A high-gain printed circuit antenna

Abstract

This utility model discloses a high-gain printed circuit antenna, including a PCB substrate, a radiating element, a signal point, a feed point, and a ground plane. The radiating element, signal point, feed point, and ground plane are all disposed on the front side of the PCB substrate. The radiating element includes a first metal segment, a second metal segment, a third metal segment, and a fourth metal segment. The first metal segment is connected to the second metal segment, the second metal segment is connected to the third metal segment and the fourth metal segment, the signal point is connected to the third metal segment, and the feed point is connected to the fourth metal segment and the ground plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a high-gain printed circuit antenna. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of wireless communication technology, antennas are used to transmit and receive signals. Currently, the types of antennas on the market include ceramic antennas, printed circuit board (PCB) antennas, flexible printed circuit board (FPC) antennas, and laser-direct-sculpted (LDS) antennas. Among these, PCB antennas are widely used in circuit boards of communication products such as 2.4G wireless, BLE, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee devices due to their advantages of ease of design, standardized production, and high manufacturing efficiency.

[0003] Existing technologies such as ceramic antennas, FPC antennas, and LDS antennas have the following drawbacks: ceramic antennas are sensitive to circuit board layout, require strict clearance areas, and increase product costs; FPC antennas have complex assembly processes, requiring additional assembly and connection, and have lower mechanical strength compared to rigid PCB antennas; LDS antennas have complex manufacturing processes, requiring special injection molding materials and laser equipment, and are severely limited by structural space in application scenarios. These drawbacks lead to increased product costs, low assembly efficiency, and limit the application of antennas in compact devices. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a high-gain printed circuit antenna.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: This utility model provides a high-gain printed circuit antenna, including a PCB substrate, a radiating element, a signal point, a feed point, and a ground plane. The radiating element, signal point, feed point, and ground plane are all disposed on the front side of the PCB substrate. The radiating element includes a first metal segment, a second metal segment, a third metal segment, and a fourth metal segment. The first metal segment is connected to the second metal segment, the second metal segment is connected to the third metal segment and the fourth metal segment, the signal point is connected to the third metal segment, and the feed point is connected to the fourth metal segment and the ground plane.

[0006] Preferably, the PCB substrate is an FR-4 substrate.

[0007] Preferably, the first metal segment, the second metal segment, the third metal segment, and the fourth metal segment are all copper foil.

[0008] Preferably, the first metal segment is a horizontally arranged copper foil with a size of 1.0mm × 15.0mm.

[0009] Preferably, the second metal segment is a horizontally arranged copper foil with a size of 3.5mm × 5.0mm.

[0010] Preferably, the third metal segment is a longitudinally arranged copper foil with a size of 1.0mm × 3.2mm.

[0011] Preferably, the fourth metal segment is a longitudinally arranged copper foil with a size of 1.0mm × 3.2mm.

[0012] Preferably, the head of the second metal segment is connected to the tail of the first metal segment; the third metal segment and the fourth metal segment are respectively perpendicularly connected to one end of the tail of the second metal segment.

[0013] The technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a high-gain printed circuit antenna. By integrating the radiating element, signal point, feed point, and ground plane onto the front side of a PCB substrate, a compact structural layout is formed. The antenna function is achieved solely through PCB traces, eliminating the need for additional materials or independent components, thereby reducing product costs and avoiding the procurement of specialized materials required for ceramic antennas and the complex manufacturing processes of FPC / LDS antennas. Simultaneously, this design simplifies the assembly process, as it is integrally molded with the circuit board, eliminating the need for separate assembly or connection, improving production efficiency and mechanical strength, reducing damage, and enhancing overall reliability.

[0014] The specific comparison is as follows: I. Compared to ceramic antennas: The original technology used high-dielectric-constant ceramic materials as the antenna carrier. This invention adopts a 2.4G PCB antenna layout on a PCB and utilizes the multi-layer structure of the PCB to achieve the required electrical length within a limited area, thereby reducing costs (completely eliminating expensive ceramic materials), simplifying the supply chain and assembly (eliminating a separate SMT component), and improving reliability (avoiding the risk of microcracks or breakage that may occur in ceramic antennas due to thermal stress, and being integrally molded with the PCB body, resulting in a more robust structure).

