(51) Int Cl.: H01Q 1/24 ( ) H01Q 9/04 ( ) H01Q 9/42 ( ) H01Q 21/28 ( ) H01Q 1/22 ( )

Transcription

1 (19) TEPZZ 4Z6849B_T (11) EP B1 (12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION (45) Date of publication and mention of the grant of the patent: Bulletin 2017/16 (21) Application number: (22) Date of filing: (51) Int Cl.: H01Q 1/24 ( ) H01Q 9/04 ( ) H01Q 9/42 ( ) H01Q 21/28 ( ) H01Q 1/22 ( ) (86) International application number: PCT/US20/ (87) International publication number: WO 20/5272 ( Gazette 20/37) (54) FREQUENCY SELECTIVE MULTI-BAND ANTENNA FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES FREQUENZSELEKTIVE MEHRBANDANTENNE FÜR DRAHTLOSE KOMMUNIKATIONSGERÄTE ANTENNE MULTIBANDE À SÉLECTIVITÉ DE FRÉQUENCE POUR DISPOSITIFS DE COMMUNICATION SANS FIL (84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR (30) Priority: US (43) Date of publication of application: Bulletin 2012/03 (73) Proprietor: QUALCOMM Incorporated San Diego, CA (US) (72) Inventor: TRAN, Allen, Minh-Triet San Diego CA (US) (74) Representative: Tomkins & Co 5 Dartmouth Road Dublin 6 (IE) (56) References cited: WO-A1-03/ WO-A1-2009/ WO-A1-2009/ JP-A US-A US-A US-A EP B1 Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). Printed by Jouve, PARIS (FR)

2 1 EP B1 2 Description TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to radio frequency (RF) antennas, and more specifically to multi-band RF antennas. BACKGROUND [0002] The number of radios and supported frequency bands for wireless communication devices continues to increase as there are increasing demands for new features and higher data throughput. Some examples of new features include multiple voice/data communication links- GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, EVDO - each in multiple frequency bands (CDMA450, US cellular CD- MA/GSM, US PCS CDMA/GSM/WCDMA/LTE/EVDO, IMT CDMA/WCDMA/LTE, GSM900, DCS), short range communication links (Bluetooth, UWB), broadcast media reception (MediaFLO, DVB-H), high speed internet access (UMB, HSPA, a/b/g/n, EVDO), and position location technologies (GPS, Galileo). With each of these new features in a wireless communication device, the number of radios and frequency bands is incrementally increased and the complexity and design challenges for a multi-band antenna supporting each frequency band as well as potentially multiple antennas (for receive and/or transmit diversity) may increase significantly. [0003] One traditional solution for a multi-band antenna is to design a structure that resonates in multiple (a plurality of) frequency bands. Controlling the multi-band antenna input impedance as well as enhancing the antenna radiation efficiency (across a wide range of operative frequency bands) is restricted by the geometry of the multi-band antenna structure and the matching circuit between the multi-band antenna and the radio(s) within the wireless communication device. Often when this design approach is taken, the geometry of the antenna structure is very complex and the physical area/volume of the antenna increases. [0004] With the limitations on designing multi-band antennas with high antenna radiation efficiency and associated matching circuits, another solution is utilizing multiple antenna elements to cover multiple operative frequency bands. In a particular application, a cellular phone with US cellular, US PCS, and GPS radios may utilize one antenna for each operative frequency band (each antenna operates in a single radio frequency band). The drawbacks to this approach are additional area/volume and the additional cost of multiple single-band antenna elements. [0005] In certain applications of multi-band antennas, the multi-band antenna match is adjusted electronically (with a single-pole multi-throw switch) to select an optimal match for the multi-band antenna (with 50 ohms) at a particular operative frequency band; i.e., between US cellular, US PCS, and GPS is but one example. This multi-band antenna performance may degrade as more frequency bands are added, as the multi-band antenna structure is not changed for different operative frequency bands. US 2004/ A1 discloses a folded dualband antenna. [0006] There is a need for a multi-band antenna with improved radiation efficiency across a broad range of operative frequencies for wireless communication devices without the size penalty of traditional designs. [0007] The invention is defined in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] FIG. 1 shows a three dimensional drawing of a traditional monopole antenna. FIG. 2 shows a two dimensional drawing of a multiband antenna. FIG. 3 shows a three dimensional drawing of a multiband antenna. FIG. 4 shows a drawing of a portable computer with four multi-band antennas. FIG. 5 shows a drawing of a handheld wireless communication device with two multi-band antennas. FIG. 6 shows a graph of the multi-band antenna efficiency (450 to 00 MHz) for a portable computer configuration. FIG. 7 shows a graph of the multi-band antenna efficiency (00 to 6000 MHz) for a portable computer configuration. FIG. 8 shows a graph of the multi-band antenna efficiency (450 to 00 MHz) for a handheld wireless communication device configuration. FIG. 9 shows a graph of the multi-band antenna efficiency (00 to 6000 MHz) for a handheld wireless communication device