A method of transducing signals over multiple frequency ranges includes: transducing between first wireless signals and first guided signals using a first antenna element, the first wireless signals and the first guided signals being in a first frequency range; transducing between second wireless signals and second guided signals using a second antenna element, the second wireless signals and the second guided signals being in a second frequency range that includes higher frequencies than the first frequency range; and inhibiting energy in the second frequency range from propagating, as a second-order mode, in the first antenna element.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communication devices are increasingly popular and increasingly complex. For example, mobile telecommunication devices have progressed from simple phones, to smart phones with multiple communication capabilities (e.g., multiple cellular communication protocols, Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH® and other short-range communication protocols), supercomputing processors, cameras, etc. Wireless communication devices have antennas to support various functionality such as communication over a range of frequencies, reception of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, also called Satellite Positioning Signals (SPS signals), etc.

With several antennas disposed in a single wireless communication device, available volume for antennas is at a premium. For example, smartphones may have numerous antennas (e.g., eight antennas, 10 antennas, or more) with very limited volume due to the size of devices that consumers desire. Consequently, antenna assemblies (e.g., modules) may be limited to very small volumes, e.g., with widths of 4 mm or less.

Despite the volume restrictions for antennas, desired functionality of the antennas continues to increase. With the advent of 5th generation (5G) of wireless communication technology, mmW (millimeter-wave) phased array antennas have received extensive attention to address the propagation loss and aperture blockage hurdles by introducing higher antenna gain and beamforming features. Multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems is one of the key enablers of 5G technology to increase the spectral efficiency and system capacity by effectively streaming the transmit/receive data with two orthogonally polarized signals (cross-polarized signals) in desired directions. The trend in consumer electronics is to develop RF assemblies (radio frequency assemblies) with small form factors which can be easily accommodated within the limited space of the emerging smart devices including cell phones and tablets. The physical requirements of antennas make maintaining or improving performance (e.g., in terms of coverage, latency, and quality of service over desired coverage area) difficult.

Forthcoming smart devices will be equipped with 5G technology and may be configured to operate over a wide range of frequencies. For example, currently allocated spectrum for 5G includes 0.41 GHz-7.125 GHz and 24.25 GHz-52.6 GHZ, including five popular bands n258 (24.25-27.5 GHZ), n261 (27.5-28.35 GHZ), n257 (26.5-29.5 GHz), n260 (37.0-40.0 GHz), and n259 (39.5-43.5 GHZ). Further, frequencies from 7.1 GHz to 24.25 GHz are receiving interest, in particular the 13 GHZ band (12.75 GHz-13.25 GHz).

SUMMARY

An example user equipment (UE) antenna system includes: a dual-range antenna element comprising: a ground conductor; a dielectric material; a first antenna element comprising: a first patch conductor disposed in the dielectric material and configured to transduce between first wireless signals in a first frequency range and first guided signals in the first frequency range; and at least one first energy coupler disposed and configured to couple energy in the first frequency range between the first patch conductor and the at least one first energy coupler; a second antenna element comprising: a second patch conductor disposed in the dielectric material and configured to transduce between second wireless signals in a second frequency range and second guided signals in the second frequency range, the second frequency range including higher frequencies than the first frequency range; and at least one second energy coupler disposed and configured to couple energy in the second frequency range between the second patch conductor and the at least one second energy coupler; and a frequency inhibitor electrically connected to the first patch conductor and configured to inhibit energy in the second frequency range from propagating, as a second-order mode, in the first antenna element.

An example method of transducing signals over multiple frequency ranges includes: transducing between first wireless signals and first guided signals using a first antenna element, the first wireless signals and the first guided signals being in a first frequency range; transducing between second wireless signals and second guided signals using a second antenna element, the second wireless signals and the second guided signals being in a second frequency range that includes higher frequencies than the first frequency range; and inhibiting energy in the second frequency range from propagating, as a second-order mode, in the first antenna element.

Another example UE antenna system includes: means for transducing between first wireless signals and first guided signals using a first antenna element, the first wireless signals and the first guided signals being in a first frequency range; means for transducing between second wireless signals and second guided signals using a second antenna element, the second wireless signals and the second guided signals being in a second frequency range that includes higher frequencies than the first frequency range; and means for inhibiting energy in the second frequency range from propagating, as a second-order mode, in the first antenna element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Techniques are discussed herein for supporting multiple frequency bands in a device, e.g., millimeter-wave frequencies and sub-mm-wave frequencies (such as a 13 GHz band) in a form factor suitable for a user equipment (UE) such as a smartphone or tablet computer. For example, a dual-frequency-range antenna element may include multiple patch antenna elements, either or both of which may be dual polarized. The patch antenna elements may be configured to transduce signals in various frequencies ranges, e.g., frequency ranges related by about a factor of two or another factor, e.g., three or four, etc. For example, one patch antenna element may be configured to transduce signals in the FR3 frequency band (e.g., a frequency range including 13 GHZ, e.g., 12.75 GHz-13.25 GHZ) and the other patch antenna element configured to transduce signals in the FR2 frequency band (e.g., a frequency range including 26 GHZ, e.g., frequencies from 24.25 GHz to 29.5 GHZ). As another example, one patch antenna element may be configured to transduce signals in the FR3 frequency band and the other patch antenna element configured to transduce signals in a frequency range from about 50 GHz to about 54 GHZ). The UE may include one or more frequency inhibitors. For example, a reject filter may be coupled to the higher-frequency-range patch antenna element (e.g., to an energy coupler of the patch antenna element) and configured to reject (e.g., significantly attenuate, e.g., by 10 dB or more) frequencies of the lower-frequency-range patch antenna element. As another example, a second-order mode may be suppressed in the lower-frequency-range patch antenna element. A central portion of a patch conductor of the higher-frequency-range patch antenna element may be grounded to suppress one or more higher-order modes (e.g., the second-order mode), in the frequency range of the higher-frequency-range patch antenna element, on the patch conductor. Multiple ones of the dual-frequency-range antenna element may be used in an array of antenna elements. For example, an array may include only the dual-frequency-range antenna elements. As another example, an array may include multiple ones of the dual-frequency-range antenna element and one or more antenna elements dedicated to the higher frequency range. As another example, an array may include multiple ones of the dual-frequency-range antenna element, one or more antenna elements configured to transduce signals in the higher frequency range (of the dual-frequency-range antenna elements) and an even higher frequency range (e.g., including 40 GHZ), and one or more further antenna elements dedicated to the even higher frequency range. Other configurations, however, may be used.

