HK1033208A - Antennas with integrated windings - Google Patents

Description

Antenna with integrated coil

Technical Field

The present invention relates to telephones, and more particularly, to antennas in telephones.

Background

Many telephones use an antenna that is electrically connected to a signal processor provided in the telephone. Various design parameters of the antenna may affect the performance of the radiotelephone. For example, the shape and size of the antenna and the manner in which the antenna's electrical traces and associated circuitry are interconnected can affect the performance of the radiotelephone. Furthermore, many radiotelephones are undergoing miniaturization, which can complicate and limit the design of the antenna. For example, this miniaturization can result in complex mechanical and electrical connections to additional components, such as the overhanging antenna typically must be connected to the housing of the radiotelephone for mechanical support, and to the signal processor and other internal circuitry in the housing that is operatively connected to the printed circuit board.

In the past, portable satellite radiotelephones have used top-mounted monopole antennas, helical antennas, and multi-coil antennas to help improve signal quality. An example of such a modification is a four-core helical antenna which uses four spaced apart thin wire elements wound around the surface of the antenna. Preferably, the thin wire elements are wound equidistantly around the antenna. Typically, these types of elements or coils are printed on a flat material, such as a flexible circuit material, cut into corresponding patterns, and then rolled to form the antenna elements. Typically, the slot is attached with glue or tape and the circuit element is attached to one end of the rolled up antenna element for connection to signal processing circuitry in the radiotelephone. For example, as shown in fig. 1, a polyimide film 15 having conductive elements 15a thereon is rolled and formed into a spiral. The tape 16 is used to bond the seams. Each cover 17a, 17b is placed on the opposite end of the film roll 18. A printed circuit board 19 and coaxial connector 20 are placed adjacent the shaft lower end cap 17 b. The lead wire 20a connected to the connector 20 is introduced into the radiotelephone (not shown) through the antenna cover 21 placed on the above-mentioned components.

Unfortunately, these flexible antenna elements are often quite fragile and laborious to manufacture. In addition, the positional tolerances of the elements relative to the antenna cover or "cage" and antenna coil are difficult to control. Variations in the position and shape of the flexible coil and the configuration of the slot may undesirably affect the performance of the antenna. Additionally, connecting electrical components to the flex circuit material can stress the connection point(s) and will require a stress-free design in an effort to preserve the functionality, durability, and reliability of the antenna.

Objects and summary of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for manufacturing an antenna with a coil.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved multi-coil antenna.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a satellite antenna for a radiotelephone that is reliable, durable, and economical.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved antenna which can be readily adapted to existing radiotelephone models.

These and other objects are met by the present invention, which is directed to an antenna including an integrated coil formed thereon. A first aspect of the present invention is a radiotelephone antenna comprising a longitudinally extending first member having at least a rigid conductive coil disposed thereon in a first pattern. The antenna also includes a second longitudinally extending member having at least a rigid conductive coil disposed thereon in a second pattern. The second component is configured to mate with and connect to the first component and define an enclosed channel therebetween. When the first and second components are connected, the first and second conductive coil patterns are electrically connected to each other and geometrically aligned as a pattern to define a signal path. Preferably, the first and second patterns are transferred in a spiral pattern radially along the length of the antenna.

Advantageously, the antenna unit will be formed directly on the antenna housing. Thus, the use of an integrated rigid antenna unit may reduce assembly time and labor costs and may reduce variability in manufacturing structures and improve durability.

