Patent Publication Number: US-2020287284-A1

Title: Antenna having protrusions with stepped widths

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/814,786, filed Mar. 6, 2019 with a docket number of 3969-174.PROV, the entire specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Signal boosters and repeaters can be used to increase the quality of wireless communication between a wireless device and a wireless communication access point, such as a cell tower. Signal boosters can improve the quality of the wireless communication by amplifying, filtering, and/or applying other processing techniques to uplink and downlink signals communicated between the wireless device and the wireless communication access point. 
     As an example, the signal booster can receive, via an antenna, downlink signals from the wireless communication access point. The signal booster can amplify the downlink signal and then provide an amplified downlink signal to the wireless device. In other words, the signal booster can act as a relay between the wireless device and the wireless communication access point. As a result, the wireless device can receive a stronger signal from the wireless communication access point. Similarly, uplink signals from the wireless device (e.g., telephone calls and other data) can be directed to the signal booster. The signal booster can amplify the uplink signals before communicating, via an antenna, the uplink signals to the wireless communication access point. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the disclosure; and, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a signal booster in communication with a wireless device and a base station in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a traditional wire antenna with antenna elements in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a wire antenna with L-shaped antenna elements in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a wire antenna that includes a plurality of antenna elements in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a repeater system that includes a dipole antenna communicatively coupled to a signal repeater in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an antenna element with a protrusion in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an antenna element with a protrusion in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an antenna element with a protrusion in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an antenna element with a protrusion and a selected angle in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a first antenna element carried by a top center feed line and a second antenna element carried by a bottom center feed line in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a first antenna element and a second antenna element carried by two center feed lines with an alternating phase at an offset in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a reflector for a wire antenna in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a return loss of a wire antenna with antenna elements having protrusions in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a return loss comparison between a wire antenna with antenna elements having protrusions and a dipole antenna with antenna elements not having protrusions in accordance with an example; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an electric field distribution for a wire antenna having a plurality of antenna elements in accordance with an example; and 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a wireless device in accordance with an example. 
     
    
    
     Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element. Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarity in illustrating steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence. 
     Example Embodiments 
     An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below and then specific technology embodiments are described in further detail later. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the technology more quickly but is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the technology nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary signal booster  120  in communication with a wireless device  110  and a base station  130 . The signal booster  120  can be referred to as a repeater. A repeater can be an electronic device used to amplify (or boost) signals. The signal booster  120  (also referred to as a cellular signal amplifier) can improve the quality of wireless communication by amplifying, filtering, and/or applying other processing techniques via a signal amplifier  122  to uplink signals communicated from the wireless device  110  to the base station  130  and/or downlink signals communicated from the base station  130  to the wireless device  110 . In other words, the signal booster  120  can amplify or boost uplink signals and/or downlink signals bi-directionally. In one example, the signal booster  120  can be at a fixed location, such as in a home or office. Alternatively, the signal booster  120  can be attached to a mobile object, such as a vehicle or a wireless device  110 . 
     In one configuration, the signal booster  120  can include an integrated device antenna  124  (e.g., an inside antenna or a coupling antenna) and an integrated node antenna  126  (e.g., an outside antenna). The integrated node antenna  126  can receive the downlink signal from the base station  130 . The downlink signal can be provided to the signal amplifier  122  via a second coaxial cable  127  or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The signal amplifier  122  can include one or more cellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The downlink signal that has been amplified and filtered can be provided to the integrated device antenna  124  via a first coaxial cable  125  or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The integrated device antenna  124  can wirelessly communicate the downlink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the wireless device  110 . 
     Similarly, the integrated device antenna  124  can receive an uplink signal from the wireless device  110 . The uplink signal can be provided to the signal amplifier  122  via the first coaxial cable  125  or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The signal amplifier  122  can include one or more cellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The uplink signal that has been amplified and filtered can be provided to the integrated node antenna  126  via the second coaxial cable  127  or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The integrated device antenna  126  can communicate the uplink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the base station  130 . 
     In one example, the signal booster  120  can filter the uplink and downlink signals using any suitable analog or digital filtering technology including, but not limited to, surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters, film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) filters, ceramic filters, waveguide filters or low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) filters. 
     In one example, the signal booster  120  can send uplink signals to a node and/or receive downlink signals from the node. The node can comprise a wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point (AP), a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radio equipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processing module (CPM), or another type of WWAN access point. 
     In one configuration, the signal booster  120  used to amplify the uplink and/or a downlink signal is a handheld booster. The handheld booster can be implemented in a sleeve of the wireless device  110 . The wireless device sleeve can be attached to the wireless device  110 , but can be removed as needed. In this configuration, the signal booster  120  can automatically power down or cease amplification when the wireless device  110  approaches a particular base station. In other words, the signal booster  120  can determine to stop performing signal amplification when the quality of uplink and/or downlink signals is above a defined threshold based on a location of the wireless device  110  in relation to the base station  130 . 
     In one example, the signal booster  120  can include a battery to provide power to various components, such as the signal amplifier  122 , the integrated device antenna  124  and the integrated node antenna  126 . The battery can also power the wireless device  110  (e.g., phone or tablet). Alternatively, the signal booster  120  can receive power from the wireless device  110 . 
     In one configuration, the signal booster  120  can be a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-compatible consumer signal booster. As a non-limiting example, the signal booster  120  can be compatible with FCC Part 20 or 47 Code of Federal Regulations (C. F. R.) Part 20.21 (Mar. 21, 2013). In addition, the signal booster  120  can operate on the frequencies used for the provision of subscriber-based services under parts  22  (Cellular),  24  (Broadband PCS),  27  (AWS-1, 700 MHz Lower A-E Blocks, and 700 MHz Upper C Block), and  90  (Specialized Mobile Radio) of 47 C.F.R. The signal booster  120  can be configured to automatically self-monitor its operation to ensure compliance with applicable noise and gain limits. The signal booster  120  can either self-correct or shut down automatically if the signal booster&#39;s operations violate the regulations defined in FCC Part 20.21. 
     In one configuration, the signal booster  120  can enhance the wireless connection between the wireless device  110  and the base station  130  (e.g., cell tower) or another type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point (AP). The signal booster  120  can boost signals for cellular standards, such as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Release 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, 3GPP 5G Release 15 or 16, or Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.16. In one configuration, the signal booster  120  can boost signals for 3GPP LTE Release 16.0.0 (January 2019) or other desired releases. The signal booster  120  can boost signals from the 3GPP Technical Specification (TS)  36 . 101  (Release 16 Jul. 2019) bands or LTE frequency bands. For example, the signal booster  120  can boost signals from the LTE frequency bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25, and 26. In addition, the signal booster  120  can boost selected frequency bands based on the country or region in which the signal booster is used, including any of bands 1-85 or other bands, as disclosed in 3GPP TS 36.104 V16.0.0 (January 2019), and depicted in Table 1: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 LTE 
                 Uplink (UL) operating band 
                 Downlink (DL) operating band 
                   
