Patent ID: 12230875

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. This description is not intended as an extensive or detailed discussion of known concepts. Details that are well known may have been omitted, or may be handled in summary fashion.

The following subject matter may be embodied in a variety of different forms, such as structures, apparatuses, methods, devices, components, and/or systems. Accordingly, this subject matter is not intended to be construed as limited to any example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative.

The following provides a discussion of some types of scenarios in which the disclosed subject matter may be utilized and/or implemented.

An antenna may be used for transmission and/or reception of radio signals over radio waves. In an example, the antenna may comprise a broadband measurement antenna. For example, the antenna may be used for mobile measurement and/or direction finding applications. Alternatively and/or additionally, the antenna may be configured for electromagnetic interference (EMI) measurement and/or electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measurement. The antenna may be coupled to a communication device, such as a receiver and/or a transmitter. For example, the antenna may be coupled to the communication device via a cable, such as a coaxial cable (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) coaxial cable). For example, a first cable connector of the cable (e.g., at a first end of the cable) may be coupled to a connector (e.g., an RF connector) of the antenna and a second cable connector of the cable (e.g., at a second end of the cable) may be coupled to the communication device. The communication device may comprise a measurement device configured to measure and/or detect electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), etc. using the antenna. In an example, the communication device may comprise a spectrum analyzer (e.g., a spectrum analyzer for EMC measurement). The communication device1502and/or the antenna802may be used to measure RF performance. For example, the communication device and/or the antenna may be used to detect and/or identify interference sources that introduce interference that can degrade performance and/or a capacity associated with wireless communication between wireless communication sites and user equipments (UEs). For example, the interference may worsen a quality of telecommunication services provided by the wireless communication sites to the UEs, such as at least one of cellular service (e.g., 5G service, 4G service and/or other type of cellular service), internet service (e.g., cellular internet service, satellite internet service, 5G internet service, and/or other type of internet service), messaging service, etc. In response to identifying an interference source, corrective action may be taken to mitigate the interference source to improve network performance of one or more wireless communication sites.

However, one or more components associated with the antenna, such as the connector of the antenna, the cable coupled to the connector, etc., may be exposed and/or insufficiently protected from damage. Accordingly, the one or more components may become damaged due to collisions of the antenna with other objects (such as when the antenna is dropped onto the ground) and/or due to wear and tear on the cable and/or the connector during regular usage of the antenna, thus requiring that the one or more components (and/or the antenna) be replaced, repaired, etc.

Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, a protective structure is provided that is configured to be attached to the antenna. The protective structure comprises a body with apertures that receive one or more prongs of the antenna, the connector of the antenna and/or the cable. The protective structure may comprise a tongue (attached to the body, for example) with an aperture through which a mounting apparatus is attached to the antenna, wherein attaching the mounting apparatus to the antenna through the aperture attaches the antenna to the protective structure. When the protective structure is attached to the antenna, the protective structure may protect the one or more components (e.g., at least one of the connector, the cable, etc.) from damage and/or may increase a longevity of the antenna. The protective structure being attached to the antenna may not have a negative effect on performance of the antenna.

FIGS.1-7illustrate a protective structure100, according to some embodiments.FIG.1illustrates a first perspective view of the protective structure100.FIG.2illustrates a second perspective view of the protective structure100.FIG.3illustrates a first side1001of the protective structure100, which is also apparent in the first perspective view ofFIG.1.FIG.4illustrates a second side1002of the protective structure100, which is also apparent in the second perspective view ofFIG.2. The first side1001of the protective structure100is opposite the second side1002of the protective structure100.FIG.5illustrates a third side1003of the protective structure100, which is also apparent in the first perspective view ofFIG.1.FIG.6illustrates a fourth side1004of the protective structure100, which is also apparent in the second perspective view ofFIG.2. The third side1003of the protective structure100is opposite the fourth side1004of the protective structure100.FIG.7illustrates a fifth side1005of the protective structure100, which is also apparent in the first perspective view ofFIG.1.

