Antenna and method for fabricating same

0001The present invention relates to an antenna, in particular for use in mobile communications.

0002With regard to the development of mobile technology, particularly as regards the utilization of the networks and of the "Roaming" at home and abroad, and also generally at radio-operated Communication terminals are becoming more antennas needed which are capable of multiple frequency bands cover simultaneously.

0003At the same time the market demands smaller and cheaper Devices. By design specifications, the earlier only external antennas more often with the device integrated. Therefore, antennas are increasingly called upon to have a small footprint, easily for a function in several frequency bands or one or more wideband frequency ranges interpretable, inexpensive and are reproducibly manufactured. In addition, it is desirable that the antenna within the unit housing and not as far as Stummel- or extendable antenna on the device should sit. This has the consequence that the required minimum total electrical length of the antenna with the previously common structures can no longer be realized. This Problem wins with the further miniaturization of mobile devices and the correspondingly reduced volume of Antennas increasingly important.

0004The previous concepts, such as F-, Inverted have F-, patch, microstrip and double-sided PCB antennas all have the disadvantage that they are either too high footprint have or tunability at a multiband function is not readily possible. For example, Known multi-band antenna, in which on at least one Side of a printed circuit board multiple interconnects as radiant body are arranged. Only one of the conductor tracks connected to a transmitter. Additional interconnects are not directly connected via electrical conductors, but are such designed such that it through an electromagnetic coupling to be animated. In the case of microstrip antennas is a Ground plane requires that the back side of a printed circuit board (PCB) completely covers. By the required Distance between the radiating elements is also a great Space is required. Moreover, these antennas are in the production very expensive.

0005Even with double-sided PCB antennas or two PCBs, each a radiating structure on one side of the two PCBs and with an elongated mass to tune into a Back one of the two PCBs, which placed one behind the other are composed, for example, only a small multiband capability and fewer opportunities to vote. In addition, a mass feeding needs.

0006A plurality of PCB-multiband antennas are complicated to manufacture and have low reproducibility.

0007The use of multiple antennas to cover several Ribbons makes a higher space requirement, an additional control of the individual antennas, additional Antennenkontaktierung and an additional antenna mount required. It is accordingly also increases the number of the components. This alternative is in the preparation of very costly.

0008An object of the invention is to provide an antenna, which is capable of a plurality of frequency bands simultaneously cover and small footprint has.

0009This object is achieved by an antenna according to independent Claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are contained in the subclaims.

0010According to claim 1 the present invention is an antenna, in particular a multi-band antenna for mobile devices, with a combined antenna structure provided, at least a loop antenna structure having at least one rod antenna structure is combined.

0011Characterized an antenna is realized which one such combined having antenna structure that they in multiple frequency bands and / or in one or more wide-band Frequency ranges is interpretable and in any communication terminal is integrable.

0012Preferably, the corresponding combined antenna structure in all their dimensions relative to adapt to provided, from one device to different requirements vary in their values. This will retain the relative Dimensions of the combined antenna structure, ie the dimensions the loop antenna structure in relation to the rod antenna structure receive.

0013What form the individual sections of the combined antenna structure exhibit is flexible. For example, the rod antenna structure as a bar or as a meander or in any other form, such as in a waveform can be realized, as can the loop antenna structure appropriate in meander, in rod or another present form.

0014Preferably, the combined antenna structure is designed such that is adapted to the respective device space optimization takes place.

0015Preferably, the combined antenna structure in the Frequency band with the lowest frequency a loop antenna structure on. Thus, it also has at least there a ground contact. The ground contact can, in principle at each any position of the antenna structure to be attached. Preferably it is, however, provided at the end of the structure, ie preferably the combined antenna structure at least at one end a mass contact on. Characterized the frequency is lower.

0016It can also be more than one ground contact at various positions give. Due to space restrictions, the radiating element also be implemented in another form. Preferably is this structure in the maximum distance to the ground contact the second radiating element designed.

0017Further, in another preferred embodiment, the Antenna from a plurality of radiating structures as one in The form of a loop antenna structure and / or a rod-antenna structure made to a multiband antenna with more to implement than two bands.

0018The position of the antenna on or in the respective device irrelevant. You can to the respective device properties and the type of installation to be adapted.

0019Preferably, the rod-antenna structure is located on the front side of the device. Paying attention is always on the distance of the Radiating element to the ground plane.

0020In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention Antenna, the combined antenna structure as contact elements at least one RF contact and at least a ground contact. In principle, several Ground contacts possible to a desired antenna performance adjust. The RF contact is preferably at the beginning of Meander attached, but can also be at another location be positioned.