               
               
                 Operating 
                 BS receive UE transmit 
                 BS transmit UE receive 
                 Duplex 
               
               
                 Band 
                 F UL     —     low -F UL     —     high   
                 F DL     —     low -F DL     —     high   
                 Mode 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                  1 
                 1920 MHz-1980 MHz 
                 2110 MHz-2170 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                  2 
                 1850 MHz-1910 MHz 
                 1930 MHz-1990 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                  3 
                 1710 MHz-1785 MHz 
                 1805 MHz-1880 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                  4 
                 1710 MHz-1755 MHz 
                 2110 MHz-2155 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                  5 
                 824 MHz-849 MHz 
                 869 MHz-894 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                  6 
                 830 MHz-840 MHz 
                 875 MHz-885 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 (NOTE 1) 
               
               
                  7 
                 2500 MHz-2570 MHz 
                 2620 MHz-2690 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                  8 
                 880 MHz-915 MHz 
                 925 MHz-960 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                  9 
                 1749.9 MHz-1784.9 MHz 
                 1844.9 MHz-1879.9 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 10 
                 1710 MHz-1770 MHz 
                 2110 MHz-2170 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 11 
                 1427.9 MHz-1447.9 MHz 
                 1475.9 MHz-1495.9 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 12 
                 699 MHz-716 MHz 
                 729 MHz-746 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 13 
                 777 MHz-787 MHz 
                 746 MHz-756 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 14 
                 788 MHz-798 MHz 
                 758 MHz-768 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 15 
                 Reserved 
                 Reserved 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 16 
                 Reserved 
                 Reserved 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 17 
                 704 MHz-716 MHz 
                 734 MHz-746 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 18 
                 815 MHz-830 MHz 
                 860 MHz-875 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 19 
                 830 MHz-845 MHz 
                 875 MHz-890 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 20 
                 832 MHz-862 MHz 
                 791 MHz-821 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 21 
                 1447.9 MHz-1462.9 MHz 
                 1495.9 MHz-1510.9 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 22 
                 3410 MHz-3490 MHz 
                 3510 MHz-3590 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                  23 1   
                 2000 MHz-2020 MHz 
                 2180 MHz-2200 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 24 
                 1626.5 MHz-1660.5 MHz 
                 1525 MHz-1559 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 25 
                 1850 MHz-1915 MHz 
                 1930 MHz-1995 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 26 
                 814 MHz-849 MHz 
                 859 MHz-894 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 27 
                 807 MHz-824 MHz 
                 852 MHz-869 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 28 
                 703 MHz-748 MHz 
                 758 MHz-803 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 29 
                 N/A 
                 717 MHz-728 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (NOTE 2) 
               
               
                 30 
                 2305 MHz-2315 MHz 
                 2350 MHz-2360 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 31 
                 452.5 MHz-457.5 MHz 
                 462.5 MHz-467.5 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 32 
                 N/A 
                 1452 MHz-1496 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (NOTE 2) 
               
               
                 33 
                 1900 MHz-1920 MHz 
                 1900 MHz-1920 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 34 
                 2010 MHz-2025 MHz 
                 2010 MHz-2025 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 35 
                 1850 MHz-1910 MHz 
                 1850 MHz-1910 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 36 
                 1930 MHz-1990 MHz 
                 1930 MHz-1990 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 37 
                 1910 MHz-1930 MHz 
                 1910 MHz-1930 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 38 
                 2570 MHz-2620 MHz 
                 2570 MHz-2620 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 39 
                 1880 MHz-1920 MHz 
                 1880 MHz-1920 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 40 
                 2300 MHz-2400 MHz 
                 2300 MHz-2400 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 41 
                 2496 MHz-2690 MHz 
                 2496 MHz-2690 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 42 
                 3400 MHz-3600 MHz 
                 3400 MHz-3600 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 43 
                 3600 MHz-3800 MHz 
                 3600 MHz-3800 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 44 
                 703 MHz-803 MHz 
                 703 MHz-803 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 45 
                 1447 MHz-1467 MHz 
                 1447 MHz-1467 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 46 
                 5150 MHz-5925 MHz 
                 5150 MHz-5925 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (NOTE 3, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 NOTE 4) 
               
               
                 47 
                 5855 MHz-5925 MHz 
                 5855 MHz-5925 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 48 
                 3550 MHz-3700 MHz 
                 3550 MHz-3700 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 49 
                 3550 MHz-3700 MHz 
                 3550 MHz-3700 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (NOTE 8) 
               
               
                 50 
                 1432 MHz-1517 MHz 
                 1432 MHz-1517 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 51 
                 1427 MHz-1432 MHz 
                 1427 MHz-1432 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 52 
                 3300 MHz-3400 MHz 
                 3300 MHz-3400 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 53 
                 2483.5 MHz-2495 MHz     
                 2483.5 MHz-2495 MHz     
                 TDD 
               
               
                 65 
                 1920 MHz-2010 MHz 
                 2110 MHz-2200 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 66 
                 1710 MHz-1780 MHz 
                 2110 MHz-2200 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (NOTE 5) 
               
               
                 67 
                 N/A 
                 738 MHz-758 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (NOTE 2) 
               
               
                 68 
                 698 MHz-728 MHz 
                 753 MHz-783 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 69 
                 N/A 
                 2570 MHz-2620 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (NOTE 2) 
               
               
                 70 
                 1695 MHz-1710 MHz 
                 1995 MHz-2020 MHz 
                  FDD 6   
               
               
                 71 
                 663 MHz-698 MHz 
                 617 MHz-652 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 72 
                 451 MHz-456 MHz 
                 461 MHz-466 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 73 
                 450 MHz-455 MHz 
                 460 MHz-465 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 74 
                 1427 MHz-1470 MHz 
                 1475 MHz-1518 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 75 
                 N/A 
                 1432 MHz-1517 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (NOTE 2) 
               
               
                 76 
                 N/A 
                 1427 MHz-1432 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (NOTE 2) 
               
               
                 85 
                 698 MHz-716 MHz 
                 728 MHz-746 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 87 
                 410 MHz-415 MHz 
                 420 MHz-425 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 88 
                 412 MHz-417 MHz 
                 422 MHz-427 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 NOTE 1: 
               
               
                 Band 6, 23 are not applicable. 
               
               
                 NOTE 2: 
               
               
                 Restricted to E-UTRA operation when carrier aggregation is configured. The downlink operating band is paired with the uplink operating band (external) of the carrier aggregation configuration that is supporting the configured Pcell. 
               
               
                 NOTE 3: 
               
               
                 This band is an unlicensed band restricted to licensed-assisted operation using Frame Structure Type 3. 
               
               
                 NOTE 4: 
               
               
                 Band 46 is divided into four sub-bands as in Table 5.5-1A. 
               
               
                 NOTE 5: 
               
               
                 The range 2180-2200 MHz of the DL operating band is restricted to E-UTRA operation when carrier aggregation is configured. 
               
