Antenna Module Air-Layer Structure for Wideband Return Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna modules face challenges in achieving return loss reduction in a wide bandwidth and wide directivity while maintaining a small size and low profile, as methods to increase bandwidth often result in increased thickness or trade-offs in directivity.
Innovation Solution
The antenna module incorporates a first dielectric substrate with a radiating element, a second dielectric substrate with a ground electrode, and a conductive member disposed around the radiating element. A low-dielectric-constant layer, such as an air layer, is formed between the substrates, reducing the effective dielectric constant and allowing for reduced thickness while maintaining wide bandwidth and directivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the distance between the radiating element and the ground electrode is increased, then the bandwidth is widened, but the thickness of the antenna module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a low-dielectric-constant layer between the radiating element and ground electrode, changing the dielectric parameter distribution to achieve bandwidth expansion without increasing the physical distance between elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining high-dielectric-constant substrates with a low-dielectric-constant layer, creating a multi-layer dielectric system that provides both bandwidth and thickness control
2Quantity of substance
If the effective dielectric constant of the dielectric substrate is decreased, then the return loss bandwidth is widened, but the directivity becomes sharp with narrow beam width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies low-dielectric-constant material locally between the radiating element and ground electrode, rather than using it throughout the entire substrate, thereby achieving bandwidth improvement without causing excessive directivity sharpness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the dielectric constant parameter of the intermediate layer to achieve the optimal balance between bandwidth expansion and directivity maintenance
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
This configuration effectively reduces return loss across a wide bandwidth and achieves wide directivity without increasing the thickness of the antenna module, thereby addressing the trade-offs encountered in previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
A low-dielectric-constant layer having a dielectric constant lower than that of the first dielectric substrate is disposed between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate
Implementation Method 2
arrangement of conductive members around the radiating element in the low-dielectric-constant layer causes part of an electromagnetic field, which occurs between the radiating element and the ground electrode, to be blocked
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna module includes a dielectric substrate, in or on which a feed element is formed, a dielectric substrate, in which a ground electrode (GND) is formed, and conductive members. The dielectric substrate is disposed opposite the dielectric substrate. When viewed in plan in the direction normal to the feed element, the conductive members are disposed around the feed element. An air layer is formed between the dielectric substrate and the dielectric substrate. The conductive members are formed in the air layer.