Integrated antenna structure arrays for wireless power transmission

Abstract

A plurality of integrated antenna structures described herein may be formed in a flat panel antenna arrays which may be arranged in equally spaced grid and may be used in transmitters for sending focused RF waves towards a receiver for wireless power charging or powering. Each of the integrated antenna structures may include planar inverted-F antennas (PIFAs) integrated with artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) metamaterials. As a result of their high directionality and form factor, the integrated antenna structures may be placed very close together, thus enabling the integration of a high number of integrated antenna structures in a single flat panel antenna array which may fit about 400+ integrated antenna structures. Each integrated antenna structure in the flat panel antenna arrays may be operated independently, thus enabling an enhanced control over the pocket forming. In addition, the higher number of integrated antenna structures may contribute to a higher gain for the flat panel antenna arrays.

Claims

1. An antenna for transmitting focused radio-frequency (RF) power transmission waves towards a wireless-power-receiving device to provide wireless power thereto, comprising: a plurality of integrated antenna structures, wherein each of the plurality of integrated antenna structures: includes: a first group of unit cells with a wireless power transmitting element configured to transmit focused RF power transmission waves to the wireless-power-receiving device for powering an electronic device coupled to the wireless-power-receiving device, wherein the first group of unit cells includes a first top layer and a first side layer, and a second group of unit cells without a wireless power transmitting element, wherein the second group of unit cells includes a second top layer and a second side layer, is configured to transmit, via the wireless power transmitting element, focused RF wireless power transmission waves having a wavelength () to the wireless-power-receiving device for powering the electronic device, and at least some of the focused RF power transmission waves are waves reflected by the second group of unit cells towards the wireless-power-receiving device via the second top layer or the second side layer, and is spaced apart from an adjacent integrated antenna structure of the plurality of integrated antenna structures by a predetermined spacing distance of about 1/10 to about 1/15 , wherein the first and second top layers and the first and second side layers are made of an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) material.

2. The antenna of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of integrated antenna structures includes a signal via that is coupled with the wireless power transmitting element, the signal via configured to feed a signal to the wireless power transmitting element that causes the wireless power transmitting element to transmit the focused RF power transmission waves to the wireless power transmitting element.

3. The antenna of claim 2, wherein each integrated antenna structure is independently fed relative to other integrated antenna structures of the plurality of integrated antenna structures.

4. The antenna of claim 1, wherein: the wireless power transmitting element included in the first group of unit cells is configured to transmit the focused RF power transmission waves in an omnidirectional fashion, and reflection of the at least some of the focused RF power transmission waves by the second group of unit cells causes the integrated antenna structure to directionally transmit the focused RF power transmission waves towards the wireless-power-receiving device.

5. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the first group and second groups of unit cells are configured in an array.

6. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the wireless power transmitting element of the first group of unit cells is a planar inverted F-antenna (PIFA).

7. The antenna of claim 6, wherein each of the integrated antenna structures is formed in a respective layer of a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB).

8. The antenna of claim 7, wherein the second group of unit cells surrounds at least four sides of the first group of unit cells in the respective layer of the multi-layer PCB.

9. The antenna of claim 8, wherein a respective ground element of each PIFA is formed in a bottom layer of the multi-layer PCB, a metal layer associated with an AMC is formed on a first inner layer of the respective multi-layer PCB that is between the top and bottom layers, and a backing metal layer associated with the AMC is formed on a second inner layer of the respective multi-layer PCB that is between the top and bottom layers.

10. The antenna of claim 9, wherein each PIFA also includes a folded ground formed on the top layer of the multi-layer PCB.

11. The antenna of claim 9, wherein respective signal and ground vias pass through the backing metal layer.

12. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the integrated antenna structures operate in at least one frequency band selected from the group consisting of 900 MHz, 2.5 GHz, and 5.8 GHz.