               
                 NOTE 6: 
               
               
                 The range 2010-2020 MHz of the DL operating band is restricted to E-UTRA operation when carrier aggregation is configured and TX-RX separation is 300 MHz. The range 2005-2020 MHz of the DL operating band is restricted to E-UTRA operation when carrier aggregation is configured and TX-RX separation is 295 MHz. 
               
               
                 NOTE 7: 
               
               
                 Void 
               
               
                 NOTE 8: 
               
               
                 This band is restricted to licensed-assisted operation using Frame Structure Type 3. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In another configuration, the signal booster  120  can boost signals from the 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.104 (Release 16 Jul. 2019) bands or 5G frequency bands. In addition, the signal booster  120  can boost selected frequency bands based on the country or region in which the repeater is used, including any of bands n1-n86 in frequency range 1 (FR1), n257-n261 in frequency range 2 (FR2), or other bands, as disclosed in 3GPP TS 38.104 V16.0.0 (July 2019), and depicted in Table 2 and Table 3: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 NR 
                 Uplink (UL) operating band 
                 Downlink (DL) operating band 
                   
               
               
                 operating 
                 BS receive/UE transmit 
                 BS transmit/UE receive 
                 Duplex 
               
               
                 band 
                 F UL, low -F UL, high   
                 F DL, low -F DL, high   
                 Mode 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 n1 
                 1920 MHz-1980 MHz 
                 2110 MHz-2170 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n2 
                 1850 MHz-1910 MHz 
                 1930 MHz-1990 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n3 
                 1710 MHz-1785 MHz 
                 1805 MHz-1880 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n5 
                 824 MHz-849 MHz 
                 869 MHz-894 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n7 
                 2500 MHz-2570 MHz 
                 2620 MHz-2690 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n8 
                 880 MHz-915 MHz 
                 925 MHz-960 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n12 
                 699 MHz-716 MHz 
                 729 MHz-746 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n14 
                 788 MHz-798 MHz 
                 758 MHz-768 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n18 
                 815 MHz-830 MHz 
                 860 MHz-875 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n20 
                 832 MHz-862 MHz 
                 791 MHz-821 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n25 
                 1850 MHz-1915 MHz 
                 1930 MHz-1995 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n28 
                 703 MHz-748 MHz 
                 758 MHz-803 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n30 
                 2305 MHz-2315 MHz 
                 2350 MHz-2360 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n34 
                 2010 MHz-2025 MHz 
                 2010 MHz-2025 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n38 
                 2570 MHz-2620 MHz 
                 2570 MHz-2620 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n39 
                 1880 MHz-1920 MHz 
                 1880 MHz-1920 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n40 
                 2300 MHz-2400 MHz 
                 2300 MHz-2400 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n41 
                 2496 MHz-2690 MHz 
                 2496 MHz-2690 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n48 
                 3550 MHz-3700 MHz 
                 3550 MHz-3700 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n50 
                 1432 MHz-1517 MHz 
                 1432 MHz-1517 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n51 
                 1427 MHz-1432 MHz 
                 1427 MHz-1432 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n65 
                 1920 MHz-2010 MHz 
                 2110 MHz-2200 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n66 
                 1710 MHz-1780 MHz 
                 2110 MHz-2200 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n70 
                 1695 MHz-1710 MHz 
                 1995 MHz-2020 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n71 
                 663 MHz-698 MHz 
                 617 MHz-652 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n74 
                 1427 MHz-1470 MHz 
                 1475 MHz-1518 MHz 
                 FDD 
               
               
                 n75 
                 N/A 
                 1432 MHz-1517 MHz 
                 SDL 
               
               
                 n76 
                 N/A 
                 1427 MHz-1432 MHz 
                 SDL 
               
               
                 n77 
                 3300 MHz-4200 MHz 
                 3300 MHz-4200 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n78 
                 3300 MHz-3800 MHz 
                 3300 MHz-3800 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n79 
                 4400 MHz-5000 MHz 
                 4400 MHz-5000 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n80 
                 1710 MHz-1785 MHz 
                 N/A 
                 SUL 
               
               
                 n81 
                 880 MHz-915 MHz 
                 N/A 
                 SUL 
               
               
                 n82 
                 832 MHz-862 MHz 
                 N/A 
                 SUL 
               
               
                 n83 
                 703 MHz-748 MHz 
                 N/A 
                 SUL 
               
               
                 n84 
                 1920 MHz-1980 MHz 
                 N/A 
                 SUL 
               
               
                 n86 
                 1710 MHz-1780 MHz 
                 N/A 
                 SUL 
               
               
                 [n90] 
                 2496 MHz-2690 MHz 
                 2496 MHz-2690 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Uplink (UL) and Downlink 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (DL)operating band 
               
               
                   