Items and/or techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following capabilities, as well as other capabilities not mentioned. Millimeter-wave and sub-millimeter wave antenna elements may be provided in a common antenna array or module, saving space for providing multi-band signaling in a confined volume, e.g., of a user equipment. Power loss may be limited, e.g., by providing one or more power amplifiers for mm-wave and sub-mm-wave antenna elements in close proximity to the antenna elements. Frequency diversity may be provided, e.g., to 5G mm-wave antenna arrays or modules. Power management capabilities may be shared, e.g., between mm-wave and sub-mm-wave systems (e.g., front-end circuits). Beams of multiple frequency ranges (e.g., FR2 and FR3) may be steered over significant ranges (e.g., +/−) 30° without significant gain reduction. Other capabilities may be provided and not every implementation according to the disclosure must provide any, let alone all, of the capabilities discussed. Further, it may be possible for an effect noted above to be achieved by means other than that noted, and a noted item/technique may not necessarily yield the noted effect.

Referring toFIG.1, a communication system100includes mobile devices112, a network114, a server116, and access points (APs)118,120. The communication system100is a wireless communication system in that components of the communication system100can communicate with one another (at least sometimes) using wireless connections directly or indirectly, e.g., via the network114and/or one or more of the access points118,120(and/or one or more other devices not shown, such as one or more base transceiver stations). For indirect communications, the communications may be altered during transmission from one entity to another, e.g., to alter header information of data packets, to change format, etc. The mobile devices112shown are mobile wireless communication devices (although they may communicate wirelessly and via wired connections) including mobile phones (including smartphones), a laptop computer, and a tablet computer. Still other mobile devices may be used, whether currently existing or developed in the future. Further, other wireless devices (whether mobile or not) may be implemented within the communication system100and may communicate with each other and/or with the mobile devices112, network114, server116, and/or APs118,120. For example, such other devices may include internet of thing (IoT) devices, medical devices, home entertainment and/or automation devices, automotive devices, etc. The mobile devices112or other devices may be configured to communicate in different networks and/or for different purposes (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi communication, multiple frequencies of Wi-Fi communication, satellite communication and/or positioning, one or more types of cellular communications (e.g., GSM (Global System for Mobiles), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), etc.), Bluetooth® communication, etc.).

Referring toFIG.2, a mobile device200, which is an example of one of the mobile devices112shown inFIG.1, includes a top cover210, a display layer220, a printed circuit board (PCB) layer230, and a bottom cover240. The mobile device200as shown may be a smartphone or a tablet computer but embodiments described herein are not limited to such devices (for example, in other implementations of concepts described herein, a device may be a router or customer premises equipment (CPE)). The top cover210includes a screen214. The bottom cover240has a bottom surface244. Sides212,242of the top cover210and the bottom cover240provide an edge surface. The top cover210and the bottom cover240comprise a housing that retains the display layer220, the PCB layer230, and other components of the mobile device200that may or may not be on the PCB layer230. For example, the housing may retain (e.g., hold, contain) or be integrated with antenna systems, front-end circuits, an intermediate-frequency circuit, and a processor discussed below. The housing may be substantially rectangular, having two sets of parallel edges in the illustrated embodiment, and may be configured to bend or fold. In this example, the housing has rounded corners, although the housing may be substantially rectangular with other shapes of corners, e.g., straight-angled (e.g., 45°) corners, 90°, other non-straight corners, etc. Further, the size and/or shape of the PCB layer230may not be commensurate with the size and/or shape of either of the top or bottom covers or otherwise with a perimeter of the device. For example, the PCB layer230may have a cutout to accept a battery. Further, the PCB layer230may include sandwiched boards and/or a PCB daughter board. Daughter boards may be chosen to facilitate a design and/or manufacturing process, e.g., to reinforce a functional separation or to better utilize a space in the housing. Embodiments of the PCB layer230other than those illustrated may be implemented.

The limited space available in a UE (e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, etc.) presents antenna design challenges. For example, with 10 or more antennas for LTE and sub-6 GHZ band in a mobile phone, there may be no additional space available for another antenna. Because antenna frequency bandwidth varies with antenna size, with small antennas typically having narrow bandwidths, designing a stand-alone antenna to cover a wide frequency bandwidth is challenging. Further, mechanical stability of a UE (e.g., a mobile phone) may be challenging, e.g., because non-conductive (e.g., plastic) breaks in a metal frame of the UE may be needed to separate antennas, but may weaken stability of the frame and may result in thermal issues due to an inability to dissipate heat.

As used herein, the term “user equipment” and “UE” are not specific to or otherwise limited to any particular Radio Access Technology (RAT), unless otherwise noted. In general, UEs may be any wireless communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, consumer asset tracking device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.) used by a user to communicate over a wireless communications network. A UE may be mobile or may (e.g., at certain times) be stationary, and may communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” may be referred to interchangeably as an “access terminal” or “AT,” a “client device.” a “wireless device,” a “subscriber device,” a “subscriber terminal,” a “subscriber station,” a “user terminal” or UT, a “mobile terminal,” a “mobile station.” a “mobile device,” or variations thereof. Generally, UEs can communicate with a core network via a RAN, and through the core network the UEs can be connected with external networks such as the Internet and with other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms of connecting to the core network and/or the Internet are also possible for the UEs, such as over wired access networks, WiFi networks (e.g., based on IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11, etc.) and so on. Further, two or more UEs may communicate directly in some configurations with or without passing information to each other through a network.

Referring also toFIG.3, a UE300may include one or more dual-range antenna elements310, and one or more frequency inhibitors320. The UE300may be an example of the mobile device200. The UE300is an example, and other types of apparatus may be used and/or various quantities of dual-range antenna elements may be provided in the UE300and/or an array may be used that includes two or more of the dual-range antenna elements310. For example, a UE may include two or more of the antenna elements310, e.g., disposed along different edges of the UE. As another example, an array may include two or more of the antenna elements310and one or more other antenna elements (which may include multiple other antenna element types, e.g., as discussed herein with respect toFIG.9and/orFIG.10).

