Abstract: An exemplary antenna system has first and second antenna elements, where a diplexer is connected to each second element. First phase shifters are connected to the first elements and to the diplexers, and second phase shifters are connected to the diplexers, but not to the first elements. Either a different bandpass filter is connected to the first and second phase shifters or a single multiplexer is connected to all phase shifters. The antenna system can be used to support communications over first and second sub-bands with independent beam tilts and equivalent beamwidths, where all of the elements are used for the first sub-band, and the second elements, but not the first elements, are used for the second sub-band. Each first element is separated from an adjacent element by a first distance, and each second element is separated from an adjacent element by a second distance different from the first distance.

Abstract: This application proposes multi-beam antenna systems using spherical lens with high isolation between antenna ports and compatible to 2×2, 4×4, 8×8 MIMO transceivers. Several compact multi-band, multi-beam solutions (with wideband operation, 40%+, in each band) are achieved by creating dual-band radiators movable on a track around one or more spherical lenses and by placing lower band radiators between spherical lenses. By using secondary lenses for high band radiators, coupling between low band and high band radiators is reduced. Beam tilt range and side lobe suppression are improved through phase shifting and/or a rotational angle of radiators. A wide beam tilt range (0-40 degree) can be achieved via the proposed multi-beam antenna systems. Each beam can be independently tilted. Based on proposed single and multi-lens antenna solutions, cell coverage improvements and stadium tribune coverage optimization are also achieved, together with a reduction in interference.

Abstract: This application proposes multi-beam antenna systems using spherical lens with high isolation between antenna ports and compatible to 2×2, 4×4, 8×8 MIMO transceivers. Several compact multi-band, multi-beam solutions (with wideband operation, 40%+, in each band) are achieved by creating dual-band radiators movable on a track around one or more spherical lenses and by placing lower band radiators between spherical lenses. By using secondary lenses for high band radiators, coupling between low band and high band radiators is reduced. Beam tilt range and side lobe suppression are improved through phase shifting and/or a rotational angle of radiators. A wide beam tilt range (0-40 degree) can be achieved via the proposed multi-beam antenna systems. Each beam can be independently tilted. Based on proposed single and multi-lens antenna solutions, cell coverage improvements and stadium tribune coverage optimization are also achieved, together with a reduction in interference.

Abstract: A lensed antenna is provided. The lensed antenna includes a linear array of radiating units that are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction. Each radiating unit includes a first radiating element and a second radiating element that is arranged proximate to the first radiating element. Either of the first radiating element or the second radiating element is operable to resonate at a first frequency and a combination of the first radiating element and the second radiating element is operable to resonate at a second frequency that is different from the first frequency. A lens is positioned to receive electromagnetic radiation from at least one of the radiating units.

Abstract: A transparent dielectric-core antenna surrounded by patterned metallic metasurfaces. The patterned metallic metasurface acts as a conductive medium for surface current to flow and efficiently radiate fields driven by a power source. Furthermore, the patterned metallic metasurface can strongly reduce the electrical presence of the dielectric-core to realize a radio-transparent antenna to nearby systems at any desired frequency band while still maintaining good radiation and matching properties. Such an antenna concept may be applied to a variety of geometries.

Abstract: A low sidelobe beam forming method and dual-beam antenna schematic are disclosed, which may preferably be used for 3-sector and 6-sector cellular communication system. Complete antenna combines 2-, 3- or -4 columns dual-beam sub-arrays (modules) with improved beam-forming network (BFN). The modules may be used as part of an array, or as an independent 2-beam antenna. By integrating different types of modules to form a complete array, the present invention provides an improved dual-beam antenna with improved azimuth sidelobe suppression in a wide frequency band of operation, with improved coverage of a desired cellular sector and with less interference being created with other cells. Advantageously, a better cell efficiency is realized with up to 95% of the radiated power being directed in a desired cellular sector.

