Dipole antennas for use in the VHF and UHF band are provided. In one example, a dipole antenna includes a linear antenna support. The dipole antenna includes one or more reflector elements positioned on a first section of the antenna support. The dipole antenna includes one or more director elements positioned on a second section of the antenna support. The dipole antenna includes a driven element positioned in a middle section of the antenna support, the middle section being between the first section and the second section. The driven element includes a first leg and a second leg. Each of the first leg and the second leg includes a first conductor extending from the antenna support; a second conductor extending from the first conductor at a direction generally perpendicular to the first conductor; and a third conductor extending from the second conductor.

FIELD

The present subject matter relates generally to very high frequency (VHF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) dipole antennas for communicating over-the-air (OTA) signals.

BACKGROUND

An OTA antenna is a device that may be used to receive broadcast television signals over the airwaves. OTA antennas have been traditionally used to receive analog television signals, but with the transition to digital broadcasting, they are now primarily used to receive digital TV signals, often in high definition (HD).

SUMMARY

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a dipole antenna for very high frequency (VHF) band and ultra-high frequency (UHF) band communications. The dipole antenna includes a linear antenna support. The dipole antenna includes one or more reflector elements positioned on a first section of the antenna support. The dipole antenna includes one or more director elements positioned on a second section of the antenna support. The dipole antenna includes a driven element positioned in a middle section of the antenna support, the middle section being between the first section and the second section. The driven element includes a first leg and a second leg. Each of the first leg and the second leg includes a first conductor extending from the antenna support; a second conductor extending from the first conductor at a direction generally perpendicular to the first conductor; and a third conductor extending from the second conductor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to OTA antennas. In some examples, the driven elements of the OTA antennas are operable to cover the VHF band and the UHF band with highly directive radiation patterns. In some examples, the driven elements can be extended with an additional folded part which can cover the lower VHF frequency band. The OTA antenna can include one or more director elements. The number of director elements can increase or decrease depending on the required radiation power level. The OTA antenna can include one or more reflector elements. The reflector elements can enhance radiation power for the antenna in both the VHF band and UHF band.

In some examples, the OTA antenna is a dipole antenna for VHF band and UHF band communications. The dipole antenna can include a linear antenna support. The dipole antenna can include one or more reflector elements positioned on a first section of the linear antenna support and one or more director elements positioned on a second section of the linear antenna support. The dipole antenna can then include a driven element positioned in a middle section, between the reflector elements and the director elements, of the linear antenna support. The driven element includes a first leg and a second leg. Each of the first leg and the second leg includes a first conductor extending from the linear antenna support, a second conductor extending from the first conductor at a direction generally perpendicular to the first conductor, and a third conductor extending from the second conductor.

As used herein, the term “generally parallel” refers to within 15 degrees of parallel. The term “generally perpendicular” refers to within 15 degrees of perpendicular. The term “about” when used in conjunction with a numerical value refers to within about 10% of the stated amount.

Referring now to the drawings.FIG.1depicts an example system100for communication of OTA signals according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The system100includes a dipole antenna102operable to receive OTA signals in the VHF and/or UHF bands and transmit received OTA signal to a media device106via a transmission line104. The VHF band frequency range may be, for instance, from about 30 to about 300 Megahertz (MHz) and the UHF band frequency range may be, for instance, from about 300 to about 3 Gigahertz (GHz). Details of the dipole antenna102will be described below with reference toFIGS.2-4.