In a second embodiment, an antenna includes a cylindrical non-conductive antenna body having first and second opposing ends defining a central axis therethrough. The antenna also includes a rigid conductive loop coil integrated on the antenna base, each of the plurality of conductive loop coils being spaced apart from one another. Each coil is electrically and mechanically separated from the other, and the antenna loop extends along at least a portion of the length of the antenna housing to define a signal path. Preferably, each conductive coil begins at a first radial position on the antenna housing relative to the central axis and transitions along the length of the signal path to a second radial position different from the first radial position. And preferably each conductive coil is displaced around the antenna surface and defines a spiral pattern along the length of the signal path. If desired, an external cover may enclose the base.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a multilayer cylindrical antenna. The multilayer cylindrical antenna includes a first core insertion layer and a second layer disposed outside the first layer. The antenna further includes a third layer disposed on a predetermined portion of the second layer opposite the first layer, and the third layer is made non-conductive. A conductive fourth layer is disposed on the portion of the second layer not covered by the third layer. The fourth layer defines at least one signal trace and is arranged with respect to the second and third layers such that each of the at least one signal trace is separated by the third layer, which is non-conductive. Preferably, the antenna comprises four traces arranged in a spiral pattern along a major portion of the length of the antenna.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of manufacturing an antenna having an integral strip formed thereon. The method includes molding a first antenna layer of a first material having adhesion to a predetermined geometry of a conductive plating. A second antenna layer of a second material is formed over the selected area of the first layer. A surface of a predetermined portion of the first antenna layer is left exposed. The exposed surface of the first layer is plated with a conductive layer, thereby producing an integral conductive signal path antenna. Preferably, the second layer is formed of a non-catalytic material and the first layer is formed of a catalytic material. Alternatively, the first layer is formed of a material that receives a metallic coating and the second material is a material that does not receive a metallic coating. In one embodiment, the selected antenna surface is exposed to a photosensitive image to form a portion of the signal path.

Advantageously, molded antenna traces integrated into the antenna housing or substrate can improve radiotelephone performance and reduce labor costs as well as reduce dimensional variability typically associated with conventional flex circuit manufacturing methods.

The above and further objects and aspects of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a conventional coiled antenna and associated discrete printed circuit board;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of an antenna according to the present invention;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the antenna of FIG. 2A, illustrating the combination of mateable antenna components in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the antenna of fig. 2A and 2B with an integral circuit coil;

fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a modified embodiment of an antenna according to the present invention;

fig. 5A is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of an antenna according to the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a side view of an antenna according to the present invention showing a modified coil configuration;

FIG. 5C is a side view of an antenna according to the present invention showing another alternate coil configuration;

fig. 5D is an enlarged perspective view of another alternate embodiment of an antenna according to the present invention;

fig. 6 is a partially cut-away enlarged view of yet another embodiment of an antenna according to the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the antenna of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a first molding step illustrating a predetermined raised surface of an antenna sub-assembly according to one aspect of the present invention, which raised surface would be conductive in the finished part shown in FIG. 7C;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a second molding step, showing the molded portion of FIG. 7A with additional material molded over a predetermined area of the first sub-assembly;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the portion shown in FIG. 7B after metal plating in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional view of an antenna body that is subjected to a photosensitive imaging to form rigid traces on a substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna body shown in FIG. 8A after the photosensitive material has been exposed and developed;

fig. 8C is a partial cross-sectional view of the rigid traces formed on the antenna body shown in fig. 8B after removal of the photosensitive material and copper background.

Description of The Preferred Embodiment

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. The various layers are exaggerated for clarity. As used herein, rigid is meant to include coils or strips that are sufficiently inflexible that they are stationary, i.e. they are fixed along the extension of the (antenna) body.

The present invention is directed to antennas, and in particular antennas that can be advantageously used in portable radiotelephone applications. In general, the present invention integrally forms an antenna unit directly in an antenna housing. By integrally forming the rigid antenna element directly into the antenna housing or substrate, this advantageously eliminates the crimping or forming and assembly process of conventional flex circuit crimped antennas. Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2A illustrates an antenna 30 of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 2A, the antenna 30 includes first and second members 31, 32 extending in the longitudinal direction, which are matched in size and configuration to each other so as to be assembled together. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the components 31, 32 are assembled together, they define a closed channel therebetween. Also preferably, the members 31, 32 include first and second opposing ends 41a, 41b and 42a, 42 b. Thus, when assembled, the components are aligned and form a closed end, thereby protecting the sealed components from the environment.

Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, as shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the first and second members 31, 32 include transverse extensions 33a, 33B that mate with one another and form a cylinder when assembled. Of course, other shapes or configurations may be used, such as oval, square, etc. Preferably, a symmetrical shape is used, and a cylindrical shape is most preferable. The lateral extensions 33a, 33b may also have opposing first planar portions 36, 37, and opposing second portions 45, 46, each of which is angled with respect to the corresponding first portion 36, 37. As will be discussed in detail below, this configuration advantageously allows a mold line or parting line to be disposed between the conductive traces 55 and can help ensure minimal electrical misalignment in the signal path. The two parts 31, 32 can be assembled together in any manner. For example, the components may be press fit, ultrasonically welded or bonded or glued together. If desired, the bridging portion at the top of the antenna 30 may be provided with additional traces, interlocking tabs, or additional components mounted to the interior of the components 31, 32 prior to assembly to connect the electrical traces across the antenna surface (not shown).

