Abstract:
Described herein are antenna designs and configurations that provide flexible solutions for creating compact antennas with multiple-band capabilities. For example, a hybrid PIFA-monopole antenna configuration and design is described. As another example, non-planar (e.g., orthogonal) and composite radiating structures incorporating various radiating element and ground plane configurations are described. Connective structures are also described for providing physical rigidity and ground plane connectivity to composite radiation elements. In embodiments described herein of composite radiating structures, multiple antennas may be included through passive radiating elements potentially combined with active circuitry. Composite radiating structures with multiple antennas may be used in multiple-in and multiple-out (MIMO) antenna applications. For example, multiple different antennas within the composite radiating structures may be created using radiating elements on one or more of the vertical and/or horizontal portions of the composite radiating structure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/500,768, filed Jun. 24 2011, entitled Orthogonal Modular Embedded Antenna, with Method of Manufacture and Kits Therefor, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to compact antenna configurations. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0005]    In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in the use of wireless devices for new complex applications. As a result, new wireless frequency standards continue to emerge throughout the world and new techniques of antenna implementations. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Described herein are antenna designs and configurations that provide flexible solutions for creating compact antennas with multiple-band capabilities. For example, a hybrid PIFA-monopole antenna configuration and design is described. As another example, non-planar (e.g., orthogonal) and composite radiating structures incorporating various radiating element and ground plane configurations are described. Connective structures are also described for providing physical rigidity and ground plane connectivity to composite radiation elements. In embodiments described herein of composite radiating structures, multiple antennas may be included through passive radiating elements potentially combined with active circuitry. Composite radiating structures with multiple antennas may be used in multiple-in and multiple-out (MIMO) antenna applications. For example, multiple different antennas within the composite radiating structures may be created using radiating elements on one or more of the vertical and/or horizontal portions of the composite radiating structure. 
         [0007]    The disclosure describes a composite resonating antenna structure including a first substrate having a through-hole and a first conductive layer comprising a first resonating element connected to the through-hole. The composite resonating structure further includes a second substrate having a mounting pad capable of connecting with the through-hole in a configuration such that the first substrate and the second substrate are in an orthogonal configuration. The composite resonating structure further includes a second conductive layer attached to the second substrate, the second conductive layer shaped to include a ground plane section and a signal transmission line capable of carrying microwave frequency signals including a center frequency, wherein the first resonating element is capable of radiating a frequency equal to the center frequency based on the orthogonal configuration. 
         [0008]    The disclosure also describes an antenna kit including a plurality of substrates include a plurality of resonating elements. The antenna kit further includes a first substrate of the plurality of substrates having a through-hole and a first conductive layer comprising a first resonating element connected to the through-hole. The antenna kit further includes a second substrate of the plurality of substrates having a mounting pad capable of connecting with the through-hole in a configuration such that the first substrate and the second substrate are in an orthogonal configuration. The antenna kit further includes a second conductive layer attached to the second substrate, the second conductive layer shaped to include a ground plane section and a signal transmission line capable of carrying microwave frequency signals including a center frequency, wherein the first resonating element is capable of radiating a frequency equal to the center frequency based on the orthogonal configuration. 
         [0009]    An aspect of the disclosure is directed to a composite resonating antenna structure. The antenna structure comprises: a first substrate having a through-hole and a first conductive layer comprising a first resonating element connected to the through-hole; a second substrate having a mounting pad capable of connecting with the through-hole in a configuration such that the first substrate and the second substrate are in an orthogonal configuration; and a second conductive layer attached to the second substrate, the second conductive layer shaped to include a ground plane section and a signal transmission line capable of carrying microwave frequency signals including a center frequency; wherein the first resonating element is capable of radiating a frequency equal to the center frequency based on the orthogonal configuration. The first resonating element is adaptable and configurable to have the resonant frequency equal to the center frequency further based on an electromagnetic field pattern between the first resonating element of the first substrate and the second conductive layer of the second substrate. Additionally, the first resonating element is adaptable and configurable to a width of from about 1 mm to about 6 mm and a length of from about 3 mm to about 18 mm, or more specifically a width of from about 2 mm to about 10 mm and a length of from about 5 mm to about 45 mm. In at least some configurations, the electromagnetic field pattern is between the first resonating element of the first substrate and the ground plane section of the second conductive layer. Typically, the resonant frequency is a first radiating frequency, wherein the center frequency is a first center frequency, and wherein the first conductive layer further comprises a second resonating element capable of having a second radiating frequency equal to a second center frequency. In some configurations, the second resonating element has a width of from about 1 mm to about 6 mm and a length of from about 3 mm to about 18 mm, or more specifically, a width of from about 2 mm to about 10 mm and a length of from about 5 mm to about 45 mm. In some configurations, the first center frequency is between about 850 MHz and 900 MHz and the second center frequency is between about 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz. Additionally, an antenna can be configured to provide for a third center frequency between about 2110 MHz and 2200 MHz. In some aspects, the orthogonal configuration is a first orthogonal configuration, and wherein the ground plane section is a first ground plane section, the composite resonating antenna structure further comprising a third substrate including a second ground plane section capable of being disposed in a second orthogonal configuration with respect to the first substrate. Moreover, the first resonating element can be capable of having the radiating frequency equal to the center frequency further based on an electromagnetic field pattern between the first resonating element of the first substrate and second ground plane section of the third substrate. Additionally, the second orthogonal configuration is further parallel to the second substrate. The second conductive layer further adaptable and configurable to include a connector for coupling with a coaxial cable. The second conductive layer can be a capacitive stub portion attached to the signal transmission line on the second substrate. Additionally, the mounting pad is adaptable and configurable to fit within the through-hole and form a connection therein. Moreover, the mounting pad is further adaptable and configurable to form a connection with the through-hole via solder connection. The through-hole is also adaptable and configurable to provide multiple metallizations within the first substrate. 