                 BS transmit/receive 
               
               
                 NR 
                 UE transmit/receive 
               
               
                 operating 
                 F UL, low -F UL, high   
                 Duplex 
               
               
                 band 
                 F DL, low -F DL, high   
                 Mode 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 n257 
                 26500 MHz-29500 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n258 
                 24250 MHz-27500 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n260 
                 37000 MHz-40000 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                 n261 
                 27500 MHz-28350 MHz 
                 TDD 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The number of LTE or 5G frequency bands and the level of signal enhancement can vary based on a particular wireless device, cellular node, or location. Additional domestic and international frequencies can also be included to offer increased functionality. Selected models of the signal booster  120  can be configured to operate with selected frequency bands based on the location of use. In another example, the signal booster  120  can automatically sense from the wireless device  110  or base station  130  (or GPS, etc.) which frequencies are used, which can be a benefit for international travelers. 
     In one configuration, multiple signal boosters can be used to amplify UL and DL signals. For example, a first signal booster can be used to amplify UL signals and a second signal booster can be used to amplify DL signals. In addition, different signal boosters can be used to amplify different frequency ranges. 
     In one configuration, the signal booster  120  can be configured to identify when the wireless device  110  receives a relatively strong downlink signal. An example of a strong downlink signal can be a downlink signal with a signal strength greater than approximately −80 dBm. The signal booster  120  can be configured to automatically turn off selected features, such as amplification, to conserve battery life. When the signal booster  120  senses that the wireless device  110  is receiving a relatively weak downlink signal, the integrated booster can be configured to provide amplification of the downlink signal. An example of a weak downlink signal can be a downlink signal with a signal strength less than −80 dBm. 
     In one example, the signal booster  120  can also include one or more of: a waterproof casing, a shock absorbent casing, a flip-cover, a wallet, or extra memory storage for the wireless device. In one example, extra memory storage can be achieved with a direct connection between the signal booster  120  and the wireless device  110 . In another example, Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v5.1, Bluetooth v5, Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth v4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Bluetooth 5, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE, 3GPP 5G, Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, or IEEE 802.11ad can be used to couple the signal booster  120  with the wireless device  110  to enable data from the wireless device  110  to be communicated to and stored in the extra memory storage that is integrated in the signal booster  120 . Alternatively, a connector can be used to connect the wireless device  110  to the extra memory storage. 
     Mobile service providers are proposing to provide 5G-like services in the 600 MHz band. However, the 600 MHz band can require additional antenna elements (e.g., dipole elements) and/or a larger antenna to enable operation at this lower frequency band. In addition, the antenna elements share a center feed line, such that individual controls for impedance matching can be difficult to achieve over broad frequency bands. 
     With respect to past solutions, a bandwidth of an antenna (e.g., a log periodic dipole antenna) can be determined by a number of antenna elements (e.g., dipole elements) and a length of each of the antenna elements. Thus, a broader bandwidth can be achieved for the antenna by use of more antenna elements and longer antenna elements. However, one problem with increasing the number of antenna elements and the length of the antenna elements is the resulting increase in antenna area, particularly in width and length of the antenna. With an increase in both length and width, an antenna enclosure can have significantly greater surface area. When the antenna and enclosure are designed for portable use, such as on a moving vehicle, the size of the enclosure can result in an increased weight of the antenna and enclosure, and can also significantly aggravate the problem of wind loading. In particular, an antenna operating at the 600 MHz band or 700 MHz band (band 71 or band 21, respectively) can require a larger reflector and/or longer antenna elements, and therefore additional spacing resulting from the larger reflector and/or longer antenna elements can increase the overall size of the antenna and the antenna enclosure. 
     In one configuration, in order to increase the bandwidth and control impedance matching, protrusions or extended tabs can be added to one or more antenna elements in the antenna. As a result, the antenna elements with the protrusions or extended tabs can be referred to as “L-shaped” antenna elements. For example, antenna elements can be configured with protrusions or extended tabs. The element may be a unitary element. Alternatively, the protrusions or extended tabs can be added to extend the bandwidth of the antenna and achieve improved impedance matching at operating frequency bands. A loaded impedance can be changed by changing a width of the antenna element and by using a combination of different widths. The protrusions or extended tabs on the antenna elements can achieve a broader bandwidth for the antenna, while not necessarily increasing a total size of the antenna. In addition, the protrusions or extended tabs on the antenna elements can create additional current paths such that the bandwidth for the antenna becomes broader, as well as provide a stepped impedance to control antenna impedance matching. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a traditional wire antenna  200  (e.g., a log periodic antenna or dipole antenna) with antenna element(s)  202  (e.g., dipole elements) that are carried by a center feed line  206  (e.g., a center feed line that includes a top center feed line and a bottom center feed line) of the wire antenna  200 . The top center feed line and the bottom center feed line can have an alternating phase to enable operation as a dipole antenna. One dipole can be connected to the top center feed line and another dipole can be connected to a bottom center feed line. The antenna elements  202  can be conductive elements, such as a metal wires or rods. The dipole antenna  202  can be coupled to each side of the center feed line  206  (e.g., the antenna elements  202  can extend orthogonally from the center feed line  206 ). In this example, nine antenna elements  202  can be on each side of the center feed line  206 , but a greater or lesser number of antenna elements  202  can be included. In addition, the wire antenna  200  can include a reflector  204  that is attached to the center feed line  206 . 
     In one example, the antenna element  202  can be an electrical half wavelength long or a multiple of half wavelengths. A length of the antenna element  202  can be slightly shorter than the wavelength in free space. Thus, the length of the antenna element  202  can be slightly shorter than the length calculated for a wave traveling in free space, which can result due to the antenna normally operating surrounded by air, and the signal can be traveling in a conductor that is of finite length. For a high wave antenna element  202 , the length for the wave traveling in free space can be calculated and can be multiplied by a factor “A”, which can typically be between 0.96 and 0.98 and can be dependent upon a ratio of the length of the antenna element  202  to a thickness of a wire or tube used for the antenna element  202 . In one example, the length (in meters) of the antenna element  202  can be calculated using ( 150 A/f), wherein f is a frequency. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a wire antenna  300  (e.g., a log periodic dipole antenna or a dipole antenna) with L-shaped antenna element(s)  302  (e.g., L-shaped dipole elements) that are carried by a center feed line  306  of the wire antenna  300 . The L-shaped antenna elements  302  can be on either side of the center feed line  306  (e.g., the L-shaped antenna elements  302  can extend orthogonally from the center feed line  306 ). The L-shaped antenna element  302  can enable the wire antenna  300  to operate at a low frequency range (relative to elements that are not L-shaped) while reducing an overall area of the wire antenna  300 . The L-shaped antenna element  302  can provide additional current paths that operate to increase a defined operating frequency band of the L-shaped antenna element  302 . For example, a wire antenna without an L-shaped antenna element  302  may operate over a frequency band of 700 Megahertz (MHz) to 960 MHz. A similarly sized wire antenna that included L-shaped antenna elements  302  may operate over a frequency range of 600 MHz to 960 MHz. The use of L-shaped antenna elements can allow the lower frequency range to be used without significantly increasing the size of the wire antenna. This will be discussed more fully in the proceeding paragraphs. 
     In one example, the wire antenna  300  can also include non-L-shaped antenna elements that are on each side of the center feed line  306 . In this example, nine L-shaped/non-L-shaped antenna elements  302  can be on each side of the center feed line  306 , but a greater or lesser number of L-shaped/non-L-shaped antenna elements  302  can be included in the wire antenna  300 . In addition, the wire antenna  300  can include a reflector  304  that is attached to the center feed line  306 . 