The antenna 30 may be connected to a radiotelephone (not shown) by a pivot or hinge 34. Of course, any additional attachment means, such as adhesive, welding, screwing, snap-fitting, etc., may be used, as known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, a pivotal connection is used so that the antenna 30 can be rotated to a deployed position when in use and to a stowed position against the radiotelephone when not in use (not shown). As shown in fig. 2A, 2B and 3, the pivot 34 includes an aperture 35 through which electrical connection to the radiotelephone can be maintained. For example, electrical connectors such as wires may be passed through the holes 35 and guided into the receptacle of the pivot, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the outer surface of the pivot may be provided with circuit connections (not shown).

As shown in fig. 2A, the antenna 30 includes a non-conductive (cylindrical) housing 56 and at least one integrated, structurally rigid, conductive circuit trace or antenna element 55. The housing may comprise one, two or more pieces, but in this embodiment preferably comprises two parts as described above. Fig. 2B and 3 show the inner part of a preferred embodiment of one part 32 forming half of the antenna. As shown in fig. 3, the first part 32 comprises two traces 55a, 55b integral with the casing, i.e. formed directly on the inner diameter of the casing. Similarly, the counter part 31 also comprises two strips 55c, 55d (not shown) to provide a four-core antenna. And as shown, the coils 55a, 55b are spaced apart and separated or sandwiched by a non-conductive casing material 56. When assembled, the coils or traces 55 are electrically connected in a geometric arrangement and form signal paths. Thus, each of the first and second components 31, 32 includes a pattern of predetermined traces 55 that, when assembled together, form electrical connections and define signal paths.

As shown in fig. 2B and 3, the antenna 30 further includes an auxiliary printed circuit board 58 mounted on a rigid support portion 65 of the housing. In particular, the auxiliary circuit board 58 is preferably disposed in the planar portion of the antenna housing member 32 between the pivot 34 and the angled portion of the member 32, which facilitates connection to a signal processor in a radiotelephone (not shown) for transmission of wire signals or feeding of RF signals to and from the antenna. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional circuit board connections and configurations may be used to connect the traces or coils 55a, 55b to the desired circuitry associated with the telephone or device.

As shown in fig. 3, the printed circuit board 58 includes various circuits 57 and electrical contacts for connecting with the various traces 55. As shown, the two electrical contacts 59a, 59b are protruding contacts that extend transversely to the counter part 31 for connection with the antenna elements 55c, 55d on the counter matching part of the antenna housing 31. And as shown, the traces 55a, 55b on the member 32 are electrically connected to the auxiliary printed circuit board 58 by conductive strips 60a, 60b formed in the housing from each coil to the circuit board. Thus, all four traces are connected to the printed circuit board 58. Other configurations or electrical connections of the antenna rigid traces to the respective circuit boards may include, but are not limited to, soldering, press-fit pins, spring connectors, and the like.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment 30' of an antenna according to the invention. Unlike the previous embodiment, this embodiment includes a single substrate 131, and rigid antenna elements or traces 55 are formed around the perimeter of the antenna 30'. These traces may be recessed or substantially flush with the adjacent non-conductive housing material or may extend laterally across the non-conductive surface 56 as a projection. As shown, the antenna 30 'includes a pivot 34' and integrally formed cable retention or cable attachment slots 150a, 150 b. Preferably, as shown, the antenna 30' further includes an integrally formed and externally accessible electrical trace 160 disposed between the auxiliary circuit board 58 and the antenna end 142 for connecting the signal path from the antenna to the telephone. Generally, radiotelephones include two signal paths, one for satellite and the other for cellular communications. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, traces 160 include a first signal trace 161, a ground trace 163, and a second signal trace 162. Accordingly, the traces are preferably sized and configured to mate with the cable coupling slots 150a, 150b to receive the corresponding signal coaxial cables therein.