         [0010]    A further aspect of the disclosure is directed to antenna kits. Antenna kits are configurable to comprise: a plurality of substrates include a plurality of resonating elements; a first substrate of the plurality of substrates adaptable and configurable to have a through-hole and a first conductive layer comprising a first resonating element connected to the through-hole; a second substrate of the plurality of substrates having a mounting pad capable of connecting with the through-hole in a configuration such that the first substrate and the second substrate are in an orthogonal configuration; and a second conductive layer attached to the second substrate, the second conductive layer shaped to include a ground plane section and a signal transmission line capable of carrying microwave frequency signals including a center frequency; wherein the first resonating element is capable of radiating a frequency equal to the center frequency based on the orthogonal configuration. Kits can further comprise a flexible cable adaptable to connect the planar antenna to a target device. 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
       [0011]    All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which: 
           [0013]      FIGS. 1   a - b  illustrate an embodiment of a composite radiator structure for assembly in an orthogonal configuration with a single vertical portion and single horizontal portion; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a composite radiator structure including a single vertical portion as assembled with multiple optional horizontal portions; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 3   a - c  illustrate an embodiment of a composite radiator structure for assembly in an orthogonal configuration with a single vertical portion and two horizontal portions; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 4   a - c  illustrate an embodiment of a composite radiator structure for assembly in an orthogonal configuration with a single vertical portion and three horizontal portions; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a through-hole showing the details for the through-hole as mechanism for assembly or integration; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows measurements of return loss for three different embodiments of a composite gain structure, in a frequency range of 800 to 2200 MHz, the embodiments including respectively one, two, and three horizontal portions; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows measurements of efficiencies of three different embodiments of a composite gain structure, in a frequency range of 800 to 2200 MHz, the embodiments including respectively one, two, and three horizontal portions; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  shows measurements of peak gain for three different embodiments of a composite gain structure, in a frequency range of 800 to 2200 MHz, the embodiments including respectively one, two, and three horizontal portions. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    The disclosure provides antenna designs, including designs for embodiments of orthogonal radiating element configurations. In several embodiments, the disclosure describes antenna designs with orthogonal configurations for wireless applications such as LTE, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, WIFI, GPS, WiMAX, Bluetooth, as well as applications in the unlicensed Industrial, Scientific and Medical bands. Some embodiments include antennas suitable for use in any wireless communication standard which uses the electromagnetic spectrum from 100 MHz up to 18 GHz. 
         [0022]    Antenna configurations may include a parallel structure between a radiation element and a ground plane. Some antenna configurations such as IFA (Inverted F Antenna) and PIFA (Planar Inverted F Antenna), and/or monopole microstrip designs include a long ground plane and have a narrow bandwidth. However, as described further herein, some antennas may be designed to cover multiple communication standards which require an extensive bandwidth, high efficiency, and high gain while requiring a small form factor. For example, Penta Band Cellular includes the GSM850, EGSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900 and UMTS2100 frequency bands. With the introduction of the new LTE700 Band in the United State of America, antenna design is further complicated by an additional frequency band. 
         [0023]    With the advance in the electronic semiconductor industry, many of the electronic sub-systems have been reduced in size to fit within much smaller physical spaces, leading designers to minimize their product size and at the same time finding new applications or others that becomes feasible due to the reduced device size. As an example, a new tracking system device concept has been created to monitor aspects of vehicle operations in real time, including vehicle driving behavior, real time vehicle operating diagnostics, and fleet management in a way that avoids complex installation of one or more device(s) under the dash. These kinds of tracking systems are known as OBDII Tracking System, which uses the On Board Diagnostic Generation II connector/port of a car as installation. Through this connector, the OBDII Tracking System obtains power, communication with the car computer, and any necessary control of the vehicle. 
         [0024]    Because the OBDII port/connector from a car changes from models, brand and year, sometimes the OBDII connector can be close to the pedals, human legs, or can be obstructed by other parts of the car. Therefore, the size of the entire device has to be small (approximately 50×50×30 mm). In addition, the device&#39;s antenna has to be efficient. Since the size of the device has been reduced but the operation frequencies of devices are remaining the same or even are reducing to the newly added LTE700 Bands in the United States of America, the required longer wavelengths demand larger physical dimensions or effective physical dimensions in order to radiate energy efficiently. 
