Antenna Feed Network PCB Layout to Reduce RF Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional feed networks for antennas are bulky and prone to interference due to the placement of components on opposite sides of the reflector, leading to increased passive intermodulation distortion and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
The feed network is redesigned with an adjustable electromechanical phase shifter and phase shifting unit on the same side as the radiating elements, using conductive traces for signal coupling and integrating multiple functions on a single printed circuit board, reducing interference and minimizing space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If components are placed on opposite sides of the reflector to reduce interference, then interference is reduced, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase shifter and power divider components onto a single printed circuit board located on the same side as the radiating elements. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components on opposite sides of the reflector, reducing device complexity while maintaining interference reduction through proper grounding and shielding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional distribution of components on opposite sides of the reflector to a two-dimensional integration on a single printed circuit board. This dimensional change allows all necessary components to be co-located on one side while managing interference through planar routing and grounding strategies.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If components are placed on opposite sides of the reflector, then interference is reduced, but the antenna size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter and power divider are merged into a single integrated circuit board, eliminating the need for separate component housings and mounting structures on both sides of the reflector. This integration significantly reduces the overall antenna volume while maintaining electromagnetic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple functional components (phase shifter, power divider, grounding elements) within the confines of a single printed circuit board structure. This nesting approach allows all necessary components to be contained within a compact footprint, minimizing the antenna's overall volume.
3Reliability
If jumper cables are used to couple radiating elements, then signal transmission is achieved, but passive intermodulation distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal coupling function from traditional jumper cables and implements it through controlled impedance traces on the printed circuit board. This extraction eliminates the mechanical connections and potential contact points that generate passive intermodulation distortion, while maintaining reliable signal transmission through optimized PCB routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical jumper cable system with an integrated printed circuit board trace system. This substitution eliminates mechanical connections, contact resistance, and potential sources of passive intermodulation distortion, while providing stable and reliable signal transmission through controlled impedance design.
4Volume of moving object
If multiple components are integrated on a single printed circuit board, then space is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: signal distribution, phase shifting, power division, and grounding. By making the PCB a multi-functional universal platform, the patent reduces the total number of discrete components and assembly steps, thereby simplifying manufacturing despite the increased integration density.
Data Source
AI summary
A feed network includes an adjustable electromechanical phase shifter that comprises a main printed circuit board and a phase shifting unit. The adjustable electromechanical phase shifter is configured to shift the phase of an RF signal that is input to the feed network and provide the phase shifted RF signal to at least one radiating element that is positioned on a first side of a reflector of an antenna, where the phase shifting unit is formed on the surface of a first side of the main printed circuit board, and the first side of the main printed circuit board is a side that is closer to the at least one radiating element, and the main printed circuit board is positioned on the first side of the reflector.