Multiple element patch antenna and electrical feed network
AssigneeLumera Corporation
InventorMary K. Koenig
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A feed network for coupling elements of a multi-element patch antenna to transmit or receive circuitry may include segments having dimensions that maximize the impedance of the feed network. Increasing the feed network impedance can simplify matching of the feed network to conventional transmission line impedances (e.g., 50 Ohms, 75 Ohms), which reduces reflections of the operating signals as a result of impedance mismatches. By designing the feed network as a hierarchical distribution network of transmission lines of particular lengths selected to maximize impedance, signal reflections may be reduced and bandwidth of the antenna system may be improved.
Claims33
An electrical network for coupling transmit or receive circuitry to a multi-element patch antenna, the electrical network comprising:
- a first group of electrically conductive segments in which each segment is connected at one end to a different one of the patch antenna elements and is connected at an opposite end to a common electrical node, wherein each segment has a predetermined length designed such that, for a desired wavelength of a signal that propagates in parallel through the segments, the signal forms in each segment a standing wave in which a maximum value of the peak voltage amplitude occurs at the common node;
- and
- a second electrically conductive segment that is connected at one end to the common node and that is formed such that a signal that propagates along the second segment is split substantially equally among each of the segments in the first group.
A patch antenna comprising:
- multiple patch antenna elements;
- an electrical network to couple the patch antenna elements to transmit or receive circuitry, the electrical network comprising:
- a first group of electrically conductive segments in which each segment is connected at one end to a different one of the patch antenna elements and is connected at an opposite end to a common electrical node, wherein each segment has a predetermined length designed such that, for a desired wavelength of a signal that propagates in parallel through the segments, the signal forms in each segment a standing wave in which a maximum value of the peak voltage amplitude occurs at the common node;
- and
- a second electrically conductive segment that is connected at one end to the common node and that is formed such that a signal that propagates along the second segment is split substantially equally among each of the segments in the first group.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.