The antenna substrate 131 may be a rigid and preferably lightweight substrate (e.g., cylindrical or otherwise configured). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5A, the antenna 30' may be configured to have a hollow 175. Each of these solutions will advantageously provide a lightweight antenna base to facilitate ease of carrying and use. Fig. 5B and 5C show a diagram of another trace 55, which is discussed further below.

Fig. 6 and 6A illustrate another embodiment of an antenna 30' having a hollow 175. This configuration includes a hollow insert, illustrated as a cylindrical insert 275. The insert 275 is located inside the base 131 for maintaining the hollow open during manufacture of the base and is part of the antenna structure, as will be discussed below. Preferably, the insert 275 is a closed end hollow cylindrical insert, which allows the end cap to be integral with the antenna housing 131. Advantageously, this configuration allows the traces 55 to be integrally disposed in the end cap 141 at the same time as the traces 55 in the antenna substrate 131. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 131, closed end cap 141, and coil or trace 55 are provided as a single unitary body. A crossover 151 having conductive traces 151a may also be provided on the end cap 141 to provide a crossover trace 55 that intersects therebelow. Alternatively, a low density hollow insert may be used such that it fills the hollow volume, but is lightweight and maintains structural integrity of the base during its manufacture (not shown). Another variant is to form the manufacturing tool to be removed after the housing is formed, so that the housing is hollow, as will also be discussed below.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 6A, a preferred embodiment of a hollow antenna 30 includes four layers. The first layer 180 is an insert 275 that includes the hollow 175. Second layer 280 overlies and is molded to first layer 180 and is preferably a platable polymer. The third layer 380 covers, and is preferably formed by molding or the like, a predetermined portion of the second layer 280. The third layer is non-conductive and is part of an antenna structure 56 forming the housing 131 and the separating conductive tracks 55. Fourth layer 480 covers the portions of second layer 280 not covered by third layer 380 and is plated or the like to provide electrical conductivity to provide conductive traces 55. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6A, traces 55 (defined by fourth layer 480) extend radially beyond adjacent third layer 380 by a distance greater than that of the adjacent fourth layer. And preferably the second layer 280 extends circumferentially around the third layer 380 at four separate radial locations to provide a four-core trace pattern. Although not shown, a fifth layer of flash plating, film, etc. may also be provided over any externally exposed traces to protect them from the environment.

Referring now to the coil or trace pattern, it is preferred that the plurality of traces 55 be geometrically arranged and configured along a portion of the antenna 30 such that they form a single path through the antenna. Most preferably, the trace 55 extends along a substantial portion (greater than half) of the length of the antenna. The longitudinally extending antenna 30 may be described as defining a central axis through its center. Thus, as shown in fig. 5A, in a preferred embodiment, each conductive coil or trace 55 begins at a first radial portion 99a of the antenna housing relative to the central axis and transitions along the length of the signal path to a second radial portion 99b different from the first radial portion. The radial shift may be any arc to provide the desired signal path, such as 15 degrees, 30-90 degrees or more. For large radial displacements, a spiral pattern may be advantageously used, whereby a plurality of coils are effectively arranged on the outer circumference of the antenna. Of course, other geometries are suitable, and the invention is not limited to the helical or sinusoidal patterns described above. In addition, four separate traces 55 are preferably formed along a portion of the antenna 30. As shown in fig. 5A and 6A, the traces 55 are most preferably arranged in a four spiral pattern.

Preferably, the length of the antenna 30, 30' (which is typically determined by the length and configuration of the traces) is predetermined. In addition, the length of the antenna 30, 30 'is preferably designed to have a quarter or half wavelength so that the antenna 30, 10' resonates at the operating frequency (typically about 1500-.

Referring now to fig. 7A, 7B and 7C, a preferred method of manufacturing the antenna is shown. In this embodiment, a two-shot molding process is used to form the configuration of the antenna 30. Preferably, two different materials or combinations of materials are used, one material 480 having adhesion to the conductive plating (which will form the base of the conductive traces 55) and the other material 580 not having such adhesion (which will form the non-conductive housing 56 between the traces 55). First material 480 is used for the first molding and second material 580 is used for the second molding. Examples of first and second materials that may be used include materials with and without catalysts, or materials that may be electroplated and non-electroplatable; for example, liquid crystal polymers, ULTEM, and aromatic nylons.

