Abstract: Directional antenna apparatus and methods of utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the directional antenna apparatus includes a chip component disposed on a ground plane. The chip component includes a conductive layer disposed upon a ceramic substrate. The conductive layer of the chip component is connected to electronic circuitry via one or more feed structures and one or more ground structures. The chip component and the ground plane are disposed atop a reflector component in a substantially orthogonal orientation. By spacing the ground plane from the reflector component by a set amount, the directional nature of the directional antenna apparatus may be configured.

Abstract: Antenna apparatus that utilizes a utility line in order to improve performance of the antenna apparatus. In one embodiment, a smart meter that utilizes the aforementioned antenna apparatus is disclosed. The smart meter includes a utility meter housing configured to house a smart metering module, the utility meter housing enclosing: a wireless reporting portion comprising a helical coil radiator, the helical coil radiator being coupled to an RF transmission path, the RF transmission path configured to couple the helical coil radiator to an RF transceiver integrated circuit; an enclosure configured to house the RF transceiver integrated circuit, the enclosure further comprising a distribution portion comprising one or more meter sensing electronics; and a utility line port, the utility line port configured to position a utility line adjacent and parallel with the helical coil radiator.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced antenna port isolation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a spatially compact patch antenna apparatus is disclosed. A plurality of walls are incorporated into the antenna assembly's bottom cover. The walls are located under the radiating element located on a top cover of the antenna assembly. The walls are in one implementation oriented orthogonally with respect to one another, and are placed adjacent to respective antenna feeds. The walls are then at least partly metallized using, for example, a laser direct structuring (LDS) process, and are further connected to a ground plane of an external substrate. By incorporating the metallized wall structures on the existing plastic structure of the bottom cover, isolation between the antenna ports is improved without requiring installation of additional components, use of slots in the ground plane, or increased physical separation (i.e., distance). Manufacturing cost and consistency are also advantageously improved.

Abstract: Antenna apparatus and methods of use and tuning. In one exemplary embodiment, the solution of the present disclosure is particularly adapted for small form-factor, metal-encased applications that utilize satellite wireless links (e.g., GPS), and uses an electromagnetic (e.g., capacitive) feeding method that includes one or more separate feed elements that are not galvanically connected to a radiating element of the antenna. In addition, certain implementations of the antenna apparatus offer the capability to carry more than one operating band for the antenna.

Abstract: Antenna apparatus that utilizes a utility line in order to improve performance of the antenna apparatus. In one embodiment, a smart meter that utilizes the aforementioned antenna apparatus is disclosed. The smart meter includes a utility meter housing configured to house a smart metering module, the utility meter housing enclosing: a wireless reporting portion comprising a helical coil radiator, the helical coil radiator being coupled to an RF transmission path, the RF transmission path configured to couple the helical coil radiator to an RF transceiver integrated circuit; an enclosure configured to house the RF transceiver integrated circuit, the enclosure further comprising a distribution portion comprising one or more meter sensing electronics; and a utility line port, the utility line port configured to position a utility line adjacent and parallel with the helical coil radiator.

Abstract: Multi-element dual polarized antenna apparatus and methods of utilizing and manufacturing the same. The antenna apparatus includes two planar antenna elements. One antenna element is configured to communicate RF waves characterized by a first polarization and another antenna element is configured to communicate RF waves characterized by second polarization. Feed elements are disposed such that their longitudinal axes are parallel with one another while their transverse axes are disposed perpendicular with one another. Individual feed elements include planar feed structures disposed on sides of the feed elements that are facing the same quadrant. Arranging the antenna feed structure using the above configuration provides for an antenna characterized by improved improved port to port isolation and/or improved cross polarization discrimination without the use of additional components.

Abstract: Simple, low-cost and modular antenna apparatus and methods associated therewith. In one embodiment, a modular antenna element that can be used either alone or as a basic “building block” for larger arrays and sectorial antennas (i.e., by joining needed number of elements together) is provided. The same parts can be reused for various complete product designs, thereby advantageously reducing the need for customized parts (and the attendant disabilities associated therewith). Moreover, multiple antenna elements can be readily joined together via a common feed network (in one implementation, via the back portion of each element). The antenna gain and beam width are also adjustable through configuration of the array (and the construction of the antenna elements themselves).