Each of the antenna element(s)310may include a range 1 antenna element330and a range 2 antenna element340. The range 1 antenna element330may include a range 1 patch conductor332and a range 1 EC334(Energy Coupler). The range 2 antenna element340may include a range 2 patch conductor342and a range 2 EC344. The range 1 patch conductor332may be configured to transduce between (to and/or from) first wireless signals in a first frequency range and first guided signals in the first frequency range. The first guided signals may be electrical signals (guided by an electrical conductor), optical signals (e.g., guided by a fiber optic cable), electromagnetic signals (e.g., guided by a transmission line such as a microstrip line), etc. The range 2 patch conductor342may be configured to transduce between (to and/or from) second wireless signals in a second frequency range and second guided signals in the second frequency range. The second frequency range (e.g., 24.25 GHZ-29.5 GHz within the FR2 band of 24.25 GHZ-52.6 GHZ) may include higher frequencies than the first frequency range (e.g., 12.75 GHZ-13.25 GHZ within the FR3 band of 7.125 GHZ-24.25 GHZ). The second frequency range may include a frequency that is twice a frequency of the first frequency range (e.g., the example second frequency range includes multiple frequencies that are each twice a respective frequency in the example first frequency range). The ECs334,344may be configured to couple energy between (e.g., to and/or from) the respective EC334,344and the respective patch conductor332,342. For example, the ECs334,344may be configured to provide one or more signals to be radiated by the respective patch conductor332,342, and/or to receive and convey one or more signals that are received by the respective patch conductor332,342to a respective front-end circuit.

The frequency inhibitor(s)320may be configured to inhibit one or more frequencies in the range 1 antenna element330and/or to inhibit one or more frequencies in the range 2 antenna element340. For example, the frequency inhibitor(s)320may be configured to inhibit one or more frequencies in the range 1 antenna element330from coupling to the range 2 antenna element340and/or to inhibit one or more frequencies in the range 2 antenna element340from coupling to the range 1 antenna element330.

Referring also toFIG.4, a UE400may include the dual-range antenna element (310), and the frequency inhibitor(s)320, and may further include one or more FECs410(Front-End Circuits), an IF chip420(Intermediate Frequency chip), a transceiver430, and a processor440. The UE400may be an example of the mobile device200. The UE400is an example, and other configurations may be used. Each of the FEC(s)410may be communicatively coupled to a respective energy coupler of the dual-range antenna element(s)310. Each of the FEC(s)410may be configured to convert between an intermediate frequency and a respective frequency range of the respective energy coupler. The IF chip410may be communicatively coupled to the FEC(s)410and configured to convert between the IF frequency and a baseband frequency. The IF chip420is communicatively coupled to the transceiver430, which is communicatively coupled to the processor440that includes a memory442. In some examples, some signals may bypass the IF chip420. For example, FR3 signals may not be converted to IF in some configurations, but may be directly converted to or from baseband in the transceiver430or the FEC410. In other examples, the IF chip420is omitted, and all signals are directly converted between RF and baseband, for example in the FEC410. In yet other examples, functionality of the IF chip420is integrated in the transceiver420, and the transceiver420is configured to convert between IF and baseband. The memory442may be a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium that includes software with processor-readable instructions that are configured to cause the processor440to perform functions (e.g., possibly after compiling the instructions). The processor440may be implemented as a modem or a portion thereof. The processor440may be configured to provide signals to be transmitted by the antenna elements and/or may process signals received by the dual-range antenna element(s)310. The processor440may be configured to control operation of one or more components of the UE400, e.g., one or more components of the FEC(s)410. In some examples, the dual-range antenna elements310, the frequency inhibitors320, and the FEC(s)410are packaged together in a module, for example with the FEC(s) being included in an integrated circuit (IC) and the other elements being implemented in or coupled to a substrate of the module to which the IC is coupled. In other examples, the FEC(s)410are implemented in a separate circuit or circuits or IC or ICs, and the dual-range antenna elements310and the frequency inhibitors320are implemented in or coupled to a substrate, which may be communicatively coupled (e.g., by a cable) to the FEC(s)410.

Referring also toFIGS.5-7, a dual-range antenna element500is shown, which may be an example of the dual-range antenna element310. Many items inFIGS.5-7are treated as being see-through for sake of clarity of the figures. The antenna element500includes a first antenna element510, a second antenna element520, a ground conductor530, a dielectric material710, first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542, a second-frequency-range inhibitor550, and matching elements561,562. The first antenna element510includes a first patch conductor511, and energy couplers512,513. The second antenna element520includes a second patch conductor521, energy couplers522,523, and a parasitic patch conductor524. The first antenna element510may be configured to transduce signals in a first frequency range and the second antenna element may be configured to transduce signals in a second frequency range that includes frequencies that are higher than frequencies in the first frequency range. The first frequency range may, for example, include a 13 GHz band (e.g., 12.75 GHZ-13.25 GHZ) and the second frequency range may, for example, include bands n258/n261/n257. Other configurations of the antenna element500may be used, e.g., omitting one or more of the components shown. For example, a single energy coupler may be used in the first antenna element510and/or a single energy coupler may be used in the second antenna element520. As another example, the matching elements561,562may be omitted, as may the first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542. As another example, the parasitic patch conductor524may be omitted. Still other configurations may be used. As another example, the first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542and/or the matching elements561,562may be included in/on a board on which one or more substrates each containing antenna elements (e.g., the dual-range antenna element500) are mounted. This board may include conductive lines connected to the antenna elements, and an active component set (e.g., of an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit)), which may be formed in a dielectric with a different dielectric constant than the board with the antenna elements, may be mounted to the board with the antenna elements. As another example, an antenna array, e.g., as discussed further below, may be implemented in the same PCB as an active component set, e.g., with active components and antenna elements in the same dielectric material, e.g., in different layers. As shown in the example ofFIG.5, the dual-range antenna element500is an aperture-shared antenna element with the first antenna element510and the second antenna element520having a shared aperture, i.e., with an aperture of the first antenna element overlapping an aperture of the second antenna element520.