The transmission line104that connects the dipole antenna102and the media device106can be, for instance, a coaxial cable. Coaxial cables are commonly used for connecting the dipole antenna102to the media device106due to their ability to transmit high-frequency and low-frequency signals with minimal loss and interference. However, in other embodiments, the transmission line104can be any other suitable transmission line known in the art, such as various types of coaxial cables, flat cable, twin lead cables, fiber optic cables, or USB cables. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that different transmission lines can be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

The media device106that receives OTA signals from the dipole antenna102via the transmission line104can be, for instance, one or more television sets, set-top boxes, digital TV recorders, streaming devices, laptops and desktops with TV tuner cards, displays with one or more processors, IoT devices, or other suitable devices capable of communicating with the dipole antenna102over the transmission line104. The media device106can include one or more processors and one or more memory devices. The one or more memory devices can store computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) that when executed by the one or more memory devices cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations can include, for instance, receiving the OTA signals from the dipole antenna102via the transmission line104, decoding the received OTA signals, and providing for display on the media device106the content for viewing by a user.

FIG.2depicts an example dipole antenna200for communication of OTA signals according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The dipole antenna200is for VHF band and UHF band communications. As discussed earlier, the VHF band frequency range may be, for instance, from about 30 to about 300 Megahertz (MHz) and the UHF band frequency range may be, for instance, from about 300 to about 3 Gigahertz (GHz). The dipole antenna200can be constructed from a combination of metallic and nonmetallic materials. For example, metallic materials can include aluminum, copper, or steel and nonmetallic materials can include polymeric, fiberglass, or plastic.

The dipole antenna200includes a linear antenna support202. The linear antenna support202supports the antenna in a straight configuration. It is used to provide stability, proper alignment, and enhanced signal reception for the antenna. For instance, the linear antenna support202can be a vertical pole. It provides height and stability to elevate the antenna above obstructions, such as buildings or trees, for better signal reception.

The dipole antenna200also includes one or more reflector elements203.1,203.2, . . .203.npositioned on a first section204of the linear antenna support202. For example, the reflector elements203.1,203.2, . . .203.nmay include a top reflector element203.1and a bottom reflector element203.2, which enhance the power for the dipole antenna200in the VHF and UHF bands. The reflector elements203.1,203.2, . . .203.nare positioned on the lower section204of the linear antenna support202. It should be appreciated that the number of reflector elements and the sizing and spacing of those can vary depending on the specific design needs for the dipole antenna200.

The dipole antenna200further includes one or more director elements205.1,205.2,205.3,205.4, . . .205.npositioned on a second section206of the linear antenna support202. For example, the antenna200can include four director elements205.1,205.2,205.3,205.4positioned on the upper section of the linear antenna support202. The number of director elements used in the dipole antenna200depends on the required power level. Thus, it should be appreciated that the number of reflector elements and the sizing and spacing of those can vary depending on the specific design needs.

Moreover, the dipole antenna200includes a driven element207positioned in a middle section208between the first section204and the second section206of the linear antenna support202. The driven element207is folded in a specific way which provides coverage for VHF and UHF bands. For example, the driven element207includes a first leg210and a second leg212. The first leg210and the second leg212are identically designed and mirror one another about the antenna support202.

Each of the first leg210and the second leg212includes a first conductor214extending from the linear antenna support202. For example, the first conductor214is positioned directly under the director elements205.1,205.2,205.3,205.4,205.nand is connected to the linear antenna support202and extends outwards from the linear antenna support202. Each of the first leg210and the second leg212also includes a second conductor216extending from the first conductor214at a direction generally perpendicular to the first conductor214. For example, the upper end of the second conductor216is connected to the first conductor214near the linear antenna support202and extending downwards from the first conductor214in a direction generally perpendicular to the first conductor214. The second conductor214is generally parallel to the linear antenna support202. Each of the first leg210and the second leg212further includes a third conductor218extending from the second conductor216. For example, the third conductor218is connected to the bottom end of the second conductor216and extends outwards from the second conductor216in a direction generally perpendicular to the second conductor216. The first conductor214and the third conductor218are generally perpendicular to the linear antenna support202and are generally parallel to each other. The third conductor218is longer than the first conductor214.

