Antenna Module Coaxial Connector Layout for Stable mmWave Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Signal attenuation occurs in coaxial cables connected to antenna modules due to unstable coupling, leading to partial loss of communication signals in portable electronic devices, especially in high-frequency bands like mmWave communication.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device configuration with a coaxial cable system that includes a flexible printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit, and a communication processor, where the coaxial cable connects the processor to the antenna module through a connector, minimizing signal loss by reducing the length of the transmission path and stabilizing the connection using a fixing member that extends from the device housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the signal line length is increased to connect the communication processor to the antenna module, then the connection flexibility is improved, but signal attenuation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the communication processor and the antenna module. This connector provides a stable electrical connection point that allows for flexible routing of the signal line while maintaining signal integrity. The connector acts as a mediator that decouples the physical routing flexibility from the electrical connection stability, allowing the signal line to be routed flexibly without causing signal attenuation.
2Device complexity
If the coupling between the coaxial cable and the connector is not stable, then the device complexity is reduced, but communication signals are partially lost
Solution Approach 1:
A fixing member is provided that extends from the housing to preliminarily secure the connector in a stable position before final connection. This preliminary action of positioning and securing the connector prevents instability issues that would otherwise require complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining simple device structure while ensuring reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member extends from the housing to provide curved or angled support structure that naturally guides and secures the connector in the optimal position. This curved support structure provides stable coupling between the coaxial cable and connector without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems.
3Reliability
If a fixing member is added to stabilize the connector connection, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but the internal space of the device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the connector, ensures stable electrical connection, and acts as part of the overall device housing structure. By making the fixing member multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated separate components that would consume additional space, thereby maintaining connector stability while minimizing space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is integrated into the existing housing structure, with the connector nested within the space defined by the fixing member. This nested arrangement allows the fixing member to provide stabilization without occupying additional external space, as it utilizes the existing structural volume of the device housing.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an antenna module including an antenna array, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) connected with the antenna array and a flexible printed circuit board connected with the RFIC, a connector disposed on the flexible printed circuit board, a communication processor disposed on a first printed circuit board, a coaxial cable electrically connecting the flexible printed circuit board and the communication processor through the connector, and a second printed circuit board configured to electrically connect the communication processor and the flexible printed circuit board. The communication processor provides a data signal to be transmitted to an external electronic device to the RFIC along a first path in the flexible printed circuit board through the coaxial cable and the connector, and provide a control signal to the RFIC along a second path in the flexible printed circuit board through the second printed circuit board.