The protective structure100may be configured to protect an antenna802(shown inFIGS.8-14) from damage. For example, the protective structure100may be attached to the antenna802and/or may prevent and/or inhibit damage to a connector804(shown inFIGS.8-9) of the antenna802and/or a cable832(shown inFIGS.10-15) coupled to the connector804.FIGS.8-9illustrate the antenna802, according to some embodiments.FIG.8illustrates a first side8001(e.g., a top side), of the antenna802, corresponding to a first surface812(e.g., a top surface) of the antenna802.FIG.9illustrates a second side8002(e.g., a bottom side), of the antenna802, corresponding to a second surface814(e.g., a bottom surface) of the antenna802.FIGS.10-11illustrate an apparatus1000, comprising the antenna802and the protective structure100, when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, according to some embodiments.FIG.10illustrates a first side (e.g., a top side), of the apparatus1000, corresponding to the first surface812(e.g., the top surface) of the antenna802.FIG.11illustrates a second side (e.g., a bottom side), of the apparatus1000, corresponding to the second surface814(e.g., the bottom surface) of the antenna802.FIGS.12-14illustrate perspective views of the antenna802and the protective structure100, according to some embodiments.

Referring toFIG.1, the protective structure100may comprise a body104and/or a tongue110. The body104comprises a first surface112(shown inFIGS.1,3and7), a second surface114(shown inFIGS.2and4-7), a third surface116(shown inFIGS.1,3-5, and7), and/or a fourth surface118(shown inFIGS.2-4and6-7).

The tongue110may be attached to the body104(e.g., the tongue110may be attached to the fourth surface118of the body104). It will be appreciated that, as used herein, by being attached, the body104and the tongue110are not limited to comprising two separate structures that are attached. Rather, in an example, the body104and the tongue110may be integrally formed, one piece formed, a single composite piece, etc. In some examples, the body104and the tongue110may comprise two separate structures that are attached, such as with mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesives, etc. In some examples, the body104and the tongue110(e.g., the protective structure100as a whole) may be formed via at least one of 3D printing (e.g., using 3D printable material, such as 3D printable plastic), additive manufacturing, etc.

In some examples, the body104defines one or more prong-receiving apertures120(shown inFIGS.2-4) in the first surface112of the body104. For example, an aperture of the one or more prong-receiving apertures120may extend from the first surface112of the body104to the second surface114of the body104. AlthoughFIGS.2-4show an embodiment in which the one or more prong-receiving apertures120extend from the first surface112of the body104to the second surface114of the body104, embodiments are contemplated in which the one or more prong-receiving apertures120extend merely partially through the body104such that the one or more prong-receiving apertures120do not reach the second surface114.

In some examples, through each aperture of the one or more prong-receiving apertures120, the body104is configured to receive a prong of one or more prongs806(shown inFIGS.8-9and12) of the antenna802. In an example, when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, each prong of the one or more prongs806extends at least partially through an aperture of the one or more prong-receiving apertures120. In an example, the one or more prong-receiving apertures120comprise a first prong-receiving aperture120aand/or a second prong-receiving aperture120b. The body104may be configured to receive a first prong806aof the one or more prongs806through the first prong-receiving aperture120a(e.g., when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, the first prong806amay extend at least partially through the first prong-receiving aperture120a). The body104may be configured to receive a second prong806bof the one or more prongs806through the second prong-receiving aperture120b(e.g., when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, the second prong806bmay extend at least partially through the second prong-receiving aperture120b).