[0015] II. Compared to FPC antennas: The original technology used a flexible polyimide substrate, which was glued to the inner shell of the device and connected to the motherboard via spring contacts or coaxial cables. This invention, within the same device space, completely eliminates the external FPC antenna, directly routing the antenna as a trace on the main PCB. This simplifies the assembly process (board-to-board connector insertion is more reliable and easier to automate, eliminating the steps of gluing the FPC and aligning the spring contacts), improves connection reliability (avoiding contact problems caused by spring contact vibration, and the rigid structure of the PCB antenna board is less prone to damage), and reduces costs (in large-volume production, the cost of a standard connector is lower than the sum of the cost of an FPC and a dedicated spring contact).

[0016] III. Compared to LDS antennas: The original technology used specially injection-molded plastic parts to form antenna patterns on a three-dimensional curved surface through laser direct plating technology. This invention, within the same equipment space, completely eliminates the external LDS antenna, directly routing the antenna as a trace on the main PCB, thereby significantly reducing costs, shortening the manufacturing cycle (PCB manufacturing is mature and efficient, faster than the secondary processing of LDS), and ensuring precision (the circuit precision of PCB technology is generally higher than that of LDS technology).

[0017] Furthermore, the radiating element of this antenna consists of a first metal segment, a second metal segment, a third metal segment, and a fourth metal segment. Through specific connection relationships (such as the head of the second metal segment being connected to the tail of the first metal segment, and the third and fourth metal segments being perpendicularly connected to one end of the tail of the second metal segment) and size optimization (such as the first metal segment being 1.0mm×15.0mm and the second metal segment being 3.5mm×5.0mm), high gain performance in a limited space is achieved. Compared with traditional ceramic antennas, it reduces the dependence on the clearance area and obtains better radiation efficiency and signal matching in the 2.4GHz band. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 Top-level view of a 2.4GHz PCB antenna provided for an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 The bottom layer diagram of the 2.4GHz PCB antenna provided for an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 Return loss diagram of a 2.4GHz PCB antenna provided for an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 Gain diagram of a 2.4GHz PCB antenna provided for an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 4 This utility model provides a high-gain printed circuit antenna for use in wireless communication fields, such as 2.4G wireless, BLE, WIFI, and Zigbee communication products. This antenna achieves high-gain performance by optimizing the structure and layout of the radiating elements, while simultaneously reducing costs, simplifying assembly processes, and improving mechanical strength and reliability.

[0025] The high-gain printed circuit antenna includes a PCB substrate 100, a radiating element 110, a signal point 120, a feed point 121, and a ground plane 130. The radiating element 110, signal point 120, feed point 121, and ground plane 130 are all disposed on the front side of the PCB substrate 100. Specifically, the radiating element 110 includes a first metal segment 111, a second metal segment 112, a third metal segment 113, and a fourth metal segment 114. The first metal segment 111 is connected to the second metal segment 112, the second metal segment 112 is connected to the third metal segment 113 and the fourth metal segment 114 respectively, the signal point 120 is connected to the third metal segment 113, and the feed point 121 is connected to the fourth metal segment 114 and the ground plane 130 respectively.

[0026] In this structure, the PCB substrate 100 uses an FR-4 substrate, which has good electrical performance and mechanical strength, making it suitable for mass production of printed circuit boards. The first metal segment 111, the second metal segment 112, the third metal segment 113, and the fourth metal segment 114 are all copper foil, formed on the front side of the PCB substrate 100 by an etching process, ensuring that the antenna and the circuit board are integrally formed without additional assembly.

[0027] The specific connection relationships are as follows: the head of the second metal segment 112 is connected to the tail of the first metal segment 111, forming a continuous radiation path; the third metal segment 113 and the fourth metal segment 114 are respectively perpendicularly connected to one end of the tail of the second metal segment 112. This perpendicular connection design optimizes the current distribution and improves the antenna's radiation efficiency and gain performance. The signal point 120 serves as a signal input / output point and is directly connected to the third metal segment 113 for connecting to external RF circuits; the feed point 121 serves as a ground reference point and connects both the fourth metal segment 114 and the ground plane 130 to ensure stable signal transmission and grounding shielding.

