Antenna Array Sharing Aperture With MIFA
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity and miniaturization of electronic devices lead to challenges in efficiently integrating multiple antennas without interference, particularly in devices with signal-impeding enclosures, where the number of apertures required becomes undesirable.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless device with an antenna array and a separate antenna, where the separate antenna can overlap with the antenna array, sharing an aperture, and utilizing a meandered inverted-F antenna (MIFA) configuration to support multiple frequency bands, including mm-wave frequencies, while minimizing space and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are integrated into compact electronic devices, then the device functionality and wireless communication capability are improved, but antenna interference and coupling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions antennas in three-dimensional space with specific spacing relationships. Antennas are arranged at different heights and angles relative to the device enclosure, utilizing vertical and angular dimensions rather than only horizontal placement. This spatial dimensionality allows multiple antennas to operate simultaneously with reduced coupling while maintaining compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independently positioned elements with distinct orientations. Each antenna is separately configured with specific spacing from the enclosure and from each other, allowing individual optimization of each antenna's performance while minimizing mutual interference through strategic segmentation of the overall antenna array.
2Reliability
If apertures are provided in signal-impeding enclosure materials for antenna transmission, then signal transmission is improved, but the number of apertures becomes undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the antenna system so that a single aperture in the device enclosure serves multiple antennas simultaneously. The aperture is positioned and dimensioned to accommodate radiation from multiple antenna elements, allowing one opening to fulfill the transmission function for several antennas rather than requiring separate apertures for each antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple antenna radiation paths through a shared aperture in the enclosure. By merging the transmission function of multiple antennas through a common opening, the design reduces the total number of apertures required while maintaining signal transmission quality for all antennas through careful positioning and spacing.
3Reliability
If antennas are isolated some distance away from one another to avoid interference, then antenna coupling is reduced, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional positioning to achieve antenna isolation without increasing horizontal device footprint. Antennas are spaced vertically and angularly rather than only horizontally, allowing adequate isolation distances to be achieved within the vertical dimension of compact devices, thus reducing coupling while maintaining small overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spacing configurations to different antenna pairs based on their specific frequency bands and radiation patterns. Critical antenna elements that operate at similar frequencies are positioned with greater spacing, while antennas operating at widely different frequencies are placed closer together, optimizing isolation where needed while minimizing overall device volume.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device includes a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna may be configured to transmit or receive through an aperture provided by the device. The second antenna may include an array of a plurality of antenna elements configured to transmit or receive through the aperture. The plurality of antenna elements may overlap at least a portion of the first antenna.