Patent Publication Number: US-11050147-B2

Title: Ceramic SMT chip antennas for UWB operation, methods of operation and kits therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/540,155, filed Aug. 2, 2017, entitled CERAMIC SMT CHIP ANTENNAS FOR UWB OPERATION AND METHODS, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates in general to an antenna, and, in particular, to a ceramic-substrate, ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna. 
     The FCC has defined UWB as an antenna transmission for which emitted signal bandwidth exceeds the lesser of 500 MHz or 20% of the arithmetic center frequency and has authorized the unlicensed use of UWB in the frequency range from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. In EU applications, a sub-band from 6 GHz to 8.5 GHz, is authorized. Unlike current and historical narrow band communications systems such as Cellular, Wi-Fi and GNSS, UWB communications systems can address emerging market needs and offer a host of possibilities for new products and systems. 
     Existing localization technologies such as Assisted GPS for Indoors, Wi-Fi and Cellular fingerprinting are at best able to offer meter precision, while UWB enables centimeter level localization precision for indoor and outdoor localization as well as very high transmission speed. This technology potential comes from the ultra-wide frequency bandwidth which means that the radiated pulses can be of duration less than 1 millisecond. 
     Potential applications for UWB technologies include smart home and entertainment systems that can take advantage of high data rates for streaming high quality audio and video content in real time, localization applications in healthcare and safety for seniors and infants, or even precise non-invasive and non-ionizing imaging for cancer detection. Other applications may include precise asset localization and identification for security, such as wireless keyless cars and premise entry systems. These and other applications dictate new approaches to communications systems design, opening possibilities for novel, advanced antenna design and implementation. 
     What is needed is a new generation of UWB antennas with designs that take advantage of, for example, surface-mount technology (SMT) for ready integration into current-generation and next-generation electronic devices. Additional benefits may be realized if such antennas have small form factors that facilitate installation and address diminishing package requirements. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for UWB antennas that utilize surface-mount technology (SMT) for installation, integration and connection to external devices, electronics and systems. Disclosed antennas can use a dielectric ceramic-substrate. Numerous configurations and geometries are disclosed for radiators, feed lines, and connection pad elements which can be selected for each antenna. Selection from a plurality of geometries ensures that the resulting antenna design is configurable to address specific performance, application and packaging requirements as well as to optimize performance of the antenna across portions of the UWB spectrum. 
     The disclosed UWB antennas comprise a small form factor dielectric ceramic element with a radiator, feed areas, connection pads and metallic elements and are mountable on a substrate with a ground plate, a feed line, a coaxial RF connector and metallic elements for connection to external devices, electronics, and/or systems via SMT solder joints. 
     An aspect of the disclosure is directed to ultra-wideband antennas. Suitable ultra-wideband antennas comprise: a dielectric substrate having a substrate length, a substrate width and a substrate thickness, a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, and a sixth surface; a radiator positioned on at least a portion of the first surface of the dielectric substrate; a feed positioned on the second surface of the dielectric substrate; and a feed positioned on a third surface of the dielectric substrate perpendicular to the second surface of the dielectric substrate. In at least some configurations, the dielectric substrate can be a ceramic dielectric substrate. Additionally, the ultra-wideband antennas are configurable to operate within a range of frequencies from 3.1 GHz to 10 GHz. The first surface of the dielectric substrate can have a two-dimensional shape selected from, for example, square, rectangular, parallelogram, oval, and round. The first surface of the dielectric substrate can be at least one of planar and substantially planar. Additionally, the feed can be centered on the third surface of the dielectric substrate and occupies an entire substrate thickness and less than one-third of the substrate width or substrate length. The feed can also have a shape selected from, for example, circular, semi-circular, triangular, trapezoidal, square and rectangular. The radiator can have a shape selected from, for example, square, rectangular, semi-circular, circular, trapezoidal, and triangular. In some configurations the radiator has an irregular shape, such as a shape formed from a combination of two or more of square, rectangular, semi-circular, trapezoidal, and triangular. The feed area can be centered on the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate along a length and adjacent to an edge shared with one of the third surface, the fourth surface, the fifth surface, and the sixth surface. In some configurations, the antenna is positioned on a substrate in electrical communication with a feed line. The feed line can be in electrical communication with a connector. A first connection pad and a second connection pad positioned on the second surface of the dielectric substrate can be provided wherein the first connection pad is positioned adjacent a first side of the feed and the second connection pad is positioned adjacent a second side of the feed opposite the first connection pad. Additionally, a third connection pad positioned on the second surface of the dielectric substrate can also be provided. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to ultra-wideband antenna systems. The ultra-wideband antenna systems can comprise: an ultra-wideband antenna comprising a dielectric substrate having a substrate length, a substrate width and a substrate thickness, a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, and a sixth surface, a radiator positioned on at least a portion of the first surface of the dielectric substrate, a feed positioned on the second surface of the dielectric substrate, and a feed positioned on a third surface of the dielectric substrate perpendicular to the second surface of the dielectric substrate; and a ground plane having a feed line in electrical communication with the ultra-wideband antenna. Additionally, one or more ground plane fingers can be provided. In some configurations a coaxial RF connector is also provided. The feed line can also be configurable to terminate on the ground plane within a perimeter of the feed of the antenna. Two metallic elements positioned either side of the feed line on the ground plane separated by gaps can be provided which form a coplanar waveguide. The antennas are configurable to transmit a large amount of digital data over a wide spectrum of frequency bands spanning more than 500 MHz at a low power for short distances. Additionally, the antennas can cover UWB band 1 through UWB band 10 simultaneously. The ultra-wideband antenna is further configurable to include a first connection pad and a second connection pad positioned on the second surface of the dielectric substrate wherein the first connection pad is positioned adjacent a first side of the feed and the second connection pad is positioned adjacent a second side of the feed opposite the first connection pad. A third connection pad positioned on the second surface of the dielectric substrate can also be provided. 
     Still another aspect of the disclosure is directed to methods of using ultra-wideband antennas comprising the steps of: providing an ultra-wideband antenna comprising a dielectric substrate having a substrate length, a substrate width and a substrate thickness, a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, and a sixth surface, a radiator positioned on at least a portion of the first surface of the dielectric substrate, a feed positioned on the second surface of the dielectric substrate, and a feed positioned on a third surface of the dielectric substrate perpendicular to the second surface of the dielectric substrate; operating the ultra-wideband antenna at radio-frequency communications from 3.1 GHz to 10 GHz. The methods can also include one or more of operating the ultra-wideband antenna at a peak gain of 4 dBi, operating the ultra-wideband antenna at an efficiency of more than 60% across UWB band 1 through UWB band 10, and operating the ultra-wideband antenna at an efficiency of more than 60% across UWB band 1 through UWB band 10 occurs simultaneously. Additionally, the ultra-wide antennas of the method can further comprise a first connection pad and a second connection pad positioned on the second surface of the dielectric substrate wherein the first connection pad is positioned adjacent a first side of the feed and the second connection pad is positioned adjacent a second side of the feed opposite the first connection pad. 
     Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to ultra-wideband antenna kits. Suitable kits comprise: one or more ultra-wideband antennas comprising a dielectric substrate having a substrate length, a substrate width and a substrate thickness, a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, and a sixth surface, a radiator positioned on at least a portion of the first surface of the dielectric substrate, a feed positioned on the second surface of the dielectric substrate, and a feed positioned on a third surface of the dielectric substrate perpendicular to the second surface of the dielectric substrate; and one or more of each of a ground plane, a PCB, a connector, and a cable. The ultra-wide antennas of the kits can further comprise a first connection pad and a second connection pad positioned on the second surface of the dielectric substrate wherein the first connection pad is positioned adjacent a first side of the feed and the second connection pad is positioned adjacent a second side of the feed opposite the first connection pad. Additionally, the ultra-wide antennas of the kits can further comprise a third connection pad positioned on the second surface of the dielectric substrate. 