Abstract: In-building dual-polarized antenna apparatus components, assemblies, and methods for manufacturing and utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the dual-polarized ceiling mount antenna apparatus comprises a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) device and is constructed to meet one or more aesthetically-related design goals such as e.g., being visually appealing. Specifically, only the horizontally polarized antenna element of the exemplary MIMO apparatus is visible as the remainder of the MIMO antenna apparatus is hidden from view above a ceiling tile. Moreover, the radome of the horizontally polarized antenna element is manufactured from a substantially translucent polymer cover and includes a “thin” radiating mesh. Resident above the ceiling tile, and normally obscured from view, is a vertically polarized antenna element along with an optional reflector element.

Abstract: Multi-element dual polarized antenna apparatus and methods of utilizing and manufacturing the same. The antenna apparatus includes two planar antenna elements. One antenna element is configured to communicate RF waves characterized by a first polarization and another antenna element is configured to communicate RF waves characterized by second polarization. Feed elements are disposed such that their longitudinal axes are parallel with one another while their transverse axes are disposed perpendicular with one another. Individual feed elements include planar feed structures disposed on sides of the feed elements that are facing the same quadrant. Arranging the antenna feed structure using the above configuration provides for an antenna characterized by improved improved port to port isolation and/or improved cross polarization discrimination without the use of additional components.

Abstract: Directional antenna apparatus and methods of utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the directional antenna apparatus includes a chip component disposed on a ground plane. The chip component includes a conductive layer disposed upon a ceramic substrate. The conductive layer of the chip component is connected to electronic circuitry via one or more feed structures and one or more ground structures. The chip component and the ground plane are disposed atop a reflector component in a substantially orthogonal orientation. By spacing the ground plane from the reflector component by a set amount, the directional nature of the directional antenna apparatus may be configured.

Abstract: In-building dual-polarized antenna apparatus components, assemblies, and methods for manufacturing and utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the dual-polarized ceiling mount antenna apparatus comprises a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) device and is constructed to meet one or more aesthetically-related design goals such as e.g., being visually appealing. Specifically, only the horizontally polarized antenna element of the exemplary MIMO apparatus is visible as the remainder of the MIMO antenna apparatus is hidden from view above a ceiling tile. Moreover, the radome of the horizontally polarized antenna element is manufactured from a substantially translucent polymer cover and includes a “thin” radiating mesh. Resident above the ceiling tile, and normally obscured from view, is a vertically polarized antenna element along with an optional reflector element.

Abstract: Antenna apparatus and methods of use and tuning. In one exemplary embodiment, the solution of the present disclosure is particularly adapted for small form-factor, metal-encased applications that utilize satellite wireless links (e.g., GPS), and uses an electromagnetic (e.g., capacitive) feeding method that includes one or more separate feed elements that are not galvanically connected to a radiator element of the antenna. In addition, certain implementations of the antenna apparatus offer the capability to carry more than one operating band for the antenna.

Abstract: A right-hand circular polarized antenna and associated methods. In one embodiment, a quarter-wave antenna configuration is used within a small form factor portable device (e.g. wristwatch). The antenna comprises a radiator element which operates in as a linear polarized antenna while the device is operating in free space. However, when the device is attached to a user (e.g. at a user's wrist), the antenna utilizes the loading of the user's body tissue in order to suppress unwanted signals (e.g. left hand polarized signals) to permit operation in circular polarized mode (e.g. right hand polarized mode), thereby allowing for increased sensitivity to received circularly polarized signals such as those emanated from global positioning satellites.