       I. Antennas 
       [0025]      FIGS. 1   a - b  illustrate an embodiment of a composite radiator structure for assembly in an orthogonal configuration with a single vertical portion and single horizontal portion.  FIG. 1   a  illustrates a “vertical” portion of the composite radiator structure.  FIG. 1   b  illustrates a “horizontal” portion of the composite radiator structure that is capable of being assembled in a non-planar (e.g., orthogonal) configuration with the vertical portion. As described herein, the descriptive terms “vertical” and “horizontal” as applied to portions of the composite radiator structure refer to relative orientations of the portions of the composite radiator structure. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1   a  shows an embodiment of a vertical portion  122  of the composite radiator structure, with a view of the front face  102 , the side view  101  and the back face  100 . In one embodiment, the vertical portion  122  includes through-holes  103  for assembling the vertical portion with the horizontal portion  123  of the composite radiator structure. For example, through-holes  103  on the vertical portion  122  may be capable of accepting mounting pads  106  from the horizontal portion  123 . In one embodiment, mating faces of the vertical portion  122  and the horizontal portion  123  (e.g., surfaces in or around through-holes  103  and/or surfaces on or around the mounting pads  106 ) may be configured to guide the vertical portion into an orthogonal relationship with the horizontal portion. In another embodiment, such mating faces may be configured to guide the vertical portion  122  into an angular relationship other than orthogonal with the horizontal portion  123 . 
         [0027]    Each of the vertical portion  122  and the horizontal portion  123  may include a substrate  121 , such as a high-frequency substrate of suitable material (e.g., with suitable dielectric constant) for forming antennas (e.g., microstrip-based antennas) for receiving radio waves and/or microwaves. Portions of the substrate  121  may be free of metal and/or other surface features, creating open space on the surface of the substrate between metalized elements (e.g., radiating element  110 , capacitive stub  111 ). In one embodiment, a substrate  121  for the vertical portion  122  and/or the horizontal portion  123  may include dielectric material that ranges from 0.2 to 5 mm in thickness. Materials for the substrate  121  may be chosen for each of the vertical portion  122  and the horizontal portion  123  to achieve specific antenna requirements and sizes required by the application. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  122  includes multiple radiating elements, each capable of radiating at and around a distinct radiating frequency. In one embodiment, metallizations on the vertical portion  122  may be adapted based on, for example, calculations of impedance between the vertical portion and horizontal portion  123 , as well as the frequency requirements for the composite radiator structure. For example, a composite radiator structure including the vertical portion  122  and an associated horizontal portion  123  may be adapted, as described further herein, to center the frequency response of radiator(s) on the composite radiator structure around frequencies corresponding with communications standards. Radiating frequencies of radiating elements may be described herein as relatively higher or lower than each other; however the terms higher and lower may include no absolute reference to a frequency. Further, multiple references to a lower frequency need not refer to the same lower frequency and multiple references to a higher frequency need not refer to the same higher frequency. Measurements of radiating elements, including lengths and widths, are expressed in terms relative to the conventional dimensional references of radiating stubs. For example, the length of a radiating element may appear horizontally or vertically in the Figures, yet a description herein of a radiating element&#39;s length refers to the dimension extending away from another element (e.g., a ground plane). Similarly, a width of a radiating element may appear horizontally or vertically in the Figures, yet a description of the same refers to a dimension perpendicular to the radiating element&#39;s length. 
         [0029]    As shown by vector representations (A) on the vertical portion  122 , in one embodiment, the interconnection  104  may connect the radiating element  110  with the capacitive coupling element  107  across the full height of each element  110  and  107  at the point where each element meets an edge of the front face and back face, respectively, of the vertical portion. For example, the interconnection  104  may include a planar metal portion spanning from the front face of the vertical portion  122  to the back face of the vertical portion across the outside surface of the vertical portion. As another example, the interconnection  104  may include portions disposed through the substrate  121  between the front face and the back face of the vertical portion  122 . 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  122  includes a radiating element  110 . The radiating element  110  may be adapted for increasing efficiency of lower frequency operation. In one embodiment, the radiating element  110  ranges from 2 to 20 mm in width and from 10 to 48 mm in length. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  122  includes a capacitive stub  111  connected to the radiating element  110 . The capacitive stub  111  may be capable of tuning lower frequency operation. For example, in one embodiment, the position and/or shape (e.g., a polygon) of the capacitive stub  111  may be modified from those shown in  FIG. 1   a  to create different effects on the impedance of the lower frequency signal traces of the composite radiating structure. 
         [0032]    The vertical portion  122  may include an interconnection  104  between the front face of the vertical portion and the back face of the vertical portion, for example, to connect the radiating element  110  on the front face with a capacitive coupling element  107  on the back face. In one embodiment, the capacitive coupling element  107  is capable of coupling with ground plane on the horizontal portion  123 , as described further herein. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  122  includes a radiating element  106  that is capable of operating at a lower frequency and that is disposed on the back face of the vertical portion. In one embodiment, the radiating element  106  ranges from 2 to 10 mm in width and ranges from 5 to 20 mm in length. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  122  includes a radiating element  105  that is capable of operating at a higher frequency and that is disposed on the back face of the vertical portion. In one embodiment, the radiating element  105  ranges from 2 to 5 mm in width and ranges from 5 to 18 mm in length. 