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     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. See, for example:
     BONNET, et al, Ultra Wide Band Miniature Antenna, IEEE International Conference on Ultra-Wideband: pp. 678-682, published in 2007;   CHEN, et al. Planar Antennas, IEEE Microwave Magazine, pp. 63-73 (December 2006);   CHUNG, et al. Wideband Microstrip-Fed Monopole Antenna Having Frequency Band-Notch Function, IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters 15(11):766-768, November 2005;   DIGIKEY, Miniature RF Ceramic Chip Antenna, Oct. 4, 2016;   LIANG, et al., Study of a Printed Circular Disc Monopole Antenna for UWB Systems, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation 53(11):3500-2504, November 2005;   LIU, et al, A Planar Chip Antenna for UWB Applications in Lower Band, 2007 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium: 5147-5150, published in 2007;   LEE, et al, Design of Compact Chip Antenna for UWB Applications, IEEE International Conference on Ultra-Wideband: 155-158, published in 2009;   PARK, et al, Compact UWB Chip Antenna Design, IEEE Proceedings of Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference 2010: 730-733, published in 2010;   KR 2009/0065649 A published Jun. 23, 2009, to Yeom for Solid ultra-wide band antenna;   U.S. Pat. No. 7,327,315 B2 issued Feb. 5, 2008, to Starkie et al. for Ultrawideband Antenna;   U.S. Pat. No. 8,531,337 B2 issued Sep. 10, 2013, to Soler et al. for Antenna Diversity System and Slot Antenna Component;   U.S. Pat. No. 8,717,240 B2, issued May 6, 2014, to Flores-Cuadras, et al., for Multi-Angle Ultrawideband Antenna with Surface Mount Technology;   U.S. Pat. No. 9,520,649 B2 issued Dec. 13, 2016, to De Rochemont for Ceramic Antenna Module and Methods of Manufacture Thereof;   U.S. Pat. No. 9,748,663 B2 issued Aug. 29, 2017, to Wong for Metamaterial Substrate for Circuit Design; and   WO 2005/002422 A2 published Oct. 25, 2005 to Arand et al. for Method and System for Detection of Heart Sounds.   

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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: 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric illustration of an ultra-wideband antenna assembly as viewed from above;  FIG. 1B  is an isometric illustration of the chip substrate shown in  FIG. 1A  from a bottom surface;  FIG. 1C  is an isometric illustration of an alternate chip substrate shown in  FIG. 1A  from a bottom surface; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric illustration of an ultra-wideband antenna as viewed from below; 
         FIGS. 3A-J  are illustrations of different radiator configurations according to the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4A-C  are illustration of three different side feed metallizations according to the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 5A-B  are illustrations of different bottom metallizations according to the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 6A-D  illustrate an embodiment of a UWB ceramic antenna with metallizations on the dielectric substrate according to the disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 7A-C  illustrate an embodiment of a UWB ceramic antenna positioned on an exemplar substrate board with ground plane and SMA connector according to the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed are a series of antennas and antenna systems which are suitable for UWB radio-frequency communications from 3.1 GHz to 10 GHz. The antennas and antenna systems achieve a small form factor and are configurable to utilize surface-mount technology (SMT) to facilitate integration and connection to external devices and electronics. Additionally, the antennas and antenna systems are configurable to utilize a dielectric ceramic-substrate. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1A , an isometric illustration of a generic embodiment from an upper surface of the disclosed antenna system. In the generic embodiment, the antenna  100  is mounted on a ground plane  102  having a first side  130 , a second side  132 , a third side  134 , and a fourth side  136  via surface-mount technology and secured to the ground plane  102  via solder bonding. The fourth side  136  is shown with a curved edge in view of the fact that the length of the first side  130  and third side  134 , for example, can have a variable length which is takes into consideration installation and performance requirements. The antenna  100  is depicted as a three-dimensional element having six faces with a width S 1 , a length S 2  and a thickness t. The antenna  100  can have a dielectric-ceramic substrate. 
     The antenna  100  comprises a dielectric-ceramic substrate  112 , and a number of areas within which lie metallic elements including: a generic radiator  120 , a generic side feed area  122 , a generic bottom feed area (not visible in  FIG. 1A ) and a generic bonding areas (not visible in  FIG. 1A ). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the generic radiator  120  can employ a variety of geometries which may, in some configurations, cover the entire top surface  114  of the antenna  100 . 