13. The antenna of claim 1, further comprising at least one radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) connected to at least one of the plurality of integrated antenna structures, the RFIC configured to cause the at least one of the plurality of integrated antenna structures to transmit focused RF power transmission waves.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless power transmission example situation using pocket-forming.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a component level embodiment for a transmitter.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary first integrated antenna structure, according to an embodiment.

(5) FIGS. 4A-B illustrates a top and side view of an exemplary first integrated antenna structure, according to an embodiment.

(6) FIGS. 5A-B illustrates the impedance bandwidth response and the radiation pattern of a first integrated antenna structure, according to an embodiment.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary second integrated antenna structure, according to an embodiment.

(8) FIGS. 7A-B illustrates a top and side view of an exemplary second integrated antenna structure, according to an embodiment.

(9) FIGS. 8A-B illustrates the impedance bandwidth response and the radiation pattern of an exemplary second integrated antenna structure, according to an embodiment.

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary flat panel antenna arrays with a plurality of first integrated antenna structures, according to an embodiment.

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flat panel antenna arrays with a plurality of second integrated antenna structures, according to an embodiment.

(12) FIGS. 11A-B illustrates an exemplary antenna configuration where one or more integrated antenna structures are connected to radio frequency integrated circuits (RFIC).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) The present disclosure is here described in detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which form a part here. Other embodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description are not meant to be limiting of the subject matter presented here.

(14) Definitions

(15) Pocket-forming may refer to generating two or more RF waves which converge in 3-d space, forming controlled constructive and destructive interference patterns.

(16) Pockets of energy may refer to areas or regions of space where energy or power may accumulate in the form of constructive interference patterns of RF waves.

(17) Null-space may refer to areas or regions of space where pockets of energy do not form because of destructive interference patterns of RF waves.

(18) Transmitter may refer to a device, including a chip which may generate two or more RF signals, at least one RF signal being phase shifted and gain adjusted with respect to other RF signals, substantially all of which pass through one or more RF antennas such that focused RF signals are directed to a target.

(19) Receiver may refer to a device which may include at least one antenna, at least one rectifying circuit and at least one power converter for powering or charging an electronic device using RF waves.

(20) Adaptive pocket-forming may refer to dynamically adjusting pocket-forming to regulate power on one or more targeted receivers.

(21) Metamaterial a synthetic composite material with a structure such that it exhibits properties not usually found in natural materials. For example naturally occurring materials normally exhibit a positive refraction index for electromagnetic waves. However, fabricated metamaterials may exhibit a negative refractive index.

(22) AMC Metamaterial may refer to an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) metamaterial that exhibits functionality so that the complex reflection coefficient (S) of a normally incident plane wave, at the material's surface, be S1. This makes the total electric field, tangential to the material's surface (which is the sum of the incident and reflected electric fields) to be twice as large as the incident field. In contrast, on common metal surfaces (electric conductors), the total field under these conditions is null. More generally, the material exhibits sufficient AMC bandwidth defined as the frequency band where the real part of the complex reflection coefficient is greater than zero (Re{S}0).

(23) AMC Unit cell may refer to the parts from which an AMC metamaterial may be composed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(24) In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, which may not be to scale or to proportion, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings and claims, are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

(25) The present disclosure relates to transmitters, and more specifically, to compact flat panel antenna arrays which may be used for wireless power transmission. The flat panel antenna arrays may include a plurality of integrated antenna structures which may exhibit a directional radiation pattern. Each integrated antenna structures may include a PIFA integrated in an artificial magnetic conductor AMC metamaterial. The AMC metamaterial may provide the antenna with directionality.

