Antenna Module Slot Coupling Circuit Layer Dead Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated antenna modules, the planar sizes of the antenna and circuit layers often mismatch, leading to dead spaces that degrade the use efficiency of the circuit layer when stacked.
Innovation Solution
The antenna module includes a circuit layer with a filter circuit, an antenna layer with a radiation conductor, a feed layer with a first feed pattern connected to the filter circuit, and ground patterns with slots for electromagnetic coupling, which simplifies the antenna layer configuration and optimizes the use of dead space in the circuit layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna layer and circuit layer are stacked one over the other with a ground pattern interposed therebetween, then mutual interference between the antenna layer and circuit layer is prevented, but a dead space is generated in the circuit layer when the planar size of the circuit layer is smaller than that of the antenna layer, degrading the use efficiency of the circuit layer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the dead space in the circuit layer from a harmful waste area into a beneficial electromagnetic wave entering region. By positioning the second slot of the ground pattern to overlap with the dead space, electromagnetic waves radiated from the feed pattern can enter the circuit layer through this slot and utilize the previously wasted space, thereby improving the use efficiency of the circuit layer while maintaining interference prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the stacking direction (vertical dimension) to create overlapping slots between the antenna layer and circuit layer. The first and second slots are positioned at different horizontal positions but overlap in the vertical stacking direction, allowing electromagnetic coupling between layers while enabling the circuit layer to use its dead space for electromagnetic wave entry, thus resolving the planar size mismatch issue.
2Ease of manufacture
If a power feeding line is provided in the antenna layer to connect the feed pattern to the radiation conductor, then power can be transmitted to the antenna, but the configuration of the antenna layer becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical power feeding line structure with an electromagnetic coupling mechanism. Instead of using a physical conductor to transmit power from the feed pattern to the radiation conductor, the invention uses electromagnetic fields to couple these elements through the slot in the ground pattern, thereby eliminating the need for additional feeding lines and simplifying the antenna layer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot in the ground pattern serves as an intermediary that enables electromagnetic coupling between the feed pattern and the radiation conductor. This intermediate structure allows power transmission without requiring direct physical connection through feeding lines, simplifying the overall antenna layer design while maintaining functional connectivity.
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 eliminates the need for power feeding lines in the antenna layer, improves the use efficiency of the circuit layer by assigning dead space to electromagnetic wave regions, and allows for enhanced symmetry and isolation characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the first feed pattern and the radiation conductor are electromagnetically coupled to each other through the first slot
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic waves radiated from the first feed pattern enter the circuit layer through the second slot
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an antenna device that includes a circuit layer having a filter circuit, an antenna layer stacked on the circuit layer and having a radiation conductor, a feed layer positioned between the circuit layer and the antenna layer and having a first feed pattern connected to the filter circuit and electromagnetically coupled to the radiation conductor, a first ground pattern provided between the antenna layer and the feed layer, and a second ground pattern provided between the circuit layer and the feed layer. The first and second ground patterns have first and second slots, respectively, at least partially overlapping each other as viewed in a stacking direction. The first feed pattern at least partially overlaps the radiation conductor and the first and second slots.