     The top surface  114  of the antenna can be rectangular-shaped or square-shaped and planar or substantially planar. The generic radiator  120  can be positioned on or within the top surface  114  of the antenna  100 . Visible in  FIG. 1A , is first side surface  116  and second side surface  118 . The third side  116 ′ (not fully visible in  FIG. 1A ) lies opposite, and is of equal dimension to the first side surface  116 . The fourth side  118 ′ (also not fully visible in  FIG. 1A ) lies opposite, and is of equal dimension to the second side surface  118 . As noted above, the antenna  100  has a width S 1  and a length S 2 . When width S 1  is equal to length S 2 , the top surface  114  has, for example, a square configuration. When width S 1  is not equal to length S 2 , the top surface  114  has, for example, a rectangular configuration. In practice the thickness t can be much smaller than either the width S 1  or the length S 2 , typically on the order of 1/20 to ¼ that of the width S 1  and/or the length S 2 . The width S 1  can have a value of from about 4 mm to about 16 mm, more specifically about 12 mm. Similarly the length S 2  can have a value of from about 4 mm to about 16 mm, more specifically about 12 mm. The thickness t of the antenna  100  can be from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, more preferably 2 mm. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, other shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure including, for example, oval, circular, and parallelogram. 
     Centered on the first side surface  116  of the antenna  100  and occupying the entire thickness t and approximately one-quarter to one-third of the width S 1  is generic side feed area  122 . In various embodiments of the disclosure, a metallic element lying within the perimeter of generic side feed area  122  completes the connection between a feed line  106  on the ground plane  102  and the generic radiator  120  on the top surface  114  of the antenna  100 . The feed line  106  lies on ground plane  102  and extends from a part beneath the first side surface  116  of the antenna  100  in a perpendicular direction from the first side surface  116 . The feed line  106  provides a connection from the antenna  100  to external electronics or devices. Lying on either side of feed line  106  on ground plane  102  and separated by first ground plane gap  105 , and second ground plane gap  105 ′ are metal elements which together form a coplanar waveguide  104 . 
     Optionally, extending from the coplanar waveguide  104 , and positioned on the ground plane  102  on either side of antenna  100  separated by a first ground plane finger gap  109  is an area forming a first generic ground plane finger  108  which is adjacent a third ground plane side  134 . One or more ground plane fingers can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. An area forming a second generic ground plane finger  110  is positioned adjacent a first ground plane side  130  and separated by second ground plane finger gap  111  from the antenna  100 . As viewed in  FIG. 1A , the first generic ground plane finger  108  lies to the left of antenna  100 , and second generic ground plane finger  110  lies to the right of antenna  100 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the shapes of the metal structures which lie within the area comprising the first generic ground plane finger  108  and the area comprising the second generic ground plane finger  110  may vary to achieve desired performance characteristics of the antenna  100 . 
     The antenna  100  viewed from a bottom surface  115  can have many different embodiments of the number and position of connection pads, two of the generic configurations are illustrated in  FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 1C . Opposite first side surface  116 , on the bottom surface  115  of the antenna  100  lies a third connection pad area  150  depicted in  FIG. 1B  running along the entire length of the edge opposite the generic side feed area  122 . Three connection pads separated by gaps can be positioned across a bottom feed area which includes a bottom feed  162  and a first connection pad  160  on the right side separated by a first connection pad gap  161  and second connection pad  164  on the left side of the bottom feed  162  and separated by second connection pad gap  163 . As shown in  FIG. 1C  the third connection pad area  150  shown in  FIG. 1B  is replaced by a fourth connection pad  152 , a fifth connection pad  154 , and a sixth connection pad  156 . Changing the connection pad area impacts the mechanical stability of the antenna once soldered to the PCB. For example, if three or more connection pads are used, the antenna is more strongly soldered to the PCB and is mechanically more resistant to vibration and shock. 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various components illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-C  (e.g., radiator, plane fingers, side feed, connection pads, and waveguides) can be formed integrally with one or more adjacent components so that the components function as a single component without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , an isometric illustration of antenna  100  such as that shown in  FIG. 1A  with a dielectric substrate  212 , as viewed from a bottom surface  215 . As illustrated, the bottom surface  215  of antenna  100 , is planar or substantially planar and is of the same dimension as the top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A . Centered on bottom surface  215 , adjacent to the edge shared with first side surface  216 , is bottom feed area  262 . Visible on the first side surface  216 , is side feed area  222 . In the various different embodiments of the disclosure, a metallic element lies within the perimeter circumscribed by the bottom feed area  262 . Thus, an integral connection is formed from the feed line  106  in  FIG. 1A , which terminates on the ground plane  102  of  FIG. 1A  opposite and within the perimeter of the bottom feed area  262  of  FIG. 2 , through contiguous metallic elements residing within generic bottom feed area and side feed area  222  and proceeding to that metallic element comprising the radiator which lies within the generic radiator  120  shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     In the corner of the bottom surface  215 , sharing an edge with the first side surface  216  and the fourth side surface  218  of antenna  100  in  FIG. 2 , and separated from bottom feed area  262  by a second connection pad gap  263  is the second connection pad  264 . Continuing on the bottom surface  215 , opposite the second connection pad  264 , also sharing an edge with the first side surface  216  and second side surface  218 ′ of the antenna  100 , and separated from bottom feed area  262  by a first connection pad gap  261  is the first connection pad  260 . The first connection pad  260  and the second connection pad  264  are roughly square in form with a side length approximately one-fourth to one-fifth that of dimension S 1  of  FIG. 1A . 
