3D Antenna Array Structure for Compact 5G Beam Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna technologies for microwave and millimeter-wave frequency ranges face challenges in enhancing user mobility and communication complexity, particularly in 5G networks, due to strained network resources and increased data bandwidth demands.
Innovation Solution
A miniature antenna element with a looped resonator configuration, three-dimensional ground assembly, and dielectric material, capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals, is designed for surface mount technology, allowing for adjustable radiation direction and high gain directional antennas through various orientations and configurations on a printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna designs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but communication capability and data rate are insufficient for 5G requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple independent elements including a resonator element, director element, and reflector element, each with specific functions. This segmentation allows the antenna to achieve enhanced communication capabilities through multiple radiating elements while managing complexity through modular design where each element can be independently optimized and manufactured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar 2D antenna designs to three-dimensional structures with elements extending in multiple spatial dimensions. The resonator, director, and reflector are positioned at different heights and orientations, creating a 3D radiation pattern that enhances communication capability in multiple directions simultaneously, addressing the limitations of conventional 2D designs.
2Volume of moving object
If antenna size is reduced for mobile devices, then device portability is improved, but radiation efficiency and gain deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are nested within a compact housing structure where the resonator, director, and reflector are arranged in a space-efficient configuration. The elements are positioned to utilize three-dimensional space effectively, with some elements nested or adjacent to others, achieving miniaturization while maintaining the necessary separation for efficient radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific geometric parameters and dimensional ratios for the resonator, director, and reflector elements that are optimized for miniaturization. By carefully controlling the dimensions, spacing, and orientations of these elements, the antenna achieves compact volume while maintaining radiation efficiency through resonant frequency tuning and impedance matching.
3Productivity
If directional radiation is optimized for specific applications, then communication performance is improved, but adaptability to different orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design incorporates multiple radiating elements (resonator, director, reflector) that can be activated independently or in combination, allowing the antenna to serve multiple functions. The same physical structure can optimize for different radiation patterns and orientations depending on which elements are energized and how they are phased, providing both directional performance and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system enables dynamic control of radiation direction through electronic phase shifting and amplitude modulation of the multiple elements. By adjusting the excitation parameters of the resonator, director, and reflector, the beam direction and radiation pattern can be dynamically changed to adapt to different communication scenarios and device orientations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides enhanced communication capabilities with improved data rates and coverage by optimizing frequency and beam shapes, supporting 5G standards in microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies, and enabling flexible radiation direction for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
the resonator formed in a substantially looped configuration with a feed line and a terminal end and which is capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals
Implementation Method 2
an isolated director capable of directing wireless radio frequency (RF) signals for a resonator
Implementation Method 3
a dielectric material located between the director, the resonator, the top metal ground plate, and the bottom metal ground plate
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna element comprises one or more directors, a resonator, and a three dimensional ground assembly. Parts of the antenna element are arranged on three metal layers. A top layer has an unconnected metal bar which forms a beam director, a resonator and a top part of the ground assembly. The resonator is an integral piece substantially in the form of a loop connected to a feed line and a feed line terminal ending. The feed line terminal ending serves as the ground plane for the feed line as well as providing impedance matching from the external transceiver circuit to the resonator. The ground assembly includes a top layer ground connected to a plurality of metallized half cylindrical hole channels (or metallized via holes) which connect to a ground terminal in a bottom layer.