Antenna Module Air-Gap Structure for Thin mm-Wave Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna modules for mm-Wave applications face issues such as large size, high cost, inflexibility, thick substrates, and complex manufacturing processes, which are unsuitable for mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
The proposed antenna module design incorporates a spacer with conductive elements and air gaps to maintain a constant distance between antenna substrates and metallization structures, reducing thickness and complexity while improving shielding and frequency performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate antenna module is added to the camera module, then wireless communication function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna module and camera module into a single integrated assembly. The antenna module includes a first substrate with communication antennas, while the camera module includes a second substrate with camera lenses and sensors. These modules are positioned adjacent to each other and fixed together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both wireless communication capabilities through the antenna module and imaging capabilities through the camera module. The housing structure protects both functions, and the unified design allows the assembly to function as both a communication device and a imaging device.
2Reliability
If antenna elements are arranged in specific patterns for MIMO, then communication reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna module is divided into multiple independent antenna elements (first antenna, second antenna, third antenna, fourth antenna) arranged in specific patterns on the first substrate. Each antenna element can be designed and positioned independently to achieve the required MIMO configuration, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes while maintaining precise relative positioning through the substrate structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Aspects disclosed herein include a device including a first antenna substrate including one or more antennas. The device also includes a metallization structure. The device also includes a first spacer disposed between the first antenna substrate and the metallization structure, configured to maintain a constant distance between the first antenna substrate and the metallization structure. The device also includes a first plurality of conductive elements, disposed within the first spacer, configured to electrically couple the first antenna substrate to the metallization structure. The device also includes where the first spacer is configured to enclose all the conductive elements, electrically coupled to the first antenna substrate, and is configured to form an air gap between the first antenna substrate and the metallization structure. The device also includes where the first plurality of conductive elements is separated by air in the air gap.