(26) Wireless Power Transmission Concept

(27) FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless power transmission 100 using pocket-forming. A transmitter 102 may transmit controlled Radio Frequency (RF) waves 104 which may converge in 3-d space. These RF waves may be controlled through phase and/or relative amplitude adjustments to form constructive and destructive interference patterns. Pockets of energy 106 may form at constructive interference patterns and can be 3-dimensional in shape whereas null-spaces may be generated at destructive interference patterns. A receiver 108 may then utilize pockets of energy 106 produced by pocket-forming for charging or powering an electronic device, for example a laptop computer 110 and thus effectively providing wireless power transmission. In some embodiments, there can be multiple transmitters 102 and/or multiple receivers 108 for powering various electronic devices, for example smartphones, tablets, music players, toys and others at the same time. In other embodiments, adaptive pocket-forming may be used to regulate power on electronic devices.

(28) Components of a Transmitter

(29) FIG. 2 illustrates a component level embodiment for a transmitter 200 which may be utilized to provide wireless power transmission as in wireless power transmission 100. Transmitter 200 may include a housing 202 with at least two or more integrated antenna structures 204, at least one RF integrated circuit (RFIC 206), at least one digital signal processor (DSP) or micro-controller 208, and one communications component 210. Housing 202 can be made of any suitable material which may allow for signal or wave transmission and/or reception, for example plastic or hard rubber. Integrated antenna structures 204 may include suitable antenna types for operating in frequency bands such as 900 MHz, 2.5 GHz or 5.8 GHz as these frequency bands conform to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations part 18 (Industrial, Scientific and Medical equipment). Integrated antenna structures 204 may include vertical or horizontal polarization, right hand or left hand polarization, elliptical polarization, or other suitable polarizations as well as suitable polarization combinations. Suitable antenna types may include, for example, patch antennas with heights from about 1/24 inches to about 1 inch and widths from about 1/24 inches to about 1 inch. Other integrated antenna structures 204 types can be used, for example metamaterial antennas, dipole antennas among others. RFIC 206 may include a proprietary chip for adjusting phases and/or relative magnitudes of RF signals which may serve as inputs for integrated antenna structures 204 for controlling pocket-forming. These RF signals may be produced using an external power supply 212 and a local oscillator chip (not shown) using a suitable piezoelectric material. Micro-controller 208 may then process information sent by a receiver through communications component 210 for determining optimum times and locations for pocket-forming. Communications component 210 may be based on standard wireless communication protocols which may include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee, among others. In addition, communications component 210 may be used to transfer other information such as an identifier for the device or user, battery level, location or other such information. Other communications component 210 may be possible which may include radar, infrared cameras or sound devices for sonic triangulation for determining the device's position.

(30) Integrated Antenna Structures

(31) FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary first integrated antenna structures 300 that may include the integration of a PIFA 304 with an AMC metamaterial 302 layer for achieving a directional radiation pattern while maintaining a small form factor, according to an embodiment. Specifically, AMC metamaterial 302 may exhibit a configuration of 55 arrays of AMC unit cells 326, where these AMC unit cells 326 may include an AMC metal layer 312 and a backing metal layer 314, and may exhibit a square ring shape. Additionally, first integrated antenna structures 300 may include a monolithic four layer PCB 306 that may be used as a substrate to suitably integrate AMC metamaterial 302 with PIFA 304. For example, antenna element 308 and folded ground 310 of PIFA 304 may be formed on the top layer of PCB 306; AMC metal layer 312 of AMC metamaterial 302 may be formed in one of the inner layers of PCB 306, and may exhibit a square ring shape; backing metal layer 314 of AMC metamaterial 302 may be formed on the other available inner layer of PCB 306; and ground element 316 of PIFA 304 may be formed on the bottom layer of PCB 306.

(32) According to some aspects of this embodiment, folded ground 310 may allow to reduce the dimensions of PIFA 304. PIFA 304 dimensions in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be about 10 mm, 3.0 mm, and 2.4 mm respectively, for a system area of about 30 mm.sup.2 and a system volume of about 72 mm.sup.3.

