby improving channel capacity and reducing polarization mismatch losses. In particular, the S-parameter analysis depicted via the graph 900 demonstrates that the antenna structure 100 provides wideband impedance matching and high isolation between orthogonal polarizations, making the antenna structure 100 highly suitable for modern wireless communication systems requiring dual-polarized and broadband performance.
[051] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary graph 1000 depicting performance of the antenna structure 100, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. In particular, the exemplary graph 1000 depicts a realized gain of the antenna structure. In an embodiment, the realized gain may represent another key performance indicator of the antenna structure 100, illustrating an effective radiated power by accounting for both directivity and efficiency of the antenna structure 100. A higher and stable realized gain across an operating frequency band may depict that the antenna structure 100 achieves efficient radiation with consistent performance for both polarization ports, i.e., the horizontal polarization port and the vertical polarization port. In other words, the graph 1000 illustrates peak gain characteristics of the antenna structure 100 across the operating frequency band.
[052] In the graph 1000, an X-axis represents frequency in GHz, ranging approximately from 3.3 GHz to 7.1 GHz. A Y-axis represents realized gain in dB, ranging from 6 dB to 12 dB. As shown via graph 1000, a curve 1002 (depicted via a solid line) represents an H-port peak gain, which characterizes a maximum realized gain of the antenna structure when excited through the horizontal polarization port. Further, a curve 1004 (depicted via a dashed line) represents a V-port peak gain, which characterizes the maximum realized gain of the antenna structure 100 when excited through the vertical polarization port.
[053] Both curves 1002 and 1004 demonstrate that the antenna structure 100 achieves stable and high gain across the frequency range, thereby validating efficient radiation performance for both orthogonal polarizations. In particular, the gain values gradually increase from about 8 dB at a lower end of the operating frequency band to more than 11 dB near an upper frequency range, confirming consistent and enhanced radiation characteristics. This characteristic enables the antenna structure 100 to support dual linear polarization with reliable gain performance, making the antenna structure 100 highly effective for modern wideband wireless communication applications.
[054] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the techniques described in the various embodiments discussed above are not routine, or conventional, or well understood in the art. The techniques discussed in the present disclosure for an ultra-wideband magneto-electric dipole antenna structure (e.g., the antenna structure 100) address challenges faced by conventional dipole antenna structures fabricated using sheet metals. In conventional dipole antenna structures, forming dipole arms (e.g., antenna elements) from planar sheet metal leads to significant material wastage due to cutting and shaping processes. Additionally, existing designs of the dipole antenna structures often suffer from limited bandwidth, complicated feeding networks, and high fabrication costs when implemented for dual polarization and wideband operation.
[055] The techniques discussed in the present disclosure address the challenges by employing techniques for folding the planar metal sheets instead of cutting, welding, etc., which minimizes material wastage and reduces overall manufacturing cost. The antenna structure is formed by directly soldering the antenna elements (i.e., the set of predefined antenna elements) and feeding strips (i.e., the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips) to the microstrip feed line printed on the dielectric substrate, e.g., the FR-4 PCB. This eliminates the need for complex baluns, coaxial connectors, or multilayer substrates, which are typically used in conventional dipole antenna designs and add to fabrication complexity and cost. Furthermore, existing dipole antennas often exhibit limited impedance bandwidth and poor polarization diversity. The present disclosure addresses these challenges by realizing a dual-polarized antenna structure with ultra-wideband performance, operating from 3.3 GHz to 7.1 GHz (with approximately 73% fractional bandwidth). The disclosed antenna structure achieves wide impedance bandwidth and stable radiation characteristics while maintaining high isolation between orthogonal polarizations.
[056] The techniques discussed in the present disclosure also address the challenge of achieving low-cost, large-scale manufacturability. By using inexpensive FR-4 PCB as a feeding platform and employing bending and soldering methods compatible with mass production, the disclosed antenna structure may be obtained at reduced cost without compromising electrical performance. Thus, problems existing in the present conventional dipole antennas are addressed.
[057] The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the disclosure. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is defined in the accompanying claims.
[058] It will be appreciated that, for clarity purposes, the above description has described embodiments of the disclosure with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processors or domains may be used without detracting from the disclosure. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processors or controllers may be performed by the same processor or controller. Hence, references to specific functional units are only to be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.
[059] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the disclosure.
[060] Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or process steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. Also, the inclusion of a feature in one category of claims does not imply a limitation to this category, but rather the feature may be equally applicable to other claim categories, as appropriate.
, Claims:CLAIMS
WE CLAIM:
1. An antenna structure (100) comprising:
at least one antenna unit (102) comprising:
a set of predefined antenna elements (104), wherein each of the set of predefined antenna elements (104) is formed by sequentially folding a planar metal sheet according to a predefined antenna element forming pattern, and wherein the set of predefined antenna elements (104) is symmetrically arranged at a central axis of a dielectric substrate (106), and soldered on a top side, configured to provide dual linear polarization;
a set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips (108), wherein each of the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips (108) is formed by folding and stamping a planar metal sheet according to a predefined feeding strip forming pattern, and wherein the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips (108) is soldered to a microstrip feed line printed on a rear side of the dielectric substrate (106); and
a support structure (110) mounted on a surface of the dielectric substrate (106), configured to:
hold the set of predefined antenna elements (104) and the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips (108) on the dielectric substrate (106); and
enable electric coupling of the set of predefined antenna elements (104) with the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips (108).