configuration. [0009] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used where possible to designate identical elements that are common to the figures, except that suffixes may be added, when appropriate, to differentiate such elements. The images in the drawings are simplified for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily depicted to scale. [00] The appended drawings illustrate exemplary configurations of the disclosure and, as such, should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure that may admit to other equally effective configurations. Correspondingly, it has been contemplated that features of some configurations may be beneficially incorporated in other configurations without further recitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0011] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not nec- 2

3 3 EP B1 4 essarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. [0012] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention can be practiced. The term "exemplary" used throughout this description means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other exemplary embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the novelty of the exemplary embodiments presented herein. [0013] The device described therein may be used for various multi-band antenna designs including, but not limited to wireless communication devices for cellular, PCS, and IMT frequency bands and air-interfaces such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, and SC-FDMA. In addition to cellular, PCS or IMT network standards and frequency bands, this device may be used for local-area or personal-area network standards, WLAN, Bluetooth, & ultra-wideband (UWB). [0014] Modern wireless communication devices require antennas to transmit and receive radio frequency signals for a variety of applications. In many designs, the wireless communication device antennas include one or more monopole elements placed above the wireless communication device ground plane. Monopole antenna elements provide sufficient antenna gain if the electrical length of the antenna structure resonates at the desired operating frequency. The wireless communication device and antennas may be incorporated in handheld devices (cellular phones for voice applications, portable video phones, smart phones, tracking GPS+WAN devices, and the like) and portable computing devices (laptops, notebooks, tablet personal computers, netbooks and the like). [0015] FIG. 1 shows a three dimensional drawing of a traditional monopole antenna. Monopole antenna is a type of radio antenna formed by replacing a lower half of a dipole antenna with a ground plane 22 normal (in three dimensions) to a radiating monopole antenna element 12. If ground plane 22 is large (in terms of wavelength at the desired radio frequency), radiating monopole antenna element 12 behaves exactly like a dipole, as if its reflection in ground plane 22 forms the missing half of the dipole. [0016] Monopole antenna system will have a directive gain of 3 dbi in the ideal case at the resonant frequency defined by the electrical length L of monopole antenna element 12. Monopole antenna will also have a lower input resistance as measured between antenna port 14 and ground plane 22 (measured at RF port 20) than RF I/O source 24, resulting in overall lower antenna efficiency. [0017] The input impedance of monopole antenna element 12 may be transformed to match RF I/O source 24 to improve antenna efficiency, as measured at antenna port 18, utilizing an inductor-capacitor matching network (LC 16). However, LC 16 will only provide an optimal impedance match at one operating radio frequency and LC 16 will introduce losses (in terms of insertion loss) associated with the quality (Q) of both inductor and capacitors in real circuits. [0018] The electrical length can be realized with a wire length L. The wire length L is typically a quarter wavelength (or greater) of the operating frequency in free space depending on the ground plane dimensions of the wireless communication device. In one design example, if wire length L is equal to a quarter wavelength of the operating frequency, the input impedance of monopole antenna element 12 as measured at antenna port 18 will be approximately 50 ohms and is matched to RF I/O source 24. [0019] FIG. 2 shows a two dimensional drawing of a multi-band antenna 0 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [0020] Multi-band antenna 0 is formed on a flexible printed circuit board 4 which includes a modified monopole element 1a with indents 112a, 112b, 114a, and 114b to fold the modified monopole antenna element 1a with the correct dimensions for a specific wireless communication device application. [0021] In one exemplary embodiment, the length L of modified monopole element 1a is 25 mm, the height H is 11 mm and when folded, the overall dimensions of the multi-band antenna 0 are 25 mm x 7 mm x 5 mm. Other physical dimensions may be required for different operative band configurations. Other physical shapes may be required for different or physical constraints of the wireless communication device and may be physically represented by metallized structures formed in either two or three dimensions as shown in FIG. 3. Such two- or three- dimensional shapes may include but are not limited to ellipses, half or quarter ellipses, rectangles, circles, half-circles, meandering micro-strip transmission lines, and polygons. Additionally, the reference ground plane (ground plane 134 in FIGs. 2-3) may not be normal (in 3 dimensions) to the monopole antenna element 1a, however the antenna efficiency and radiation pattern will be or altered relative to the traditional monopole antenna previously shown in FIG. 1. In both instancesantenna physical dimensions and reference ground plane configuration, the resulting antenna structure is referred to as a modified monopole element (modified monopole element 1a in FIG. 2 and modified monopole element 1b in FIG. 3) within this disclosure. [0022] The multi-band antenna 0 include antenna matching components 116 and 118 to transform modified 3