FIG.3depicts another example dipole antenna300for communication of OTA signals according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar to the dipole antenna200, the dipole antenna300is also for VHF band and UHF band communications. The VHF band frequency range may be, for instance, from about 30 to about 300 Megahertz (MHz) and the UHF band frequency range may be, for instance, from about 300 to about 3 Gigahertz (GHz). The dipole antenna300can also be constructed from a combination of metallic and nonmetallic materials.

The dipole antenna300includes a linear antenna support302. The linear antenna support302supports the antenna in a straight configuration. The linear antenna support302can be, for example, a vertical pole to provide stability, proper alignment, and enhanced signal reception for the antenna. It provides height and stability to elevate the antenna above obstructions, such as buildings or trees, for better signal reception.

The dipole antenna300also includes one or more reflector elements303.1,303.2, . . .303.npositioned on a first section304of the linear antenna support302. Similar to the dipole antenna200, the reflector elements contain a top reflector element303.1and a bottom reflector element303.2to enhance the power of the antenna200in the VHF and UHF bands. The reflector elements303.1,303.2, . . .303.nare positioned towards the lower section of the linear antenna support302. As described before, the number of reflector elements and the sizing and spacing of those can vary depending on the specific design needs.

The dipole antenna300further includes one or more director elements305.1,305.2,305.3,305.4, . . .305.npositioned on a second section306of the linear antenna support302. Similar to the dipole antenna200, the antenna300can include four director elements305.1,305.2,305.3,305.4, . . .305.npositioned on the upper section of the linear antenna support302. The number of director elements used in the dipole antenna300depends on the required power level. Thus, it should be appreciated that the number of reflector elements and the sizing and spacing of those can vary depending on the specific design needs.

Additionally, the dipole antenna300includes a driven element307positioned in a middle section308between the first section304and the second section306of the linear antenna support302. The driven element307is generally positioned in the upper half of linear antenna support302. The driven element307is folded in a specific way which provides coverage for VHF and UHF bands. The driven element307includes a first leg310and a second leg312. The first leg310and the second leg312are identically designed and mirror one another about the antenna support302.

Each of the first leg310and the second leg312includes a first conductor314, a second conductor316, and a third conductor318. The first conductor314is positioned directly under the director elements305.1,305.2,305.3,305.4, . . .305.nand is connected to the linear antenna support302extending outwards. The second conductor316is connected to the first conductor314near the linear antenna support302and extends downwards from the first conductor314in a direction generally perpendicular to the first conductor314. The third conductor318is connected to the second conductor316and extends outwards from the second conductor316in a direction generally perpendicular to the second conductor316. The first conductor314and the third conductor318are generally perpendicular to the linear antenna support302and are parallel with each other. The first conductor314is also shorter than the third conductor318. The second conductor316is generally parallel to the linear antenna support302. The second conductor316and the third conductor318do not touch the linear antenna support302.

Furthermore, the driven element307of the dipole antenna300can be extended with an additional folded part to further cover the low VHF band. For example, each of the first leg310and the second leg312can include a fourth conductor320and a cross-conductor322. The fourth conductor320is positioned in the first section304of the linear antenna support302, which is towards the lower section of the linear antenna support302. The one or more reflector elements303.1,303.2, . . .303.nare between the fourth conductor320and the third conductor318. The cross-conductor322is connected to the third conductor318where the second conductor316. The cross-conductor322crosses over the linear antenna support302and connects the fourth conductor320. The fourth conductor320is longer than the third conductor318.

FIG.4depicts another example dipole antenna400for communication of OTA signals according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The dipole antenna400is used for VHF band and UHF band communications. The VHF band frequency range may be, for instance, from about 30 to about 300 Megahertz (MHz) and the UHF band frequency range may be, for instance, from about 300 to about 3 Gigahertz (GHz). The dipole antenna400can also be constructed from a combination of metallic and nonmetallic materials.