Preferably, at the first moulding (fig. 7A), the catalysed polymeric material is moulded in such a way that a predetermined portion or surface of the final component which is to be electrically conductive is exposed after the second moulded body has been provided on the first moulded body, so that an additional metal or electrically conductive layer can be plated or formed. For example, as shown in fig. 7A, a first layer is formed on the core a first time and material blocking the third layer 380 is provided so that the third layer is discontinuous relative to the antenna surface along the length of the trace. At the second molding pass (fig. 7B), a second material, such as a non-catalytic polymer, is molded over a predetermined portion or surface of the first material to insulate the areas not to be electrically conductive by exposing the first material, i.e., the catalytic polymer, to the surface to be plated. Referring again to fig. 7A, the second material, such as a non-platable polymer, forms layer 380 and non-conductive shell region 56. After molding, the exposed surface of the first material is plated or coated or otherwise treated (fig. 7C) to produce the desired conductive and non-conductive patterns and to define separate signal and ground paths thereon. As shown in fig. 7A, the formation of the fourth layer from the electroplatable polymer or metallization of the first material provides an integrated trace 55. There are many ways to form the conductive layer, such as dipping, plating, or coating the desired surface treatment. Electroplating is preferably used to obtain the conductive surface. In a preferred embodiment, electroless plating deposition is performed on the exposed catalytic material. Typical electroless and electroless plating materials include copper, nickel, tin and gold.

Alternatively, photolithographic techniques of photoimaging and multiple exposures may be used to form the desired pattern or structure. Of course, a combination of photoimaging and two-shot molding processes may also be used. For example, the circuitry enclosed around the edges may be formed using a two-shot molding process, while the bridge pattern on the endcap 141 may be added using photo-imaging.

Figures 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate one embodiment of an antenna body 30a having rigid traces 555 formed by a photolithographic process. Fig. 8A shows a first substrate layer 500. The layer is a non-conductive material such as a polymer or plastic. Which is the base layer and preferably longitudinally extending similar to the antenna body shown in figures 4 and 5. Preferably, the substrate is cylindrical. A thin layer 510 of conductive material is disposed on the substrate 500. This will prepare the base layer 500 for bonding with further material in the next process. One example of a material suitable for the material layer 510 is a thin layer of copper, typically provided by electroless copper plating. A photo-adhesive material 520 is then disposed on the thin conductive layer 510. Preferably, the photoresist material is a negative photoresist. A patterned mask 540 is then applied over the photoresist layer 520. The shaped mask includes opaque portions 531 and transparent portions 530 and is designed to cover the cylindrical substrate so that the swathes will be defined by the imaged pattern thereon. Instead of the contact mask, various other exposure methods may be used. Because negative optical glue is depicted, opaque portions 531 correspond to areas where it is desired to form rigid signal traces 555 on substrate 500. A light source 600 (typically about 265 nanometers wavelength) is applied through a mask 540 to expose or image the desired areas of the substrate 500.

After imaging or exposure, the photoresist material is developed. As shown in fig. 8B, the areas blocked by the opaque portions 531 of the mask 540 are again exposed and plated with a conductive material (Cu, Au, etc. …) to increase the thickness of the conductor required for the underlying copper layer 510, i.e., to provide a second layer 550 of conductive material thereon. As shown in fig. 8C, antenna body 30a is then completed by removing optical glue 520 and etching away background copper material 510 located between signal traces 555. Thus, a multi-layer antenna body 30a having at least one rigid signal trace is provided. As shown, the antenna body includes a substrate layer 500, a second conductive material layer 510 and a third conductive material layer 550. The second and third layers define signal traces thereon. Preferably, the shape of the signal traces is similar to that described in the above-described modified embodiment. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the antenna body also includes a via formed through the substrate 500. The negative photoresist process enables the vias to be processed to provide conductive paths through the substrate layer 500 and may interconnect or provide signal paths between the layers.

In summary, the present invention enables an antenna structure with a coil 55 integrated thereon and additional mounting and connection features (electrical and mechanical). Such as stamped sheets, press-fit pins, electrical contacts, and traces from the spiral or coil 55 to the printed circuit board. Further, if three or more layers of printed circuit boards are not required, all of the circuits can be provided by molding themselves without requiring a separate auxiliary printed circuit board. Due to the costs typically associated therewith, three or more layers of circuitry are preferably not formed using the molding processes described above.