The first antenna element510includes the first patch conductor511coupled to the energy couplers512,513which are coupled to appropriate components of an active component set720. The dual-range antenna element500and the active component set720may both be implemented on a single PCB or may be implemented on discrete PCBs. The first patch conductor511may be configured to transduce signals in the first frequency range, with the energy couplers512,513being reactively coupled (here capacitively coupled) to the first patch conductor511by pads514,515to provide dual polarization signal transducing. Here, the energy couplers512,513are disposed to provide slant polarization for the first antenna element510. In other examples, the energy couplers512,513are directly connected to the first patch conductor511.

The second antenna element520includes the second patch conductor521, the energy couplers522,523, and the parasitic patch conductor524. The energy couplers522,523are each coupled to one or more appropriate components in the active component set720and are coupled to the second patch conductor521, in this example, electrically connected to the second patch conductor521. The energy couplers522,523extend through openings621,622in the first patch conductor511to provide some isolation between the energy couplers522,523and the first patch conductor511(and thus between the first antenna element510and the second antenna element520). The first patch conductor511overlaps with (here, completely overlapping) the second patch conductor521. The first patch conductor511is disposed between the second patch conductor521and the ground conductor530. The parasitic patch conductor524overlaps with and is aligned with the second patch conductor521. The second patch conductor521is disposed between the first patch conductor511and the parasitic patch conductor524. An active component set may include, in some examples, a mixer(s), an amplifier(s) (e.g., LNA and/or PA), and/or phase shift components.

The second-frequency-range inhibitor550may be configured to inhibit (e.g., suppress or prevent) one or more frequencies in the second frequency range from propagating in the first antenna element510, e.g., from being transduced by the first patch conductor511. For example, the second-frequency-range inhibitor550may be configured to inhibit a second-order mode (and/or one or more other higher-order modes) in the first patch conductor511. In this example, the second-frequency-range inhibitor550includes a ground mechanism electrically connected to the ground conductor530and to a central portion of the first patch conductor511to provide a short to ground to help ensure a voltage maximum in the center of the first patch conductor511. In this example, the ground mechanism comprises multiple (here, five) electrically-conductive grounding members, here electrically-conductive vias651,652,653,654,655, symmetrically disposed about a center616of the first patch conductor and each electrically connected to the ground conductor530and to a central portion of the first patch conductor511. For example, each of the vias651-655may be electrically connected to the first patch conductor511within one-tenth (or less than 1/20) of a wavelength, of a frequency in the first frequency range in the dielectric material710, of the center616of the first patch conductor. For example, the vias651-655may each have a diameter of about 0.15 mm and a distance from the center616to each center of the vias652-655may be about 0.2 mm (e.g., 0.21 mm). Thus, a closest point of each of the via652-655to the center616may be about 0.13 mm (i.e., less than about 1/50 of a wavelength of a frequency in the first frequency range in the dielectric material710). The vias651-655may, for example, be at least partially disposed within a circle656, centered at the center616and with a radius of less than one-tenth (e.g., about 1/70) of a wavelength, of a frequency in the first frequency range in the dielectric material710. As another example, the vias651-655may, for example, be at least partially disposed within (including fully disposed within) a circle657, centered at the center616and with a radius of less than one-tenth (e.g., about 1/25) of a wavelength, of a frequency in the first frequency range in the dielectric material710. The ground mechanism of the second-frequency-range inhibitor550may ground the first patch conductor511at least 1/25 of a wavelength, of a frequency in the first frequency range in the dielectric material710, out from the center616, and possibly further (e.g., 1/20, 1/15, or 1/10 of the wavelength out from the center616). The second-frequency-range inhibitor550may, for example, inhibit a second-order mode in the second frequency range, e.g., at about 26 GHZ, from being emitted from the first patch conductor511, which may help ensure a symmetrical antenna pattern for the second antenna element520. The second-order mode may radiate toward edges of the first patch conductor511rather than boresight, and may induce a null at boresight in the second frequency range, e.g., at about 26 GHz.

Other configurations of the second-frequency-range inhibitor550may be used. For example, other quantities of vias may be used. Also or alternatively, other symmetrical configurations (e.g., layouts) of grounding members (e.g., vias) may be used such as a line of grounding members. For example, while the vias652-655are angularly symmetrical (angularly evenly spaced about the center616), vias may not be angularly symmetrical but vias (e.g., the vias652,653) may have planar symmetry (being symmetrical about a plane transverse to the first patch conductor511and extending between the vias). Also or alternatively, an asymmetrical configuration of one or more grounding members may be used. For example, a single conductive via (e.g., the via652) may be displaced from the center616, or a set of conductive members may be used that are asymmetric about the center616such as two vias disposed at different distances from the center616and/or of different sizes (e.g., diameters) and/or shapes. Any of a variety of configurations of the second-frequency-range inhibitor550may be used. For example, a conductor with a larger diameter than the via651may be used with or without using further vias as part of the ground mechanism of the second-frequency-range inhibitor550. As another example, additional or fewer vias may be used. For example, two or three vias (e.g., more than one) may be used, and a via aligned with the center616is not required. In some configurations, a single via (of standard width according to current manufacturing processes) may be insufficient to inhibit the second-order mode, while too many vias may reduce the performance of the dominant mode, e.g., by causing a short. In some examples, the vias are arranged to have reflectional symmetry (e.g., arranged in a line), and in some examples the vias are arranged to have (rotational) symmetry about center616, which may in some configurations increase the uniformity of radiation. For example, vias may be arranged in a triangle, square, pentagon, or hexagon shape. In other examples, some vias form these shapes, and one or more vias are disposed inside of such shapes. In some examples, the outermost vias are arranged such that the portion of the via further from the center616is aligned with a circle (e.g., the circle657).

The electrically-conductive via651may be electrically connected to the first patch conductor511and to the second patch conductor521. Providing a ground connection to the center of the second patch conductor521with the via651may improve isolation and cross polarization between polarizations in the second frequency range on transmission lines545,546that are connected to the energy couplers522,523. Connecting the via651to the second patch conductor521is optional.