4 5 EP B1 6 monopole element 1a impedance, measured at a first radio frequency input 142, across a range of frequencies, to match RF I/O port 136 impedance as measured at an external radio frequency (RF) port 122. In the exemplary embodiment, antenna matching component 116 is connected along the lower right edge of the modified monopole element 1a to external radio frequency (RF) port 122 and to ground plane 134. Ground plane 134 is connected to or shares in whole or in part the ground plane of a wireless communication device (as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). Antenna matching component 118 is connected in series with the external radio frequency (RF) port 122 and the first radio frequency input 142 between modified monopole element 1a and antenna matching component 116. RF I/O port 136 is connected across multi-band antenna 0 external radio frequency (RF) port 122 (positive signal node) and RF ground node 124 (ground or negative signal node). [0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the operative frequency band of multi-band antenna 0 is changed by controlling a single-pole five-throw switch (switch 128) position. A common port of the switch 128 is connected to a DC blocking capacitor 126. DC blocking capacitor 126 is connected between the common port of switch 128 and the modified monopole element 1a at a second radio frequency input 138. The five individual ports of switch 128 each connect to a corresponding one of a set of antenna loading elements, which set in the present example is shown comprised of antenna loading capacitors 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d, and 132e. The value of each antenna loading capacitor is selected for a particular operative frequency band to achieve the optimal bandwidth and center frequency in each instance. [0024] The second radio frequency input where DC blocking capacitor 126 along with switch 128 connect to the modified monopole element 1a and antenna loading capacitors 132a-132e connect to ground plane may be shifted left to right to optimize the bandwidth and center frequency of multi-band antenna 0. The bandwidth of a selected operative frequency band is defined by the physical dimensions of multi-band antenna 0 and to some extent the reference ground plane of the wireless communication device connected to ground plane 134. [0025] Switch control for switch 128 is not shown, but is usually a set of digital signals for enabling individual ones of the antenna loading capacitors 132a-132e to connect to the second radio frequency input 138 through series DC blocking capacitor 126. Control signals originate from the wireless communication device (312 in FIG. 3 or 406 in FIG. 4) that multi-band antenna 0 is a part. Additional multi-band antennas can be added for simultaneous operation in multiple frequency bands, receive and/or transmit diversity for higher throughput applications (EVDO, HSPA, n are few examples). [0026] Switch 128 may be replaced with discrete switch circuits (SPST, SP2T, SP3T, etc and combinations thereof) and the number of RF common input and RF loading output ports may be changed based on the number of operative frequency bands, required bandwidth and radiation efficiency of multi-band antenna 0. [0027] In alternate exemplary embodiments, multiple switch positions change simultaneously to subtract or add multiple antenna loading capacitors, thereby increasing the number of possible operative frequency bands. DC blocking capacitor 126 is only required if there is a DC current path from each common switch port to ground. [0028] Additionally, antenna loading capacitors 132a- 132e may be replaced with a different number of lumped or distributed loading elements (depending on the number of operative frequency bands for switch 128). In particular, antenna loading capacitors may be replaced with voltage variable capacitors, inductors or a series or parallel combination of inductors and capacitors (LC circuits and integrated LC circuits) or equivalent antenna loading elements. The physical position of individual antenna loading capacitors, inductors or LC circuits (antenna loading elements) may be anywhere between the gap between modified monopole element 1a, switch 128, and ground plane 134. In an exemplary embodiment, the individual antenna loading capacitors are connected between ground plane 134 and switch 128 individual RF loading ports. [0029] The multi-band antenna 0 of FIG. 2 exhibits a substantial improvement in antenna radiation efficiency and allows one multi-band