Although the description has been made for an antenna having a rigid support portion 65 and a pivot 34 integrally formed in a longitudinal body or member, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of members may be used for the antenna arrangement. Similarly, although all described are cylindrical antennas, the antenna may be shaped differently. Furthermore, although illustrated as a substrate connected to coils separated by a non-conductive material (see fig. 4), the rigid antenna coils 55 may be formed or designed such that they are separated by free space. Figure 5D shows one possible embodiment of a birdcage antenna coil structure 30 "that provides the desired rigid coil configuration. For example, the plurality of coils 55 are structurally connected to the top and lower members 132, 133, but are separated from each other by free space or air. This embodiment allows a reduction in the amount of material (light weight) and even allows the tracks to be made electrically conductive on both sides.

As mentioned above, the antenna is preferably designed as a hollow shell structure. In molding, it is preferred to use a tool which forms the molding material into a hollow structure and which is removed when the material hardens. When molding the two-part antenna of fig. 2 and 3, the tooling is easily removed due to the center parting line. However, when the monolith is molded (fig. 4, 5 and 6), the tool will be removed from one end of the molded piece. In this case, the antenna is preferably designed to be larger at one end to facilitate removal of the tool. Alternatively, an insert would be provided with a hollow core without removing the insert. The fixed insert is a hollow insert, such as a blow molded hollow tube or flow molded thin material, or a low density or foam insert, which may then be treated, such as by acid etching, to remove material from the core.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the above-described aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more components of circuit 57 may be implemented as a programmable controller device or as discrete components. Of course, discrete circuit elements and discrete matching circuits or additional circuits corresponding to the antenna impedance requirements may be used for the integrated antenna and may be mounted separately or integrally on the printed circuit board. Similarly, the term "printed circuit board" is meant to include any microelectronic mounting substrate.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. Means-plus-function clauses, where the claims are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as additional embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims (38)

1. A radiotelephone antenna, comprising:

a longitudinally extending first member having at least a rigid electrically conductive coil disposed thereon in a first pattern;

a longitudinally extending second member having at least rigid conductive coils disposed thereon in a second pattern, said second member being configured for mating connection with said first member and defining an enclosed channel therebetween, the first and second conductive coil patterns being electrically connected to one another and geometrically aligned in a pattern to define a signal path when said first and second members are connected.

2. The antenna of claim 1, wherein said first and second patterns are shifted in a spiral pattern radially along the length of the antenna.

3. An antenna according to claim 2, wherein said first and second parts comprise laterally extending portions which cooperate with each other when assembled together.

4. The antenna of claim 2, wherein the laterally extending portion comprises a first planar portion and a second angled portion aligned with the first portion, and wherein each of the at least one coil is disposed on the angled portion.

5. An antenna, comprising:

a non-conductive antenna substrate having first and second opposing end portions and defining a central axis therethrough;

a plurality of rigid electrically conductive circuit coils integrated on the antenna substrate, each of the plurality of electrically conductive circuit coils being spaced apart from one another, wherein each of the coils is electrically and mechanically discrete from one another, and wherein the circuit coils extend along at least a portion of the length of the antenna substrate to define a signal path.

6. The antenna according to claim 5, wherein each of said conductive coils begins at a first radial position on said antenna substrate relative to a central axis and transitions along said signal path length to a second radial position different from said first radial position.

7. The antenna of claim 6, wherein each of said conductive loops is displaced around said antenna surface and defines a spiral pattern along the length of the signal path.

8. An antenna according to claim 6, wherein said antenna comprises first and second parts cooperatively configured, and wherein said first part comprises a first conductive coil pattern displaced radially along the length of the signal path, and said second part comprises a second conductive coil pattern displaced radially along the length of the signal path, such that when said first and second parts are connected, said first and second coil patterns are electrically connected to define a signal path.

9. The antenna of claim 5, further comprising a rigid support portion for holding electronic components thereon, said support portion being disposed at one end of said antenna and configured to be electrically connected to said each coil.

