Antenna Module Ground Layer Protrusions for mmWave Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antenna modules for mmWave communications face challenges such as signal loss due to high-frequency signal absorption, limited antenna layout space, increased interference between antenna and IC components, and higher costs, which affect antenna performance and size.

Innovation Solution

The proposed antenna apparatus and module design incorporates a unique ground layer structure with protruding and recessed regions to enhance electromagnetic isolation, improve antenna performance, and reduce size by optimizing the distance between antenna patterns and ground layers, while maintaining effective signal transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a traditional structure with IC and antenna connected by coaxial cable is used, then antenna performance can be maintained, but antenna layout space is insufficient and the degree of freedom of antenna shape is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna layout spaceVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the antenna pattern, feed line, and ground layers into a single planar structure on the connection member, eliminating the need for separate IC and coaxial cable components. This merging approach increases antenna layout space while maintaining performance through direct integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a three-dimensional coaxial cable connection to a two-dimensional planar integration on the connection member surface. This dimensional change allows for optimized antenna patterns and feed line routing while increasing layout flexibility and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If antenna and IC are connected by coaxial cable, then antenna performance can be maintained, but interference between antenna and IC increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidinterference between antenna and IC
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the antenna pattern and feed line from the traditional IC-coaxial cable assembly and integrates them directly onto the connection member. This separation of functions reduces electromagnetic interference between the antenna and IC components while maintaining antenna performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member serves as an intermediary substrate that hosts both the antenna pattern and feed line structure. This intermediate platform provides electromagnetic isolation and controlled impedance routing, reducing interference while enabling direct integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional antenna module structure is used, then antenna performance can be maintained, but size and cost of antenna module increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidsize of antenna module
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple components (antenna pattern, feed line, ground layers, and IC interface) into a single integrated connection member structure. This consolidation reduces the overall antenna module size while maintaining performance through optimized planar geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the antenna pattern, supports the feed line, establishes ground references, and interfaces with the IC. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing size and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design improves antenna gain, reduces electromagnetic noise, and enhances bandwidth, enabling efficient mmWave communication while minimizing the size and cost of the antenna module.

Implementation Method 1

a first ground layer including surface disposed above or below the feed line and spaced apart from the feed line; and an antenna pattern electrically connected to an end of the feed line and configured to transmit and/or receive a radio frequency (RF) signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic isolation: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

an antenna pattern electrically connected to an end of the feed line and configured to transmit and/or receive a radio frequency (RF) signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11594814B2Antenna apparatus and antenna module
Publication Date: 2023.02.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • US11594814B2 patent drawing
  • US11594814B2 patent drawing
  • US11594814B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna apparatus includes: a feed line; a first ground layer including surface disposed above or below the feed line and spaced apart from the feed line; and an antenna pattern electrically connected to an end of the feed line and configured to transmit and/or receive a radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein the first ground layer includes a first protruding region protruding in a first longitudinal direction of the surface toward the antenna pattern and at least partially overlapping the feed line above or below the feed line, and second and third protruding regions protruding in the first longitudinal direction from positions spaced apart from the first protruding region in opposite lateral directions of the surface.