antenna 0 to (i) replace the functionality of multiple single-band antennas (shown in FIG. 1) for different operative frequency bands and (ii) reduce the size of the antenna system. As a result, circuit board floor-plan and layout are simplified, wireless communication device size is reduced, and ultimately the wireless communication device features and form are enhanced. [0030] FIG. 3 shows a three dimensional drawing of a multi-band antenna 200a in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The only difference between multiband antenna 0 from FIG. 2 and 200a in FIG. 3 is that modified monopole element 1a is replaced with folded modified monopole element 1b to show how the multiband antenna 200a may appear in three dimensions as shown in the exemplary embodiment to change the physical volume and dimensions of multi-band antenna 200a shown in FIG. 3 relative to multi-band antenna 0 of FIG. 2. [0031] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a portable computer 300 with four multi-band antennas 200a (two of each) and 200b (two of each) in accordance with the exemplary embodiment as shown previously in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Each multi-band antenna is tunable over a range of frequencies to cover all the potential communication modes and operative frequency bands. Individual multi-band antennas may be tuned to different operative frequency bands or the same operative frequency band depending on the number of concurrent communication modes. For example, one multi-band antenna may be tuned to US 4

5 7 EP B1 8 cellular (for long-range data and voice communication), a second multi-band antenna may be tuned to GPS (for position location information requests by portable computer 300 application software, a third multi-band antenna may be tuned to 2.4 GHz for Bluetooth short-range communication, and a fourth multi-band antenna may be tuned to 5-6 GHz for a WLAN operation. In a second example, the portable computer 300 may be configured to communicate using n and require the use of 2, 3 or 4 multi-band antennas simultaneously in the same operative frequency band and same RF channel. As is evident in the design of the multi-band antennas for this particular application, wireless communication device 312 within portable computer 300 may be reconfigured to tune individual multi-band antennas to serve a large number of communication modes and operative frequency bands as required. [0032] Multi-band antenna 200b is a mirror image of multi-band antenna 200a. The mirrored multi-band antenna 200b is functionally identical to multi-band antenna 200a and may reduce the cable or electrical routing lengths between the multi-band antennas and the wireless communication device(s) embedded within the portable computer. Multi-band antennas 200a (two of each) and 200b (two of each) may be located along the top edge of the portable computer upper housing 302 and connected to ground plane 304 behind the portable computer 300 display. Alternately, the multi-band antennas 200a (two of each) and 200b (two of each) may be located on the sides of the portable computer upper housing 302 and connected to ground plane 304 behind the portable computer 300 display. Other multi-band antenna configurations are possible; i.e.; multi-band antennas may be split between the side and top edges of the portable upper housing 302, split between the portable upper housing 302 and the portable lower housing 308, or located only along the edges of the portable lower housing 308. [0033] A wireless communication device 312 may be behind portable computer display on ground plane 304 (within upper housing 302, not shown) or may be placed on a portable computer motherboard (on motherboard 3) within main housing 308 (as shown). Typically in portable computers, the main housing 308 is connected to the upper housing 302 via a hinge or a swivel for tablet computers. In a typical portable computer 300, the wireless communication devices are located on motherboard 3 while the antennas are usually located within upper housing 302, and RF signals are routed through hinge/swivel 306 with RF cables. One of the benefits of the multi-band antennas 200a (two of each) and 200b (two of each) is that only four RF cables are needed regardless of the number of operative frequency bands per antenna as opposed to implementing separate antennas for individual operative frequency bands. Four RF multiband antennas are sufficient for n (MIMO using all four multi-band antennas), as well as combinations of wide-area, local-area, and personal-area networking simultaneously. However, it s conceivable in the future that more than four multi-band antennas may be utilized for new applications of wireless communication devices. [0034] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a handheld wireless communication device 400 with two multi-band antennas. 