The first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542may be configured to (e.g., suppress or prevent) one or more frequencies in the first frequency range from propagating in (e.g., traversing) the second antenna element520. For example, the first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542may inhibit signals of one or more frequencies in the first frequency range from being conveyed from the second patch conductor521to the transmission lines545,546(that are coupled to one or more components of the active component set720, e.g., of respective front-end circuits) or from the transmission lines545,546to the second patch conductor521. In this example, the first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542may inhibit signals of one or more frequencies in the first frequency range from being conveyed between the energy couplers522,523and respective front-end circuits. In this example, the first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542comprise notch filters configured to reject (e.g., attenuate) one or more frequencies in the first frequency range. In this example, each of the first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542comprises an open-ended transmission line (here a microstrip line) configured to convey frequencies in the first frequency range and reject undesired frequencies (e.g., being about ¼ wavelength, in a dielectric of the active component set720at frequencies desired to be rejected). For example, for a dielectric constant of 3.5, to reject signals at 13 GHZ, the first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542may be about 3.1 mm long. Each of the of open-ended transmission lines may have, for example, a length between 0.2λ and 0.3λ of a frequency in the first frequency range in the dielectric material of the active component set720. The first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542may be electrically connected to the transmission lines545,546connected to the energy couplers522,523. Where the first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542are connected to the transmission lines545,546may be selected to improve matching, and may vary based on patch design (e.g., size, height, etc.). For example, the first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542may be connected to the transmission lines545,546about ⅛ of a wavelength in the dielectric of the active component set720from the energy couplers522,523, respectively. The first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542may improve isolation between the transmission lines545,546of the second antenna element520and transmission lines565,566of the first antenna element510.

The matching elements561,562are electrically connected to the transmission lines565,566that connect the energy couplers512,513to the active component set720(e.g., respective font-end circuits). Each of the matching elements561,562is a matching stub transmission line that is terminated in a short, e.g., an electrically-conductive via567,568connected to a respective one of the matching elements561,562and to the ground conductor530. The matching elements561,562may be about ⅛ of a wavelength in the dielectric of the active component set720and act as inductors. Where the matching elements561,562are connected to the transmission lines565,566may be selected to improve matching, and may vary based on design of the dual-range antenna element500. For example, the matching elements561,562may be connected to the transmission lines565,566about ⅛ of a wavelength in the dielectric of the active component set720from the energy couplers512,513, respectively.

The dielectric material710may have a relatively high dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric material710may have a dielectric constant above 7.0, or above 9.0, e.g., about 9.4. A high dielectric constant may help the dual-range antenna element500be small, e.g., about a size of an antenna element for only the second frequency range with a low-dielectric-constant dielectric material used. This may facilitate having a spacing between adjacent ones of the dual-range antenna element500in an array be about a quarter wavelength (in free space) at frequencies in the first frequency range and about a half wavelength (in free space) at frequencies in the second frequency range.

Referring also toFIG.8, an antenna system800that comprises an array810of dual-range antenna elements811,812,813,814is shown. In this example, each of the antenna elements811-814is an example of the dual-range antenna element500. The array810is a 1×4 array, although arrays of other quantities of antenna elements, including other arrangements such as two-dimensional arrays (e.g., a 4×4 array) may be implemented. In this example, the antenna elements811-814are disposed in respective dielectric materials821,822,823,824each with a dielectric constant of about 9.4. Alternatively, two or more of the antenna elements811-814may be disposed in each of one or more shared dielectric materials. A dielectric material830of an active component set840may have a lower dielectric constant, e.g., about 3.6. With the system800configured for operation in FR3 (around 13 GHZ) and FR2 (between about 24 GHz and 29.5 GHZ) a width850of each of the dielectric materials821-824may be about 4.2 mm, a height860of each of the dielectric materials821-824may be about 1.25 mm, a length870of the system800may be about 24.6 mm, and a width880of the system800may be about 4.2 mm. Each of the antenna elements811-814may be configured for dual polarization. A center-to-center spacing890of the array810(i.e., between adjacent pairs of the antenna elements811-814) may be about 6 mm (about 0.26% at 13 GHz and about 0.52λ0at 26 GHz). Simulations of the antenna system800have shown return loss below-5 dB over 12.65 GHZ-13.25 GHZ and 24.5 GHZ-29.5 GHz, and have shown peak realized gain over 3.1 dBi over 12.75 GHZ-13.25 GHZ, and over 8.4 dBi over 24.25 GHZ-29.5 GHZ. The active component set840may be implemented in a PCB that is distinct from (although electrically, and possibly physically, connected to) a PCB in which the array810is implemented. While the array810and active component set840are shown as being vertically stacked, in other configurations the array810and active component set840may be disposed laterally next to each other or remote from one another (and, e.g., coupled by a cable or conductor). Other configurations may be used, e.g., with the array810and the active component set840being part of a single PCB.

One or more of the antenna elements811-814may be selectively turned ON or OFF (e.g., by the processor440), and/or one or more of the antenna elements within one or more the antenna elements811-814may be selectively turned ON or OFF (e.g., by the processor440). For example, a lower-frequency-range antenna element within every other one of the antenna elements811-814(e.g., the antenna element812and the antenna element814) may be turned OFF such that an inter-element spacing between adjacent ones of the lower-range antenna elements that are turned ON may be close to one-half of a wavelength in free space of a frequency within the lower frequency range. Turning one or more antenna elements OFF may improve isolation during concurrent transmission between antenna elements configured for different frequency ranges. As another alternative, every other one of the antenna elements811-814(e.g., the antenna elements812,814) may be configured with only higher-frequency-range antenna elements and the other antenna elements (e.g., the antenna elements811,813) may each be configured with both a higher-frequency-range antenna element and a lower-frequency-range antenna element.

The antenna system800(and/or one or more other antenna systems, e.g., as discussed with respect toFIG.9and/orFIG.10) may have any of a variety of configurations. For example, the active component set840may be disposed in an RFIC and the array810may be packaged with the RFIC in a module. As another example, the active component set840may be disposed in an RFIC and the array810may be communicatively coupled to the RFIC by one or more transmission lines (e.g., one or more microstrip lines, and/or one or more coaxial cables, and/or one or more other forms of transmission line).

