Antenna Array Isolation Layout for Wider 5G mmWave Beam Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G NR mmWave antenna arrays, the coupling effect between patch antennas limits the scanning angle, necessitating a solution to increase isolation between antenna elements to enhance steering capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The antenna array device incorporates a substrate with multiple antenna elements of opposing polarization directions and a metal ground plate, featuring a first isolation unit group between adjacent elements, with the isolation units arranged perpendicular to the polarization directions and connected to the ground via, to increase signal isolation and steering angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple antenna elements are arranged closely in an antenna array, then the device area is reduced and integration is improved, but coupling effect between antenna elements increases and isolation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna array device areaVSAvoidcoupling effect between antenna elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces isolation units as intermediary structures positioned between adjacent antenna elements. These isolation units act as mediators that block electromagnetic coupling between closely spaced antenna elements, enabling the antenna array to achieve sufficient isolation while maintaining compact dimensions. The isolation units are strategically placed at coupling-prone locations to prevent harmful electromagnetic interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the antenna array structure by dividing it into isolated antenna element groups separated by isolation units. This segmentation approach breaks the continuous electromagnetic interaction between antenna elements, allowing each element or group to operate more independently. The segmentation is achieved through physical isolation structures that divide the antenna array into distinct functional zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If isolation units are added between antenna elements, then signal isolation and steering angle are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal isolation between antenna elementsVSAvoidantenna array device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin film-like isolation units that provide effective electromagnetic isolation while occupying minimal space. These isolation units are designed as thin structures that can be integrated into the antenna array without significantly increasing overall device thickness or complexity. The thin film approach allows isolation functionality to be added with minimal impact on device geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the isolation unit design with the ground structure by connecting isolation units to the ground plate through vias. This merging approach allows the isolation units to be integrated into the existing ground system, reducing the need for separate isolation structures and simplifying the overall device architecture. The combination of isolation and grounding functions reduces component count and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 significantly enhances signal isolation between antenna elements, thereby increasing the steering angle and reducing coupling effects, meeting the isolation requirements of the 5G NR standard.

Implementation Method 1

The first isolation unit group is disposed between adjacent two of the multiple antenna elements... increases isolation between the antenna elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic isolation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

each of the two isolation units comprises an outer end and an inner end opposite to the outer end, and the inner end is connected to the metal ground plate via a second via

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12191574B2Antenna array device

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)

AI summary

An antenna array device provided, which includes a substrate, multiple antenna elements, a metal ground plate and a first isolation unit group. The multiple antenna elements are disposed on a first surface of the substrate. The multiple antenna elements have a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction opposite to the first polarization direction. The first isolation unit group is disposed between adjacent two of the multiple antenna elements. An arrangement direction of the first isolation unit group is perpendicular to the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction. The first isolation unit group is two isolation units which are adjacent, each of which comprises an outer end and an inner end opposite to the outer end. The inner end is connected to the metal ground plate disposed on a second surface of the substrate via a second via.