Antenna Element Layout for Accurate AoA Measurement and Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in accurately measuring the angle of arrival (AoA) due to limited spacing between antenna elements, leading to redundant references and insufficient resolution, which affects reliability and coverage.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a plurality of antenna elements arranged on a substrate with specific separation distances and electrical separation, allowing for precise measurement of phase differences to enhance AoA accuracy and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spacing between antenna elements is increased beyond half a wavelength, then AoA coverage is improved, but PDoA redundant references occur making measurement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple groups with different spacing configurations. Some antenna elements are spaced at distances greater than half a wavelength to expand coverage, while other elements maintain smaller spacing to avoid redundant references. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both wide coverage and accurate measurement by selecting appropriate antenna groups based on the measurement requirements.
2Measurement precision
If the spacing between antenna elements is decreased below half a wavelength, then PDoA redundant references are avoided, but resolution at predetermined angle is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different spacing characteristics to different antenna elements based on their specific functional roles. Certain antenna elements use smaller spacing to provide reliable phase difference measurements and avoid redundant references, while other elements use larger spacing to achieve finer angular resolution. Each antenna element's spacing is optimized for its local measurement requirements rather than using a uniform spacing across all elements.
3Volume of moving object
If the space within the electronic device is limited, then device compactness is improved, but spacing between antenna elements is restricted reducing resolution and AoA coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane antenna arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration. Antenna elements are positioned at different heights and lateral positions within the device, creating multiple separation distances in both the first and second directions. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve adequate antenna spacing for good resolution and coverage while maintaining a compact device footprint by utilizing the third dimension (height) for antenna placement.
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 arrangement improves AoA measurement reliability and expands coverage by accurately determining the angle of arrival using phase differences between signals received from multiple antenna elements.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic device may measure an angle of arrival (AoA) using a phase difference of arriving signal (PDoA) of signals received from a plurality of antenna elements
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device may comprise: a substrate including a first side facing a first direction and a second side facing a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a plurality of antenna elements connected to the substrate. In an embodiment, the plurality of antenna elements may comprise: a first antenna element disposed on the first side of the substrate; a second antenna element disposed on the first side of the substrate and spaced apart from the first antenna element by a first separation distance with respect to a third direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the first direction; and a third antenna element disposed to be spaced apart from the first antenna element by a second separation distance greater than the first separation distance, with respect to the third direction, and spaced apart from the second antenna element to be electrically separated therefrom. Various other embodiments are possible.