200a and 200b in accordance with the exemplary embodiment as shown. Each multi-band antenna is tunable over a range of frequencies to cover potential communication modes and operative frequency bands. [0035] Handheld wireless communication device 400 includes a housing 402 with a main circuit board (MCB 404). Multi-band antennas 200a and 200b connect to an upper edge of MCB 404 (RF signal path and ground plane connections). Multi-band antenna 200b is a mirror image of multi-band antenna 200a. Mirrored (in one dimension) multi-band antenna 200b is functionally identical to multiband antenna 200a and the RF I/O ports are in close proximity on handheld wireless communication device main circuit board (MCB 404). Multi-band antennas 200a and 200b are typically located along the top edge of MCB 404 and connected to a ground plane within MCB 404. Alternately, multi-band antennas 200a and 200b may be located on one or both sides of MCB 404 and connected to a ground plane within MCB 404. [0036] Alternative exemplary embodiments may include one multi-band antenna 200 or more multi-band antennas (not shown) depending on the number of simultaneous operative frequency bands within handheld wireless communication device 400. Multi-band antenna 200, 200a, 200b provide compact size and improved antenna efficiency over a broad range of operative frequency bands verses traditional antenna designs. [0037] Wireless communication device 406 is embedded on MCB 404 within a main housing 402 as shown in FIG. 5. RF signals are routed to multi-band antennas 200a and 200b to/from wireless communication device 406 via metal traces printed on a layer of MCB 404 or alternatively routed with coaxial RF cables to minimize signal losses and noise coupling to RF signal paths. [0038] FIG. 6 shows a graph of the multi-band antenna efficiency (450 to 00 MHz) for a portable computer configuration in accordance with the exemplary embodiment as shown previously in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. As is evident in FIG. 6, the operative frequency bands are selectable between 460 MHz (CDMA450), 675 MHz (DVB- H), 715 MHz (US MediaFLO), 850 MHz (US Cellular), and 900 MHz (GSM-900). Therefore, multi-band antenna 200 can be configured by adjusting switch 128 position between five different antenna loading capacitors to shift the operative frequency band. More operative frequency bands can be chosen by either adding more ports (greater than five) to switch 128. Different operative frequency bands can be chosen by changing antenna loading capacitor values 132a-132e or changing the physical dimensions of modified monopole element 1a shown previously in FIG. 2. [0039] FIG. 7 shows a graph of the multi-band antenna efficiency (00 to 6000 MHz) for a portable computer configuration in accordance with the exemplary embod- 5

6 9 EP B1 iment as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. As is evident in FIG. 7, the operative frequency bands are selectable between 1500 MHz (GPS), 1700 MHz (AWS), 1800 MHz (DCS, KPCS), 1900 MHz (US PCS), 20 MHz (IMT), 2400 MHz and MHz (802.11a/b/g/n). Therefore, multi-band antenna 200 can be configured by adjusting the switch 128 position between five different antenna loading capacitors to shift the operative frequency band. More operative frequency bands can be chosen by either adding more ports (greater than five) to switch 128 to cover the operative frequency bands shown previously in FIG. 6. Different operative bands can be chosen by changing antenna loading capacitor values 132a- 132e or changing the physical dimensions of modified monopole element 1a of FIG. 2. In this instance, the number of operative frequency bands may not need to be equal to five, since the bandwidth of each operative frequency band is broader as the operative frequency is increased for a fixed folded monopole element 1a size. [0040] FIG. 8 shows a graph of the multi-band antenna efficiency (450 to 00 MHz) for a handheld wireless communication device configuration in accordance with the exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5. The multi-band antenna efficiency is very similar to FIG. 6 (for portable computer 300), however, the multiband antenna efficiency is lower at 450 to 600 MHz since ground plane 404 physical dimensions are smaller than ground plane 304 physical dimensions within portable computer 300. The physical size of the ground plane for any antenna configuration is less important as the operative frequency is increased. [0041] FIG. 9 shows a graph of the multi-band antenna efficiency (00 to 6000 MHz) for a handheld wireless communication device configuration in accordance with the exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5. The multi-band antenna efficiency is very similar to FIG. 6 since the ground planes are physically large for both the handheld wireless communication device 400 and for portable computer 300 above 00 MHz operative frequency. It should be noted that the multi-band antenna 200 of FIG. 3 exhibits broad frequency coverage and excellent multi-band antenna efficiency regardless of the operative frequency bands chosen in this instance (450 MHz to 6000 MHz). [0042] Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. [0043] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. [0044] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. [0045] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal. [0046] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not 6

