Antenna Module with Oblique Director for Millimeter Wave
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional millimeter wave antenna modules face challenges such as reduced layout space, restricted antenna shape flexibility, increased interference between antennas and ICs, and higher costs due to their coaxial cable connections, which hinder optimal performance in high-frequency applications.
Innovation Solution
The antenna module incorporates a connection member with wiring and insulating layers, featuring a director member that is obliquely positioned to enhance the second antenna member's electromagnetic coupling, allowing for improved bandwidth and directivity by forming radiation patterns in multiple directions, and includes a ground layer and shielding vias to reduce interference and transmission loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coaxial cable connections are used to connect IC and antenna, then high frequency transmission is achieved, but antenna layout space is reduced and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the coaxial cable from the antenna system, replacing it with a planar antenna structure that integrates directly with the PCB. This removes the need for separate coaxial cables while maintaining high frequency transmission capability through controlled impedance traces and ground planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the antenna structure with the PCB by implementing the antenna elements directly on the board using conductive traces. This integration combines the antenna function with the existing PCB structure, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and reducing overall device size.
2Reliability
If coaxial cable connections are used to connect IC and antenna, then high frequency transmission is achieved, but the degree of freedom of antenna shape is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating antenna elements with specific geometric patterns (such as fractal designs or meander lines) that are optimized for particular frequency ranges and directional requirements. Different regions of the PCB can have different antenna patterns to serve different functional needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic antenna configuration by implementing reconfigurable antenna elements that can change their effective electrical length or radiation pattern through switching mechanisms. This allows the antenna to adapt its shape and characteristics based on operational requirements.
3Reliability
If coaxial cable connections are used to connect IC and antenna, then high frequency transmission is achieved, but interference between antenna and IC increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground planes and shielding structures as intermediary elements between the antenna traces and the IC. These ground planes act as electromagnetic shields that redirect interference away from sensitive IC components while maintaining proper signal transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the high frequency signal paths by creating separate ground planes and isolation regions between the antenna elements and the IC. This segmentation prevents electromagnetic coupling and interference by providing dedicated return paths and isolation barriers.
4Reliability
If coaxial cable connections are used to connect IC and antenna, then high frequency transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna structure with the PCB manufacturing process, allowing antennas to be fabricated using standard PCB techniques such as copper trace deposition and etching. This eliminates the need for separate antenna components and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal PCB platform that can support multiple antenna configurations and frequency ranges through reconfigurable trace patterns and ground plane arrangements. This multi-functionality allows the same base structure to serve different communication standards and frequency bands without requiring additional specialized components.
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 enhances antenna performance by increasing bandwidth, directivity, and reducing interference, while allowing for a more compact and cost-effective design that supports omni-directional RF signal transmission and reception.
Implementation Method 1
a director member spaced apart from the second antenna member in the second direction away from the center of the connection member and having an inside boundary disposed oblique to the second antenna member
Implementation Method 2
first feed vias electrically connected to respective ones of the first antenna members and to corresponding wires of the one or more wiring layers
Implementation Method 3
The connection member may further include a ground layer disposed on a same level as the feed line in the connection member and spaced apart from the feed line and shielding vias disposed extending parallel to each other along a boundary of the ground layer
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna module includes a connection member, an integrated circuit (IC) on a first surface thereof, and an antenna package on a second surface thereof. The connection member includes a wiring layer and an insulating layer. The IC is electrically connected to the wiring layer. The antenna package includes first antenna members and feed vias each electrically connected to a corresponding one of the first antenna members and a corresponding wire of the wiring layer. A feed line is electrically connected to a wire of the wiring layer and extends in a side direction of the second surface, a second antenna member is electrically connected to the feed line and is configured to transmit and/or receive an RF signal in the side direction, and a director member is spaced apart from the second antenna member in the side direction and has an inside boundary oblique to the second antenna member.