         [0035]    Through-holes  103  may be positioned and adapted for use both as physical support and connection as well as electrical connection. In one embodiment, some through-holes  103 , such as through-hole  124 , are configured and positioned to provide physical support without electrical connection between the vertical portion  122  and the horizontal portion  123 . For example, the through-hole  124  is not directly electrically connected to either a signal trace or a ground trace/plane of the vertical portion  122 . As another example, mounting pad  116  is not directly electrically connected to either a signal trace or a ground trace/plane of the horizontal portion  123 . In one embodiment, the through-hole  124  and/or its associated mounting pad  116  is metalized to provide for a soldered connection between them. For example, the through-hole  124  and its associated mounting pad  116  may be formed similarly to through-holes  103  and mounting pads  116  that are connected to signal or ground metallizations. As another example, through-holes  103  and mounting pads  116  that do not have direct electrical connections to either signal or ground metallizations may be metalized, but in a different manner than through-holes and mounting pads that are connected to signal or ground metallizations. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1   b  shows an embodiment of a horizontal portion  123  of the composite radiator structure, with a view of the top face  113  and the bottom face  112 . In one embodiment, as described further herein, the horizontal portion  123  includes mounting pads  116  for assembling the horizontal portion with the vertical portion  122  of the composite radiator structure. The horizontal portion may include a ground plane portion  120  on the bottom face  123 . In one embodiment, the ground plane portion  120  is connected to a ground plane portion  115  on the top face of the horizontal portion  123 , including an extension portion of the ground plane that extends beyond the ground plane&#39;s regular rectangular shape. The ground plane portion  115  may be adapted through this extension for open-circuit tuning of high frequency operation. In one embodiment, the ground plane portion  115  ranges from 2 to 7 mm in width (i.e., horizontal dimension in  FIG. 1   b ) and from 5 to 15 mm in length (i.e., vertical dimension in  FIG. 1   b ). 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, a connection  119  is included in co-planer relation to the ground plane portion  115  on the top face of the horizontal portion  123 . The connection  119  may be capable of connecting with any suitable signal transmitter for the antenna, such as a coaxial cable connection. In one embodiment, the connection  119  forms a waveguide transmission line in relation with the ground plane portion  115  and/or the ground plane portion  120 , including a length  125  of micro-strip transmission line flanked on one or both sides by the ground plane portion  115 . 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, the transmission line of the connection  119  is connected to a capacitive stub  114  on the top face of the horizontal portion  123 . The capacitive stub  114  may be capable of increasing bandwidth of lower frequency operation, such as providing capacitance between the capacitive stub and the ground plane portion  115  and/or between the capacitive stub and other grounded portions of the composite radiating structure, as described further herein. For example, the capacitive stub  114  may provide capacitance between the capacitive stub and a ground plane connection  118  on the horizontal portion  123  and/or between the capacitive stub and the capacitive element  107  on the vertical portion  122 . In one embodiment, the capacitive stub  114  ranges from 3 to 6 mm in width and from 5 to 12 mm in length. For example, in one embodiment, the position and/or shape (e.g., a polygon) of the capacitive stub  114  may be modified from those shown in  FIG. 1   b  to create different effects on the impedance signal traces of the composite radiating structure. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, a ground plane connection  118  is provided between the ground plane portion  115  and a mounting pad  116 . The ground plane connection  118  may be capable of controlling its impedance and coupling with both the mounting pad  116  and the capacitive coupling element  107  of the vertical portion  122 . As described further herein, area(s) clear of metallization (e.g., area  117 ) on the substrate  121  of either the horizontal portion  123  or the vertical portion  122  of the composite radiating structure may be capable of adjusting efficiency and bandwidth of the composite radiating structure. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, one or both of the ground plane portion  115  and the ground plane portion  120  of the horizontal portion  123  of the composite radiating structure may be capable of making room for circuitry (e.g., discrete components, communication modules, microprocessors, memories, clocks, lumped components, transistors, amplifiers, connectors, sensors). For example, ground plane portion(s)  115  and  120  may include sections surrounding circuit elements (not shown) mounted on either the top face or bottom face of the horizontal portion  123  and signal traces connected to the circuit elements may be contained within the substrate  121 , such as on inner layers of the substrate. As another example, as described further herein, a ground plane portion  115  and/or  120  may be positioned on an inner layer of the substrate  121  (e.g., within the substrate, below either the top or bottom face of the horizontal portion  123 ). 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a composite radiator structure including a single vertical portion as assembled with multiple horizontal portions. A vertical portion  200  is connected via through-holes, as described further herein, to a first horizontal portion  201  of the composite radiator structure. A second horizontal portion  202  may be connected to the first horizontal portion  201  such that there is free space  204  between the vertical portion  200  and a proximal edge of the second horizontal portion. Capacitive coupling across the free space  204  between metallization(s) on the second horizontal portion  202  and the vertical portion  200  may be adapted based on impedance calculations. The second horizontal portion  202  may be connected to the first horizontal portion  201  such that there is a free space  205  between the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion. Capacitive coupling across the free space  205  between metallization(s) on the second horizontal portion  202  and the first horizontal portion  201  may be adapted based on impedance calculations. 