     Generally speaking, the antenna elements (L-shaped or non-L-shaped antenna elements) can be straight electrical conductors measuring ½ wavelength from end-to-end, and connected at a center to a radio frequency (RF) feed line (or center feed line). The antenna elements can be RF radiating and receiving elements for the wire antenna. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a wire antenna  400  (e.g., a log periodic antenna, a dipole antenna or a yagi-uda antenna) that includes a plurality of antenna elements including an antenna element  412 . The wire antenna  400  can include a center feed line  410  that carries the plurality of antenna elements including the antenna element  412 . The plurality of antenna elements can extend orthogonally from the center feed line  410 . The center feed line  410  can be attached to a reflector  420  of the wire antenna  400 , where the reflector  420  can function to reflect electromagnetic waves. In one example, the upper antenna elements included in the wire antenna  400  can be associated with high frequency ranges (e.g., 1700-2700 MHz), and the lower antenna elements included in the wire antenna  400  can be associated with low frequency ranges (e.g., 600-960 MHz). Each pair of antenna elements can be configured to radiate electromagnetic energy a specific radio frequency, with a return loss below a predetermined threshold over a selected frequency band. 
     In one configuration, the plurality of antenna elements can include antenna elements that include protrusions, such as the antenna element  412  having a protrusion  414 , as well as antenna elements that do not include protrusions. In one example, the protrusions can form antenna elements with an L-shape. The protrusions can be a unitary design with the antenna element, formed of a single conductive element. Alternatively, the protrusion can be attached to or coupled to the antenna element. When the protrusion is attached to the antenna element, a relatively smooth attachment mechanism can be used to reduce eddy currents and other potential radiative elements. For example, a solder or conductive adhesive can be used to attach the protrusion to the antenna element. 
     The antenna element  412  with the protrusion  412  can enable the wire antenna  400  to operate at a low frequency range while reducing an overall area of the wire antenna  400 . In addition, the antenna element  412  with the protrusion  412  can provide additional current paths for the antenna element  412 , which can function to increase a defined operating frequency of the antenna element  412 . 
     In this example, seven antenna elements with/without protrusions can be on each side of the center feed line  410 , but a greater or lesser number of antenna elements with/without protrusions can be included in the wire antenna  400 , depending on the frequency range that the wire antenna  400  is designed to operate at. In one example, the protrusion  414  can provide a broader bandwidth for the antenna element  412 , thereby reducing an overall number of antenna elements to cover operating frequencies of the wire antenna  400 . Thus, the protrusion  414  for the antenna element  412  can function to reduce an overall volume of the wire antenna  400 . 
     As a non-limiting example, on a first side, the wire antenna  400  can have antenna dimensions, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , that include a first antenna element  612  having a selected length  628  of 94 millimeters (mm), a selected width  626  of 6.8 mm, a selected protrusion length  632  of 36.2 mm and a stepped width  630  of 6.99 mm. The wire antenna  400  can include a second antenna element having a selected length of 71.25 mm and a selected width of 6.8 mm with no protrusion  414 . The wire antenna  400  can include a third antenna element having a selected length of 46.58 mm, a selected width of 6.8 mm, a selected protrusion length of 16.7 mm and a stepped width of 3.21 mm. The wire antenna  400  can include a fourth antenna element having a selected length of 27.22 mm and a selected width of 6.8 mm with no protrusion  414 . The wire antenna  400  can include a fifth antenna element having a selected length of 20.93 mm and a selected width of 6.8 mm with no protrusion  414 . On the opposite side of the wire antenna  400 , the wire antenna  400  can include a sixth antenna element having a selected length of 50.89 mm, a selected width of 6.8 mm, a selected protrusion length of 20.5 mm and a stepped width of 5.89 mm. The wire antenna  400  can include a seventh antenna element having a selected length of 52.91 mm and a selected width of 6.8 mm with no protrusion  414 . The wire antenna  400  can include an eighth antenna element having a selected length of 36.3 mm, a selected width of 6.8 mm, a selected protrusion length of 24.5 mm and a stepped width of 3.51 mm. The wire antenna  400  can include a ninth antenna element having a selected length of 20.47 mm and a selected width of 6.8 mm with no protrusion  414 . In this example, the first antenna element, the second antenna element, the third antenna element, the fourth antenna element and the fifth antenna element can be on one side of the wire antenna  400 , and the sixth antenna element, the seventh antenna element, the eight antenna element and the ninth antenna element can be on the opposite side of the wire antenna  400 . In addition, the reflector  420  can have a length of 194.95 mm. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example of a repeater system that includes a wire antenna  500  (e.g., a log periodic antenna or a dipole antenna) communicatively coupled to a signal repeater  550  (or signal booster). The wire antenna  500  can be enclosed within a radome  540 . The radome  540  can be a structural, weatherproof enclosure that protects the wire antenna  500 . The radome  540  can be constructed of a material that minimally attenuates the electromagnetic signal transmitted or received by the wire antenna  500 . The radome  540  can be constructed in various shapes, such as spherical, geodesic, planar, etc., and can use various construction materials, such as fiberglass, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated fabric, etc. For antennas designed for use in a mobile operation, such as attached to an exterior of a vehicle, the radome can be constructed to have a fluid shape to minimize air drag. 
     In one configuration, the wire antenna  500  can be communicatively coupled, via a transmission line  560  such as a coaxial cable, to a signal repeater  550  that includes a signal amplifier  552 . The signal amplifier  552  can be a bidirectional repeater that is configured to amplify and filter uplink and downlink signals. For example, the wire antenna  500  can receive an uplink signal from a mobile device (not shown), and the uplink signal can be provided to the signal amplifier  552  via a server antenna (not shown). The signal amplifier  552  can amplify and filter the uplink signal, and provide the amplified and filtered uplink signal to the wire antenna  500 . The wire antenna  500  can transmit the amplified and filtered uplink signal to a base station  530 . In another example, the wire antenna  500  can receive a downlink signal from the base station  530 , and provide the downlink signal to the signal amplifier  552 . The signal amplifier  552  can amplify and filter the downlink signal, and provide the amplified and filtered downlink signal to the server antenna. The server antenna can transmit the amplified and filtered downlink signal to the mobile device. 
     In one configuration, the wire antenna  500  and the signal repeater  550  can be installed in a building or stadium, or in a vehicle. For example, the wire antenna  500  can be a donor antenna configured to be installed on the exterior of a vehicle. 
     In one configuration, the wire antenna  500  can be used to communicate with a mobile device (i.e. operating as a server antenna) or to communicate with a base station (i.e. operating as a donor antenna). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an example of an antenna element  612  with a protrusion  614 . The antenna element  612  can be one of a plurality of antenna elements included in a wire antenna (e.g., log periodic antenna or dipole antenna). The antenna element  612  can be carried by or attached to a center feed line  610  of the wire antenna. The antenna element  612  can have a selected length  628  and a selected width  626 . The antenna element  612  can include a first end  622  that is carried by the center feed line  610  and a second end  624  that is disposed distally from the center feed line  610 . In other words, the first end  622  of the antenna element  612  can be adjacent to the center feed line  610  and the second end  624  of the antenna element  612  can be adjacent to the protrusion  614 . 
     In one example, the protrusion  614  can have a stepped width  630  and a selected protrusion length  632 . In other words, the protrusion  614  can have the stepped width  630  over the selected protrusion length  632 . The protrusion  614  can be located proximate to the second end  624  of the antenna element  612 . The stepped width  630  can be an approximately 90-degree step, which can cause the antenna element  612  to form an L-shaped antenna element. The selected width  626  and selected length  628  of the antenna element  612 , and the stepped width  630  and selected protrusion length  632  of the protrusion  614  can be selected to enable the wire antenna to operate at a selected frequency or frequency range. The selected frequency or frequency range can be a lower frequency range relative to an antenna element without a protrusion with a similar selected length  628 , thereby reducing an area of the wire antenna. 
     In one example, the stepped width  630  and the selected protrusion length  632  can be determined using a simulation application or program based on a finite element technique or another type of simulation. The simulation can be used to determine a protrusion length  632  and a stepped width  630  to provide a desired antenna gain over a selected bandwidth, while allowing the antenna to have predetermined size constraints. For example, an antenna may have size constraints to fit within a selected radome size or shape. 