In some examples, the first prong-receiving aperture120ais defined by a first plurality of inner sidewalls122(shown inFIG.3) of the body104. In an example, the first plurality of inner sidewalls122comprises at least three sidewalls. For example, the first plurality of inner sidewalls122may comprise four sidewalls122a,122b,122cand122d, wherein the sidewall122afaces the sidewall122c, and/or wherein the sidewall122bfaces the sidewall122d. In some examples, when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, one, some and/or all sidewalls of the first plurality of inner sidewalls122are in contact with the first prong806a(that extends at least partially through the first prong-receiving aperture120a). For example, one, some and/or all sidewalls of the first plurality of inner sidewalls122may be in contact with one, some and/or all outer sidewalls of the first prong806aof the antenna802. In some examples, one or more sidewalls of the first plurality of inner sidewalls122(e.g., one, some and/or all sidewalls, of the first plurality of inner sidewalls122, that are in contact with the first prong806a) support (e.g., maintain) a position of the protective structure100relative to the antenna802and/or inhibit displacement of the protective structure100relative to the antenna802(when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802). For example, when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, the one or more sidewalls may inhibit displacement of the protective structure100(relative to the antenna802) along a first direction808aand/or a second direction808b(shown inFIG.10). In some examples, a first shape of the first prong-receiving aperture120a(e.g., a shape defined by the first plurality of inner sidewalls122) may match a second shape (e.g., a cross-sectional shape) of the first prong806aof the antenna802. In an example, such as shown inFIGS.2-4, the first shape and the second shape may be rectangular, such as a rounded rectangle with one or more rounded corners (not shown) or a rectangle with sharp (e.g., non-rounded) corners. Embodiments are contemplated in which the first shape and the second shape are not rectangular, such as where the first shape and the second shape are triangular, circular, or other shape. A size of the first prong-receiving aperture120amay be about the same as (and/or larger than) a size (e.g., a cross-sectional size) of the first prong806asuch that the first prong806afits inside of the first prong-receiving aperture120a.

In some examples, the second prong-receiving aperture120bis defined by a second plurality of inner sidewalls124(shown inFIG.3) of the body104. In an example, the second plurality of inner sidewalls124comprises at least three sidewalls. For example, the second plurality of inner sidewalls124may comprise four sidewalls124a,124b,124cand124d, wherein the sidewall124afaces the sidewall124c, and/or wherein the sidewall124bfaces the sidewall124d. In some examples, when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, one, some and/or all sidewalls of the second plurality of inner sidewalls124are in contact with the second prong806b(that extends at least partially through the second prong-receiving aperture120b). For example, one, some and/or all sidewalls of the second plurality of inner sidewalls124may be in contact with one, some and/or all outer sidewalls of the second prong806bof the antenna802. In some examples, one or more sidewalls of the second plurality of inner sidewalls124(e.g., one, some and/or all sidewalls, of the second plurality of inner sidewalls124, that are in contact with the second prong806b) support (e.g., maintain) a position of the protective structure100relative to the antenna802and/or inhibit displacement of the protective structure100relative to the antenna802(when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802). For example, when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, the one or more sidewalls inhibit displacement of the protective structure100(relative to the antenna802) along the first direction808aand/or the second direction808b. In some examples, a third shape of the second prong-receiving aperture120b(e.g., a shape defined by the second plurality of inner sidewalls124) may match a fourth shape (e.g., a cross-sectional shape) of the second prong806bof the antenna802. In an example, such as shown inFIGS.2-4, the third shape and the fourth shape may be rectangular, such as a rounded rectangle with one or more rounded corners (not shown) or a rectangle with sharp (e.g., non-rounded) corners. Embodiments are contemplated in which the third shape and the fourth shape are not rectangular, such as where the third shape and the fourth shape are triangular, circular, or other shape. A size of the second prong-receiving aperture120bmay be about the same as (and/or larger than) a size (e.g., a cross-sectional size) of the second prong806bsuch that the second prong806bfits inside of the second prong-receiving aperture120b.