         [0042]    As described further herein, multiple horizontal portions may include ground plane portions and/or radiator portions to implement or integrate other frequency bands and/or antenna technologies into the composite radiator structure. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, the composite radiator structure includes a third horizontal portion  203  connected to the second horizontal radiator portion  202 . In another embodiment, the third horizontal portion  203  connects directly with the second horizontal portion  202 . The third horizontal portion  203  may be connected to the second horizontal portion  202  and/or the first horizontal portion  201  such that there is free space  204  between the vertical portion  200  and a proximal edge of the third horizontal portion. Capacitive coupling across the free space  204  between metallization(s) on the third horizontal portion  203  and the vertical portion  200  may be adapted based on impedance calculations. The third horizontal portion  203  may be connected to the second horizontal portion  202  and/or the first horizontal portion  201  such that there is a free space  205  between the third horizontal portion and the first and second horizontal portions. Capacitive coupling across the free space  205  between metallization(s) on the third horizontal portion  203  and the first and second horizontal portions  201 ,  202  may be adapted based on impedance calculations. 
         [0044]    In one embodiment, optional circuitry components described further herein on horizontal portions  201 ,  202 ,  203  may affect capacitive coupling between the horizontal portions, including through dictating minimum dimensions of free spaces  204  and  205 . Free space  204  and/or free space  205  may be filled with vacuum, air, or another dielectric material or materials, allowing for further tuning of coupling and/or impedance of connections between the vertical portion  200  and horizontal portions  201 ,  202 , and  203 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 3   a - c  illustrate an embodiment of a composite radiator structure for assembly in an orthogonal configuration with a single vertical portion  324  and two horizontal portions  325 ,  326 .  FIG. 3   a  illustrates a vertical portion  324  of the composite radiator structure.  FIG. 3   b  illustrates a first horizontal portion  325  of the composite radiator structure that is capable of being assembled in a non-planar (e.g. orthogonal) configuration with the vertical portion  324 .  FIG. 3   c  illustrates a second horizontal portion  326  of the composite radiator structure that is capable of being assembled in a non-planar (e.g., orthogonal) configuration with the vertical portion. 
         [0046]      FIG. 3   a  shows an embodiment of a vertical portion  324  of the composite radiator structure, with a view of the front face  301  and the back face  300 . In one embodiment, the vertical portion  324  includes through-holes  302 ,  310 ,  311  for assembling the vertical portion with the first horizontal portion  325  of the composite radiator structure. For example, through-holes  302 ,  310 ,  311  on the vertical portion  324  may be capable of accepting mounting pads  316  from the first horizontal portion  324 . Through-holes  302 ,  310 ,  311  may be positioned and adapted for use both as physical support and connection as well as electrical connection, as described further herein. Connections between the vertical portion  324  and the first horizontal portion  325  may be adapted as described further herein. Each of the vertical portion  324  and the first and second horizontal portions  325 ,  326  may include a substrate  309 , as described further herein. 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  324  includes multiple radiating elements, each capable of radiating at and around a distinct radiating frequency, as described further herein. In one embodiment, metallizations on the vertical portion  324  may be adapted based on, for example, calculations of impedance between the vertical portion, the first horizontal portion  325 , and the second horizontal portion  326 , as well as the frequency requirements for the composite radiator structure. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  324  includes a radiating element  303 . The radiating element  303  may be adapted for higher frequency operation. In one embodiment, the radiating element  303  ranges from 1 to 6 mm in width and from 3 to 10 mm in length. 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  324  includes a radiating element  304 . The radiating element  304  may be adapted for lower frequency operation. In one embodiment, the radiating element  304  ranges from 2 to 10 mm in width and from 5 to 45 mm in length. 
         [0050]    As one example, parasitic radiating elements  305 ,  307  which are not connected electrically to either ground or signal portions of metallizations, may be included on the front face  301  as either bandwidth-increasing parasitic radiating elements  305  or gain-increasing parasitic radiating elements  307 . Similar parasitic radiating elements  306 ,  308  which are not connected electrically to either ground or signal portions of metallizations, may be included on the back face  300  as either bandwidth-increasing parasitic radiating elements  306  or gain-increasing parasitic radiating elements  308 . Parasitic radiating elements  306 ,  308  on the back face  300  may be positioned in spaced relationship with (e.g., flanking the planes of, at angle(s) to) the adjacent edges of the first and/or second horizontal portions  325 ,  326 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 3   b  shows an embodiment of a first horizontal portion  325  of the composite radiator structure, with a view of the top face  313  and the bottom face  312 . In one embodiment, as described further herein, the horizontal portion  325  includes mounting pads  316  for assembling the horizontal portion with the vertical portion  324  of the composite radiator structure. The first horizontal portion  325  may include a ground plane portion  320  on the bottom face  312 . In one embodiment, the ground plane portion  320  is connected to a ground plane portion  315  on the top face  313  of the horizontal portion  325 , including an extension portion of the ground plane that extends beyond the ground plane&#39;s regular rectangular shape. The ground plane portion  315  may be adapted through the extension for open-circuit tuning of high frequency operation. In one embodiment, the ground plane portion  315  ranges from 2 to 7 mm in width (i.e., horizontal dimension in  FIG. 3   b ) and from 5 to 15 mm in length (i.e., vertical dimension in  FIG. 3   b ). 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, a connection  319  is included in co-planer relation to the ground plane portion  315  on the top face  313  of the first horizontal portion  325 . The connection  319  may be capable of connecting with any suitable signal transmitter for the antenna, such as a coaxial cable connection. In one embodiment, the connection  319  forms a waveguide transmission line in relation with the ground plane portion  315  and/or the ground plane portion  320 , including a length as described further herein. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, the transmission line of the connection  319  is connected to a capacitive stub  314  on the top face  313  of the first horizontal portion  325 . The capacitive stub  314  may be capable of increasing bandwidth of lower frequency operation, such as providing capacitance between the capacitive stub and the ground plane portion  315  and/or between the capacitive stub and other grounded portions of the composite radiating structure, as described further herein. For example, the capacitive stub  314  may provide capacitance between the capacitive stub and a ground plane connection  318  on the horizontal portion  325 . In one embodiment, the capacitive stub  314  ranges from 3 to 6 mm in width and from 5 to 12 mm in length. For example, in one embodiment, the position and/or shape (e.g., a polygon) of the capacitive stub  114  may be modified from those shown in  FIG. 3   b  to create different effects on the impedance signal traces of the composite radiating structure. 