7 11 EP B1 12 limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. [0047] The previous description of the disclosed exemplary embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these exemplary embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein The multi-band antenna of claim 2, further comprising a switch array (128) disposed between the modified monopole element (1b) and the multiple antenna loading elements (132) and configured to couple selected antenna loading elements (132) to the modified monopole element (1b) when tuning to a desired one of the plurality of resonant frequencies. 4. The multi-band antenna of claim 1, wherein the multiband antenna is for use in a wireless communication device, the tuning to a plurality of resonant frequencies involves the wireless communication device selecting among the multiple antenna loading elements (132) and tuning the multi-band antenna between operative frequency bands. 5. The multi-band antenna of claim 1, wherein the multiband antenna includes matching elements (116,118). 6. The multi-band antenna of claim 2, wherein the multiband antenna is part of a wireless communication device. 7. The multi-band antenna of claim 3, wherein the switch array (128) includes a single-pole n-throw (SPnT) switch. 8. The multi-band antenna of claim 2, wherein the antenna loading elements (132) comprise at least one of capacitors, voltage variable capacitors, inductors, LC circuits, and integrated LC circuits. 9. The multi-band antenna of claim 2, wherein the multiband antenna is formed as a three dimensional metallized structure. Claims 1. A multi-band antenna including, a reference ground plane (134), a modified monopole element (1b) of length L, the modified monopole element (1b) comprising indents (112,114) configured to fold to form a three dimensional geometry, characterized by the reference ground plane (134) and modified monopole element (1b) formed on a common plane of a flexible substrate (4), and multiple antenna loading elements (132) coupled to the modified monopole element (1b) and variably selectable to tune to one of a plurality of resonant frequencies. 2. The multi-band antenna of claim 1, wherein the modified monopole element (1b) has a geometry other than that of a ground plane normal to a monopole element The multi-band antenna of claim 1 wherein the modified monopole element (1b) has a first radio frequency input, and m radio frequency inputs for altering a resonant frequency and further comprising an array of m single-pole n-throw (SPnT) switches (128); an array of m times n antenna loading elements (132), one node of each antenna loading element (132) connected to one of the m times n ports of the array of m single-pole n-throw (SPnT) switches (128) and the other node of each antenna loading element (132) connected to the reference ground plane (134). 11. A handheld wireless communication device comprising the multi-band antenna of claim, and configured to operate in a plurality of resonant frequencies, the handheld wireless communication device selecting the position of the array of m single-pole n-throw (SPnT) switches (128) for tuning the multi-band antenna between operative frequency bands The multi-band antenna of claim 1, further comprising: means for tuning to one of a plurality of resonant frequencies with the multiple antenna loading elements (132); and means for controlling the multiple 7

8 13 EP B1 14 antenna loading elements (132) between operative frequency bands. 13. A device including a multi-band antenna according to claim 1, the modified monopole element (1b) further having a first radio frequency input, and m radio frequency inputs for altering a resonant frequency; an array of m single-pole n-throw (SPnT) switches (128); an array of m times n antenna loading elements (132), one node of each antenna loading element (132) connected to one of the m times n ports of the array of m single-pole n-throw (SPnT) switches (128) and the other node of each antenna loading element (132) connected to the reference ground plane (134). 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the multi-band antenna includes an array of m DC blocking capacitors to block DC voltage between the common port of each single-pole n-throw (SPnT) switch (128) and the m radio frequency inputs of the modified monopole element (1b). 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the multi-band antenna is coupled to an external radio frequency port, and includes matching elements (116,118) between the first radio frequency input and the external radio frequency port Mehrband-Antenne nach Anspruch 1, wobei das modifizierte Monopolelement (1b) eine andere Geometrie aufweist als eine Massenfläche normal zu einem Monopolelement. 3. Mehrband-Antenne nach Anspruch 2, die weiterhin eine Schaltmatrix (128) aufweist, die zwischen dem modifizierten Monopolelement (1b) und den mehreren Antennenlastelementen (132) angeordnet ist und konfiguriert ist, um ausgewählte Antennenlastelemente (132) mit dem modifizierten Monopolelement zu koppeln, wenn zu einer gewünschten aus der Vielzahl von Resonanzfrequenzen eingestellt wird. 4. Mehrband-Antenne nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Mehrband-Antenne für die Verwendung in einem drahtlosen Kommunikationsgerät vorgesehen ist, wobei das Einstellen zu einer Vielzahl von Resonanzfrequenzen umfasst, dass das drahtlose Kommunikationsgerät eine Auswahl aus den mehreren Antennenlastelementen (132) vornimmt und die Mehrband-Antenne zwischen Betriebsfrequenzbändern einstellt. 5. Mehrband-Antenne nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Mehrband-Antenne Abstimmungselemente (116, 118) enthält. 