In some examples, the body104defines an RF connection aperture126(shown inFIGS.2-4) extending from the first surface112of the body104to the second surface114of the body104. In some examples, the body104is configured to receive the cable832through the RF connection aperture126to couple a first cable connector834(shown inFIG.12) of the cable832to the connector804(e.g., RF connector) of the antenna802. In some examples, when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, the cable832extends at least partially through the RF connection aperture126. In some examples, when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, at least a portion of the connector804of the antenna802may be within the RF connection aperture126. The first cable connector834of the cable832may be coupled to the connector804of the antenna802when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802.

In some examples, the RF connection aperture126is between the first prong-receiving aperture120aand the second prong-receiving aperture120b. In some examples, a direction of extension of a prong-receiving aperture of the one or more prong-receiving apertures120(e.g., a direction of extension of the first prong-receiving aperture120aand/or the second prong-receiving aperture120b) is parallel to a direction of extension of the RF connection aperture126. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third surface116and/or the fourth surface118may be parallel to the direction of extension of the RF connection aperture126and/or may be parallel to a direction of extension of a prong-receiving aperture of the one or more prong-receiving apertures120(e.g., a direction of extension of the first prong-receiving aperture120aand/or the second prong-receiving aperture120b).

In some examples, the tongue110defines an antenna attachment aperture128(shown inFIGS.1-2and5-6). The antenna802may comprise a first attachment unit810(shown inFIGS.9and11-13). When the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, the antenna attachment aperture128may be aligned with the first attachment unit810of the antenna802(such as shown inFIGS.11and13). The antenna attachment aperture128may be used to attach a second attachment unit to the first attachment unit810. For example, the first attachment unit810and the second attachment unit may be fastened together via the antenna attachment aperture128. Fastening the second attachment unit to the first attachment unit810may attach the protective structure100to the antenna802. In some examples, the second attachment unit may be part of a mounting apparatus1402(shown inFIG.14), such as at least one of a tripod, a handle, or other type of apparatus configured to mount and/or hold the antenna802in a position (e.g., a stable position). In an example in which the second attachment unit is part of a tripod, the first attachment unit810may comprise a tripod socket (e.g., an integrated tripod socket, such as an integrated ¼-inch tripod socket). Accordingly, fastening the second attachment unit to the first attachment unit810may attach the mounting apparatus1402and the protective structure100to the antenna802(such as shown inFIG.14). Embodiments are contemplated in which the second attachment unit is not part of the mounting apparatus1402, such as where the second attachment unit comprises a standalone fastener, such as at least one of a standalone screw, a standalone bolt, a standalone nut, etc.

In a first example, the first attachment unit810comprises a female thread (e.g., an internal thread) and the second attachment unit comprises a male thread (e.g., an external thread), such as where the second attachment unit comprises a male fastener (e.g., at least one of a screw, a bolt, etc.) and/or where the second attachment unit is fastened to the first attachment unit810via the antenna attachment aperture128(via engagement of the male thread of the second attachment unit with the female thread of the first attachment unit810). In the first example, the tongue110may be configured to receive the second attachment unit through the antenna attachment aperture128to attach the protective structure100(and/or the mounting apparatus1402) to the antenna802(via engagement of the male thread of the second attachment unit with the female thread of the first attachment unit810).

In a second example, the first attachment unit810comprises a male thread (e.g., an external thread) and the second attachment unit comprises a female thread (e.g., an internal thread), such as where the first attachment unit810comprises a male fastener (e.g., at least one of a screw, a bolt, etc.) and/or where the first attachment unit810is fastened to the second attachment unit via the antenna attachment aperture128(via engagement of the male thread of the first attachment unit810with the female thread of the second attachment unit). In the second example, the tongue110may be configured to receive the first attachment unit810through the antenna attachment aperture128to attach the protective structure100(and/or the mounting apparatus1402) to the antenna802(via engagement of the male thread of the first attachment unit810with the female thread of the second attachment unit).