     Also on the bottom surface of antenna  100  is the third connection pad  250 . The third connection pad  250  lies along the opposite edge of bottom surface  215  shared by the bottom feed area  262 , first connection pad  260  and second connection pad  264 . The third connection pad  250  extends along the entire length of antenna  100  in at least one direction along the third side surface  216 ′, e.g. from a first edge to an opposite edge. Thus, the third connection pad  250  has a long side length equal to width S 1  shown in  FIG. 1A . The short width can be approximately one-fourth to one-fifth that of length S 2  shown in  FIG. 1A . In the various different embodiments of the disclosure, metallic elements lie within the perimeter circumscribed by the first connection pad  260 , second connection pad  264 , and third connection pad  250 . Such metallic elements, which may take various shapes, facilitate connection to external devices, electronics, and/or systems via SMT solder joints. 
     Numerous radiator geometries are possible and may be employed depending upon the desired performance characteristics of the antenna  100  disclosed herein. Turning to  FIGS. 3A-J  illustrations of several different possible metal radiator embodiments according to the disclosure is provided. Other shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Depicted are various views of geometries for the generic radiator  120  shown from the top surface  114  in  FIG. 1A  with the shaded area on each of the  FIGS. 3A-3J  representing a potential radiator configuration. Each of the radiators in  FIGS. 3A-J  are illustrated on a square substrate having a first side  304 , a second side  306 , a third side  310  and a fourth side  310  which provides relative context for the potential geometries. The first side  304  can correspond to the edge shared between the top surface  114  and first side surface  116  of the antenna  100  shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, although the surface of  FIGS. 3A-J  are illustrated as square (i.e., positioned on a square substrate), where the width S 1  is equal to the length S 2 , other configurations of the substrate can be used including configurations where the width S 1  is not equal to the length S 2 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure as discussed above. Both the shape of the substrate and the shape of the radiator can be independently varied. 
     The first radiator configuration depicted in  FIG. 3A  is a square radiator  312  that covers the entire top surface  114  of a square substrate, such as the substrate that shown in  FIG. 1A  when the antenna has a dimension where S 1 =S 2 . If the width S 1  did not equal the width S 2 , then the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 3A , would illustrate, for example, a square radiator on a rectangular antenna substrate. Similarly, if the ceramic substrate is rectangular, the radiator could be rectangular and cover the entire top surface. 
     The second radiator configuration illustrated in  FIG. 3B  is a rectangular radiator  314  positioned on the square ceramic-substrate which does not cover the entire top surface. One side of the second radiator configuration lies along the first side  304 . The length of the side of the rectangle which lies along first side  304  and that of its opposite side is less than dimension S 1 . The length of the other two sides of the rectangle comprising second radiator configuration can be the same as or less than dimension S 2  (as illustrated). In the embodiment depicted, the resulting rectangle of second radiator configuration is centered between second side  306  and fourth side  310  of top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A . Alternatively, second radiator configuration can be positioned off-center between second side  306  and fourth side  310  of the top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A . A rectangular radiator could also be positioned to fully cover a rectangular surface of a rectangular substrate. 