16. The device of claim 13, wherein a resonant frequency of the multi-band antenna is controlled by selecting the position of each switch in the array of m singlepole single-pole n-throw (SPnT) switches (128) for tuning the multi-band antenna between operative frequency bands. 17. The device of claim 13, wherein the device is at least one of a cellular phone and a portable computer comprising at least two multi-band antennas. Patentansprüche Mehrband-Antenne nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Mehrband-Antenne ein Teil eines drahtlosen Kommunikationsgeräts ist. 7. Mehrband-Antenne nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Schaltmatrix (128) einen einpoligen n-fach-schalter (SPnT) enthält. 8. Mehrband-Antenne nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Antennenlastelemente (132) Kondensatoren, spannungsvariable Kondensatoren, Induktoren, LC- Schaltungen und/oder integrierte LC-Schaltungen aufweisen. 1. Eine Mehrband-Antenne, die eine Bezugsmassenfläche (134) und ein modifiziertes Monopolelement (1b) der Länge L enthält, wobei das modifizierte Monopolelement (1b) Kerben (112, 114) aufweist, wobei das modifizierte Monopolelement (1b) für das Falten zu einer dreidimensionalen Geometrie konfiguriert ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bezugsmassenfläche (134) und das modifizierte Monopolelement (1b) auf einer gemeinsamen Ebene eines flexiblen Substrats (4) ausgebildet sind und mehrere Antennenladeelemente (132) mit dem modifizierten Monopolelement (1b) gekoppelt sind und variabel ausgewählt werden können, um eine aus einer Vielzahl von Resonanzfrequenzen einzustellen Mehrband-Antenne nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Mehrband-Antenne als ein dreidimensionaler metallisierter Aufbau ausgebildet ist.. Mehrband-Antenne nach Anspruch 1, wobei das modifizierte Monopolelement (1b) einen ersten Hochfrequenzeingang und m Hochfrequenzeingänge zum Ändern einer Resonanzfrequenz aufweist und weiterhin eine Matrix von m einpoligen n-fach- Schaltern (SPnT) (128) und eine Matrix von m mal n Antennenlastelementen (132) aufweist, wobei ein Knoten jedes Antennenlastelements (132) mit einem der m mal n Anschlüsse der Matrix von M einpoligen n-fach-schaltern (SPnT) (128) verbunden ist und der andere Knoten jedes Antennenlastelements (132) 8

9 15 EP B1 16 mit der Bezugsmassenebene (134) verbunden ist. 11. Ein handgehaltenes drahtloses Kommunikationsgerät, das die Mehrband-Antenne von Anspruch aufweist und konfiguriert ist, um in einer Vielzahl von Resonanzfrequenzen betrieben zu werden, wobei das handgehaltene drahtlose Kommunikationsgerät die Position der Matrix von m einpoligen n-fach- Schaltern (SPnT) (128) für das Einstellen der Mehrband-Antenne zwischen Betriebsfrequenzbändern auswählt. 12. Mehrband-Antenne nach Anspruch 1, die weiterhin aufweist: Mittel zum Einstellen zu einer aus einer Vielzahl von Resonanzfrequenzen mit den mehreren Antennenlastelementen (132), und Mittel zum Steuern der mehreren Antennenlastelemente (132) zwischen Betriebsfrequenzbändern. 13. Ein Gerät, das eine Mehrband-Antenne gemäß Anspruch 1 enthält, wobei das modifizierte Monopolelement (1b) einen ersten Hochfrequenzeingang und m Hochfrequenzeingänge für das Ändern einer Resonanzfrequenz sowie weiterhin eine Matrix von m einpoligen n-fach-schaltern (SPnT) (128) und eine Matrix von m mal n Antennenlastelementen (132) aufweist, wobei ein Knoten jedes Antennenlastelements (132) mit einem der m mal n Anschlüsse der Matrix von m einpoligen n-fach-schaltern (SPnT) (128) verbunden ist und der andere Knoten jedes Antennenlastelements (132) mit der Bezugsmassenebene (134) verbunden ist Gerät nach Anspruch 13, wobei das Gerät ein Mobiltelefon und/oder ein tragbarer Computer ist, das bzw. der wenigstens zwei Mehrband-Antennen aufweist. Revendications 1. Une antenne multibande comprenant un plan de masse de référence (134), un élément monopole modifié (1b) de longueur L, l élément monopole modifié (1b), qui comprend des indentations (112, 114), étant configuré pour se plier afin de former une géométrie tridimensionnelle, caractérisée par le fait que le plan de masse de référence (134) et l élément monopole modifié (1b) sont formés sur un plan commun d un substrat flexible (4), avec des éléments multiples de chargement d antenne (132) couplés à l élément monopole modifié (1b) et sélectionnables de façon variable pour accord sur l une parmi une pluralité de fréquences résonnantes. 2. L antenne multibande selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l élément monopole modifié (1b) présente une géométrie qui est autre que celle d un plan de masse qui est normal à un élément monopole. 3. L antenne multibande selon la revendication 2, comprenant en outre une matrice de commutateurs (128) disposée entre l élément monopole modifié (1b) et les éléments multiples de chargement d antenne (132) et configurée pour coupler des éléments de chargement d antenne sélectionnés (132) à l élément monopole modifié (1b) lors de l accord sur l une souhaitée parmi la pluralité de fréquences résonnantes. 14. Gerät nach Anspruch 13, wobei die Mehrbandantenne eine Matrix aus m DC-Sperrkondensatoren zum Sperren der DC-Spannung zwischen dem gemeinsamen Anschluss jedes einpoligen n-fach-schalters (SPnT) (128) und den m Hochfrequenzeingängen des modifizierten Monopolelements (1b) aufweist. 