Abstract: Lensed antennas are provided that include a plurality of radiating elements and a lens positioned to receive electromagnetic radiation from at least one of the radiating elements, the lens comprising a composite dielectric material. The composite dielectric material comprises expandable gas-filled microspheres that are mixed with an inert binder, dielectric support materials such as foamed microspheres and particles of conductive material that are mixed together.

Abstract: Phased array antennas include a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of RF lenses that are generally aligned along a first vertical axis. Each radiating element is associated with a respective one of the RF lenses, and each radiating element is tilted with respect to the first vertical axis.

Abstract: An exemplary antenna system has first and second antenna elements, where a diplexer is connected to each second element. First phase shifters are connected to the first elements and to the diplexers, and second phase shifters are connected to the diplexers, but not to the first elements. Either a different bandpass filter is connected to the first and second phase shifters or a single multiplexer is connected to all phase shifters. The antenna system can be used to support communications over first and second sub-bands with independent beam tilts and equivalent beamwidths, where all of the elements are used for the first sub-band, and the second elements, but not the first elements, are used for the second sub-band. Each first element is separated from an adjacent element by a first distance, and each second element is separated from an adjacent element by a second distance different from the first distance.

Abstract: A microstrip to airstrip transition is provided. The microstrip to airstrip transition includes a ground plane, a printed circuit board, a microstrip, a solder mask, and an airstrip. The ground plane has first and second sides. The printed circuit board has first and second sides and is disposed on the first side of the ground plane. The microstrip is disposed on a portion of the first side of the printed circuit board, and the solder mask is disposed over at least a portion of the microstrip. The airstrip is disposed over the at least portion of the solder mask, and the solder mask prevents direct contact between the microstrip and the airstrip.

Abstract: A multiband antenna is provided having a longitudinal ground plane and several linear arrays of radiating elements mounted on the ground plane. A first set of first radiating elements may be disposed lengthwise along a center of the ground plane. The first radiating elements may be dimensioned to operate in a first frequency band, such a frequency range of about 790-960 MHz. A second set of second radiating elements may also be disposed lengthwise along the center of the ground plane. The second radiating elements may be dimensioned to operate in a second frequency band, such as a frequency range of about 1710-2170 MHz. A third set of third radiating elements is disposed lengthwise on the ground plane on a first side of the first and second sets of radiating elements. The third radiating elements may be dimensioned to operate at a third frequency band, such as about 2.5-2.7 GHz and/or 3.4-3.8 GHz.

Abstract: A microstrip to airstrip transition is provided. The microstrip to airstrip transition includes a ground plane, a printed circuit board, a microstrip, a solder mask, and an airstrip. The ground plane has first and second sides. The printed circuit board has first and second sides and is disposed on the first side of the ground plane. The microstrip is disposed on a portion of the first side of the printed circuit board, and the solder mask is disposed over at least a portion of the microstrip. The airstrip is disposed over the at least portion of the solder mask, and the solder mask prevents direct contact between the microstrip and the airstrip.

Abstract: A multiband antenna is provided having a longitudinal ground plane and several linear arrays of radiating elements mounted on the ground plane. A first set of first radiating elements may be disposed lengthwise along a center of the ground plane. The first radiating elements may be dimensioned to operate in a first frequency band, such a frequency range of about 790-960 MHz. A second set of second radiating elements may also be disposed lengthwise along the center of the ground plane. The second radiating elements may be dimensioned to operate in a second frequency band, such as a frequency range of about 1710-2170 MHz. A third set of third radiating elements is disposed lengthwise on the ground plane on a first side of the first and second sets of radiating elements. The third radiating elements may be dimensioned to operate at a third frequency band, such as about 2.5-2.7 GHz and/or 3.4-3.8 GHz.