In some examples, such as shown inFIG.7, the body104comprises a first protruding wall130and a second protruding wall132, wherein the first surface112of the body104may extend from the first protruding wall130to the second protruding wall132, and/or wherein the first protruding wall130may face the second protruding wall132. The first protruding wall130, the second protruding wall132and/or the first surface112may define a space134(shown inFIG.7) (e.g., a space between the first protruding wall130and the second protruding wall132). When the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, a portion of the antenna802may be within the space134. In some examples, the first protruding wall130and/or the second protruding wall132are in contact with the antenna802when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802. For example, the first protruding wall130may be in contact with the first surface812of the antenna802(shown inFIGS.8and10) and/or the second protruding wall132may be in contact with the second surface814of the antenna802(shown inFIGS.8and11-14) opposite the first surface812of the antenna802. The first surface812of the antenna802may correspond to a top surface of the antenna802and/or the second surface814of the antenna802may correspond to a bottom surface of the antenna802. In some examples, the first protruding wall130and/or the second protruding wall132support (e.g., maintain) a position of the protective structure100relative to the antenna802and/or inhibit displacement of the protective structure100relative to the antenna802(when the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802).

In some examples, the body104defines one or more fastener-receiving apertures108(shown inFIGS.1,5and10) in the third surface116of the body104. The body104may be configured to receive a strain relief fastener, through the one or more fastener-receiving apertures108, to provide strain relief to the cable832and/or the connector804of the antenna802.

Referring toFIGS.8-9, the one or more prongs806and/or the connector804may be attached to a third surface820of a body of the antenna802. The third surface820may extend from the first surface812of the antenna802to the second surface814of the antenna802. It will be appreciated that, as used herein, by being attached, the body of the antenna802and the one or more prongs806are not limited to comprising separate structures that are attached. Rather, in an example, the body of the antenna802and the one or more prongs806may be integrally formed, one piece formed, a single composite piece, etc. In some examples, the body of the antenna802and the one or more prongs806may comprise separate structures that are attached, such as with mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesives, etc.

Referring toFIG.10, the strain relief fastener may comprise a cable tie818, such as at least one of a zip tie, a hose tie, a tie wrap, etc., and/or the strain relief fastener may comprise one or more other types of fasteners. In some examples, the one or more fastener-receiving apertures108comprise a first fastener-receiving aperture108aand a second fastener-receiving aperture108b. As the cable tie818is fed into the body104through a fastener-receiving aperture of the one or more fastener-receiving apertures108, the body104may be configured to channel the cable tie818to exit the body104through another fastener-receiving aperture of the one or more fastener-receiving apertures108. In an example, the body104may define a channel (not shown) between the first fastener-receiving aperture108aand the second fastener-receiving aperture108b. For example, a first end816of the cable tie818may be fed into the body104through the first fastener-receiving aperture108a, wherein the first end816may be conducted, by the channel, to the second fastener-receiving aperture108band may exit the body104through the second fastener-receiving aperture108b. The first end816may correspond to a free end of the cable tie818(e.g., an end, of the cable tie818, that does not comprise a ratchet), and/or the first end816may be pointed. The first end816may be fed through a ratchet mechanism822(e.g., the ratchet mechanism822may comprise a case and/or a ratchet within the case). The ratchet mechanism822may be at a second end of the cable tie818opposite the first end816of the cable tie818. When the first end816is fed through the ratchet mechanism822, the ratchet of the ratchet mechanism822may engage with teeth (e.g., integrated teeth) along the cable tie818to prevent the first end816from being pulled back. The cable tie818may be further pulled through the ratchet mechanism822to tighten the cable tie818, wherein the ratchet of the ratchet mechanism822and/or the integrated teeth on the cable tie818may prevent the cable tie818from becoming undone. The cable tie818may be fed through the one or more fastener-receiving apertures108and/or may be tightened while the cable832extends through the RF connection aperture126and/or while the first cable connector834is coupled to the connector804of the antenna802. Accordingly, the cable tie818may bind the cable832to an inner surface of the body104, where tightening the cable tie818may increase the binding strength applied to the cable832using the cable tie818. It may be appreciated that binding the cable832to the inner surface of the body104using the cable tie818may provide strain relief to the cable832and/or the connector804of the antenna802. Alternatively and/or additionally, binding the cable832to the inner surface of the body104using the cable tie818may protect the cable832and/or the connector804from damage, such as by way of mitigating strain on the cable832and/or the connector804during one or more of the following situations: (i) the antenna802is held up by the cable832, (ii) the cable832is pulled on, (iii) the antenna802falls and someone grabs the cable832to prevent the antenna802from hitting the ground, and/or (iv) one or more other situations (e.g., in these situations, a force, that would otherwise be absorbed by and/or damage the connector804if the cable832was not bound using the cable tie818, may be absorbed by the cable tie818and/or the cable832as a result of the cable832being bound using the cable tie818).