(33) A hole 318 may be formed in backing metal layer 314 for allowing signal via 320 and ground via 322 to pass through backing metal layer 314 without electrically shortening it. As a result, ground element 316 of PIFA 304 shorted with backing metal layer 314 may become the primary ground of the first integrated antenna structures 300. At the opposite ends of this primary ground, folded ground vias 324 may short-circuit backing metal layer 314 at a crossing point. In another embodiment where PIFA 304 has no folded ground 310, folded ground vias 324 may be also formed to electrically short backing metal layer 314 and ground element 316.

(34) FIG. 4 illustrates top and side views of first integrated antenna structures 300. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, PIFA 304 may occupy about three AMC unit cells 326 of the AMC metamaterial 302 formed on PCB 306. In some embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 4A, first integrated antenna structures 300 may include dimensions of about 18 mm and 18 mm for m and n respectively, for a system area of about 324 mm.sup.2.

(35) FIG. 4B shows a side view of first integrated antenna structures 300 where it may be noticed how the AMC metamaterial 302 is integrated with PIFA 304. As shown in FIG. 4B, antenna element 308 and folded ground 310 may be formed on top side of PCB 306, while ground element 316 may be formed on the bottom side of PCB 306. Backing metal layer 314 and AMC metal layer 312 may be formed in the inner layers of PCB 306, between antenna element 308 and ground element 316. Folded ground vias 324, signal via 320, and ground via 322 are also illustrated in FIG. 4B according to embodiments described herein. Thickness h of first integrated antenna structures 300 may be about 2.4 mm.

(36) Overall dimensions for first integrated antenna structures 300 may vary according to the dimensions used for the AMC metamaterial 302 and PIFA 304, as well as the desired application.

(37) FIG. 5 illustrates the return loss and radiation pattern 500 of exemplary first integrated antenna structures 300 when fed by a 50-Ohm port. As shown in FIG. 5A, first integrated antenna structures 300 may exhibit an impedance bandwidth of about 160 MHz at 10 dB, where this bandwidth may provide sufficient margins for possible detuning upon integration of the exemplary first integrated antenna structures 300 into an electronic device or a larger PCB. Radiation efficiency of first integrated antenna structures 300 may be of about 72% at 5.8 GHz.

(38) FIG. 5B illustrates the radiation pattern of first integrated antenna structures 300, where the maximum gain may be of about 2.2 dBi at 5.8 GHz. First integrated antenna structures 300 may exhibit a directional radiation pattern, more specifically, a directional broadside pattern that may be about twice of that of the omnidirectional radiation pattern exhibited by PIFA 304 alone or without the AMC metamaterial 302. In this way, by integrating the AMC metamaterial 302 with PIFA 304 in the first integrated antenna structures 300, the omnidirectional pattern of PIFA 304 may be changed to a directional pattern as exhibited in FIG. 5B, where the AMC metamaterial 302 may operate as an artificial magnetic reflector, sending all the energy upwards. Still, the overall dimensions of first integrated antenna structures 300 may be about 0.3450.3450.05.sup.3 which may significantly smaller compared to conventional directional antennas such as a patch antennas, half-wave conductor-backed dipole. For example, a half-wave center-fed linear dipole with a quarter-wave backing metal reflector may need a system size of at least 0.50.50.25.sup.3 to achieve a similar performance of first integrated antenna structures 300.

(39) FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary second integrated antenna structures 600 that may include the integration of PIFA 304 with an AMC metamaterial 602 layer for achieving a directional radiation pattern while maintaining a small form factor, according to an embodiment. More specifically, AMC metamaterial 602 may exhibit a configuration of 66 arrays of AMC unit cells 626, where these AMC unit cells 626 may include an AMC metal layer 606 and backing metal layer 314, and may exhibit a square ring shape. Additionally, second integrated antenna structures 600 may include a monolithic four layer PCB 604 that may be used as a substrate to suitably integrate AMC metamaterial 602 with PIFA 304. For example, antenna element 308 and folded ground 310 of PIFA 304 may be formed on the top layer of PCB 604; AMC metal layer 606 of AMC metamaterial 602 may be formed in one of the inner layers of PCB 604 and may exhibit a square shape; backing metal layer 314 of AMC metamaterial 602 may be formed on the other available inner layer of PCB 604; and ground element 316 of PIFA 304 may be formed on the bottom layer of PCB 604.

