Wireless point to multipoint system
A patch array antenna includes a planar base on which is defined a ground plane and feed positions that are electrically isolated from the ground plane. A plurality of patch elements are configured to resonate over a predetermined frequency range. Each patch element is isolated from the ground plane and disposed on the base over the ground plane so that an air dielectric is defined between the patch element and the ground plane. Each patch element defines a resonant portion that is electrically connected to a respective feed position. A feed network is defined on the base that electrically connects the feed positions to one or more output points on the base.
1. A patch array antenna, said antenna comprising:
a base on which is defined a ground plane;
a plurality of patch elements configured to resonate over a frequency range, each patch element
isolated from the ground plane and disposed on the base over the ground plane so that an air dielectric is defined between the patch element and the ground plane, and
defining a resonant portion;
a feed network defined on the base so that the ground plane is between the feed network and the patch elements; and
with respect to each patch element, a respective electric current conductor electrically connecting the resonant portion of the patch element and the feed network so that the feed network electrically connects the patch element to one or more output points on the base.
2. The antenna as in claim 1 , wherein the ground plane is defined on a first side of the base, and the feed network is defined on a second side of the base opposite the first side.
3. The antenna as in claim 2 , wherein the base is comprised of a polymer substrate, wherein the ground plane is comprised of a metallic foil sheet on one side of the polymer substrate, and the feed network is comprised of metallic foil traces on an opposite side of the polymer substrate.
4. The antenna as in claim 3 , wherein the feed network is a corporate network extending from feed positions to a single output port.
5. The antenna as in claim 1 , wherein each patch element includes a planar metallic main portion.
6. The antenna as in claim 5 , wherein the main portions are disposed in a common plane.
7. The antenna as in claim 6 , wherein each patch element forms the respective electric current conductor, and wherein the respective electric current conductor extends from a resonant area of the main portion to the base and is electrically connected to a respective feed position in the feed network.
8. The antenna as in claim 7 , wherein each patch element includes a metallic post extending from a non-resonant area of the main portion to the base.
9. The antenna as in claim 7 , wherein the patch elements are disposed so that the main portions and respective electric current conductors of the patch elements are in the same alignment and define an antenna polarization.
10. A point to multipoint wireless communication system, said system comprising:
an access point configured to receive data signals from an external system, the access point having an antenna, a processor and circuitry in communication with the access point antenna and controlled by the access point processor to transmit wireless electromagnetic signals corresponding to the data signals to, and receive wireless electromagnetic signals from, a geographic area; and
a plurality of subscriber units disposed within the area, each said subscriber unit having an antenna, a processor and circuitry controlled by the subscriber unit processor to transmit wireless electrical signals to, and receive wireless electrical signals from, the access point for communication with the external system,
wherein each of the access point antenna and the subscriber unit antennas comprises
a base on which is defined a ground plane,
a plurality of patch elements configured to resonate over a frequency range, each patch element
isolated from the ground plane and disposed on the base over the ground plane so that an air dielectric is defined between the patch element and the ground plane, and
defining a resonant portion,
a feed network defined on the base so that the ground plane is between the feed network and the patch elements, and
with respect to each patch element, a respective electric current conductor electrically connecting the resonant portion of the patch element and the feed network so that the feed network electrically connects the patch element to one or more output points on the base.
11. The antenna as in claim 10 , wherein the ground plane is defined on a first side of the base, and the feed network is defined on a second side of the base opposite the first side.
12. The antenna as in claim 11 , wherein the base is comprised of a polymer substrate, wherein the ground plane is comprised of a metallic foil sheet on one side of the polymer substrate, and the feed network is comprised of metallic foil traces on an opposite side of the polymer substrate.
13. The antenna as in claim 12 , wherein the feed network is a corporate network extending from feed positions to a single output port.
14. The antenna as in claim 10 , wherein each patch element includes a planar metallic main portion.
15. The antenna as in claim 14 , wherein the main portions are disposed in a common plane.
16. The antenna as in claim 15 , wherein each patch element forms the respective electric current conductor, and wherein the respective electric current conductor extends from a resonant area of the main portion to the base and is electrically connected to a respective feed position in the feed network.
17. The antenna as in claim 16 , wherein each patch element includes a metallic post extending from a non-resonant area of the main portion to the base.
18. The antenna as in claim 16 , wherein the patch elements are disposed so that the main portions and respective electric current conductors of the patch elements are in the same alignment and define an antenna polarization.