         [0054]    In one embodiment, a ground plane connection  318  is provided between the ground plane portion  315  and a mounting pad  316 . The ground plane connection  318  may be capable of controlling its impedance and coupling with both the mounting pad  316  and the radiating elements  303 ,  304  of the vertical portion  324 . As described further herein, area(s) clear of metallization (e.g., area  317 ) on the substrate  309  of either the first and/or second horizontal portions  325 ,  326  or the vertical portion  324  of the composite radiating structure may be capable of adjusting efficiency and bandwidth of the composite radiating structure. 
         [0055]    In one embodiment, one or both of the ground plane portion  315  and the ground plane portion  320  of the first horizontal portion  325  of the composite radiating structure may be capable of making room for circuitry, as described further herein. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3   c  illustrates a second horizontal portion  326  of the composite radiator structure that is capable of being assembled in an orthogonal configuration with the vertical portion  324 . In one embodiment, the second horizontal portion  326  may be capable of mounting to the first horizontal portion  325 , as described further herein. In another embodiment, the second horizontal portion  326  may include mounting tabs  316  for directly connecting to the vertical portion  324  in an orthogonal configuration. The second horizontal portion  326  includes a front face  322  and a bottom face  321 . A ground plane  323  may be included on the second horizontal portion  326 , which may be capable of including circuitry disposed within and/or around the ground plane, as described further herein. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 4   a - c  illustrate an embodiment of a composite radiator structure for assembly in an orthogonal configuration with a single vertical portion  420  and three horizontal portions  421 ,  422 .  FIG. 4   a  illustrates a vertical portion  420  of the composite radiator structure.  FIG. 4   b  illustrates a first horizontal portion  421  of the composite radiator structure that is capable of being assembled in an orthogonal configuration with the vertical portion  420 .  FIG. 4   c  illustrates an additional horizontal portion  422  (such as a second, third, or fourth horizontal portion) of the composite radiator structure that is capable of being assembled in a non-planar (e.g., orthogonal) configuration with the vertical portion  420 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 4   a  shows an embodiment of a vertical portion  420  of the composite radiator structure, with a view of the front face  401  and the back face  400 . In one embodiment, the vertical portion  420  includes through-holes  402 ,  408 ,  409  for assembling the vertical portion with the first horizontal portion  421  of the composite radiator structure. For example, through-holes  402 ,  408 ,  409  on the vertical portion  420  may be capable of accepting mounting pads  414  from the first horizontal portion  421 . Through-holes  402 ,  408 ,  409  may be positioned and adapted for use both as physical support and connection as well as electrical connection, as described further herein. Connections between the vertical portion  420  and the first horizontal portion  421  may be adapted as described further herein. Each of the vertical portion  420  and the first and addition horizontal portions  421 ,  422  may include a substrate  407 , as described further herein. 
         [0059]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  420  includes multiple radiating elements, each capable of radiating at and around a distinct radiating frequency, as described further herein. In one embodiment, metallizations on the vertical portion  420  may be adapted based on, for example, calculations of impedance between the vertical portion, the first horizontal portion  421 , and the additional horizontal portion(s)  422 , as well as the frequency requirements for the composite radiator structure. 
         [0060]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  420  includes a radiating element  403 . The radiating element  403  may be adapted for higher frequency operation. In one embodiment, the radiating element  403  ranges from 1 to 6 mm in width and from 3 to 10 mm in length. 
         [0061]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  420  includes a radiating element  404 . The radiating element  404  may be adapted for lower frequency operation. In one embodiment, the radiating element  404  ranges from 2 to 10 mm in width and from 5 to 45 mm in length. 
         [0062]    In one embodiment, the vertical portion  420  includes a capacitive stub  405  connected to the radiating element  404 . The capacitive stub  405  may be capable of tuning lower frequency operation, such as, for example, increasing lower frequency bandwidth. For example, in one embodiment, the position and/or shape (e.g., a polygon) of the capacitive stub  405  may be modified from those shown in  FIG. 4   a  to create different effects on the impedance of the lower frequency signal traces of the composite radiating structure. 