(40) A hole 608 may be formed in backing metal layer 314 for allowing signal via 320 and ground via 322 to pass through backing metal layer 314 without electrically shortening it. As a result, ground element 316 of PIFA 304 shorted with backing metal layer 314 may become the primary ground of the second integrated antenna structures 600. At the opposite ends of this primary ground, folded ground vias 324 may short-circuit backing metal layer 314 at a crossing point. In another embodiment where PIFA 304 has no folded ground 310, folded ground vias 324 may be configured to electrically short backing metal layer 314 and ground element 316.

(41) FIG. 7 illustrates top and side views of second integrated antenna structures 600. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, PIFA 304 may occupy about eight AMC unit cells 626 of the AMC metamaterial 602 formed on PCB 604. In some embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 7A, second integrated antenna structures 600 may include dimensions of about 18 mm and 18 mm for m and n respectively, for a system area of about 324 mm.sup.2.

(42) FIG. 7B shows a side view of second integrated antenna structures 600 where it may be noticed how the AMC metamaterial 602 is integrated with PIFA 304. As shown in FIG. 7B, antenna element 308 and folded ground 310 may be formed on top side of PCB 604, while ground element 316 may be formed on the bottom side of PCB 604. Backing metal layer 314 and AMC metal layer 606 may be formed in the inner layers of PCB 604, between antenna element 308 and ground element 316. Folded ground vias 324, signal via 320, and ground via 322 are also illustrated in FIG. 7B according to embodiments described herein. Thickness h of second integrated antenna structures 600 may be about 2.4 mm.

(43) Overall dimensions for second integrated antenna structures 600 may vary according to the dimensions used for the AMC metamaterial 602 and PIFA 304, as well as the desired application.

(44) FIG. 8 illustrates the return loss and radiation pattern 800 of exemplary second integrated antenna structures 600 when fed by a 50-Ohm port. As shown in FIG. 8A, second integrated antenna structures 600 may exhibit an impedance bandwidth of about 160 MHz at 10 dB, where this bandwidth may provide sufficient margins for possible detuning upon integration of the exemplary second integrated antenna structures 600 into an electronic device or a larger PCB. Radiation efficiency of second integrated antenna structures 600 may be of about 67% at 5.8 GHz.

(45) FIG. 8B illustrates the radiation pattern of second integrated antenna structures 600, where the maximum gain may be of about 2.0 dBi at 5.8 GHz. Second integrated antenna structures 600 may exhibit a directional radiation pattern, more specifically a directional broadside pattern that may be about twice of that of the omnidirectional radiation pattern exhibited by PIFA 304 alone or without the AMC metamaterial 602. In this way, by integrating the AMC metamaterial 602 with PIFA 304 in the second integrated antenna structures 600, the omnidirectional pattern of PIFA 304 may be changed to a directional pattern as exhibited in FIG. 8B, where the AMC metamaterial 602 may operate as an artificial magnetic reflector, sending all the energy upwards. Still, the overall dimensions of second integrated antenna structures 600 may be about 0.3450.3450.05.sup.3 which may significantly smaller compared to conventional directional antennas such as patch antennas, and half-wave conductor-backed dipoles. For example, a half-wave center-fed linear dipole with a quarter-wave backing metal reflector may need a system size of at least 0.50.50.25 to achieve a similar performance of second integrated antenna structures 600.

(46) Given the compact form factors and the suitable directional radiation patterns exhibited by first integrated antenna structures 300 and second integrated antenna structures 600, they can be used in antenna arrays that may be included in transmitter 200 for wireless power transmission as described in the following embodiments.