Referring also toFIG.9, an antenna system900includes an array910of antenna elements911,912,913,914,915. In this example, each of the antenna elements911-913is a dual-range antenna element that is an example of the dual-range antenna element500. The antenna elements914,915in this example are single-range antenna elements configured for operation in the second frequency range (higher-frequency frequency range) of the dual-range antenna element500. The array910is a 1×5 array with interleaved dual-range and single-range antenna elements, with each of the antenna elements914,915between adjacent ones of the antenna elements911-913. Other array configurations may be implemented, e.g., with other quantities of antenna elements, or other arrangements such as two-dimensional arrays may be implemented. In this example, each of the antenna elements911-913is disposed in a dielectric material920with a dielectric constant of about 9.4 (e.g., an LTCC (Low-Temperature Cofired Ceramic) or mSAP (Modified Semi Additive Process) material). Also in this example, each of the antenna elements914,915is disposed in a dielectric material930with a lower dielectric constant, e.g., about 3.6, which may help improve bandwidth in the second frequency range compared with elements configured for the second frequency range within a higher-dielectric-constant dielectric material. A dielectric material940of an active component set950may have a dielectric constant similar to that of the dielectric material930, e.g., about 3.6. With the system900configured for operation in FR3 (around 13 GHZ) and FR2 (between about 24 GHz and 29.5 GHZ), a width of each of the dielectric materials for the antenna elements911-915may be about 4.2 mm, a height of each of the dielectric materials for the antenna elements911-915may be about 1.25 mm, a length of the system900may be about 24.6 mm, and a width of the system900may be about 4.2 mm. Each of the antenna elements911-915may be configured for dual polarization. A center-to-center spacing990of the array910(i.e., between adjacent pairs of the antenna elements911-915) may be about one-half of a wavelength for each frequency range used, e.g., between 0.35 wavelengths and 0.65 wavelengths (such as between 0.4 and 0.5 waveleneghts). For example, the center-to-center spacing990may be about 9.4 mm, resulting in about 0.412% at 13 GHZ between the elements911,912and between the elements912,913, and about 0.42% at 26 GHZ between adjacent pairs of the antenna elements911-915. Simulations of the antenna system900have shown return loss below about-5 dB over 12.65 GHZ-13.25 GHZ and 24.5 GHZ-29.5 GHZ, and have shown peak realized gain over 3.1 dBi over 12.75 GHZ-13.25 GHz, and over 8.4 dBi over 24.25 GHZ-29.5 GHZ.

Referring also toFIG.10, an antenna system1000includes an array1010of antenna elements1011,1012,1013,1014,1015,1016. The antenna system1000may be configured to operate in three different frequency ranges, e.g., in a first frequency range (e.g., around 13 GHZ (e.g., 12.75 GHZ-13.25 GHZ)), a second frequency range having higher frequencies than the first frequency range (e.g., about 24.5 GHZ to about 29.5 GHZ), and a third frequency range having higher frequencies than the second frequency range (e.g., around 40 GHZ (e.g., about 37.0 GHz to about 43.5 GHZ)). In this example, each of the antenna elements1011,1016is a dual-range antenna element that is an example of the dual-range antenna element500. Each of the antenna elements1012,1014in this example is a single-range antenna element configured for operation in the third frequency range. Other examples may include another single-range antenna element disposed between1015and1016. Each of the antenna elements1013,1015in the illustrated example is a dual-range antenna element configured for operation in the second frequency range and the third frequency range. In this example, each of the antenna elements1011,1016is disposed in a dielectric material1020with a dielectric constant of about 9.4. Also in this example, each of the antenna elements1012-1015is disposed in a dielectric material1030with a lower dielectric constant, e.g., about 3.6. A dielectric material1040of an active component set1050may have a dielectric constant similar to that of the dielectric material1030, e.g., about 3.6. With the system1000configured for operation around 13 GHZ, between about 24 GHZ and 29.5 GHZ, and between about 37.0 GHZ and about 43.5 GHZ, a height of each of the dielectric materials for the antenna elements1011-1016may be about 1.25 mm, a length of the system1000may be about 23.9 mm, and a width of the system1000may be about 4.2 mm. Each of the antenna elements1011-1016may be configured for dual polarization. A center-to-center spacing1060of an adjacent pair of first-frequency-range antenna elements, here the antenna elements1011,1016, may be about 18.4 mm (about 0.78% at 13 GHZ). Center-to-center spacings between adjacent pairs of second-frequency-range antenna elements, here between the antenna elements1011,1013, between the antenna elements1013,1015, and between the antenna elements1015,1016may vary from about 4.9 mm to about 6.9 mm (about 0.42λ0to about 0.6λ0at 26 GHZ). A center-to-center spacing1070between adjacent pairs of third-frequency-range antenna elements, here the antenna elements1012,1013, the antenna elements1013,1014, and the antenna elements1014,1015, may be about 3.2 mm (about 0.44λ0at 40 GHz). Simulations of the antenna system1000have shown return loss below about-5.2 dB over 12.75 GHz-13.25 GHz, below about-5.5 dB over 24.5 GHZ-29.5 GHZ, and below about 10.6 dB over 37.0 GHz-43.5 GHZ, and have shown peak realized gain over about 0.2 dBi over 12.75 GHz-13.25 GHz, over about 7.9 dBi over 24.25 GHz-29.5 GHz, and over about 8.9 dBi over 37.0 GHz-43.5 GHz. Simulations have also shown +/−30° beam steering with less than 1 dB variation in gain.

The array1010is a 1×6 array with interleaved dual-range and single-range antenna elements, although arrays of other quantities of antenna elements, including other arrangements such as two-dimensional arrays may be implemented. In this example, a pair of the dual-range antenna elements for the second and third frequency ranges, here the antenna elements1013,1015, and a pair of the single-range antenna elements for the third frequency range, here the antenna elements1012,1014, are disposed between an adjacent pair of the dual-range antenna elements for the first and second frequency ranges, here the antenna elements1011,1016. The antenna elements1011,1016are adjacent in that there are no other similarly-configured antenna elements between the antenna elements1011,1016. A pair of the dual-range antenna elements for the second and third frequency ranges, here the antenna elements1013,1015, are interleaved with a pair of the single-range antenna elements for the third frequency range, here the antenna elements1012,1014.

Referring toFIG.11, with further reference toFIGS.1-10, a method1100of transducing signals over multiple frequency ranges includes the stages shown. The method1100is, however, an example and not limiting. The method1100may be altered, e.g., by having one or more stages added, removed, rearranged, combined, performed concurrently, and/or having one or more single stages split into multiple stages.