         [0063]    As one example, parasitic radiating elements  406 , which are not connected electrically to either ground or signal portions of metallizations, may be included on the back face  400  as bandwidth-increasing parasitic radiating elements  406 . Parasitic radiating elements  406  on the back face  400  may be positioned in spaced relationship with (e.g., flanking the planes of, at angle(s) to) the adjacent edges of the first and/or additional horizontal portions  421 ,  422 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 4   b  shows an embodiment of a first horizontal portion  421  of the composite radiator structure, with a view of the top face  411  and the bottom face  410 . In one embodiment, as described further herein, the horizontal portion  421  includes mounting pads  414  for assembling the horizontal portion with the vertical portion  420  of the composite radiator structure. The first horizontal portion  421  may include a ground plane portion  416  on the bottom face  410 . In one embodiment, the first horizontal portion  421  includes a ground plane portion  424  on the top face  411  that is substantially in a regular rectangular shape that does not include an extension portion. In another embodiment, the ground plane portion  424  of the top face  411  includes an extension portion of the ground plane that extends beyond the ground plane&#39;s regular rectangular shape. The ground plane portion  424  may be adapted through the extension for open-circuit tuning of high frequency operation. In one embodiment, the ground plane portion  424  on the top face  411  ranges from 2 to 7 mm in width (i.e., horizontal dimension in  FIG. 3   b ) and from 5 to 15 mm in length (i.e., vertical dimension in  FIG. 3   b ). In one embodiment, the ground plane portion  416  is connected to a ground plane portion  424  of the horizontal portion  421 , as described further herein. 
         [0065]    In one embodiment, the transmission line of the connection  413  is connected to a mounting pad  414 . In another embodiment, described further herein, the transmission line of the connection  413  is connected to a capacitive stub on the top face  411  of the first horizontal portion  421 . The capacitive stub may be capable of increasing bandwidth of lower frequency operation, such as providing capacitance between the capacitive stub and the ground plane portion  424  and/or between the capacitive stub and other grounded portions of the composite radiating structure, as described further herein. 
         [0066]    In one embodiment, a ground plane connection  412  is provided between the ground plane portion  424  and a mounting pad  414 , may include a gap for capacitive coupling and/or DC rejection. The ground plane connection  412  may be capable of controlling its impedance and coupling with both the mounting pad  414  and the radiating elements  403 ,  404  of the vertical portion  420  helping the antenna to be matched at lower frequencies. As described further herein, area(s) clear of metallization on the substrate  407  of either the first and/or additional horizontal portions  421 ,  422  or the vertical portion  420  of the composite radiating structure may be capable of adjusting efficiency and bandwidth of the composite radiating structure. 
         [0067]    In one embodiment, one or both of the ground plane portion  416  and the ground plane portion  424  of the first horizontal portion  421  of the composite radiating structure may be capable of making room for circuitry, as described further herein. 
         [0068]      FIG. 4   c  illustrates an additional horizontal portion  422  (such as a second, third, or fourth horizontal portion) of the composite radiator structure that is capable of being assembled in a non-planar (e.g., orthogonal) configuration with the vertical portion  420 . In one embodiment, the additional horizontal portion  422  may be capable of mounting to the first horizontal portion  421 , as described further herein. In another embodiment, the additional horizontal portion  422  may include mounting tabs  414  for directly connecting to the vertical portion  420  in an orthogonal configuration. The additional horizontal portion  422  includes a top face  418  and a bottom face  417 . A ground plane  419  may be included on the additional horizontal portion  422 , which may be capable of including circuitry disposed within and/or around the ground plane, as described further herein. 
         [0069]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a through-hole  500  described further herein. The cross-sectional view shows the details for the through-hole  500  within the substrate  504  as mechanism for assembly or integration of horizontal and vertical portions of a composite resonating structure. The through-hole  500  may include rounded portions  501 , as shown and described further herein, as well as squared or notched portions. In one embodiment, the through-hole  500  includes two metallization layers, a first metallization layer  503  and a second metallization layer  502  plating or overlying the first metallization layer. The second metallization layer  502  may be capable of providing better properties for soldering a connection between the through-hole  500  and a mounting pad. For example, a vertical portion of a composite resonating structure may have a through-hole  500  that is adapted using one or more of the metallization layers  502 ,  503  to provide a solid mechanical and electrical connection between the vertical and horizontal portions. 
       II. Operation and Use of the Antennas 
       [0070]    The antenna(s) within the composite resonating structure can be provided with a flexible cable adapted and configured to connect the antenna(s) to the electronics of the target device, such as a tracking system. Alternatively, the antenna(s) can be configured such that no cable is required to connect the antenna(s) to the target device. For a cable-less antenna, pads may be provided on the antenna(s) which provide connections from a module or transmission line via metal contacts or reflow solder. 
         [0071]    The antenna can be affixed to a housing of a target device, such as an interior surface of a wireless device housing. Affixing the antenna can be achieved by using suitable double sided adhesive, such as 3M™ Adhesive Transfer Tape 467MP available from 3M. 
         [0072]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the larger the antenna surface area (or volume), in general the higher the performance in terms of gain and radiation characteristics. Additionally, the gain of the antenna(s) is closely linked to the surface area or volume of the antenna(s. Thus, the larger the surface area or volume, the higher the gain. In deploying the antenna, clearances can be provided to optimize performance of the antenna. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the larger the clearance, the better the radiation characteristics of the antenna. 
       III. Method of Manufacturing the Antennas 
       [0073]    The features and functions of the antennas described herein allow for their use in many different manufacturing configurations. For example, in a wireless communication handheld device (e.g. a mobile phone), an antenna can be printed on any suitable substrate including, for example, printed circuit boards (PCB) or flexible printed circuits (FPC). The PCB or FPC is then used to mechanically support and electrically connect the antenna to the electronics of the device deploying the antenna through using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces etched from copper sheets, for example, that have been laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. The printed piece can then be mounted either at the top of the handset backside or at the bottom of the front side of the handset. Thus, antennas according to this disclosure can be manufactured, for example, using a standard low-cost technique for the fabrication of a single-side printed circuit board. Other manufacturing techniques may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
         [0074]    Techniques for manufacturing antennas include determining which materials and/or processes will be followed. For example, a printed circuit board (PCB), an electrically thin dielectric substrate (e.g., RT/diroid 5880), Flame Retardant 4 (FR-4) material complying with the UL-94-V0, or any suitable non-conductive board can be used as the substrate. A conductive layer is provided from which the antenna will be formed. The conductive layer is generally copper, but other materials can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, aluminum, silver, chrome, and other metals or metal alloys can be used. 
         [0075]    Data for identifying a configuration for the antenna layer is provided which can then be placed onto an etch resistant film that is placed on the conductive layer which will form the antenna. A traditional process of exposing the conductive layer, and any other areas unprotected by the etch resistant film, to a chemical that removes the unprotected conductive layer, leaving the protected conductive layer in place. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, newer processes that use plasma/laser etching instead of chemicals to remove the conductive material, thereby allowing finer line definitions, can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
         [0076]    Multilayer pressing can also be employed which is a process of aligning the conductive material and insulating dielectric material and pressing them under heat to activate an adhesive in the dielectric material to form a solid board material. In some instances, holes can be drilled for plated through applications and a second drilling process can be used for holes that are not to be plated through. 
         [0077]    Plating, such as copper, gold, or tin plating, can be applied to pads, traces, and drilled through holes that are to be plated through. The antenna boards can then be placed in an electrically charged bath of copper. A second drilling can be performed if required. A protective masking material can then be applied over all or select portions of the bare conductive material. The insulation protects against environmental damage, provides insulation, and protects against shorts. Coating can also be applied, if desired. As a final step, the markings for antenna designations and outlines can be silk-screened onto the antenna. Where multiple antennas are manufactured from a panel of identical antennas, the antennas can be separated by routing. This routing process also allows cutting notches or slots into the antenna if required. 
         [0078]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a quality control process is typically performed at the end of the process which includes, for example, a visual inspection of the antennas. Additionally, the process can include the process of inspecting wall by cross-sectioning or other methods. The antennas can also be checked for continuity or shorted connections by, for example, applying a voltage between various points on the antenna and determining if a current flow occurs. The correct impedance of the antennas at each frequency point can be checked by connecting to a network analyzer. 
       IV. Kits 
       [0079]    The antennas disclosed herein can be made available as part of a kit. The kit comprises, for example, a vertical portion of a composite resonating structure and one or more horizontal portions, as described further herein. Each portion may comprise a substrate having a substantially rectangular shape, a conductive layer attached to a first surface of the substrate wherein the conductive layer further comprises elements, as described further herein. Additionally, the kit may include, for example, suitable mounting material, such as 3M adhesive transfer tape. Other components can be provided in the kit as well to facilitate installation of the antenna in a target device. The kit can be packaged in suitable packaging to allow transport. Additionally, the kit can include multiple composite resonating structures, such that structures and associated connecting cables are provided as 10 packs, 50 packs, 100 packs, and the like. 
       V. Examples 
       [0080]    Experimental antennas according to this disclosure have been constructed and tested.  FIGS. 6-8  show exemplary embodiments of an actual measured return loss, an efficiency, and a peak gain, respectively, in a frequency range of 800 to 2200 MHz, for embodiments of a composite gain structure as described further herein.  FIG. 6  shows measurements of return loss for three different embodiments of a composite gain structure, in a frequency range of 800 to 2200 MHz, the embodiments including respectively one, two, and three horizontal portions.  FIG. 7  shows measurements of efficiencies of three different embodiments of a composite gain structure, in a frequency range of 800 to 2200 MHz, the embodiments including respectively one, two, and three horizontal portions.  FIG. 8  shows measurements of peak gain for three different embodiments of a composite gain structure, in a frequency range of 800 to 2200 MHz, the embodiments including respectively one, two, and three horizontal portions. The return loss, efficiency and peak gain for each composite gain structure centers around the 850-900 MHz and 1800-1900 MHz band, but also includes sufficient performance in the 2100 MHz band. For example, the 2100 MHz band may have a center frequency from about 2110 MHz to 2200 MHz. 
         [0081]    While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.