     The third radiator configuration illustrated in  FIG. 3C  is shaped like a square-trapezoid radiator which is a combination of a square  316  with an isosceles trapezoid  318 . The isosceles trapezoid  318  is shown positioned between second side  306  and fourth side  310  with its minor base coincident with the first side  304 . The major base of the isosceles trapezoid has a length less than dimension S 2 . Adjacent to the major base of the isosceles trapezoid  318  is a square  316 . 
     Similar to the third radiator configuration in  FIG. 3C , is the fourth radiator configuration shown in  FIG. 3D . The fourth radiator configuration is a triangular-trapezoid which comprises a second isosceles trapezoid  324  and a rectangle  326 . As with the third radiator configuration, the minor base of the second isosceles trapezoid  324  is coincident with first side  304  of top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A . The major base of second isosceles trapezoid  324  has a length equal to width S 1 . The rectangle  326  extends from the major base of the second isosceles trapezoid  324  to the third side  308  of the top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     The fifth radiator configuration in  FIG. 3E  is a semicircular-rectangular radiator. The fifth radiator configuration has a semicircle  332  positioned such that it is tangent to the first side  304 , second side  306 , and fourth side  310  of the top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A . The third rectangle  334  is continuous with the semicircular portion  337  and covers the remainder of the top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A ; the sides of the third rectangle  334  are coincident with the second side  306 , third side  308 , and fourth side  310 . The width of the semi-circle portion  337  is equal to the length of one side of the third rectangle  334 . A configuration where the width of the third rectangle  334  and diameter of the semi-circle portion  337  is less than the width S 1 , can also be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The sixth radiator configuration depicted in  FIG. 3F  is a circular radiator  336 . As illustrated the circular radiator  336  can be sized and positioned such that it is tangent to the first side  304 , second side  306 , third side  308 , and fourth side  310  of the top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A  of the antenna  100  shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     The seventh radiator configuration in  FIG. 3G  is a trapezoidal radiator  338 . The trapezoidal radiator  338  has a minor base is coincident with first side  304 ; as illustrated, the length of its major base is less than width S 1 . The eighth radiator configuration shown in  FIG. 311  is a semi-circular radiator  340 . The eighth radiator configuration is tangent to first side  304 . A chord line which defines a portion of its perimeter is parallel to first side  304  and the length of the chord line is less than width S 1 . 
     Similar in form to the seventh radiator configuration in  FIG. 3G , the ninth radiator configuration shown in  FIG. 3I  is also a trapezoidal radiator  342 . However, in this configuration, the minor base of the trapezoid forming the ninth radiator configuration is coincident with the first side  304  of top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A . The major base of the quadrilateral is equal to width S 1 , spanning the entire length between the second side  306  and the fourth side  310  of the top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     Comparable to the eighth radiator configuration of  FIG. 311 , the tenth radiator configuration illustrated in  FIG. 3J  is also a semi-circular radiator  344 . The tenth radiator configuration is tangent to first side  304 . The chord line which defines a portion of its perimeter is parallel to first side  304  and the length of the chord line is equal to dimension S 1 . Note that the points at which the radiator configuration touches the second side  306  and fourth side  310  are not necessarily tangent points. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various radiator configurations illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-J  may be modified in numerous aspects without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. 
     As with radiator geometries, numerous side feed geometries are possible.  FIGS. 4A-C  depict three possible configurations of the side-feed geometries from the first side surface  116  of the antenna  100  shown in  FIG. 1A  with the shaded area on each first side surface  116  representing a potential side feed configuration. Turning to  FIG. 4A , the first side feed  406  is a square or rectangular side feed that is centered on first side surface  116  shown in  FIG. 1A  of the antenna  100 . One side of first side feed  406  is of coincident with the top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A  while the opposite side is coincident with first bottom edge  404 . The width of the two sides of the rectangle which are coincident with the top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A  and first bottom edge  404  shown in  FIGS. 3A-J  can greater than thickness t and less than the width S 1 . The second side feed configuration  408  shown in  FIG. 4B  is trapezoidal. The minor base of the second side feed configuration  408  is coincident with first bottom edge  404 , while the major base is coincident with the top surface  114  shown in  FIG. 1A . The width of both the minor base and the major base are less than width S 1 . The third side feed configuration  410  shown in  FIG. 4C  is also trapezoidal. The major base of the third side feed configuration  410  is coincident with first bottom edge  404 , while the minor base is coincident with first side  304  shown in  FIGS. 3A-J . The width of both the minor base and the major base are less than width S 1 . Other shapes of the third side feed configuration can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, a circle or oval with a sliced off top and bottom edge to correspond to the flat upper and lower surface of the antenna can be employed. 