Abstract: A low sidelobe beam forming method and dual-beam antenna schematic are disclosed, which may preferably be used for 3-sector and 6-sector cellular communication system. Complete antenna combines 2-, 3- or -4 columns dual-beam sub-arrays (modules) with improved beam-forming network (BFN). The modules may be used as part of an array, or as an independent 2-beam antenna. By integrating different types of modules to form a complete array, the present invention provides an improved dual-beam antenna with improved azimuth sidelobe suppression in a wide frequency band of operation, with improved coverage of a desired cellular sector and with less interference being created with other cells. Advantageously, a better cell efficiency is realized with up to 95% of the radiated power being directed in a desired cellular sector.

Abstract: A dual polarized three-sector base station antenna with variable beam tilt in each sector. The invention advantageously provides a variable phase shifter with very small lateral dimensions which significantly reduces the diameter of a three-sector antenna. The feed network is located on both sides of the antenna ground plane, and the combination of the cable, microstrip and airstrip lines further reduces the lateral size of the antenna. Metal rings on the radome and double-bended ground plane are providing antenna with better cross-polarization and port-to-port isolation.

Abstract: A dual band, dual pole, variable downtilt, 90 degree azimuth beamwidth antenna (10). The antenna includes dipole elements (12, 14) forming both a PCS band and a cellular band antenna. The PCS band antenna has two sections disposed each side of the cellular band antenna, the elements of each being positioned 90° with respect to the other. A microstrip feed network formed upon a common PC board (18) feeds the respective dipole elements, and has serpentine portions with a corresponding dielectric member slideable thereover to establish the phase of the associated dipole antennas and achieve a linear downtilt of the respective antenna array. A slide rod adjustment assembly (100) provides unitary movement of the dielectric members between two different slide rods. These dielectric members are secured with adhesive to the respective slide rods to achieve good dielectric control and no use of hardware.

Abstract: An antenna comprising a reflective surface; and an array of dipole antenna elements disposed adjacent to the reflective surface. Each antenna element has a pair of arms which together define a dipole axis, and the dipole axis is tilted at an acute angle with respect to the reflective surface. The pair of arms may be dipole arms, or may be Yagi director arms. In some embodiments the dipole axis is tilted at an acute angle with respect to a feed axis. In some embodiments the antenna element comprises a feed portion defining a feed axis; and the feed portion has a mounting portion which is tilted at an acute angle with respect to the feed axis.

Abstract: A crossed dipole antenna element comprising first and second dipoles, each dipole having a pair of arms, each arm having a first portion extending from a central axis and a second portion extending out of a plane including the first portion and the central axis. In certain embodiments the second portions of the arms of the first dipole extend in a first rotational direction and the second portions of the arms of the second dipole extend in a second rotational direction. This improves the isolation performance of the antenna. In certain embodiments the second portion of each arm branches out at an intermediate position along the length of the arm. This improves the bandwidth performance of the antenna.

Abstract: A dual polarized three-sector base station antenna with variable beam tilt in each sector. The invention advantageously provides a variable phase shifter with very small lateral dimensions which significantly reduces the diameter of a three-sector antenna. The feed network is located on both sides of the antenna ground plane, and the combination of the cable, microstrip and airstrip lines further reduces the lateral size of the antenna. Metal rings on the radome and double-bended ground plane are providing antenna with better cross-polarization and port-to-port isolation.

Abstract: A dual band, dual pol, variable downtilt, 90 degree azimuth beamwidth antenna (10). The antenna includes dipole elements (12, 14) forming both a PCS band and a cellular band antenna. The PCS band antenna has two sections disposed each side of the cellular band antenna, the elements of each being positioned 90° with respect to the other. A microstrip feed network formed upon a common PC board (18) feeds the respective dipole elements, and has serpentine portions with a corresponding dielectric member slideable thereover to establish the phase of the associated dipole antennas and achieve a linear downtilt of the respective antenna array. A slide rod adjustment assembly (100) provides unitary movement of the dielectric members between two different slide rods. These dielectric members are secured with adhesive to the respective slide rods to achieve good dielectric control and no use of hardware.