2. The antenna structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of predefined antenna elements (104) comprises four identical radiating antenna elements, and wherein each identical radiating antenna element comprises two orthogonal arms.

3. The antenna structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each identical radiating antenna element is soldered with the dielectric substrate (106) by coupling each of the two orthogonal arms with a corresponding antenna element soldering joint within the dielectric substrate (106).

4. The antenna structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips (108) comprises two inverted L-shaped feeding strips, and wherein each inverted L-shaped feeding strip includes at least one soldering leg interfacing with the microstrip feed line via an associated feeding strip soldering joint to provide electrical excitation to each of the set of predefined antenna elements.

5. The antenna structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (110) is configured to maintain a vertical spacing between the set of predefined antenna elements (104) and the dielectric substrate (106).

6. The antenna structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dielectric substrate (106) is a Flame Retardant (FR) 4 Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

7. The antenna structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one antenna unit (102) is an ultra-wideband magneto electric dipole antenna unit.

8. The antenna structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one antenna unit (102) is an element in an antenna array or a standalone antenna.

9. The antenna structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one antenna unit (102) further comprising:
a metallic fence (112) positioned around a perimeter of the dielectric substrate (106), wherein the metallic fence (112) is formed by bending a planar metal sheet to obtain a pre-defined shaped enclosure.

10. The antenna structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein forming an antenna element by sequentially folding the planar metal sheet according to the predefined antenna element forming pattern comprises:
folding a first portion of the planar metal sheet at a predefined angle, wherein the first portion of the planar metal sheet includes two attached sections, and wherein each of the two attached sections is of an equal predefined length and includes a corresponding orthogonal arm;
folding a second portion of the planar metal sheet to create an overlap between a first part of a first section with a first part of a second section of the second portion, wherein the second portion of the planar metal sheet is bifurcated into the first section and the second section, and wherein each section is divided into the first part and a second part of a corresponding predefined length; and
upon creating the overlap, folding the second part of each of the first section and the second section of the second portion to form the antenna element.

11. The antenna structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein forming an inverted L-shaped feeding strip by folding and stamping the planar metal sheet according to the predefined feeding strip forming pattern comprises:
diving the planar metal sheet in a set of five sections, each of a predefined length; wherein one end of the planar metal sheet includes a corresponding soldering leg;
folding the planar metal sheet from a first section of the set of five sections at a predefined angle;
stamping a third section of the planar metal sheet to obtain a curve between a second section and a fourth section; and
folding a fifth section of the planar metal sheet at a predefined angle to form the inverted L-shaped feeding strip.

12. An antenna comprising:
a set of predefined antenna elements, wherein each of the set of predefined antenna elements (104) is formed by sequentially folding a planar metal sheet according to a predefined antenna element forming pattern, and wherein the set of predefined antenna elements (104) is symmetrically arranged at a central axis of a dielectric substrate (106), and soldered on a top side, configured to provide dual linear polarization;
a set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips (108), wherein each of the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips (108) is formed by folding and stamping a planar metal sheet according to a predefined feeding strip forming pattern, and wherein the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips (108) is soldered to a microstrip feed line printed on a rear side of the dielectric substrate (106); and
a support structure (110) mounted on a surface of the dielectric substrate (106), configured to:
hold the set of predefined antenna elements (104) and the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips (108) on the dielectric substrate (106); and
enable electric coupling of the set of predefined antenna elements (104) with the set of predefined inverted L-shaped feeding strips (108).