The dipole antenna400includes a linear antenna support402. The linear antenna support402supports the antenna in a straight configuration. The linear antenna support402can be, for example, a vertical pole to provide stability, proper alignment, and enhanced signal reception for the antenna. It provides height and stability to elevate the antenna above obstructions, such as buildings or trees, for better signal reception.

The dipole antenna400also includes one or more reflector elements403.1,403.2, . . .403.npositioned on a first section404of the linear antenna support402. The reflector elements contain a top reflector element403.1and a bottom reflector element403.2to enhance the power of the antenna200in the VHF and UHF bands. The reflector elements403.1,403.2, . . .403.nare positioned towards the lower section of the linear antenna support402. As described before, the number of reflector elements and the sizing and spacing of those can vary depending on the specific design needs.

The dipole antenna400further includes one or more director elements405.1,405.2,405.3,405.4, . . .405.npositioned on a second section306of the linear antenna support402. The antenna400can include four director elements405.1,405.2,405.3,405.4positioned on the upper section of the linear antenna support402. The number of director elements used in the dipole antenna400depends on the required power level. Thus, it should be appreciated that the number of reflector elements and the sizing and spacing of those can vary depending on the specific design needs.

Additionally, the dipole antenna400includes a driven element407positioned in a middle section408between the first section404and the second section406of the linear antenna support402. The driven element407is generally positioned in the upper half of linear antenna support402. The driven element407is folded in a specific way which provides coverage for VHF and UHF bands. The driven element407includes a first leg410and a second leg412. The first leg410and the second leg412are identically designed and mirror one another about the antenna support402.

Each of the first leg410and the second leg412includes a first conductor414, a second conductor416, and a third conductor418. The first conductor414is positioned directly under the director elements405.1,405.2,405.3,405.4, . . .405.nand is connected to the linear antenna support402extending outwards. The second conductor416is connected to the first conductor414near the linear antenna support402and extends downwards from the first conductor414in a direction generally perpendicular to the first conductor414. The third conductor418is connected to the second conductor416and extends outwards from the second conductor416in a direction generally perpendicular to the second conductor416. The first conductor414and the third conductor418are generally perpendicular to the linear antenna support402and are parallel with each other. The first conductor414is also shorter than the third conductor418. The second conductor416is generally parallel to the linear antenna support402. The second conductor416and the third conductor418do not touch the linear antenna support402.

Furthermore, the driven element407of the dipole antenna400can be extended with an additional folded part to further cover the low VHF band. For example, each of the first leg410and the second leg412can include a fourth conductor420and a cross-conductor422. The fourth conductor420is positioned in the first section404of the linear antenna support402, which is towards the lower section of the linear antenna support402. The one or more reflector elements403.1,403.2, . . .403.nare between the fourth conductor420and the third conductor418. The cross-conductor422is connected to the third conductor418where the second conductor416. The cross-conductor422crosses over the linear antenna support402and connects the fourth conductor420. The fourth conductor420is longer than the third conductor418.

The antenna400can include an additional long-range VHF reflector element430. The long rang VHF reflector element430may be located beneath the fourth conductor420. The long-range VHF reflector element430may be longer than the fourth conductor420and may be generally parallel to the fourth conductor420. The long-range VHF reflector element430may be generally perpendicular to the linear antenna support402.

FIG.5depicts an example of simulation results of an example dipole antenna according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.5depicts return loss versus frequency for the dipole antenna200ofFIG.2.FIG.5plots frequency (MHz) along the horizontal axis and return loss (dB) along the vertical axis. As shown, the dipole antenna200ofFIG.2provides good return loss at frequencies in the VHF band and in the UHF band.

FIG.6depicts an example of simulation results of an example dipole antenna according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.6depicts return loss versus frequency for the dipole antenna300ofFIG.3.FIG.6plots frequency (MHz) along the horizontal axis and return loss (dB) along the vertical axis. As shown, the dipole antenna200ofFIG.2provides good return loss at frequencies in the VHF band, the low VHF band, and in the UHF band.