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 conductor (i) is attached to a garment and (ii) forms an antenna that flexibly bends around a portion of the garment.
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 antenna provides communication at a frequency range spanning three or more bandwidth octaves.
4 . The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the antenna provides communication with less than a 3:5:1 voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR).
5 . The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the PCB has a cutout for coupling a center pin thereto.
6 . The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein the PCB comprises a matching network, the matching network being a passive radio frequency (RF) matching circuit.
7 . The antenna assembly of claim 6 , wherein:
the conductor is formed within at least a portion of a coaxial cable, and
the conductor is a metallic sheath or braid.
8 . The antenna assembly of claim 7 , wherein an end of the metallic sheath or braid is electrically connected to the matching network.
9 . 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.
10 . The antenna assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
a length of the conductor is at least 1⅛ 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.
11 . The antenna assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
a non-conducting jacket configured to enclose the conductor.
12 . A method, comprising:
providing a monopole antenna that provides communication with a 3:5:1 VSWR or less;
attaching the monopole antenna to a garment such that the monopole antenna flexibly bends around a portion of the garment; and
receiving or emitting a signal with a remote entity.
13 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
providing a set of passive components within a shell of an RF connector, wherein the set of passive components has a connection to the monopole antenna; and
coupling the RF connector to a radio or amplifier,
wherein the reception or emission of the signal is performed using the radio and monopole antenna such that one or more performance characteristics satisfies a criterion.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the set of passive components forms an impedance matching network such that the criterion is satisfied,
wherein the monopole antenna comprises a metallic sheath or braid that is electrically connected to a board comprising the set of passive components, and
wherein the signal emitted to the remote entity originates from interaction of a user with the radio.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein a plurality of frequency chokes are used as common-mode chokes to suppress common mode electromagnetic signals.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the chokes at least partially surround an outer jacket of a coaxial cable.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein a PCB comprises the impedance matching network, the matching network being a passive RF matching circuit.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the monopole antenna is formed within at least a portion of the coaxial cable, a conductor thereof being a metallic sheath or braid.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein an end of the metallic sheath or braid is electrically connected to the matching network.
20 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the PCB has a cutout for coupling a center pin thereto.