Integrated Antenna-Filter PCB Assembly for Low-PIM 5G AAS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna and filter units in 4G and 5G Advanced Antenna Systems face challenges with Passive Intermodulation (PIM) performance due to the use of mechanical connectors and cables, which increase cost and weight while degrading system performance.
Innovation Solution
An integrated antenna and filter unit (IAFU) is designed with a connection using RF signal pins directly soldered onto a printed circuit board (PCB) without mechanical connectors, incorporating semi-rigid electromagnetic shields and tuning elements, and a calibration network for improved PIM performance and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical connectors and cables are used to connect antenna module to filter module, then electrical communication between modules is achieved, but PIM performance deteriorates and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna module and filter module into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate mechanical connectors and cables. The antenna element and filter are positioned in close proximity with direct electrical connection, reducing the number of components and improving PIM performance by removing potential sources of intermodulation distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mechanical connectors and cables from the system by implementing direct soldered connections between the antenna and filter. This removal of intermediate components directly addresses the PIM performance issue while simplifying the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If mechanical connectors are used to achieve connection between antenna and filter modules, then electrical communication is established, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the antenna and filter into a single integrated module with direct electrical connections, the patent eliminates the weight of separate mechanical connectors and cables. The integrated design reduces overall component count and associated weight while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
3Reliability
If mechanical connectors and cables are used for connection, then electrical communication is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of antenna and filter into a single module with direct soldered connections reduces the bill of materials by eliminating mechanical connectors and cables. This merging approach simplifies the bill of materials and reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting and removing the mechanical connectors and cables from the design, the patent eliminates the associated costs of these components. The direct soldered connection approach reduces component count and assembly complexity, leading to lower manufacturing costs.
4Reliability
If rigid structure is used to accommodate many mechanical connectors, then connection between modules is achieved, but weight increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna and filter into a single integrated module, eliminating the need for a rigid structure to accommodate multiple mechanical connectors. The direct electrical connection within the integrated module removes the requirement for heavy supporting structures, reducing overall weight and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, an integrated antenna and filter unit, IAFU, is provided. The IAFU includes a filter portion including at least one filter configured to filter RF signals to generate filtered RF signals and a plurality of filter pins configured to output filtered RF signals, and an antenna portion securable to the filter portion where the antenna portion includes a PCB including a plurality of conductor traces each mateable with a corresponding one of the plurality of filter pins to electrically couple the plurality of filter pins directly to corresponding ones of the plurality of conductor traces on the PCB, and a plurality of antennas securable to the PCB where the plurality of antennas are electrically coupled to the plurality of conductor traces.