Abstract: Multi-element antenna apparatus for mobile devices and methods of utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the antenna apparatus includes three antenna elements configured to operate in a plurality of frequency bands. The antenna elements are to a transceiver engine of a radio frequency communications device. Two of the three antenna components are configured to operate in transmit and receive modes. The third antenna component is configured to operate in receive mode. In some embodiments of an antenna apparatus operable in a carrier aggregation communication mode, two antenna components may be electrically combined into a single antenna component. The combined antenna component, characterized by a larger dimension and a larger operating bandwidth, may be operable simultaneously in two frequency bands, thereby enabling the carrier aggregation intra-band communication.

Abstract: A right-hand circular polarized antenna and associated methods. In one embodiment, a quarter-wave antenna configuration is used within a small form factor portable device (e.g. wristwatch). The antenna comprises a radiator element which operates in as a linear polarized antenna while the device is operating in free space. However, when the device is attached to a user (e.g. at a user's wrist), the antenna utilizes the loading of the user's body tissue in order to suppress unwanted signals (e.g. left hand polarized signals) to permit operation in circular polarized mode (e.g. right hand polarized mode), thereby allowing for increased sensitivity to received circularly polarized signals such as those emanated from global positioning satellites.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced antenna port isolation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a spatially compact patch antenna apparatus is disclosed. A plurality of walls are incorporated into the antenna assembly's bottom cover. The walls are located under the radiating element located on a top cover of the antenna assembly. The walls are in one implementation oriented orthogonally with respect to one another, and are placed adjacent to respective antenna feeds. The walls are then at least partly metallized using, for example, a laser direct structuring (LDS) process, and are further connected to a ground plane of an external substrate. By incorporating the metallized wall structures on the existing plastic structure of the bottom cover, isolation between the antenna ports is improved without requiring installation of additional components, use of slots in the ground plane, or increased physical separation (i.e., distance). Manufacturing cost and consistency are also advantageously improved.

Abstract: A right-hand circular polarized antenna and associated methods. In one embodiment, a quarter-wave antenna configuration is used within a small form factor portable device (e.g. wristwatch). The antenna comprises a radiator element which operates in as a linear polarized antenna while the device is operating in free space. However, when the device is attached to a user (e.g. at a user's wrist), the antenna utilizes the loading of the user's body tissue in order to suppress unwanted signals (e.g. left hand polarized signals) to permit operation in circular polarized mode (e.g. right hand polarized mode), thereby allowing for increased sensitivity to received circularly polarized signals such as those emanated from global positioning satellites.

Abstract: Antenna apparatus and methods of use and tuning. In one exemplary embodiment, the solution of the present disclosure is particularly adapted for small form-factor, metal-encased applications that utilize satellite wireless links (e.g., GPS), and uses an electromagnetic (e.g., capacitive) feeding method that includes one or more separate feed elements that are not galvanically connected to a radiating element of the antenna. In addition, certain implementations of the antenna apparatus offer the capability to carry more than one operating band for the antenna.

Abstract: Antenna apparatus and methods of use and tuning. In one exemplary embodiment, the solution of the present disclosure is particularly adapted for small form-factor, metal-encased applications that utilize satellite wireless links (e.g., GPS), and uses an electromagnetic (e.g., capacitive) feeding method that includes one or more separate feed elements that are not galvanically connected to a radiator element of the antenna. In addition, certain implementations of the antenna apparatus offer the capability to carry more than one operating band for the antenna.

Abstract: An antenna system internal to the device especially intended for small-sized mobile stations, the system having separate operating bands. The system is implemented as decentralized in a way that the device (300) has a plurality of separate antennas (310-360). Each antenna is based on (a) radiating element(s) on the surface of a dielectric substrate. The substrate can be, for example, a piece of ceramics or a part of the outer casing of the device. The antennas are located at suitable places in the device. The operating band of an individual antenna covers the frequency range used by one radio system, the frequency ranges close to each other and is used by two different radio systems or only the transmitting or receiving band of the frequency range used by a radio system. If the device has a shared transmitter and a shared receiver for the radio systems using frequency ranges close to each other, there can anyway be a separate antenna for each system or the antenna can also be shared.