FIGS.12-14illustrate various stages of an example process1200for attaching the protective structure100to the antenna802. The example process1200may comprise: a first act comprising feeding the cable832through the RF connection aperture126; a second act (performed after the first act, for example) comprising coupling the first cable connector834of the cable832to the connector804of the antenna802(e.g., the configuration shown inFIG.12may be achieved by performing the first act and/or the second act); a third act (performed after the second act, for example) comprising positioning the protective structure100such that the antenna802at least partially fills the space134(shown inFIG.7) and/or such that the antenna attachment aperture128is aligned with the first attachment unit810of the antenna802(e.g., the configuration shown inFIG.13may be achieved by performing the third act); and/or a fourth act (performed after the third act, for example) comprising fastening the second attachment unit to the first attachment unit810via the antenna attachment aperture128(e.g., the configuration shown inFIG.14may be achieved by performing the fourth act). The example process1200may comprise a fifth act (performed after the third act and/or the fourth act, for example) comprising feeding the cable tie818through the body104(via the one or more fastener-receiving apertures108) and/or binding the cable832to the inner surface of the body104using the cable tie818. AlthoughFIG.14shows an example in which the second attachment unit is part of the mounting apparatus1402(e.g., the tripod), embodiments are contemplated in which the second attachment unit is part of a structure different than the mounting apparatus1402and/or in which the second attachment unit comprises a standalone fastener, such as at least one of a standalone screw, a standalone bolt, a standalone nut, etc. Fastening the second attachment unit to the first attachment unit810(via the antenna attachment aperture128) attaches the protective structure100to the antenna802.

When the protective structure100is attached to the antenna802, the protective structure100protects the antenna802(e.g., the protective structure100protects the connector804of the antenna802and/or one or more other components of the antenna802) and/or the cable832(e.g., the protective structure100protects the first cable connector834of the cable832) from damage. For example, the protective structure100may act as a shock absorber and/or a damping device, wherein shock impulses, impacts, etc. are absorbed and/or damped by the protective structure100to inhibit and/or prevent damage to the antenna802and/or the cable832, to improve a mechanical stability of the antenna802and/or to reduce stress on the antenna802and/or the cable832(e.g., reduce stress on the connector804of the antenna802and/or on the first cable connector834of the cable832), thereby improving performance of the antenna802and/or increasing a longevity of the antenna802. In an example scenario in which a collision occurs (e.g., the antenna802is dropped onto the ground, an object collides with the antenna802and/or the protective structure100, etc.), the protective structure100may prevent and/or mitigate damage to the antenna802and/or the cable832by absorbing and/or damping an impact of the collision.

FIG.15illustrates a communication device1502, according to some embodiments. The communication device1502may comprise a receiver and/or a transmitter. The antenna802may be coupled to the communication device1502via the cable832. In some examples, the cable832may comprise a coaxial cable (e.g., an RF coaxial cable). The first cable connector834of the cable832(that is connected to the connector804of the antenna802) may comprise an RF coaxial connector. The second cable connector836of the cable832may comprise an RF coaxial connector. The connector804of the antenna802may comprise an RF coaxial connector. In some examples, the second cable connector836may be coupled to the communication device1502, such as coupled to a connector (e.g., an RF coaxial connector) of the communication device1502. Accordingly, communication device1502may transmit and/or receive a signal to and/or from the antenna802via the cable832.

