Antenna Feeding Unit Layout for Lower-Cost mmWave Base Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna modules for next-generation communication systems face challenges in simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs while maintaining high efficiency and gain, particularly in ultra-high frequency bands like mmWave.

Innovation Solution

The proposed antenna module includes a dielectric with a radiator and feeding units disposed on its surface, where the feeding units extend along a specific direction and are spaced apart from the radiator by a predetermined length, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs without compromising performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional antenna module structures are used for next-generation communication systems, then antenna performance can be maintained, but manufacturing process complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna module is divided into distinct functional layers: a ground layer, a dielectric layer, and a radiator layer. The feeding units are segmented and disposed at specific positions on the ground layer, spaced apart from the radiator by a predetermined distance. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing while maintaining antenna performance through modular assembly of these discrete components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional antenna module structures are used for next-generation communication systems, then antenna performance can be maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding units are integrated directly into the ground layer structure, eliminating the need for separate feeding structures or complex interconnections. The ground layer serves dual functions as both the reference plane and the support structure for the feeding units, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining electrical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The feeding units are disposed in a planar configuration on the ground layer, spaced apart from the radiator in the vertical dimension rather than requiring complex three-dimensional interconnections. This dimensional arrangement simplifies manufacturing by using standard PCB fabrication techniques while maintaining the required electrical characteristics for mmWave operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If feeding units are disposed close to the radiator, then manufacturing is simplified, but antenna gain and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidantenna gain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The predetermined distance between the feeding units and the radiator is optimized to achieve the desired balance between manufacturing simplicity and antenna performance. This specific spacing parameter allows for easier manufacturing compared to tightly coupled configurations while maintaining sufficient coupling for high gain and efficiency in the mmWave frequency band.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the same antenna performance as existing modules but with reduced manufacturing complexity and cost, enhancing efficiency and gain in the mmWave frequency band.

Implementation Method 1

a radiator disposed on a horizontal plane spaced apart from a first surface of the dielectric by a predetermined first length

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a dielectric; a radiator disposed on a horizontal plane spaced apart from a first surface of the dielectric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric permittivity: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 3

a first feeding unit disposed on the first surface of the dielectric and providing an electrical signal to the radiator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12444850B2Antenna module comprising feeding unit pattern and base station comprising same

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An antenna module of a base station in a wireless communication system includes: a dielectric; a radiator disposed on a horizontal plane spaced apart from a first surface of the dielectric by a predetermined first length; a first feeding unit disposed on the first surface of the dielectric and providing an electrical signal to the radiator; and a second feeding unit disposed on the first surface of the dielectric, the second feeding unit being extending along a direction in which the electrical signal is provided by the first feeding unit to the radiator. The second feeding unit being connected to the first feeding unit. A second surface of the second feeding unit is spaced apart from a third surface of the radiator by a predetermined second length.