[0028] In terms of dimensions, the first metal segment 111 is a horizontally arranged copper foil with dimensions of 1.0mm × 15.0mm, used to extend the length of the radiating arm and improve low-frequency response; the second metal segment 112 is a horizontally arranged copper foil with dimensions of 3.5mm × 5.0mm, serving as a transition segment to connect and distribute signals to the branch; the third metal segment 113 is a vertically arranged copper foil with dimensions of 1.0mm × 3.2mm, used for the signal feed path; and the fourth metal segment 114 is a vertically arranged copper foil with dimensions of 1.0mm × 3.2mm, used for the grounding path. This size design is based on wavelength calculations for the 2.4GHz band, ensuring that the antenna achieves a quarter-wavelength or similar resonant structure within a limited space, thereby obtaining high gain.

[0029] The antenna operates as follows: the signal is input from signal point 120, transmitted through the third metal segment 113 to the second metal segment 112, and then branches to the first metal segment 111 and the fourth metal segment 114. The first metal segment 111 serves as the main radiating arm, generating electromagnetic wave radiation; the fourth metal segment 114 connects the feed point 121 and the ground plane 130, providing a grounding loop and reducing signal reflection. The layout of the entire radiating element 110 forms a structure similar to an inverted F or a branching structure, achieving high gain and wide bandwidth characteristics in the 2.4GHz frequency band, while utilizing the planar characteristics of the PCB substrate 100 to reduce the requirement for clearance area.

[0030] Compared to existing technologies, the antenna in this embodiment does not require ceramic materials, flexible substrates, or laser direct forming processes. It is implemented solely through PCB traces, reducing costs (saving on additional component procurement and assembly expenses), simplifying production (integrated molding with the main circuit board, eliminating the need for separate SMT placement or adhesives), and improving reliability (the rigid structure is less prone to damage, avoiding poor contact caused by vibration). Test results show that the antenna's gain in the 2.4GHz band is approximately 1-2 dB higher than that of traditional ceramic antennas, and assembly efficiency is improved by more than 30%.

[0031] In practical applications, this antenna can be integrated into the PCB board of a wireless router, smart home device, or IoT module. Performance at specific frequencies can be further optimized by adjusting the dimensions of the metal segments (e.g., fine-tuning the lengths of the third and fourth metal segments), but the dimensions in this embodiment are optimized for standard 2.4G applications.

[0032] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A high-gain printed circuit antenna, characterized in that, The device includes a PCB substrate, a radiating unit, a signal point, a feed point, and a ground plane. The radiating unit, signal point, feed point, and ground plane are all disposed on the front side of the PCB substrate. The radiating unit includes a first metal segment, a second metal segment, a third metal segment, and a fourth metal segment. The first metal segment is connected to the second metal segment, the second metal segment is connected to the third metal segment and the fourth metal segment, the signal point is connected to the third metal segment, and the feed point is connected to the fourth metal segment and the ground plane.

2. The high-gain printed circuit antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PCB substrate is an FR-4 substrate.

3. The high-gain printed circuit antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first metal segment, the second metal segment, the third metal segment, and the fourth metal segment are all copper foil.

4. The high-gain printed circuit antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first metal segment is a horizontally arranged copper foil with a size of 1.0mm × 15.0mm.

5. A high-gain printed circuit antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second metal segment is a horizontally arranged copper foil with a size of 3.5mm × 5.0mm.

6. A high-gain printed circuit antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third metal segment is a longitudinally arranged copper foil with a size of 1.0mm × 3.2mm.

7. A high-gain printed circuit antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fourth metal segment is a longitudinally arranged copper foil with a size of 1.0mm × 3.2mm.

8. The high-gain printed circuit antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The head of the second metal segment is connected to the tail of the first metal segment; the third metal segment and the fourth metal segment are respectively perpendicularly connected to one end of the tail of the second metal segment.

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