     In one example, the stepped width  630  and the selected protrusion length  632  can be different for different protrusions  614 , depending on the frequency. For example, a first protrusion for a low band antenna element can have a different selected protrusion length and a different stepped width as compared to a second protrusion for a high band antenna element. Each stepped width  630  and selected protrusion length  632  can determine a reactance (inductance and capacitance) of the wire antenna. Since the reactance can also depend on the frequency, the stepped width  630  and the selected protrusion length  632  can be determined based on the frequency. 
     In one example, the protrusion  614  can have a stepped width  630  that is greater than the selected width  626  of the antenna element  612 , or alternatively, the protrusion  614  can have the stepped width  630  that is less than the selected width  626  of the antenna element  612 . In another example, the protrusion  614  can have a selected protrusion length  632  that is less than the selected length  628  of the antenna element  612 . As non-limiting examples, the protrusion  614  can have the selected protrusion length  632  that is 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the selected length  628  of the antenna element  612 . In addition, the stepped width  630  of the protrusion  614  and the selected protrusion length  632  can be selected to provide a predetermined impedance for the antenna element  612  having the protrusion  614  that is configured to operate at a selected frequency range. 
     In one configuration, the stepped width  630  of the protrusion  614  and the selected protrusion length  632  can be selected accordingly to provide additional current paths for the antenna element  612 , thereby increasing a defined operating frequency of the antenna element  612 . The stepped width  630  and/or the selected protrusion length  632  can be increased to provide further additional current paths and increase the defined operating frequency of the antenna element  612 . The stepped width  630  of the protrusion  614  and the selected protrusion length  632  can be selected accordingly to enable the wire antenna to operate at a low frequency range while reducing an overall area and/or volume of the wire antenna. In addition, the stepped width  630  of the protrusion  614  and the selected protrusion length  632  can be selected accordingly to provide a broader bandwidth for the antenna element  612 , thereby reducing an overall number of antenna elements to cover operating frequencies of the wire antenna. 
     In one example, the antenna element  612  can operate at a low frequency range, e.g., between 600 MHz and 960 MHz. In another example, the dipole  612  can operate at a high frequency range, e.g., between 1700 MHz and 2700 MHz. Whether the antenna element  612  operates in the low frequency range or the high frequency range is dependent on the selected width  626 , selected length  628 , selected protrusion length  632 , and stepped width  630 . In one example, the antenna elements can be carried by the center feed line  610  in ascending order based on the selected length. For example, the antenna element  612  can have a longer selected length and/or stepped width, selected protrusion length  632 , or selected width  626  to operate in the low frequency range and be located as one of the lower antenna elements. Alternatively, the antenna element can have a shorter selected length  628  and/or stepped width, selected protrusion length  632 , or selected width  626  and operate in the high frequency range as one of the upper antenna elements. 
     In one example, the antenna element can be formed from a first piece of material and the protrusion  614  can be formed from a second piece of the material and attached proximate to the second end  624  of the antenna element  612 . In other words, the protrusion  614  can be a separate piece of material attached to the antenna element  612 . Alternatively, the protrusion  614  and the antenna element  612  can be formed of a unitary single piece of material. 
     In one configuration, the antenna can be configured as a monopole antenna that includes an antenna element. The antenna element can have a selected length and a selected width. A first end of the monopole antenna can be at a conductive ground and a second end of the monopole antenna can be disposed distally from the conductive ground. The antenna element can include a protrusion with a stepped width, over a selected length, where the protrusion is located proximate to the second end of the antenna element. The protrusion can have the stepped width that is greater than the selected width of the antenna element. In addition, the protrusion can enable the monopole antenna to operate at a desired frequency range while reducing an area of the wire antenna. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of an antenna element  712  with a protrusion  714 . The antenna element  712  can be one of a plurality of antenna elements included in a wire antenna (e.g., a dipole antenna or a log periodic antenna). The antenna element  712  can be carried by or attached to a center feed line  710  of the wire antenna. The antenna element  712  can have a selected length  728  and a selected width  726 . In one example, the protrusion  714  can have a stepped width  730  having an increase in width, over a selected protrusion length  732 , from the selected width  726  of the antenna element  712  to the stepped width  730  of the protrusion  714 . The increase in width for the protrusion  714  can be in accordance with a selected angle  734  that is greater than or equal to 45 degrees. The selected angle  734  can be determined based on a desired antenna impedance to provide a selected antenna radiation pattern. In an alternative example, the protrusion  714  can have a tapered stepped width to form an L-shaped antenna element. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example of an antenna element  812  with a protrusion  814 . The antenna element  812  can be one of a plurality of antenna elements included in a wire antenna (e.g., a dipole antenna or a log periodic antenna). The antenna element  812  can be carried by or attached to a center feed line  810  of the wire antenna. The antenna element  812  can have a selected length  828  and a selected width  826 . The protrusion  814  can have a stepped width  830  and a selected protrusion length  832 . In this configuration, the antenna element  812  and the protrusion  814  can be a unitary piece of material, as opposed to the protrusion  814  being a separate piece of material attached to the antenna element  812 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example of an antenna element  912  with a protrusion  914 . The antenna element  912  can be one of a plurality of antenna elements included in a wire antenna (e.g., a dipole antenna or a log periodic antenna). The antenna element  912  can be carried by or attached to a center feed line  910  of the wire antenna. In this configuration, the antenna element  912  can extend from the center feed line  910  at a selected angle  934  relative to the center feed line  910 . In other words, the antenna element  912  can extend from the center feed line  910  at the selected angle  934  (e.g., greater than or less than 90 degrees), as opposed to the antenna element  912  extending orthogonally or approximately at 90 degrees from the center feed line  910 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a first antenna element  1015  and a second antenna element  1017  included in a wire antenna (e.g., a dipole antenna or a log periodic antenna). The first antenna element  1015  and the second antenna element  1017  can be carried by a center feed line  1010  of the wire antenna. The first antenna element  1015  can include a first protrusion  1011  and the second antenna element  1017  can include a second protrusion  1013 . In this configuration, the first antenna element  1015  can be located directly across the center feed line  1010  from the second antenna element  1017 . In other words, the first antenna element  1015  and the second antenna element  1017  can be aligned. 
     In one example, the first protrusion  1011  and the second protrusion  1013  of the aligned antenna elements  1015  and  1017 , respectively, can have a same size (i.e. a same angle, a same stepped width and a same selected protrusion length). Alternatively, the first protrusion  1011  and the second protrusion  1013  of the offset antenna elements  1015  and  1017  can have a different size, with one or more of a different angle, a different stepped width, and/or a different selected protrusion length. Using protrusions with the same size can provide an antenna radiation pattern that is symmetrical. Using protrusions that have a different size can provide a non-symmetrical radiation pattern. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an example of a first antenna element  1115  and a second antenna element  1117  included in a wire antenna (e.g., a dipole antenna or a log periodic antenna). The first antenna element  1115  and the second antenna element  1117  can be attached to or carried by a center feed line  1110  of the wire antenna. The first antenna element  1115  can include a first protrusion  1111  and the second antenna element  1117  can include a second protrusion  1113 . In this configuration, the first antenna element  1115  can be located across the center feed line  1110  from the second antenna element  1117  in accordance with an offset  1119 . In other words, in this configuration, the first antenna element  1115  and the second antenna element  1117  can be misaligned in accordance with the offset  1119 , as opposed to the first antenna element  1115  being directly across from the second antenna element  1117 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
