Antenna Array With Waveguide Elements For Monostatic MIMO
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Solution Overview
Problem
Antenna arrays face challenges in compactly aligning transmission and reception antennas due to the spatial requirements of their feeding networks, which is crucial for achieving monostatic configurations necessary for accurate angular accuracy in MIMO systems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates transmission and reception antennas on different layers of a printed circuit board, with waveguide elements connecting them, allowing for reduced lateral distance and alignment, enabling monostatic operation while maintaining transmission and reception directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transmission and reception antennas are placed close together for monostatic operation, then angular accuracy is improved, but the feeding networks require excessive installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a planar (2D) arrangement to a three-dimensional (3D) stacked configuration. Transmission and reception antennas are placed on different layers of the PCB, utilizing the vertical dimension (Z-axis) to reduce lateral distance. This allows the antennas to be closely spaced in 3D space while accommodating feeding networks on separate layers, thereby achieving monostatic operation with improved angular accuracy without excessive installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by integrating multiple functional components within a compact stacked structure. The transmission antenna, reception antenna, and their respective feeding networks are nested within the same PCB assembly across different layers. The waveguide elements are embedded within the PCB structure, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes overall volume while maintaining electrical connectivity and antenna performance.
2Volume of moving object
If transmission and reception antennas are placed on different layers to reduce lateral distance, then compactness is improved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces waveguide elements as intermediary components to connect antennas on different PCB layers. These waveguide elements serve as mediators that facilitate electromagnetic energy transfer between layers while maintaining a compact structure. The waveguides are integrated into the PCB design, providing structured pathways that simplify the connection process compared to alternative inter-layer coupling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated PCB structures. The feeding networks for both transmission and reception antennas are combined into the PCB layer structure, with waveguide elements integrated directly into the board. This merging of functions (antenna elements, feeding networks, and waveguides) into a unified PCB assembly reduces overall connection complexity despite the multi-layer configuration.
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 allows for a compact, monostatic antenna array that effectively operates in MIMO mode, enhancing angular accuracy and reducing grating lobes, while enabling scanning of multiple areas with precise boresight direction alignment.
Implementation Method 1
At least one waveguide element is provided in the printed circuit board, wherein the at least one waveguide element extends through the printed circuit board. The at least one waveguide element is configured to conduct electromagnetic waves at least between the first RF layer and the second RF layer.
Implementation Method 2
The at least one waveguide element is coupled with the at least one transmission antenna, such that the at least one transmission antenna can radiate through the at least one waveguide element
Implementation Method 3
the at least one waveguide element is coupled with the at least one reception antenna, such that the at least one reception antenna can be fed through the at least one waveguide element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
An antenna array (10) is described. The antenna array (10) comprises a printed circuit board (12), at least one reception antenna (14), at least one transmission antenna (16), a reception feeding network (38) associated with the at least one reception antenna (14), and a transmission feeding network (36) associated with the at least one transmission antenna (16). The printed circuit board (12) comprises a first RF layer and a second RF layer, wherein the first RF layer and the second RF layer are arranged on opposite sides of the printed circuit board (12) and/or wherein the first RF layer (18) and the second RF layer (22) form different layers of the printed circuit board (12). The first RF layer comprises the at least one transmission antenna (16) and the transmission feeding network (36). The second RF layer comprises the at least one reception antenna (14) and the reception feeding network (38). At least one waveguide element is provided in the printed circuit board, wherein the at least one waveguide element extends through the printed circuit board. The at least one waveguide element is configured to conduct electromagnetic waves at least between the first RF layer and the second RF layer. The at least one waveguide element is coupled with the at least one transmission antenna (16), such that the at least one transmission antenna (16) can radiate through the at least one waveguide element, and/or the at least one waveguide element is coupled with the at least one reception antenna (14), such that the at least one reception antenna (14) can be fed through the at least one waveguide element.