(47) FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first flat panel antenna arrays 900 that may include a plurality of first integrated antenna structures 300, where this flat panel antenna arrays 900 can be used in transmitter 200 for sending focused RF waves towards a receiver for wireless power charging or powering, according to an embodiment.

(48) Flat panel antenna arrays 900 may include an N number of first integrated antenna structures 300 distributed in an equally spaced grid. In one embodiment, flat panel antenna arrays 900 may exhibit dimensions on the X and Y axis of about 16 inches and 14 inches respectively. First integrated antenna structures 300 formed on flat panel antenna arrays 900 may exhibit spacing h and w of about 1/10 to about 1/15. This reduced spacing between first integrated antenna structures 300 may be due to their high directionality. As a result, first integrated antenna structures 300 can be placed very close together without or minimum coupling, thereby allowing a high density of first integrated antenna structures 300 in flat panel antenna arrays 900. In one embodiment, flat panel antenna arrays 900 may fit about 418 first integrated antenna structures 300.

(49) Each first integrated antenna structures 300 in flat panel antenna arrays 900 may be operated independently, thus enabling an enhanced control over the pocket forming. For example, by individually controlling each first integrated antenna structures 300, the gain and phase of each first integrated antenna structures 300 can be adjusted for obtaining a narrower RF beam, and thereby allowing a higher coherent gain for flat panel antenna arrays 900. In addition, the higher number of first integrated antenna structures 300 may contribute to a higher gain for flat panel antenna arrays 900.

(50) In general, the number of first integrated antenna structures 300 in flat panel antenna arrays 900 may vary in relation with the desired range and power transmission capability for transmitter 200. Additionally, the spacing between each first integrated antenna structures 300 on flat panel antenna arrays 900 may vary as well. Alternate configurations for flat panel antenna arrays 900 may be considered, including circular patterns or polygon arrangements. Flat panel antenna arrays 900 may also be broken into numerous pieces and distributed across multiple surfaces (multi-faceted). Shape and orientation of first integrated antenna structures 300 may vary in dependency of the desired features of transmitter 200, as well as various orientation types and combinations in three dimensional arrangements. Additionally, the AMC metamaterial 302 in first integrated antenna structures 300 may allow radio signal transmission with high efficiency, good heat dissipation and the like.

(51) Moreover, first integrated antenna structures 300 in flat panel antenna arrays 900 may operate in frequency bands, such as 900 MHz, 2.5 GHz or 5.8 GHz as these frequency bands conform to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations part 18 (Industrial, Scientific and Medical equipment). First integrated antenna structures 300 may also operate in independent frequencies, allowing a multichannel operation of pocket-forming.

(52) In other embodiments, shielding (not shown in FIG. 9) may be applied between first integrated antenna structures 300 in flat panel antenna arrays 900 to eliminate or further reduce coupling.

(53) FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first flat panel antenna arrays 1000 that may include a plurality of second integrated antenna structures 600, where this flat panel antenna arrays 1000 can be used in transmitter 200 for sending focused RF waves towards a receiver for wireless power charging or powering, according to an embodiment.

(54) Flat panel antenna arrays 1000 may include an N number of second integrated antenna structures 600 distributed in an equally spaced grid. In one embodiment, flat panel antenna arrays 1000 may exhibit dimensions on the X and Y axis of about 16 inches and 14 inches respectively. Second integrated antenna structures 600 formed on flat panel antenna arrays 1000 may exhibit spacing h and w of about 1/10 to about 1/15. This reduced spacing between second integrated antenna structures 600 may be due to their high directionality. As a result, second integrated antenna structures 600 can be placed very close together without or minimum coupling, thereby allowing a high density of second integrated antenna structures 600 in flat panel antenna arrays 1000. In one embodiment, flat panel antenna arrays 1000 may fit about 418 second integrated antenna structures 600.