     As with radiator and side feed geometries, numerous bottom feed and connection pad geometries are also possible.  FIGS. 5A-B  illustrate two such possible combinations of bottom feed and connection pad geometry. Depicted in are various views of bottom surface  115  shown in  FIGS. 1B-C  and  FIG. 2  of the antenna  100  with the shaded areas on each one representing a bottom feed or connection pad configuration. Proceeding in clockwise fashion from the first bottom edge  404  shown in  FIGS. 4A-C , the edges that complete the perimeter of bottom surface  115  shown in  FIG. 2  are the second bottom edge  506 , third bottom edge  508 , and fourth bottom edge  510 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 5A , the first bottom surface configuration  502  comprises three metal connection pads and one metal feed line pad. Centered along first bottom edge  404 , the first bottom feed configuration  512  is rectangular with one side coincident with first bottom edge  404 . The width of the side of the rectangle of the first bottom feed configuration  512  is substantially less than width S 1 . The length of the sides of the rectangle of the first bottom feed configuration  512  parallel to second bottom edge  506  is substantially less than length S 2 . 
     In the corner formed by first bottom edge  404  and second bottom edge  506 , resides a configuration of a first connection pad  514 . The first connection pad  514  is rectangular with one side coincident with first bottom edge  404  and an adjacent side coincident with second bottom edge  506 . The length of the side of the rectangle of the first connection pad  514  that is coincident with first bottom edge  404  and that of its opposite side is substantially less than width S 1 . The length of the side of the rectangle of the first connection pad  514  that is coincident with second bottom edge  506  and that of its opposite side is substantially less than length S 2 . 
     In the corner formed by first bottom edge  404  and fourth bottom edge  510 , resides a configuration of a second connection pad  516 . The second connection pad  516  is rectangular with one side coincident with first bottom edge  404  and an adjacent side coincident with fourth bottom edge  510 . The width of the side of the rectangle of the second connection pad  516  that is coincident with first bottom edge  404  and that of its opposite side is substantially less than width S 1 . The length of the side of the rectangle of the second connection pad  516  that is coincident with fourth bottom edge  510  and that of its opposite side is substantially less than length S 2 . A configuration of a third connection pad  518  located on the first bottom surface configuration  502  is rectangular in shape, coincident with third bottom edge  508  and runs the entire length of third bottom edge  508 . The length of the sides of the rectangle of the third connection pad  518  that are coincident with second bottom edge  506  and fourth bottom edge  510  is substantially less than length S 2 . The width along the third bottom edge  508  can be the same as the substrate, as illustrated. 
     The second bottom surface configuration  504  shown in  FIG. 5B  comprises five metal connection pads and one metal feed line pad. Centered along first bottom edge  404 , a configuration of the second bottom feed  520  is illustrated as substantially identical to the first bottom feed configuration  512  in location and geometry. A configuration of the fourth connection pad  522  is rectangular with one side coincident with first bottom edge  404  and an adjacent side coincident with second bottom edge  506 ; is illustrated as substantially identical to the first connection pad  514  in geometry and location. A configuration of the fifth connection pad  524  is rectangular with one side coincident with first bottom edge  404  and an adjacent side coincident with fourth bottom edge  510  is illustrated as substantially identical to the second connection pad  516  in geometry and location. 
     In the corner formed by the second bottom edge  506  and third bottom edge  508 , resides a configuration of a sixth connection pad  526 . The sixth connection pad  526  is rectangular with one side coincident with second bottom edge  506  and an adjacent side coincident with third bottom edge  508 . The length of the side of the rectangle of the sixth connection pad  526  that is coincident with second bottom edge  506  and that of its opposite side is substantially less than length S 2 . The length of the side of the rectangle of the sixth connection pad  526  that is coincident with third bottom edge  508  and that of its opposite side is substantially less than width S 1 . 
