Wireless Point to Multipoint System

Abstract

A patch array antenna includes a base on which is defined a ground plane. A plurality of first patch elements are configured to resonate over a frequency range. Each patch element is isolated from the ground plane and disposed on the base over the ground plane so that an air dielectric is defined between the patch element and the ground plane. A plurality of parasitic second patch elements are disposed on the second base so that the second patch elements face the first patch elements across an air filled gap.

1 . A point to multipoint wireless communication system, said system comprising:
 an access point configured to receive data signals from an external system, the access point having an antenna, a processor and circuitry in communication with the access point antenna and controlled by the access point processor to transmit wireless electromagnetic signals corresponding to the data signals to, and receive wireless electromagnetic signals from, a geographic area; and   a plurality of subscriber units disposed within the area, each said subscriber unit having an antenna, a processor and circuitry controlled by the subscriber unit processor to transmit wireless electromagnetic signals to, and receive wireless electromagnetic signals from, the access point for communication with the external system,   wherein each of the access point antenna and the subscriber unit antennas comprises
 a first base on which is defined a ground plane, 
 a plurality of first patch elements configured to resonate over a frequency range, each first patch element
 isolated from the ground plane and disposed on the first base over the ground plane so that an air dielectric is defined between the first patch element and the ground plane, and 
 defining a resonant portion, 
 
   a feed network defined on the first base so that the ground plane is between the feed network and the first patch elements,   with respect to each first patch element, a respective electric current conductor electrically connecting the resonant portion of the first patch element and the feed network so that the feed network electrically connects the first patch element to one or more output points on the first base,   a second base spaced apart from the first base, and   a plurality of parasitic second patch elements disposed on the second base so that the plurality of second patch elements faces the plurality of first patch elements across an air-filled gap.   
     
     
         2 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the ground plane is defined on a first side of the first base, and the feed network is defined on a second side of the first base opposite the first side. 
     
     
         3 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein each first patch element includes a planar metallic main portion. 
     
     
         4 . The system as in  claim 3 , wherein the main portions are disposed in a common plane. 
     
     
         5 . A patch array antenna, said antenna comprising:
 a first base on which is defined a ground plane,   a plurality of first patch elements configured to resonate over a frequency range, each first patch element
 isolated from the ground plane and disposed on the first base over the ground plane so that an air dielectric is defined between the first patch element and the ground plane, and 
 defining a resonant portion, 
   a feed network defined on the first base so that the ground plane is between the feed network and the first patch elements,   with respect to each first patch element, a respective electric current conductor electrically connecting the resonant portion of the first patch element and the feed network so that the feed network electrically connects the first patch element to one or more output points on the first base,   a second base spaced apart from the first base, and   a plurality of parasitic second patch elements disposed on the second base so that the plurality of second patch elements faces the plurality of first patch elements across an air-filled gap.   
     
     
         6 . The antenna as in  claim 5 , wherein the ground plane is defined on a first side of the first base, and the feed network is defined on a second side of the first base opposite the first side. 
     
     
         7 . The antenna as in  claim 5 , wherein each first patch element includes a planar metallic main portion. 
     
     
         8 . The antenna as in  claim 7 , wherein the main portions are disposed in a common plane.