Abstract: An antenna array that utilizes ground guard rings and metamaterial structures is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the antenna array is constructed from a plurality of antenna unit cells, wherein each antenna unit cell is identical. The antenna unit cell comprises a top surface, that contains a patch antenna and a ground guard ring. A reactive impedance surface (RIS) layer is disposed beneath the top surface and contains the metamaterial structures. The metamaterial structures are configured to present an inductance to the patch antennas, thereby allowing the patch antennas to be smaller than would otherwise be possible. In some embodiments, the metamaterial structures comprise hollow square frames. An antenna array constructed using this antenna unit cell has less coupling than conventional antenna arrays, which results in better performance. Furthermore, this new antenna array also requires less space than conventional antenna arrays.

Abstract: A system and method for determine the spatial position of a network device is disclosed. A locator device having an antenna array is used to perform an AoX calculation to find the direction to the network device. The AoX calculation utilizes a plurality of the antennas in the antenna array. The locator device also performs a high accuracy distance measurement (HADM). In certain embodiments, only one antenna in the antenna array is used for the HADM calculation. Using the direction and the distance to the network device, the locator is able to determine the spatial position of the network device. In some embodiments, the antenna array may a rotational symmetry array having a plurality of outer antenna elements and one central antenna element.

Abstract: An antenna array that utilizes ground guard rings and metamaterial structures is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the antenna array is constructed from a plurality of antenna unit cells, wherein each antenna unit cell is identical. The antenna unit cell comprises a top surface, that contains a patch antenna and a ground guard ring. A reactive impedance surface (RIS) layer is disposed beneath the top surface and contains the metamaterial structures. The metamaterial structures are configured to present an inductance to the patch antennas, thereby allowing the patch antennas to be smaller than would otherwise be possible. In some embodiments, the metamaterial structures comprise hollow square frames. An antenna array constructed using this antenna unit cell has less coupling than conventional antenna arrays, which results in better performance. Furthermore, this new antenna array also requires less space than conventional antenna arrays.

Abstract: An antenna array that utilizes ground guard rings and metamaterial structures is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the antenna array is constructed from a plurality of antenna unit cells, wherein each antenna unit cell is identical. The antenna unit cell comprises a top surface, that contains a patch antenna and a ground guard ring. A reactive impedance surface (RIS) layer is disposed beneath the top surface and contains the metamaterial structures. The metamaterial structures are configured to present an inductance to the patch antennas, thereby allowing the patch antennas to be smaller than would otherwise be possible. In some embodiments, the metamaterial structures comprise hollow square frames. An antenna array constructed using this antenna unit cell has less coupling than conventional antenna arrays, which results in better performance. Furthermore, this new antenna array also requires less space than conventional antenna arrays.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting a polarization for a particular antenna in an antenna array is disclosed. The system comprises an antenna array, wherein each antenna is adapted to receive and transmit horizontally and vertically polarized signals. The system also includes a switching network that is adapted to select the vertical or horizontal polarized signal for each antenna in the antenna array. The switching network also allows selection of a circular polarized signal from one or more of the antenna elements in the antenna array. This allows the AoX to be more accurate, as it is able to receive horizontally and vertically polarized signals, rather than just circular polarized signals, thereby improving its accuracy. The ability to receive circular polarized signals may be beneficial during reference periods to acquire the proper gain and frequency.

Abstract: A printed circuit board having an AoX antenna array and a feeding circuit is disclosed. The AoX antenna array has patch antenna disposed on a top layer of the printed circuit board, while the feeding circuit is disposed on the bottom layer. The signal traces that connect the ports of the antenna unit cells to the antenna selection switches are routed so that all are roughly equal in length with a minimal length of parallel sections between signal traces. Thus, the signal traces in the feeding circuit are created so as to minimize phase difference between signal traces and to minimize coupling. Coplanar waveguides, which utilize blind vias are used to further reduce coupling.

Abstract: An antenna array that utilizes ground guard rings and metamaterial structures is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the antenna array is constructed from a plurality of antenna unit cells, wherein each antenna unit cell is identical. The antenna unit cell comprises a top surface, that contains a patch antenna and a ground guard ring. A reactive impedance surface (RIS) layer is disposed beneath the top surface and contains the metamaterial structures. The metamaterial structures are configured to present an inductance to the patch antennas, thereby allowing the patch antennas to be smaller than would otherwise be possible. In some embodiments, the metamaterial structures comprise hollow square frames. An antenna array constructed using this antenna unit cell has less coupling than conventional antenna arrays, which results in better performance. Furthermore, this new antenna array also requires less space than conventional antenna arrays.

Abstract: An antenna array that utilizes ground guard rings and metamaterial structures is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the antenna array is constructed from a plurality of antenna unit cells, wherein each antenna unit cell is identical. The antenna unit cell comprises a top surface, that contains a patch antenna and a ground guard ring. A reactive impedance surface (RIS) layer is disposed beneath the top surface and contains the metamaterial structures. The metamaterial structures are configured to present an inductance to the patch antennas, thereby allowing the patch antennas to be smaller than would otherwise be possible. In some embodiments, the metamaterial structures comprise hollow square frames. An antenna array constructed using this antenna unit cell has less coupling than conventional antenna arrays, which results in better performance. A ground skirt surrounds the perimeter of the antenna array to improve radiation phase pattern balance within the array.