0021In a further preferred embodiment of the invention Antenna are on the combined antenna structure tuning provided. This can in the area, ie below, above or next to one or more radiant Structures be attached. The tuning elements may, for example, be in the form of a patch.

0022The antenna can also be a stepped or compressed structure have, ie, the height of the antenna above the corresponding device PCB can both in terms of their length and their Width vary. Preferably, the contour of the radiating element the inventive antenna housing history adapted to make good use of the volume.

0023In a further preferred embodiment of the invention Antenna to improve the emission properties and the bandwidth increased by the parallel plane of the antenna extends to the metallic surface of the device. they but may also be at a variable distance to the metallic EMC shielding of the radio-operated communication terminal extend.

0024In another preferred embodiment of the invention Antenna, the antenna structure suitable dielectric and / or magnetic materials. One uses For example, a ceramic. This allows the emission properties be improved, and optionally also the available volume are optimally utilized. The dielectric and / or magnetic materials, the antenna structure partially or completely filled. There are also Combinations of different dielectric and / or magnetic Substances or air possible.

0025Furthermore, several methods for the preparation according to the invention are an inventive antenna provided.

0026In a first preferred method of the invention Preparation of an inventive antenna, the antenna on a PCB (Printed Circiut Board) realized.

0027In a further inventive method for the preparation of an inventive antenna is the antenna of a Sheet produced by a punching and bending technology.

0028Furthermore, the antenna according to the invention may according to the invention as a film run. Man used here, for example, flexible flexible plastic material, in particular Film of polycarbonate or polyetherimide. At each location can be structured an interconnect, which spotlights a or represents another any electric element. The structuring can be performed using different technologies, known from the selective structuring at the so-called MID applications, are produced. Of these, particular the full-surface metallization with subsequent laser structuring, applying a primer paint for the metallization by mask cover or pad printing (Boymetec method) and to name subsequent metallization. with metalization here is the chemical deposition and / or electroplating Deposition of metals meant. A further variant z. B. printing a conductive coating by stamping, pad or screen printing.

0029In a further preferred method of the invention Preparation of an inventive antenna, the antenna in the MID technology (Molded Interconnected Device) executed.

0030The material on which the structure in the case of the PCB and the MID technology is applied, can be freely selected. Preferably it is high frequency compatible. It may also flexible flexible be material, whereby an adaptation to housing or equipment contours is possible.

0031The invention further includes the use of the invention Antenna for installation or for integration into a communication terminal, particularly in a mobile device. The inventive antenna can in any way be connected to the communication terminal, for example, externally fitted or be folded out or they can on a conventional printed circuit board, for example in GSM desktop phones, , Mounted in radio or telecommunications modules will. Ultimately, it can also as an independent external Antenna to operate. In all cases, a suitable antenna ground are respected.

0032Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the following Drawings. Show it:<sl><li>FIG. 1a side view of part of a mobile radio with an integrated antenna according to the invention;</li><li>FIG. 1b plan view of part of a mobile device with an integrated antenna of the invention;</li><li>Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of an antenna according to the invention.</li></sl>

0033In Figures 1a and 1b is a side and a plan view of Part of a mobile radio apparatus 1 shown in which a inventive antenna is 2 integrated. Shown is in Figure 1a shows a PCB 3, on which a shield cover 4 rests and at one end thereof an earpiece 5 is attached. The integrated inventive antenna 2 is located in a suitable distance h2 to the screen cover 4. The amount of Antenna 2 on the device PCB 3 can within the length and / or the width may vary. Preferably, the plane runs 2 of the antenna parallel to the metallic surface. Thereby can the emission properties are improved and the bandwidth can be increased. but it can also in a variable Distance from the metallic EMC shielding 4 of the mobile phone 1 run.

0034Figure 1b shows a top view of a part of a mobile radio device 1 with an integrated antenna according to the invention 2. Recognizable is here again the PCB 3 and the subsequent Inappropriate shield cover 4. The antenna 2 has two contact elements , namely an RF contact 6 and a ground contact 7. The position of the antenna in the device is irrelevant So can the device characteristics and the type of installation be adjusted. The rod antenna structure is preferably on the front side of the device.

0035Figure 2 shows the basic structure of an embodiment an inventive antenna 2. All dimensions can contribute Adaptation to the questions, from device to device different Requirements in their values ​​vary.

0036The rod 8 can thus also in meander, the meanders 9 in Rod shape or be realized in any other desired shape. As illustrated here preferably forms the bond with the lower frequency the loop antenna structure 10 and has therefore ground contact 11. The ground contact 11 can be connected to each mounted any position of the loop antenna structure 10 will. It is preferably, however, as shown here, on End of the structure. The RF contact 12 is here at the beginning of Maänders 9, ie at the transition from the rod antenna structure 13 the loop antenna structure 10th