     In one example, the first protrusion  1111  and the second protrusion  1113  of the offset antenna elements  1115  and  1117 , respectively, can have a same size (i.e. a same angle, a same stepped width and a same selected protrusion length). Alternatively, the first protrusion  1111  and the second protrusion  1113  of the offset antenna elements  1115  and  1117  can have a different size, with one or more of a different angle, a different stepped width, and/or a different selected protrusion length. Using protrusions with the same size can provide an antenna radiation pattern that is symmetrical. Using protrusions that have a different size can provide a non-symmetrical radiation pattern. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an example of a reflector  1220  included in a wire antenna (e.g., a log periodic antenna or dipole antenna). The reflector  1220  can be carried by or attached to a center feed line  1210  of the wire antenna. The reflector  1220  can be located adjacent to a first antenna element  1215  and/or a second antenna element  1217 , where the first antenna element  1215  and/or the second antenna element  1217  can have a greatest selected length of a plurality of antenna elements included in the wire antenna. In other words, the reflector  1220  can be at the bottom of the wire antenna and the first antenna element  1215  and/or the second antenna element  1217  can be the lower most antenna elements in the wire antenna that are directly adjacent to the reflector  1220 . 
     In one example, a combined width  1232  of the first antenna element  1215  and the second antenna element  1217  (including a width of the center feed line  1210 ) can be less than or equal to a reflector width  1234  of the reflector  1220 . In other words, the reflector  1220  can have the reflector width  1234  that is equal to or greater than the combined width  1232  of the first antenna element  1215  and the second antenna element  1217  (which have the greatest selected lengths of the plurality of antenna elements included in the wire antenna). 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an example of return loss of a wire antenna (e.g., a log periodic antenna or dipole antenna) with antenna elements having protrusions (or extended tabs). The return loss shows the amount of power reflected from the antenna. The reflected power is expressed in decibels (dB) over a frequency range (in GHz), which corresponds to a frequency range that includes the operating band(s) or operating frequency(s) for the wire antenna. In this example, the operating frequencies can be 700 MHz to 950 MHz, and 1700 MHz to 2700 MHz. In addition, the wire antenna can have a favorable impedance matching over the operating band(s) or operating frequency(s) for the wire antenna to provide a return loss of greater than −15 dB over the operating frequency range. Minimum return loss can occur at the frequency at which a selected antenna element of the antenna is designed to radiate. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an example of a return loss comparison between a wire antenna (e.g., a log periodic antenna or dipole antenna) with antenna elements having protrusions (or extended tabs) and a wire antenna with antenna elements not having protrusions. The return loss can be expressed in decibels (dB) over a frequency range (in GHz), which corresponds to operating band(s) or operating frequency(s) for the wire antenna. In this example, the operating frequency can be a low frequency range, such as 698-960 MHz. As shown, the return loss when the antenna elements have protrusions can be more favorable as compared to the return loss when the antenna elements do not have protrusions. The lower return loss of the wire antenna with protrusions enables greater signal power to be radiated over the operating frequency range of the antenna relative to the dipole antenna with no protrusions. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an example of an electric field distribution for a wire antenna having a plurality of antenna elements. In this example, the wire antenna can have two sets of antenna elements, each having a protrusion (or extended tab). The electric field (or E-field) can be expressed as volts per meter (V/m). In this example, the electric field can become greater towards an end of each antenna element having the protrusion. In other words, the electric field distribution for the wire antenna can be such that an electric field can be greater at the antenna element&#39;s protrusion as compared to the antenna element&#39;s opposite end (adjacent to a center feed line). 
       FIG. 16  provides an example illustration of the wireless device, such as a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile communication device, a tablet, a handset, a wireless transceiver coupled to a processor, or other type of wireless device. The wireless device can include one or more antennas configured to communicate with a node or transmission station, such as an access point (AP), a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radio equipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processing module (CPM), or other type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point. The wireless device can communicate using separate antennas for each wireless communication standard or shared antennas for multiple wireless communication standards. The wireless device can communicate in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and/or a WWAN. 
       FIG. 16  also provides an illustration of a microphone and one or more speakers that can be used for audio input and output from the wireless device. The display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, or other type of display screen such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. The display screen can be configured as a touch screen. The touch screen can use capacitive, resistive, or another type of touch screen technology. An application processor and a graphics processor can be coupled to internal memory to provide processing and display capabilities. A non-volatile memory port can also be used to provide data input/output options to a user. The non-volatile memory port can also be used to expand the memory capabilities of the wireless device. A keyboard can be with the wireless device or wirelessly connected to the wireless device to provide additional user input. A virtual keyboard can also be provided using the touch screen. 
     EXAMPLES 
     The following examples pertain to specific technology embodiments and point out specific features, elements, or actions that can be used or otherwise combined in achieving such embodiments. 
     Example 1 includes a wire antenna, comprising: a center feed line that includes a top center feed line and a bottom center feed line; a plurality of antenna elements carried by the center feed line, wherein an antenna element in the plurality of antenna elements has a selected length and a selected width with a first end of the antenna element carried by the top center feed line and a second end of the antenna element is disposed distally from the bottom center feed line, wherein two or more antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements each include a protrusion with a stepped width, over a selected length, the protrusion located proximate to the second end of the antenna element, the protrusion having the stepped width that is greater than the selected width of the antenna element; and a reflector carried by the center feed line and located adjacent to an antenna element having a greatest selected length of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the two or more antenna elements having the protrusion enables the wire antenna to operate at a desired frequency range while reducing an area of the wire antenna. 
     Example 2 includes the wire antenna of Example 1, wherein the wire antenna is used for one of: a mobile device, a base station, a stadium, a vehicle or a building. 
     Example 3 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 2, further comprising a radome configured to enclose the wire antenna. 
     Example 4 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of antenna elements extend orthogonally from the center feed line. 
     Example 5 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the top center feed line and the bottom center feed line are placed in parallel to have an alternating phase, and each antenna element in the plurality of antenna elements is connected to the top center feed line and the bottom center feed line. 
     Example 6 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of antenna elements extend from the center feed line at a selected angle relative to the center feed line. 
     Example 7 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the protrusion has a stepped width with an approximately 90-degree step to form an L-shaped antenna element. 
     Example 8 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the protrusion has a tapered stepped width to form an L-shaped antenna element. 
     Example 9 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the protrusion has a stepped width with an increase in width, over a predetermined length, from the selected width of the antenna element to the stepped width of the protrusion, at a selected angle that is greater than 45 degrees, wherein the selected angle is determined from an antenna impedance. 
     Example 10 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the antenna element and the protrusion are formed from a unitary piece of material. 
     Example 11 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the protrusion is a second piece of material attached proximate to the second end of the antenna element. 
     Example 12 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the two or more antenna elements include a first antenna element that is connected to the top center feed line and a second antenna element that is connected to the bottom center feed line. 
     Example 13 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the two or more antenna elements includes a first antenna element that is offset from a second antenna element at the center feed line by a selected distance. 
     Example 14 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the wire antenna is configured to be communicatively coupled to a repeater. 
     Example 15 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the reflector has a width equal to or greater than a combined width of two or more antenna elements having the greatest selected length of the plurality of antenna elements. 
     Example 16 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the protrusion has a width and a length that is selected to provide a predetermined impedance for the antenna element having the protrusion that is configured to operate at a selected frequency range. 
