Antenna Module Ground Layout for Low-Height RF Filter Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna modules with integrated circuits like filters face challenges in reducing height while maintaining antenna characteristics, as the proximity of circuits to antenna elements can lead to bandwidth narrowing and circuit degradation.
Innovation Solution
The antenna module design includes a radiation element with adjacent feeding elements, a raised portion of the ground electrode between the feeding elements, and a circuit (such as a filter) positioned below the raised portion, ensuring minimal overlap with the feeding elements and maintaining sufficient space for the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the height of the antenna module is reduced by disposing the circuit in the same substrate as the antenna element, then the size of the antenna module is reduced, but the antenna characteristics deteriorate due to narrowing bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement. The circuit is disposed in a lower layer while the antenna element is in an upper layer, with a ground electrode positioned between them. This vertical stacking enables miniaturization in the horizontal plane while maintaining adequate spacing in the vertical dimension to preserve antenna characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
A ground electrode is introduced as an intermediary component between the circuit and the antenna element. This ground electrode serves as a shielding layer that electrically isolates the circuit from the antenna element, preventing harmful electromagnetic interference while allowing both components to be disposed in close proximity for miniaturization.
2Volume of moving object
If the height of the antenna module is reduced, then the size is reduced, but the characteristics of the circuit deteriorate due to narrower distance between ground electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the conflict between module height reduction and circuit characteristics by utilizing the vertical dimension. The ground electrode is positioned in an intermediate layer between the circuit (lower layer) and the antenna element (upper layer), creating adequate spacing for the circuit in the vertical direction while enabling overall height reduction through compact layer stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna module is segmented into distinct functional layers: a lower layer for the circuit, an intermediate layer for the ground electrode, and an upper layer for the antenna element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function with appropriate spacing, while the overall structure achieves compactness through vertical integration.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna module includes a radiation element including feeding elements adjacent to each other, a feed wiring, a ground electrode, and a filter circuit. The ground electrode is disposed to face the radiation element. The feed wiring transmits a radio frequency signal from an RFIC to the radiation element. The filter circuit is connected between a feed circuit and the feed wiring. The ground electrode includes a first portion facing the radiation element, and a second portion arranged in a layer at an upper side closer to the radiation element than the first portion. In plan view of the antenna module from a normal direction, i) the second portion is disposed between the two feeding elements, and ii) the filter circuit overlaps the second portion and is disposed in a layer at a lower side than the second portion.