The communication device1502may comprise a measurement device configured to measure and/or detect EMI, EMC, etc. using a signal from the antenna802. In an example, the communication device may comprise a spectrum analyzer (e.g., a spectrum analyzer for EMC measurement). The communication device1502and/or the antenna802may be used to measure RF performance. The communication device1502and/or the antenna802may be used to detect and/or identify interference sources that introduce interference that can degrade performance and/or a capacity associated with wireless communication between wireless communication sites and UEs. For example, the interference may worsen a quality of telecommunication services provided by the wireless communication sites to the UEs, such as at least one of cellular service (e.g., 5G service, 4G service and/or other type of cellular service), internet service (e.g., cellular internet service, satellite internet service, 5G internet service, and/or other type of internet service), messaging service, etc. In response to identifying an interference source, corrective action may be taken to mitigate the interference source to improve network performance of one or more wireless communication sites.

In some examples, the communication device1502and/or the antenna802may be used to detect and/or identify interference sources by traveling with the communication device1502and/or the antenna802and/or monitoring an outputs of the communication device1502across different locations. In an example, the antenna802and/or the communication device1502may be in a motor vehicle (e.g., a car) that is used to transport the antenna802and/or the communication device1502across the different locations, wherein the antenna802may be mounted (e.g., placed) on an object in the motor vehicle (e.g., a dashboard of the motor vehicle) using the mounting apparatus1402(e.g., the tripod). Alternatively and/or additionally, the antenna802may be carried by hand (e.g., the tripod may be configured to convert into a handle that can be conveniently carried by hand by a person tasked with transporting the antenna802). An interference source may be detected and/or identified based upon an output of the communication device1502(e.g., the output may be indicative of one or more radio metrics, such as at least one of one or more EMI metrics, one or more EMC metrics, etc.). In response to detecting and/or identifying the interference source, one or more corrective actions may be performed. For example, the one or more corrective actions may be performed to mitigate the interference source. For example, the one or more corrective actions may comprise checking, deactivating and/or replacing equipment (e.g., equipment determined to be the interference source) to mitigate and/or prevent interference of the interference source. Alternatively and/or additionally, the one or more corrective actions may comprise modifying one or more settings and/or parameters of equipment (e.g., equipment determined to be the interference source) to mitigate and/or prevent interference of the interference source.

In some examples, the antenna802may comprise a log-periodic antenna, such as a log-periodic dipole array (LPDA). In some examples, the antenna802may be a broadband measurement antenna, wherein the broadband. In some examples, the antenna802may have a frequency range from about 700 megahertz (MHz) to about 2.5 gigahertz (GHz) (or other frequency range). For example, the antenna may be used for mobile measurement and/or direction finding applications. Alternatively and/or additionally, the antenna may be configured for EMI measurement and/or EMC measurement. In some examples, the antenna802comprises a directional antenna. In some examples, the antenna802may be used as a directional-antenna for at least one of WLan, WiFi and/or one or more other directional communication applications. In some examples, the antenna802may have alignable (e.g., freely alignable) polarization).

According to some embodiments, a protective structure, to protect an antenna from damage, is provided. The protective structure includes a body. The body defines one or more prong-receiving apertures in a first surface of the body, wherein each prong of one or more prongs of the antenna extends at least partially through an aperture of the one or more prong-receiving apertures. The body defines a radio frequency (RF) connection aperture extending from the first surface of the body to a second surface of the body. The antenna includes an RF connector. A cable extends at least partially through the RF connection aperture. A cable connector of the cable is coupled to the RF connector.

