An antenna device is adapted for use in at least two frequency bands, wherein the mean wave length of the higher of said frequency bands is λ. The antenna device comprises an antenna element in the form of a reed ( 10 ) mounted on a conductive support structure ( 20 ) having a projected area of less than λ 2 . The reed comprises a feeding portion ( 12 ) connectable to a feed device ( 32 ) and at least one impedance is connected between the reed and the conductive support. Also, the phase difference of transmitted and/or received signal waves within said at least two frequency bands over the reed is less than 120° in order to increase radiation con-ductance. A multi-band antenna device with a relatively wide upper frequency band is thereby provided.
1. An antenna device for use in at least two frequency bands, wherein the mean wave length of the higher of said frequency bands is λ, characterized in that:
said antenna device comprises an antenna element in the form of a reed ( 10 ; 310 ; 410 ; 510 ; 610 ; 710 ), wherein said reed is mounted on a conductive support structure ( 20 ) having a projected area of less than λ 2 ,
said reed comprises a feeding portion ( 12 ) connectable to a feed device ( 32 );
at least one impedance ( 14 , 16 , 18 ; 214 , 216 ; 714 , 716 ) is connected between said reed and said conductive support, and
a phase difference of at least one of the transmitted signal waves and received signal waves within said at least two frequency bands over said reed is less than 120° in order to increase radiation conductance.
2. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein said phase difference is less than 90°.
3. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one impedance ( 14 , 16 , 18 ; 214 , 216 ; 714 , 716 ) has a characteristic such as to provide said phase difference.
4. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein said reed ( 10 ; 310 ; 410 ; 510 ; 610 ; 710 ) has a shape such as to provide said phase difference.
5. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one impedance has an impedance value substantially greater than zero.
6. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein said feeding portion ( 12 ) is provided closer to a first end portion of said reed ( 10 ) than a second end portion of said reed opposite of said first end portion.
7. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of said at least one impedance is a capacitive impedance ( 214 ).
8. The antenna device according to claim 7 , wherein said capacitive impedance ( 214 ) is provided at said first end portion.
9. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein said reed has a non-uniform to said support structure.
10. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein multi-frequency tuning to at least two frequency bands is achieved by a combination of two or more impedances of said at least one impedance and the configuration of said reed.
11. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein multi-frequency tuning to at least two frequency bands includes said at least one impedance being located at an end portion of said reed, said impedance being substantially higher at a lower frequency band than at a higher frequency band.
12. The antenna device according to claim 1 , comprising a flexible substrate ( 719 ), wherein said reed ( 710 ) is provided on a first surface of said substrate, and wherein said at least one impedance comprises two conductive load portions ( 714 , 716 ) provided on a second surface of said substrate opposite to said first surface and in electrical contact with said reed ( 710 ), said load portions being connectable to a conductive support structure.
13. The antenna device according to claim 1 further comprising a housing for a portable radio communication device and RF circuitry the antenna device mounted in said housing and connected to said RF circuitry.
14. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein said phase difference is less than 60°.
15. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein said phase difference is less than 30°.
16. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein said reed has a non-uniform geometry to said support structure.
17. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein said reed has a non-uniform distance to said support structure.
18. An antenna device for use in at least two frequency bands, wherein the mean wave length of the higher of said frequency bands is λ, characterized in that:
said antenna device comprises an antenna element in the form of a reed ( 10 ; 310 ; 410 ; 510 ; 610 ; 710 ), wherein said reed is mounted on a conductive support structure ( 20 ) having a projected area of less than λ 2 ,
said reed comprises a feeding portion ( 12 ) connectable to a feed device ( 32 ); and
means for altering a phase of at least one of the transmitted signal waves and the received signal waves within said at least two frequency bands over said reed, such that the phase difference is less than 120° in order to increase radiation conductance.
19. The antenna device according to claim 18 , wherein the means for altering a phase comprises at least one of a configuration of the reed and at least one impedance.