10. An antenna according to claim 9, wherein said support portion includes a pivotal connection thereon.

11. An antenna according to claim 10 in combination with a radiotelephone, wherein said antenna is attached to said radiotelephone by said pivotal connection.

12. The antenna of claim 11, said support portion further comprising a cable retention guide for positioning an electronic cable leading from said antenna into said radiotelephone.

13. The antenna of claim 6, further comprising a core member integrally disposed in said antenna housing for seating firmly against an inner diameter of said antenna base.

14. The antenna of claim 13, wherein the conductive coil is disposed on an outer surface of the substrate.

15. The antenna as in claim 14, wherein the antenna body, the conductive coil, and the core are co-joined by molding.

16. The antenna according to claim 5, wherein said coil is circumferentially disposed along a major length portion of said antenna substrate.

17. The antenna of claim 5, wherein the coil is disposed on an inner diameter internally along a major length portion of the antenna base.

18. The antenna of claim 14, wherein the antenna substrate further comprises a closed end having at least one conductive coil thereon.

19. The antenna of claim 18, wherein said antenna substrate, said conductive coil, and said antenna closed end define a unitary body.

20. A multi-layered cylindrical antenna comprising:

a first core insertion layer;

a second layer disposed outside the first layer;

a third layer disposed on a predetermined portion of the second layer opposite the first layer, wherein the third layer is non-conductive; and

a fourth electrically conductive layer is disposed on portions of the second layer not covered by the third layer, wherein the fourth layer defines at least one signal trace, and wherein the fourth layer is disposed with respect to the second and third layers such that each portion of the at least one signal trace is separated by the third electrically non-conductive layer.

21. A method of manufacturing an antenna having an integrated strip formed thereon, comprising the steps of:

molding a first antenna layer of a first material having adhesion to the conductive plating of the predetermined geometry;

forming a second antenna layer of a second material on a selected area of the first layer;

leaving a surface of a predetermined portion of the first antenna layer exposed; and

the exposed surface of the first layer is plated with a conductive layer, thereby producing an integrated conductive signal path antenna.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said second layer is formed of a non-catalytic material and said first layer is formed of a catalytic material.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the first layer is formed of a material that receives a metal plating layer and the second material is a material that does not receive a metal plating layer.

24. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of: discrete circuit components are assembled on the antenna to connect with the signal path when the antenna is connected to a radiotelephone.

25. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of: the selected antenna surface is exposed to a photosensitive image to form a portion of the signal path.

26. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of: a stationary core is placed in the mold prior to molding the first antenna layer.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein the antenna is molded as separate, mating parts as the first and second parts.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the removable core is shaped to form a hollow antenna channel, and wherein the core is shaped to be removed prior to assembling the first and second components.

29. An antenna body having a rigid trace thereon, the antenna body comprising: a longitudinally extending substrate having a plurality of rigid electrically conductive coils thereon, wherein each of said plurality of electrically conductive coils is spaced apart from one another.

30. The antenna body of claim 29, wherein the conductive coils are separated by openings in the substrate.

31. The antenna body of claim 30, said substrate comprising a top piece and a bottom piece configured to structurally connect said plurality of conductive coils.

32. The antenna body of claim 29, wherein the plurality of rigid conductive coils are separated by a non-conductive material defined by the substrate.

33. A multi-layer antenna body comprising:

a longitudinally extending first substrate layer;

a second conductive layer disposed on a predetermined portion of the first layer;

a third conductive layer disposed on the second layer; wherein said second and third layers define at least one rigid signal trace providing a signal path thereon, integral with said first layer.

34. The antenna body of claim 32 wherein said longitudinally extending first substrate layer is cylindrical and extends about a central axis, and said second and third layers define a plurality of signal traces, and wherein each of said signal traces begins at a first radial position on said first substrate layer relative to the central axis and transitions along the length of said signal path to a second radial position different from said first radial position.

35. The antenna body of claim 33, wherein each of said signal traces is displaced around said antenna body surface and defines a spiral pattern along the length of the signal path.

36. The antenna body of claim 33, wherein the signal traces are disposed on an outer surface of the first substrate layer.

The antenna body of claim 32 wherein said first substrate layer and said signal traces are integrally formed on said substrate by photolithographic imaging.

38. The antenna body of claim 32, wherein the at least one trace is disposed circumferentially along a major length portion of the first substrate layer.