(55) Each second integrated antenna structures 600 in flat panel antenna arrays 1000 may be operated independently, thus enabling an enhanced control over the pocket forming. For example, by individually controlling each second integrated antenna structures 600, the gain and phase of each second integrated antenna structures 600 can be adjusted for obtaining a narrower RF beam, and thereby allowing a higher coherent gain for flat panel antenna arrays 1000. In addition, the higher number of second integrated antenna structures 600 may contribute to a higher gain for flat panel antenna arrays 1000.

(56) In general, the number of second integrated antenna structures 600 in flat panel antenna arrays 1000 may vary in relation with the desired range and power transmission capability for transmitter 200. Additionally, the spacing between each second integrated antenna structures 600 on flat panel antenna arrays 1000 may vary as well. Alternate configurations for flat panel antenna arrays 1000 may be considered, including circular patterns or polygon arrangements. Flat panel antenna arrays 1000 may also be broken into numerous pieces and distributed across multiple surfaces (multi-faceted). Shape and orientation of second integrated antenna structures 600 may vary in dependency of the desired features of transmitter 200, as well as various orientation types and combinations in three dimensional arrangements. Additionally, the AMC metamaterial 602 in second integrated antenna structures 600 may allow radio signal transmission with high efficiency, good heat dissipation and the like.

(57) Moreover, second integrated antenna structures 600 in flat panel antenna arrays 1000 may operate in frequency bands, such as 900 MHz, 2.5 GHz or 5.8 GHz as these frequency bands conform to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations part 18 (Industrial, Scientific and Medical equipment). Second integrated antenna structures 600 may also operate in independent frequencies, allowing a multichannel operation of pocket-forming.

(58) In other embodiments, shielding (not shown in FIG. 10) may be applied between second integrated antenna structures 600 in flat panel antenna arrays 1000 to eliminate or further reduce coupling.

(59) FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of exemplary antenna arrangement configurations 1100 where one or more integrated antenna structures 204 may be connected to at least one RFIC 206. In one embodiment, a flat transmitter 200 may include a plurality of integrated antenna structures 204, such as first integrated antenna structures 300 or second integrated antenna structures 600, connected to one or more RFIC 206 in a flat panel antenna arrays 1200 configuration.

(60) For example, FIG. 11A, illustrates a subset of 4 integrated antenna structures 204, that may be connected to a single RFIC 206.

(61) In another embodiment, a row or column of integrated antenna structures 204 may be connected to a single RFIC 206, as shown in FIG. 11B.

(62) In a further embodiment, 2 integrated antenna structures 204 (not shown in FIG. 11) may be connected to a single RFIC 206 and this in turn to a single RFIC 206, which may be connected to a final RFIC 206 and this in turn to one or more micro-controller 208. Furthermore, a higher reliability and accuracy may be achieved because multiple redundancy of RFIC 206.

(63) In another embodiment, RFIC 206 may be directly embedded behind each integrated antenna structures 204 (not shown in FIG. 11); such integration may reduce losses due the shorter distance between components. Specifically, in flat panel antenna arrays 1200, the phase and the amplitude of each pocket-forming in each integrated antenna structures 204 may be regulated by the corresponding RFIC 206 in order to generate the desired pocket-forming and null steering. RFIC 206 singled coupled to each integrated antenna structures 204 may reduce processing requirement and may increase control over pocket-forming, allowing multiple pocket-forming and a higher granular pocket-forming with less load over micro-controller 208; thus, a higher response of higher number of multiple pocket-forming may be allowed. Furthermore, multiple pocket-forming may charge a higher number of receivers and may allow a better trajectory to such receivers.

(64) In conclusion, integrated antenna structures 204 may operate in single array, pair array, quad array, or any other suitable arrangement, which may be designed in accordance with the desired application. As described in FIG. 11A, RFIC 206 may be coupled to one or more micro-controllers 208. Furthermore, micro-controllers 208 may be included into an independent base station or into flat transmitter 200.

(65) While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.