     Example 17 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the protrusion is configured to provide additional current paths in each of the two or more antenna elements having the protrusion, wherein the additional current paths operate to increase a defined operating frequency of the two or more antenna elements. 
     Example 18 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the wire antenna is one of: a dipole antenna, a log periodic antenna, a monopole antenna, or a yagi-uda antenna. 
     Example 19 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the frequency range is associated with a low frequency range between 600 megahertz (MHz) and 960 MHz. 
     Example 20 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the frequency range is associated with a high frequency range between 1700 megahertz (MHz) and 2700 MHz. 
     Example 21 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the two or more antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements each include the protrusion with the stepped width to reduce a volume of the dipole antenna. 
     Example 22 includes the wire antenna of any of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the two or more antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements each include the protrusion with the stepped width to provide a broader bandwidth and reduce a number of antenna elements to cover operating frequencies of the wire antenna. 
     Example 23 includes a repeater system, comprising: one or more amplification and filtering signal paths; and a wire antenna configured to be communicatively coupled to the one or more amplification and filtering signal paths, the wire antenna comprising: a center feed line that includes a top center feed line and a bottom center feed line; and a plurality of antenna elements carried by the center feed line, wherein a wire element in the plurality of antenna elements has a selected length and a selected width with a first end of the antenna element carried by the top center feed line and a second end of the antenna element is disposed distally from the bottom center feed line, wherein two or more antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements each include a protrusion with a stepped width, over a selected length, the protrusion located proximate to the second end of the antenna element, the protrusion having the stepped width that is greater than the selected width of the antenna element. 
     Example 24 includes the repeater system of Example 23, wherein the two or more antenna elements having the protrusion enables the wire antenna to operate at a frequency range while reducing an area of the wire antenna. 
     Example 25 includes the repeater system of any of Examples 23 to 24, wherein the wire antenna further comprises a reflector carried by the center feed line and located adjacent to an antenna element having a greatest selected length of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the reflector has a width equal to or greater than a combined width of two or more antenna elements having the greatest selected length of the plurality of antenna elements. 
     Example 26 includes the repeater system of any of Examples 23 to 25, wherein the plurality of antenna elements extend orthogonally from the center feed line. 
     Example 27 includes the repeater system of any of Examples 23 to 26, wherein the antenna element and the protrusion are formed from a unitary piece of material. 
     Example 28 includes the repeater system of any of Examples 23 to 27, wherein the protrusion is a second piece of material attached proximate to the second end of the antenna element. 
     Example 29 includes the repeater system of any of Examples 23 to 28, wherein the protrusion has a width and a length that is selected to provide a predetermined impedance for the antenna element having the protrusion that is configured to operate at a selected frequency range. 
     Example 30 includes the repeater system of any of Examples 23 to 29, wherein the protrusion is configured to provide additional current paths in each of the two or more antenna elements having the protrusion, wherein the additional current paths operate to increase a defined operating frequency of the two or more antenna elements. 
     Example 31 includes the repeater system of any of Examples 23 to 30, wherein the wire antenna is a log periodic antenna or a dipole antenna. 
     Example 32 includes an antenna, comprising: a center feed line that includes a top center feed line and a bottom center feed line; a plurality of antenna elements carried by the center feed line, wherein an antenna element in the plurality of antenna elements has a selected length and a selected width with a first end of the antenna element carried by the top center feed line and a second end of the antenna element is disposed distally from the bottom center feed line, wherein two or more antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements each include a protrusion with a stepped width, over a selected length, the protrusion located proximate to the second end of the antenna element, the protrusion having the stepped width that is greater than the selected width of the antenna element; and a reflector carried by the center feed line and located adjacent to an antenna element having a greatest selected length of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the two or more antenna elements having the protrusion enables the antenna to operate at a frequency range while reducing an area of the antenna. 
     Example 33 includes the antenna of Example 32, wherein the antenna is one of: a log periodic antenna, a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, or a yagi-uda antenna. 
     Example 34 includes the antenna of any of Examples 32 to 33, wherein the plurality of antenna elements extends orthogonally from the center feed line. 
     Example 35 includes the antenna of any of Examples 32 to 34, wherein the protrusion has a stepped width with an approximately 90-degree step to form an L-shaped antenna element. 
     Example 36 includes the antenna of any of Examples 32 to 35, wherein the antenna is configured to be communicatively coupled to a signal booster. 
     Example 37 includes the antenna of any of Examples 32 to 36, wherein the protrusion is configured to provide additional current paths in each of the two or more antenna elements having the protrusion, wherein the additional current paths operate to increase a defined operating frequency of the two or more antenna elements. 
     Various techniques, or certain aspects or portions thereof, can take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROMs), hard drives, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, or any other machine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the various techniques. Circuitry can include hardware, firmware, program code, executable code, computer instructions, and/or software. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium can be a computer readable storage medium that does not include signal. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing device can include a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. The volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements can be a random-access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash drive, optical drive, magnetic hard drive, solid state drive, or other medium for storing electronic data. One or more programs that can implement or utilize the various techniques described herein can use an application programming interface (API), reusable controls, and the like. Such programs can be implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations. 
     As used herein, the term processor can include general purpose processors, specialized processors such as VLSI, FPGAs, or other types of specialized processors, as well as base band processors used in transceivers to send, receive, and process wireless communications. 
     It should be understood that many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module can be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module can also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. 
     In one example, multiple hardware circuits or multiple processors can be used to implement the functional units described in this specification. For example, a first hardware circuit or a first processor can be used to perform processing operations and a second hardware circuit or a second processor (e.g., a transceiver or a baseband processor) can be used to communicate with other entities. The first hardware circuit and the second hardware circuit can be incorporated into a single hardware circuit, or alternatively, the first hardware circuit and the second hardware circuit can be separate hardware circuits. 
     Modules can also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code can, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which can, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but can comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. 
     Indeed, a module of executable code can be a single instruction, or many instructions, and can even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data can be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and can be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data can be collected as a single data set, or can be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and can exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. The modules can be passive or active, including agents operable to perform desired functions. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “an example” or “exemplary” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in an example” or the word “exemplary” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials can be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention can be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as defacto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of layouts, distances, network examples, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, layouts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.