Systems and methods for providing a wearable antenna
The present disclosure pertains to an antenna assembly configured to inconspicuously provide mobile communication in rugged or tactical environments. Some embodiments may include: a flexible conductor configured to receive and/or emit electromagnetic radiation; a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to match characteristic impedances; and a connector configured to mate with another connector associated with a radio or amplifier, the PCB being potentially disposed within an interior portion of the connector of the antenna assembly.
1. An antenna assembly, comprising:
a conductor configured to receive or emit electromagnetic radiation;
a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to match characteristic impedances; and
a connector configured to (i) directly couple to another connector of an external radio or amplifier and (ii) be filled with a compound that holds the PCB in place and provides heat transfer from a set of passive components on the PCB to a rigid shell of the connector,
wherein the PCB is disposed within the rigid shell of the connector.
2. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
an over-molding assembly configured to provide strain relief for the conductor by providing a molding around at least portions of the connector and conductor.
3. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the conductor forms a monopole antenna.
4. The antenna assembly of claim 3 , wherein the monopole antenna provides communication at a frequency range spanning three or more bandwidth octaves.
5. The antenna assembly of claim 3 , wherein the monopole antenna provides communication with less than a 3:5:1 voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR).
6. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the PCB has a cutout for coupling a center pin thereto.
7. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the PCB comprises a matching network, the matching network being a passive radio frequency (RF) matching circuit.
8. The antenna assembly of claim 7 , wherein:
the conductor is formed within at least a portion of a coaxial cable, and
the conductor is a metallic sheath or braid.
9. The antenna assembly of claim 8 , wherein an end of the metallic sheath or braid is electrically connected to the matching network.
10. The antenna assembly of claim 3 , wherein the monopole antenna is attached to a garment such that the monopole antenna flexibly bends around a portion of the garment.
11. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the connector is coupled, via another connector of the radio or amplifier, to the radio or amplifier without any intervening adapters.
12. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
a length of the conductor is at least ⅛ th of a wavelength of a lowest operating frequency of the reception or emission of the electromagnetic radiation, and
the PCB comprises one or more of a resistor, inductor, and capacitor each selected based on the length of the conductor.
13. The antenna assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
a non-conducting jacket configured to enclose the conductor.