According to some embodiments, a first prong-receiving aperture of the one or more prong-receiving apertures is defined by a plurality of inner sidewalls of the body; and one or more inner sidewalls, of the plurality of inner sidewalls of the body, are in contact with a prong, of the one or more prongs, extending through the first prong-receiving aperture.

According to some embodiments, the one or more inner sidewalls inhibit displacement of the protective structure relative to the antenna.

According to some embodiments, the one or more prong-receiving apertures include a first prong-receiving aperture and a second prong-receiving aperture; and the RF connection aperture is between the first prong-receiving aperture and the second prong-receiving aperture.

According to some embodiments, a direction of extension of the one or more prong-receiving apertures is parallel to a direction of extension of the RF connection aperture.

According to some embodiments, the protective structure includes a tongue over a surface of the antenna, wherein a mounting apparatus is attached to the antenna via an aperture in the tongue.

According to some embodiments, the mounting apparatus includes a tripod.

According to some embodiments, the antenna includes a broadband measurement antenna.

According to some embodiments, a first shape of a first prong-receiving aperture of the one or more prong-receiving apertures matches a second shape of a prong, of the one or more prongs, extending through the first prong-receiving aperture.

According to some embodiments, the first shape and the second shape are rectangular.

According to some embodiments, the body defines one or more fastener-receiving apertures in a third surface of the body, wherein the body is configured to receive a fastener through the one or more fastener-receiving apertures to provide strain relief to the cable and/or the RF connector.

According to some embodiments, the third surface is parallel to a direction of extension of the RF connection aperture.

According to some embodiments, the fastener includes a cable tie.

According to some embodiments, a protective structure, to protect an antenna from damage, is provided. The protective structure includes a body. The body defines one or more prong-receiving apertures in a first surface of the body, wherein through each aperture of the one or more prong-receiving apertures, the body is configured to receive a prong of one or more prongs of the antenna. The body defines a radio frequency (RF) connection aperture extending from the first surface of the body to a second surface of the body, wherein the body is configured to receive a cable through the RF connection aperture to couple a cable connector of the cable to an RF connector of the antenna.

According to some embodiments, the one or more prong-receiving apertures include a first prong-receiving aperture and a second prong-receiving aperture; and the RF connection aperture is between the first prong-receiving aperture and the second prong-receiving aperture.

According to some embodiments, a direction of extension of the one or more prong-receiving apertures is parallel to a direction of extension of the RF connection aperture.

According to some embodiments, the protective structure includes a tongue attached to the body, wherein the tongue defines an antenna attachment aperture; and the tongue is configured to receive a fastener through the antenna attachment aperture to attach a mounting apparatus and the protective structure to the antenna.

According to some embodiments, the mounting apparatus includes a tripod.

According to some embodiments, the body defines one or more fastener-receiving apertures in a third surface of the body; the body is configured to receive a fastener through the one or more fastener-receiving apertures to provide strain relief to the cable and/or the RF connector; the third surface of the body is opposite a fourth surface of the body to which the tongue is attached; and a direction of extension of the RF connection aperture is parallel to the third surface and/or the fourth surface.

According to some embodiments, a protective structure, to protect an antenna from damage, is provided. The protective structure includes a body. The body defines one or more prong-receiving apertures in a first surface of the body, wherein each prong of one or more prongs of the antenna extends at least partially through an aperture of the one or more prong-receiving apertures. The body defines a radio frequency (RF) connection aperture extending from the first surface of the body to a second surface of the body. The antenna includes an RF connector. At least a portion of the RF connector is within the RF connection aperture and/or a cable extends at least partially through the RF connection aperture. A cable connector of the cable is coupled to the RF connector.

Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” and/or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first object and a second object generally correspond to object A and object B or two different or two identical objects or the same object.

Moreover, “example” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used herein, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, and/or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, alterations and modifications may be made thereto and additional embodiments may be implemented based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications, alterations and additional embodiments and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.