At stage1110, the method1100includes transducing between first wireless signals and first guided signals using a first antenna element, the first wireless signals and the first guided signals being in a first frequency range. For example, the range 1 patch conductor332(e.g., the first patch conductor511) may transduce signals in a first frequency range (e.g., around 13 GHZ) between wireless and guided signals (e.g., into and/or from the range 1 energy coupler334(e.g., the energy coupler(s)512,513)). The first patch conductor511and the energy coupler(s)512,513may comprise means for transducing between first wireless signals and first guided signals.

At stage1120, the method1100includes transducing between second wireless signals and second guided signals using a second antenna element, the second wireless signals and the second guided signals being in a second frequency range that includes higher frequencies than the first frequency range. For example, the range 2 patch conductor342(e.g., the second patch conductor521, and possibly the parasitic patch conductor524) may transduce signals in a second frequency range (e.g., around 24.25-29.5 GHZ) between wireless and guided signals (e.g., into and/or from the range 2 energy coupler344(e.g., the energy coupler(s)522,523)). The second patch conductor521and the energy coupler(s)522,523may comprise means for transducing between second wireless signals and second guided signals.

At stage1130, the method1100includes inhibiting energy in the second frequency range from propagating, as a second-order mode, in the first antenna element. For example, the frequency inhibitor(s)320may inhibit energy in the second frequency range from propagating in the range 1 antenna element330. For example, the second-frequency-range inhibitor550may inhibit a second-order mode in the first patch conductor511, and thus inhibit the first patch conductor from transducing energy in the second frequency range, e.g., transmitting wireless signals in the second frequency range and/or transducing signals in the second frequency range into guided signals in the energy couplers512,513. The second-frequency-range inhibitor550may comprise means for inhibiting energy in the second frequency range from traversing the first antenna element.

Implementations of the method1100may include one or more of the following features. In an example implementation, the inhibiting comprises grounding a region within one-tenth of a wavelength, of a frequency in the first frequency range in a dielectric material in which the patch conductor is disposed, of a center of the patch conductor. For example, a grounding mechanism such as one or more electrical conductors such as the electrically-conductive vias651-655may ground a central portion of the first patch conductor511to inhibit a second-order mode from developing in the first patch conductor511. The electrically-conductive vias651-655in combination with the ground conductor530may comprise means for grounding a region of the center of the patch conductor. In another example implementation, the method1100further comprises inhibiting energy in the first frequency range from propagating in the second antenna element by applying a notch filter to an energy coupler of the second antenna element to suppress frequencies in the first frequency range. For example, the frequency inhibitor(s)320may inhibit energy in the first frequency range from propagating in the range 2 antenna element340. For example, the first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542may inhibit energy in the first frequency range from passing between respective front-end circuits connected to the transmission lines541,542and the energy couplers522,523, and thus inhibit energy in the first frequency range from traversing the second antenna element520(e.g., from propagating from respective front-end circuits to the second patch conductor521and/or from propagating from the second patch conductor521to the respective front-end circuits). The first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542may comprise means for inhibiting energy in the first frequency range from propagating in the second antenna element. The first-frequency-range inhibitors541,542may provide notch filters to inhibit energy in the first frequency band from propagating in the second antenna element520. In another example implementation, the second frequency range includes a frequency that is twice a frequency of the first frequency range.

Implementation Examples

Implementation examples are provided in the following numbered clauses.

Clause 1. A user equipment (UE) antenna system comprising:a dual-range antenna element comprising:a ground conductor;a dielectric material;a first antenna element comprising:a first patch conductor disposed in the dielectric material and configured to transduce between first wireless signals in a first frequency range and first guided signals in the first frequency range; andat least one first energy coupler disposed and configured to couple energy in the first frequency range between the first patch conductor and the at least one first energy coupler;a second antenna element comprising:a second patch conductor disposed in the dielectric material and configured to transduce between second wireless signals in a second frequency range and second guided signals in the second frequency range, the second frequency range including higher frequencies than the first frequency range; andat least one second energy coupler disposed and configured to couple energy in the second frequency range between the second patch conductor and the at least one second energy coupler; anda frequency inhibitor electrically connected to the first patch conductor and configured to inhibit energy in the second frequency range from propagating, as a second-order mode, in the first antenna element.

Clause 2. The UE antenna system of claim1, wherein the frequency inhibitor comprises a ground mechanism electrically connected to the ground conductor and to the first patch conductor within one-tenth of a wavelength, of a frequency in the first frequency range in the dielectric material, of a center of the first patch conductor.

Clause 3. The UE antenna system of claim2, wherein the ground mechanism comprises a plurality of electrically-conductive vias each electrically connected to the ground conductor and each electrically coupled to the first patch conductor within one-tenth of the wavelength, of the frequency in the first frequency range in the dielectric material, of the center of the first patch conductor.

Clause 4. The UE antenna system of any of claims1-3, wherein the frequency inhibitor comprises a plurality of electrically-conductive vias each electrically connected to the ground conductor and each electrically coupled to the first patch conductor, the electrically-conductive vias being disposed with angular symmetry about a center of the first patch conductor.

Clause 5. The UE antenna system of any of claims1-4, wherein the frequency inhibitor is a second frequency inhibitor, and wherein the UE antenna system further comprises a first frequency inhibitor comprising at least one notch filter, with each of the at least one notch filter being coupled to a respective one of the at least one second energy coupler and configured to suppress frequencies in the first frequency range.

Clause 6. The UE antenna system of claim5, wherein each of the at least one notch filter comprises an open-ended transmission line electrically connected to the respective one of the at least one second energy coupler.

Clause 7. The UE antenna system of claim6, wherein the open-ended transmission line of each of the at least one notch filter has a length of between 0.2 wavelengths, in the dielectric material, of a frequency in the first frequency range and 0.3 wavelengths, in the dielectric material, of the frequency of the first frequency range.

Clause 8. The UE antenna system of any of claims1-7, wherein the second frequency range includes a frequency that is twice a frequency of the first frequency range.

Clause 9. The UE antenna system of any of claims1-8, wherein the first patch conductor is disposed between the second patch conductor and the ground conductor.

Clause 10. The UE antenna system of any of claims1-9, further comprising at least one matching stub each comprising a transmission line electrically connected to a respective one of the at least one first energy coupler and electrically connected to a ground member that is electrically connected to the ground conductor.

