Mobile communication handset with adaptive antenna array
A wireless mobile handset includes an antenna array. The antenna array includes a passive element disposed on a first portion of a dielectric substrate and an active element disposed on a second portion of the dielectric substrate. The passive element is configured to operate in a reflective mode to produce a bi-directional radiation pattern.
1. A method of receiving a communication signal in a wireless mobile handset, the method comprising:
providing a housing with a dielectric substrate located therein;
providing a passive antenna element with a base portion on a first portion of the dielectric substrate;
providing an active antenna element with a base portion on a second portion of the dielectric substrate adjacent to the passive antenna element;
the handset localizing a near field of the antenna elements toward the base portions of the antenna elements; and
the handset switching between the passive antenna element and the ground structure to affect a directivity of the communication signal, wherein the communication signal is coupled to the antenna elements.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a microelectronics module between the passive element and the ground structure.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the microelectronics module comprises a switch.
4. The method of claim 2 further comprising adjusting an operating mode of the passive element to produce a radiation pattern.
5. A method of receiving a communication signal in a wireless mobile handset, the method comprising:
providing a passive antenna element, wherein the passive antenna element is disposed on a first portion of a dielectric substrate;
providing an active antenna element, wherein the active antenna element is disposed on a second portion of the dielectric substrate; and
the handset adjusting the passive antenna element in a directive mode to produce an omnidirectional radiation pattern.
6. A method of receiving a communication signal in a wireless mobile handset, the method comprising:
providing at least two passive antenna elements disposed on a first portion of a dielectric substrate;
providing an active antenna element disposed on a second portion of the dielectric substrate;
the handset operating a first of the at least two passive antenna elements in a reflective mode;
the handset operating a second of the at least two passive antenna elements in a directive mode; and
the handset configuring the at least two passive antenna elements to produce an azimuthal radiation pattern.