15. Gerät nach Anspruch 13, wobei die Mehrband-Antenne mit einem externen Hochfrequenzanschluss gekoppelt ist und Abstimmungselemente (116, 118) zwischen dem ersten Hochfrequenzeingang und dem externen Hochfrequenzeingang aufweist. 16. Gerät nach Anspruch 13, wobei eine Resonanzfrequenz der Mehrband-Antenne gesteuert wird, indem die Position jedes Schalters in der Matrix von m einpoligen n-fach-schaltern (SPnT) (128) für das Einstellen der Mehrband-Antenne zwischen Betriebsfrequenzbändern ausgewählt wird L antenne multibande selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l antenne multibande est destinée à être utilisée dans un dispositif de communication sans fil, l accord sur une pluralité de fréquences résonnantes impliquant une sélection, par le dispositif de communication sans fil, parmi des multiples éléments de chargement d antenne (132) et l accord de l antenne multibande entre des bandes de fréquences de fonctionnement. 5. L antenne multibande selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l antenne multibande comprend des éléments d adaptation (116, 118). 6. L antenne multibande selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle l antenne multibande fait partie d un dispositif de communication sans fil. 7. L antenne multibande selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle la matrice de commutateurs (128) comprend un commutateur unipolaire à n-directions (SPnT). 9

10 17 EP B L antenne multibande selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle les éléments de chargement de l antenne (132) comprennent au moins l un parmi des condensateurs, des condensateurs commandés en tension, des inductances, des circuits LC, et des circuits LC intégrés. 9. L antenne multibande selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle l antenne multibande est formée sous forme d une structure tridimensionnelle métallisée Un dispositif comprenant une antenne multibande selon la revendication 1, l élément monopole modifié (1b) comprenant en outre une première entrée radiofréquence ainsi que m entrées radiofréquence pour varier une fréquence résonnante ; une matrice de m commutateurs unipolaires à n-directions (SPnT) (132) ; une matrice de m fois n éléments de chargement d antenne (132), un noeud de chaque élément de chargement d antenne (132) étant connecté à l un parmi les m fois n ports de la matrice de commutateurs unipolaires à n-directions (SPnT) (128) et l autre noeud de chaque élément de chargement d antenne (132) étant connecté au plan de masse de référence (134). 14. Le dispositif selon la revendication 13, dans lequel l antenne multibande comprend une matrice de m condensateurs de blocage de courant continu pour bloquer une tension en courant continu entre le port commun de chaque commutateur unipolaire à n-directions (SPnT) (128) et les m entrées radiofréquence de l élément monopole modifié (1b).. L antenne multibande selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l élément monopole modifié (1b) présente une première entrée radiofréquence, ainsi que m entrées radiofréquence pour varier une fréquence résonnante, et comprenant en outre une matrice de m commutateurs unipolaires à n-directions (SPnT) (128) ; une matrice de m fois n éléments de chargement d antenne (132), un noeud de chaque élément de chargement d antenne (132) étant connecté à l un parmi les m fois n ports de la matrice de commutateurs unipolaires à n-directions (SPnT) (128) et l autre noeud de chaque élément de chargement d antenne (132) étant connecté au plan de masse de référence (134). 11. Un dispositif de communication sans fil portatif comprenant l antenne multibande de la revendication, et configuré pour fonctionner à une pluralité de fréquences résonnantes, le dispositif de communication sans fil portatif sélectionnant la position de la matrice de m commutateurs unipolaires à n-directions (SPnT) (128) pour accorder l antenne multibande entre les bandes de fréquences de fonctionnement Le dispositif selon la revendication 13, dans lequel l antenne multibande est couplée à un port radiofréquence externe, et comprend des éléments d adaptation (116, 118) entre la première entrée radiofréquence et le port radiofréquence externe. 16. Le dispositif selon la revendication 13, dans lequel une fréquence résonnante de l antenne multibande est commandée par la sélection d une position de chaque commutateur dans la matrice de m commutateurs unipolaires à n-directions (SPnT) (128) pour accorder l antenne multibande entre des bandes de fréquences de fonctionnement. 17. Le dispositif selon la revendication 13, dans lequel le dispositif est au moins un parmi un téléphone cellulaire et un ordinateur portable comprenant au moins deux antennes multibandes. 12. L antenne multibande selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre : des moyens pour accorder sur une parmi une pluralité de fréquences résonnantes au moyen des éléments multiples de chargement d antenne (132) ; et des moyens pour commander les multiples éléments de chargement d antenne (132) entre des bandes de fréquences de fonctionnement

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20 EP B1 REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard. Patent documents cited in the description US A1 [0005] 20