Clause 11. The UE antenna system of any of claims1-10, wherein the dual-range antenna element is one of a plurality of dual-range antenna elements disposed in a linear array, the UE antenna system further comprising a third antenna element disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of dual-range antenna elements and configured to transduce signals in the second frequency range.

Clause 12. The UE antenna system of any of claims1-11, wherein the dual-range antenna element is one of a plurality of first dual-range antenna elements, the UE antenna system further comprising:a plurality of second dual-range antenna elements configured to transduce signals in the second frequency range and a third frequency range that includes frequencies higher than the second frequency range; anda plurality of third antenna elements configured to transduce signals in the third frequency range;wherein the plurality of first dual-range antenna elements, the plurality of second dual-range antenna elements, and the plurality of third antenna elements are disposed in a linear array;wherein a pair of the plurality of second dual-range antenna elements and a pair of the plurality of third antenna elements are disposed between each pair of adjacent ones of the plurality of first antenna elements, with the pair of the plurality of second dual-range antenna elements and the pair of the plurality of third antenna elements being interleaved.

Clause 13. A method of transducing signals over multiple frequency ranges, the method comprising:transducing between first wireless signals and first guided signals using a first antenna element, the first wireless signals and the first guided signals being in a first frequency range;transducing between second wireless signals and second guided signals using a second antenna element, the second wireless signals and the second guided signals being in a second frequency range that includes higher frequencies than the first frequency range; andinhibiting energy in the second frequency range from propagating, as a second-order mode, in the first antenna element.

Clause 14. The method of claim13, wherein the inhibiting comprises grounding a region within one-tenth of a wavelength, of a frequency in the first frequency range in a dielectric material in which the patch conductor is disposed, of a center of the patch conductor.

Clause 15. The method of claim13or claim14, further comprising inhibiting energy in the first frequency range from propagating in the second antenna element by applying a notch filter to an energy coupler of the second antenna element to suppress frequencies in the first frequency range.

Clause 16. The method of any of claims13-15, wherein the second frequency range includes a frequency that is twice a frequency of the first frequency range.

Clause 17. A user equipment (UE) antenna system comprising:means for transducing between first wireless signals and first guided signals using a first antenna element, the first wireless signals and the first guided signals being in a first frequency range;means for transducing between second wireless signals and second guided signals using a second antenna element, the second wireless signals and the second guided signals being in a second frequency range that includes higher frequencies than the first frequency range; andmeans for inhibiting energy in the second frequency range from propagating, as a second-order mode, in the first antenna element.

Clause 18. The UE of claim17, wherein the means for inhibiting comprise means for grounding a region within one-tenth of a wavelength, of a frequency in the first frequency range in a dielectric material in which the patch conductor is disposed, of a center of the patch conductor.

Clause 19. The UE of claim17or claim18, further comprising means for filtering energy in an energy coupler of the second antenna element to suppress frequencies in the first frequency range.

Clause 20. The UE of any of claims17-19, wherein the second frequency range includes a frequency that is twice a frequency of the first frequency range.

Other Considerations

Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, configurations other than those shown may be used. Also, due to the nature of software and computers, functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or a combination of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, reference to a device in the singular (e.g., “a device,” “the device”), including in the claims, includes one or more of such devices (e.g., “a processor” includes one or more processors, “the processor” includes one or more processors, “a memory” includes one or more memories, “the memory” includes one or more memories, etc.). The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Also, as used herein, “or” as used in a list of items (possibly prefaced by “at least one of” or prefaced by “one or more of”) indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C,” or a list of “one or more of A, B, or C” or a list of “A or B or C” means A, or B, or C, or AB (A and B), or AC (A and C), or BC (B and C), or ABC (i.e., A and B and C), or combinations with more than one feature (e.g., AA, AAB, ABBC, etc.). Thus, a recitation that an item, e.g., a processor, is configured to perform a function regarding at least one of A or B, or a recitation that an item is configured to perform a function A or a function B, means that the item may be configured to perform the function regarding A, or may be configured to perform the function regarding B, or may be configured to perform the function regarding A and B. For example, a phrase of “a processor configured to measure at least one of A or B” or “a processor configured to measure A or measure B” means that the processor may be configured to measure A (and may or may not be configured to measure B), or may be configured to measure B (and may or may not be configured to measure A), or may be configured to measure A and measure B (and may be configured to select which, or both, of A and B to measure). Similarly, a recitation of a means for measuring at least one of A or B includes means for measuring A (which may or may not be able to measure B), or means for measuring B (and may or may not be configured to measure A), or means for measuring A and B (which may be able to select which, or both, of A and B to measure). As another example, a recitation that an item, e.g., a processor, is configured to at least one of perform function X or perform function Y means that the item may be configured to perform the function X, or may be configured to perform the function Y, or may be configured to perform the function X and to perform the function Y. For example, a phrase of “a processor configured to at least one of measure X or measure Y” means that the processor may be configured to measure X (and may or may not be configured to measure Y), or may be configured to measure Y (and may or may not be configured to measure X), or may be configured to measure X and to measure Y (and may be configured to select which, or both, of X and Y to measure).

Substantial variations may be made in accordance with specific requirements. For example, customized hardware might also be used, and/or particular elements might be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software, such as applets, etc.) executed by a processor, or both. Further, connection to other computing devices such as network input/output devices may be employed. Components, functional or otherwise, shown in the figures and/or discussed herein as being connected or communicating with each other are communicatively coupled unless otherwise noted. That is, they may be directly or indirectly connected to enable communication between them.

A wireless communication system is one in which communications are conveyed wirelessly, i.e., by electromagnetic and/or acoustic waves propagating through atmospheric space rather than through a wire or other physical connection, between wireless communication devices (also called wireless communications devices). A wireless communication system (also called a wireless communications system, a wireless communication network, or a wireless communications network) may not have all communications transmitted wirelessly, but is configured to have at least some communications transmitted wirelessly. Further, the term “wireless communication device,” or similar term, does not require that the functionality of the device is exclusively, or even primarily, for communication, or that communication using the wireless communication device is exclusively, or even primarily, wireless, or that the device be a mobile device, but indicates that the device includes wireless communication capability (one-way or two-way), e.g., includes at least one radio (each radio being part of a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver) for wireless communication.

Unless otherwise indicated, “about” and/or “approximately” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as appropriate in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. Unless otherwise indicated, “substantially” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical attribute (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as appropriate in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein.