Abstract:
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing improved signal radiation from an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) endpoint module. A two-part coupler is provided, with one part thereof affixed to a printed circuit board (PCB) which hosts components of an endpoint module including a transmitter to which, via the two-part coupler, various antenna may be selectively connected to improve signal radiation from the module. The antenna coupling system provides a selection of various antennae including some directly connected to a component of the two-part coupler and others connected remotely to the two-part coupler by way of a cable.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present subject matter relates to Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to antennae and antenna coupling arrangements for use with utility meters operating in a wireless meter-reading environment. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Automatic Metering Reading (AMR) endpoints and particularly water endpoints generally operate in relatively harsh environments. Often designers try to insulate electronic components from such environment by encapsulating them in plastic or in potting material. Because of such frequent approach, antenna components are often integrated onto the same circuit board and potted along with the other endpoint components. Integrating the antenna with the electronics also reduces cost since the same circuit board that holds the components can also serve as the antenna. 
         [0003]    In cases where the endpoint needs to be located in a difficult location, a remote antenna can be used to re-radiate the RF energy to a more desirable location. Such approach poses a problem, however, because coupling efficiency of the remote antenna to the internal antenna is not very good. In fact, in some instances, losses may be 5 dB or more. 
         [0004]    Various antenna related prior publications exist, including U.S. Pat. No. 6,650,249 to Meyer et al. disclosing a “Wireless Area Network Communications Module For Utility Meters;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,300,907 to Lazar et al. disclosing an “Antenna Assembly For Subsurface Meter Pit;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,407 to Galpern disclosing a “System For Measuring And Recording A Utility Consumption;” WO Publication 2005/094154 by Kam-Strup A/S disclosing a “Method And Device For Detecting An External Antenna.” 
         [0005]    While various implementations of Automatic Meter Reading systems have been developed, and while various combinations of endpoint associated antennae have been provided, no design has emerged that generally encompasses all of the desired characteristics as hereafter presented in accordance with the subject technology. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In view of the recognized features encountered in the prior art and addressed by the present subject matter, an improved remote antenna coupler system for use in an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) environment has been provided. 
         [0007]    One present exemplary arrangement may include a male coupler portion having a first portion configured for attachment to a printed circuit board and a second portion coupled to and extending above said first portion, a plurality of female coupler portions each having a capture portion configured to mate with the second portion of the male coupler portion and a second portion coupled to and extending above the capture portion, and a plurality of diverse antennae structures associated individually with each of the plurality of female coupler portions. With such an arrangement, a selected combination of one of the plurality of diverse antennae structures and female coupler portions may advantageously be interchangeably coupled to the male coupler portion. 
         [0008]    In certain present exemplary systems, the male coupler portion may comprise a first cylindrical portion and a second rectangular portion, while in alternative present exemplary systems the male coupler portion may comprise a first cylindrical portion having a first diameter and a second cylindrical portion having a second diameter less than that of the first cylindrical portion. 
         [0009]    In other present particular exemplary systems, at least one of the plurality of diverse antennae structures may comprise a linear extension of the second portion of the female coupler portion. In other present particular exemplary systems, at least one of the plurality of diverse antennae structures may comprise a quarter-wave length wire coupled to the second portion of the female coupler portion. 
         [0010]    In further particular exemplary systems of the present subject matter, a remote antenna structure and a length of cable may be provided with the length of cable coupled between the remote antenna and the second portion of the female coupler portion, so that per present subject matter the remote antenna structure may be placed at a distance from the female coupler portion in accordance with the cable length. 
         [0011]    Still further, in selected present exemplary systems, an impedance matching network may be coupled between the remote antenna structure and the length of cable. 
         [0012]    The present subject matter also equally relates to an endpoint module for use in an AMR environment comprising such as a printed circuit board, a remote antenna coupler, and a protective coating. With such an arrangement, preferably the remote antenna coupler may comprise a male coupler portion attached to the printed circuit board and further comprise a female coupler portion having a capture portion configured to mate with the male coupler portion and a second portion configured to be coupled to an antenna structure. Preferably in such arrangements, the protective coating at least partially covers the printed circuit board and at least a portion of the male coupler portion of the remote antenna coupler. 
         [0013]    It is to be understood that in various present alternative arrangements of the foregoing embodiment, the designated “male coupler portion” may be attached to the antenna structure, while the designated “second portion” (associated with the female coupler portion) may be associated with the printed circuit board. Likewise, the designations “male” and “female” are not intended to insinuate any particular mechanical structures, but to more broadly convey the concept of using interlocking or otherwise cooperating or mating complementary mechanical structures. 
         [0014]    In particular present exemplary embodiments, the present protective coating covers at least a portion of the second portion of the female coupler portion of the remote antenna coupler. 
         [0015]    In further present exemplary embodiments, an antenna element may be coupled to the second portion of a female coupler portion of a present remote antenna coupler. In certain of such embodiments, the antenna element may comprise a quarter-wave length wire coupled to the second portion of the female coupler portion. 
         [0016]    In certain particular present exemplary embodiments, a cable may be used to connect a remote antenna structure to the second portion of the female coupler portion. In selected such embodiments, an impedance matching network may be coupled in line between the remote antenna and cable. 
         [0017]    The preset subject matter also equally relates to corresponding methodology. One present example relates to a method for selectively enhancing radio frequency (RF) communications from an endpoint module in an AMR environment. Such exemplary method may preferably comprise providing an endpoint module having at least a transmitter portion, providing a remote antenna coupler having a male coupler portion and a mating female coupler portion, coupling the male coupler portion to the transmitter portion of the endpoint module, providing an antenna element, coupling the antenna element to the female coupler portion, and coupling the female coupler portion to the male coupler portion. As broadly referenced above, it is to be understood that the relative positions of the designaed “male” and “female” components may be reversed in various present embodiments, including in present methodologies. 
         [0018]    In some present exemplary embodiments, methodology of the present subject matter also provides for using a cable to couple the antenna element to the female coupler portion. 
         [0019]    In specific present exemplary embodiments, an impedance matching network may also be inserted between the cable and the remote antenna. 
         [0020]    In other present examples, a method in accordance with the present subject matter provides for using a quarter-wave length antenna element directly coupled to the female coupler portion. 
         [0021]    In still further particular present embodiments, an exemplary method may provide environmental protection by coating at least a portion of the endpoint module and the male coupler portion in a protective coating, and in some instances also coating at least a portion of the endpoint module and the female coupler portion in a protective coating. 
         [0022]    In selected embodiments of the present subject matter, the method provides for providing a remote antenna coupler having rectangular mating male and female coupler portion. 
         [0023]    Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referred and discussed features, elements, and steps hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the present subject matter without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like. 
         [0024]    Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of the present subject matter may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features, steps, or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features, parts, or steps or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description of such figures). Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not necessarily expressed in the summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features, components, or steps referenced in the summarized objects above, and/or other features, components, or steps as otherwise discussed in this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates a coupler constructed in accordance with present technology in both separated and coupled views thereof; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates an alternate configuration for portions of the two-part coupler in accordance with present technology; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a two-part coupler including an affixed antenna, in accordance with present technology; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  illustrates another alternative embodiment of a two-part coupler including an affixed antenna, in accordance with present technology; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  illustrates a remotely positionable antenna configuration in accordance with present technology, and where the two-part coupler and antenna may be separated by a connecting cable; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary endpoint circuit board incorporating a two-part coupler and antenna configuration in accordance with present disclosure. 
           [0032]    Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements, or steps of the present subject matter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    As discussed in the Summary of the Invention section, the present subject matter is particularly concerned with antenna and antenna couplers for use with AMR endpoints. 
         [0034]    Selected combinations of aspects of the disclosed technology correspond to a plurality of different embodiments of the present subject matter. It should be noted that each of the exemplary embodiments presented and discussed herein should not insinuate limitations of the present subject matter. Features or steps illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in combination with aspects of another embodiment to yield yet further embodiments. Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not expressly mentioned which perform the same or similar function. 
         [0035]    Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary presently preferred embodiments of the subject remote antenna coupler. The present subject matter in certain embodiments thereof corresponds to a low loss antenna coupling mechanism and multiple associated antenna configurations adapted to couple radio frequency (RF) energy from an AMR endpoint to the air. In general, a principle of the present technology is to provided a generic (our “universal”) AMR endpoint module with an internal sealed RF coupler and a selection of snap on antennae of different configurations that may be attached to the outside of the module. 
         [0036]    In accordance with present technology, an efficient RF coupler has been developed that minimizes loss and provides a variety of snap on antenna configurations to facilitate improved response to a variety of endpoint installation environments. Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a coupler generally  100  constructed in accordance with present technology, and as shown in both separated and coupled views. As may be seen, coupler  100  corresponds to a two-piece construction including a male coupler portion  110  and a female coupler portion  120 . 
         [0037]    Male coupler portion  110  may be configured to be associated such as with an AMR endpoint and, in an exemplary embodiment, may be secured by way of lower cylindrical portion  112  to a presently unillustrated printed circuit board (PCB) that itself may support some or all of the electrical components forming the endpoint. In an exemplary configuration, the lower cylindrical portion  112  of male type coupler portion  110  may be soldered to the same PCB supporting the endpoint electronics. In such regard, the lower cylindrical portion  112  of male coupler portion  110  may be at least partially encased in any protective plastic or potting material used to protect the endpoint circuitry. In certain instances, following attachment of an appropriate female couple portion  120 , both coupler components may be encased in protective plastic or potting material. Such relationships and aspects of various components to a PCB are described more fully herein with reference to present  FIG. 6 . 
         [0038]    In the exemplary configuration illustrated in present  FIG. 1 , male coupler portion  110  includes a generally upstanding rectangular portion  114  configured to mate with female coupler portion  120 . More specifically, female coupler portion  120  includes an upper portion corresponding generally to a vertical portion of a solid cylinder  122  having a flat surface  124  and a capture portion  126 . Capture portion  126  is configured as an open rectangular box having sides, one of which corresponds in part to the previously noted flat surface  124 . 
         [0039]    In accordance with present technology, the present exemplary configuration of flat surface  124  and a mating flat surface on the rear (unseen) side of upstanding rectangular portion  114  of male coupler portion  110  provide per present subject matter for a low loss coupling of RF signals between the two portions  110 ,  120  of coupler  100 . In addition, capture portion  126  of female coupler portion  120  is configured to surround and firmly retain the upstanding rectangular portion  114  of male coupler portion  110 . 
         [0040]    With further reference to  FIG. 1 , it will be noted that flat surface  124  of solid cylinder portion  122  of female coupler portion  120  includes an extended portion  128  that extends slightly above a top portion  116  of upstanding rectangular portion  114  of male coupler portion  110 . In such present exemplary configuration, extended portion  128  may itself function as an antenna element in certain instances. Alternative antenna configurations, however, in accordance with present technology are otherwise described herein more particularly with reference to  FIGS. 3-5 . 
         [0041]    With reference to present  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated an alternate configuration for a two-part coupler generally  200  in accordance with present technology. As may be seen in such illustrated embodiment, the male portion  210  of two-part coupler  200  corresponds to a dual cylindrical configuration such that an upstanding portion  214  thereof is also configured in a cylindrical arrangement but with a smaller diameter than the supporting lower cylinder portion. In such present exemplary configuration, the female portion of the coupler  220  may correspond to a hollowed cap type structure with a hollowed portion  226  configured to securely fit over and surround upstanding portion  214 . 
         [0042]    As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, radio frequency (RF) signals tend to propagate over the surface of a conductor. By providing a larger area of contact between the mating surfaces of the two-part couplers  100 ,  200  in accordance with present technology, significant relative reduction in signal loss may be achieved. 
         [0043]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a present exemplary two-part coupler configured such that female coupler portion  322  thereof is somewhat shorter that that illustrated in  FIG. 1 , but also has attached thereto an antenna element  330 . As is represented by present  FIG. 3 , antenna element  330  may be attached at one end thereof to the top portion of female coupler portion  322 . In other preferred exemplary arrangements, antenna element  330  may be configured with a right-angled bend in relatively close proximity to the point at which such antenna element  330  is secured to the female coupler portion  322 . Such right-angled bend may be provided to accommodate placement of an AMR endpoint incorporating the present remote antenna coupling technology in those instances where the endpoint may be placed in a relatively confining area. 
         [0044]    In yet a further present alternative configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , antenna element  430  may be similarly attached to a top portion of female coupler portion  422  but in such embodiment is configured as a straight antenna element. In both cases, antenna elements  330 ,  430  may correspond to a tuned element corresponding to, for example, a quarter wavelength (λ/4) antenna element tuned to the operating frequency of the endpoint. Of course, other appropriate wavelength antenna elements may be employed, all in accordance with the present technology. Generally per the present subject matter, an antenna may be chosen to provide signal gain to compensate for losses resulting from a below ground or other signal impeding installation. 
         [0045]    With reference to present  FIG. 5 , an additional exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is illustrated and described. As may be seen from such  FIG. 5 , the present subject matter contemplates a further exemplary configuration where the antenna generally  550  may be located at a distance from the endpoint. In such configuration, female coupler portion  522  of the two-part coupler may be connected to antenna  550  by way of a wire  540 . Wire  540  may correspond to a coaxial cable or other suitable RF conducting cable, as well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art without requiring additional explanation. 
         [0046]    Exemplary antenna  550  is preferably configured so as to be selectively mounted at a location to permit effective signal radiation. In such regard, antenna  550  may include a support substrate  560  on which are mounted radiating antenna elements  562 ,  564 , as well as an optional impedance matching circuit  566  coupled between cable  540  and antenna elements  562 ,  564 . 
         [0047]    Further, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, antenna  550  may be encased in whole or in part in a plastic or potting material for environmental protection purposes. It should be appreciated that while  FIG. 5  illustrates what appears to be a “bow-tie” type antenna configuration, such is for illustration purposes only and while such an antenna type may be employed such illustration is not intended as a specific limitation of the present technology. 
         [0048]    With reference to present  FIG. 6 , there is illustrated an exemplary endpoint circuit board generally  600  incorporating the present technology. As shown, endpoint circuit board  600  includes a supporting substrate corresponding to printed circuit board (PCB)  610  configured to support and interconnect endpoint components including components  612 ,  614  and at least the male portion of an exemplary present two-part antenna coupler  616 . In the subject representative illustration, at least some of the supported components form a transmitter circuit to which at least the male portion of the two-part coupler is connected. 
         [0049]    In the exemplary embodiment and configuration with present subject matter as illustrated in present  FIG. 6 , the male portion of two-part antenna coupler  616  has been mounted to PCB  610 , an appropriate antenna  630  has been affixed to the female portion of two-part coupler  616 , and both the male and female portions as well as an end portion of antenna  630  have been potted in place by potting material  620  along with the other components  612 ,  614  mounted to PCB  610 . As previously noted, however, alternatively, potting material  620  may be provided only covering a portion of the male portion of two-part coupler  616  such that alternate antenna choices may be made following potting of the endpoint. 
         [0050]    Those of ordinary skill in the present art will appreciate that exemplary endpoint  600  may be incorporated into a meter module. In certain instances, such meter modules may be installed in a pit and may be located as deep as 3 to 4 feet below local surface level. Generally, such endpoints may be required to transmit at a relatively higher power level just to overcome losses due to their location. When water is added to the equation, since many pits for water meters fill with water, there is even more attenuation. 
         [0051]    If an antenna can be located closer to a pit lid, attenuation from water pit and pit depth is minimized. Further radio frequency coupling mechanisms previously employed introduce significant losses on their own. Such losses increase the transmitter power required to overcome the losses, and often at the additional cost of a decrease in battery life. The present subject matter addresses such issues by providing a significant improvement in antenna coupling along with the capability to provide varying levels of antenna gain and location positioning capabilities. 
         [0052]    While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. For example, much of the present disclosure relates the subject coupling mechanism as being a so-called or designated male coupler associated with an endpoint side, while having a designated female coupler on the antenna side. It is to be understood that the relative positions in a given embodiment may be reversed, so that the designated female coupler is associated with an endpoint side while the designated male coupler is associated with the antenna side. Likewise, common use of gender-based terminology herein is not intended to insinuate limitations as to particular mechanical structures; rather, various interlocking, cooperating, or mating mechanical arrangements may be practiced in accordance with the broader aspects of the present subject matter. 
         [0053]    Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter and appended claims as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.