     Centered along third bottom edge  508 , is a configuration of a seventh connection pad  528  is rectangular with one side coincident with third bottom edge  508 . The width of the side of the rectangle of the seventh connection pad  528  that is coincident with third bottom edge  508  and that of its opposite side is substantially less than width S 1 . The length of the sides of the rectangle of the seventh connection pad  528  parallel to second bottom edge  506  is substantially less than length S 2 . 
     In a corner formed by third bottom edge  508  and fourth bottom edge  510 , resides a configuration of an eighth connection pad  530 . The eighth connection pad  530  is rectangular with one side coincident with third bottom edge  508  and an adjacent side coincident with fourth bottom edge  510 . The width of the side of the rectangle of the eighth connection pad  530  that is coincident with third bottom edge  508  and that of its opposite side is substantially less than width S 1 . The length of the side of the rectangle of the eighth connection pad  530  that is coincident with fourth bottom edge  510  and that of its opposite side is substantially less than length S 2 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-B  may be modified in numerous aspects without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. 
     One specific embodiment of a suitable UWB ceramic antenna according to the disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 6A-D . The antenna  600  is illustrated from a top view in  FIG. 6A , where the radiator  620  is a semicircular radiator. The radiator  620  is illustrated as tangent to a first side. For this embodiment, second side surface  118  illustrated in  FIG. 6B  does not have any metalization connections. Turning to  FIG. 6C , the bottom surface (opposite surface to  FIG. 6A ) is illustrated. A first connection pad  614  and is positioned at a first corner along the first side and a second connection pad  610  is positioned at a second corner along the first side. A bottom feed  612  is positioned between the first connection pad  614  and the second connection pad  610 . The bottom feed  612  is separated from the first connection pad  614  by a first gap and from the second connection pad  610  by a second gap. On the edge opposite the first side, a series of three connection pads, third connection pad  626 , fourth connection pad  628  and fifth connection pad  630 .  FIG. 6D  illustrates the dielectric-ceramic substrate  112  from the side adjacent the first side. A side feed  622  is positioned midway along the width S 1 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 7A-C , an antenna  100  is illustrated positioned on a substrate, such as a PCB, in electrical communication with a connector  760 , such as an SMA(F)ST connector. The connector  760  can be located in the center of the substrate as illustrated. The connector  760  passes through the substrate to the other side. As shown in  FIG. 1A , feed line  106  lies on ground plane  102  and provides connection from the side feed area  122  to external electronics or devices via the connector  760 . Lying on either side of feed line  106  on ground plane  102  separated by gaps are first metal element  751  and second metal element  752  which form a coplanar waveguide  104  as shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     The antennas of this disclosure are passive devices that do not consume power. The antennas operate for short distances when transmitting large amount of digital data over a wide spectrum of frequency bands typically spanning more than 500 MHz. One such antenna covers all common UWB commercial bands, namely bands 1 through 10 simultaneously. The antenna typically has a peak gain of 4 dBi, an efficiency of more than 60% across the bands and is designed to be mounted directly onto a substrate such as a PCB. The antennas are typically mounted at least 3 mm from metal components or surfaces, and ideally 5 mm for optimal radiation efficiency. Placing two antennas of the disclosure at a far-field distance of from about 0.1 m to about 0.4 m, more preferably 0.3 m, and keeping one of the antennas stationary, while the other antenna is rotating in 45° intervals shows group delay variation smaller than 100 ps (as a benchmark) from 3 GHz to 5 GHz and from 6.4 GHz to 9 GHz spanning UWB channels 1-4 and 6-15. For channel 5 (6-7 GHz) the group delay variation is between 220 ps (at edge) and 50 ps, which is still acceptable. The length of ground plane can be taken into consideration when choosing a PCB size. Increase in the ground plane length in both lower band (3-5 GHz) and higher band (6-9 GHz) influences efficiency of the antenna. 
     Antennas according to the disclosure can be provided in kits which include one or more antennas, one or more PCBs, one or more connectors, and one or more cables. 
     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.