Abstract: A family of FE dielectric-tuned antennas and a method for frequency tuning a wireless communications antenna are provided. The method comprises: forming a radiator; forming a dielectric with ferroelectric material proximate to the radiator; applying a voltage to the ferroelectric material; in response to applying the voltage, generating a dielectric constant; and, in response to the dielectric constant, communicating electromagnetic fields at a resonant frequency. Some aspects of the method further comprise: varying the applied voltage; and, modifying the resonant frequency in response to changes in the applied voltage. Modifying the resonant frequency includes forming an antenna with a variable operating frequency responsive to the applied voltage. Alternately stated, forming an antenna with a variable operating frequency includes forming an antenna with a predetermined fixed characteristic impedance, independent of the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A family of FE dielectric-tuned antennas and a method for frequency tuning a wireless communications antenna are provided. The method comprises: forming a radiator; forming a dielectric with ferroelectric material proximate to the radiator; applying a voltage to the ferroelectric material; in response to applying the voltage, generating a dielectric constant; and, in response to the dielectric constant, communicating electromagnetic fields at a resonant frequency. Some aspects of the method further comprise: varying the applied voltage; and, modifying the resonant frequency in response to changes in the applied voltage. Modifying the resonant frequency includes forming an antenna with a variable operating frequency responsive to the applied voltage. Alternately stated, forming an antenna with a variable operating frequency includes forming an antenna with a predetermined fixed characteristic impedance, independent of the resonant frequency.

Abstract: An inverted-F ferroelectric antenna is provided. The antenna comprises a counterpoise, or groundplane, and an inverted-F structure radiator having a first end connected to the counterpoise. A fixed dielectric material, typically a ceramic or air separates the radiator and the counterpoise. A capacitor, formed from a ferroelectric dielectric is connected between the second end of the radiator and the counterpoise. The capacitor has a variable dielectric constant, and the antenna is resonant at a frequency responsive to the dielectric constant of the capacitor ferroelectric material. Typically, the capacitor includes a dielectric formed from a fixed constant dielectric, together with a ferroelectric dielectric with a variable dielectric constant. A bias voltage feed is used to apply a voltage to the capacitor ferroelectric dielectric. The ferroelectric dielectric has a dielectric constant that varies in response to the applied voltage.

Abstract: A uniplanar dual strip antenna that has a two dimensional structure. The antenna is comprised of a first and a second metallic strip, each printed or etched on a thin planar substrate. The first and second strips are separated by a predetermined gap and are used as conductors of a two-wire transmission line. A coplanar waveguide is coupled to the uniplanar dual strip antenna. The coplanar waveguide is constructed by printing or etching metal on the substrate. The positive terminal of the waveguide is electrically connected to the first strip. The negative terminal of the waveguide is electrically connected to both the first and second strips. The uniplanar dual strip antenna according to the present invention provides an increase in bandwidth over typical quarter wavelength or half wavelength patch antennas. Experimental results have shown that the uniplanar dual strip antenna has a bandwidth of approximately 8-20% that is extremely desirable for PCS and cellular phones.

Abstract: A substrate antenna that includes conductive shielding positioned adjacent to and covering at least two, preferably opposing, sides of a conductive trace or antenna structure formed by the trace or traces, supported on a substrate. The conductive enclosure is realized by using a tubular material or planar conductive layers positioned adjacent to the trace. Preferably, shielding layers are disposed on at least two opposing sides of the trace. In one embodiment, a layer of dielectric material is formed over the antenna trace, and one shielding layer is formed on a surface of the substrate opposite that of the trace, and a second shielding layer is formed on the non-conductive material, effectively sandwiching the trace and substrate between them. In further embodiments, a conductive surface is formed between and joining together the two shielding layers, along either one or two sides of the trace or substrate.