Antenna-in-Package Layout for Bezel-Less mmWave Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mobile devices with bezel-less designs face challenges in integrating millimeter-wave radar systems without interfering with the display, as traditional glass coverings can block or distort radar signals, limiting the ability to maintain a large display size and effective user experience while enabling gesture recognition and object tracking.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a package with a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) and a laminate having multiple interconnect levels, including end-fire and patch antennas, which direct millimeter-wave radiation beams through the glass and frame, respectively, allowing for radar signal transmission and reception without being obstructed by the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a glass covering is used to protect the display, then the display is protected from impact, but the glass blocks or distorts radar signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - a gap or air space between the glass cover and the radar antenna elements. This gap allows radar signals to pass through the glass without being blocked or distorted, while the glass remains in place to protect the display. The intermediary space decouples the conflicting requirements of glass protection and radar signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional structure by creating a vertical gap between the glass cover and the antenna elements. This dimensional change allows radar signals to propagate through the glass in the vertical direction without interference, while maintaining the protective function of the glass in the horizontal plane.
2Area of stationary object
If a bezel-less design is used to increase display size, then the display area is increased, but there is insufficient space to accommodate radar antenna elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension (z-axis) by positioning antenna elements beneath the glass cover at a specific distance, rather than attempting to place them in the horizontal plane. This allows the display area to be maximized in the horizontal plane while accommodating radar antenna elements in the vertical dimension, resolving the space constraint issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the radar antenna elements within the existing device structure, nesting them in the gap between the glass cover and the display assembly. This nested arrangement allows both the large display area and the radar functionality to coexist within the same device volume without requiring additional external space.
3Length of stationary object
If antenna elements are placed close to the glass, then the device thickness is reduced, but the screen may cover and block the antenna elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific gap region only in areas where radar antenna elements are positioned, rather than uniformly spacing the entire display assembly. This localized gap ensures that antenna elements in critical positions remain exposed to radar signals, while other areas maintain normal screen-to-glass spacing for display quality.
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 solution enables the integration of millimeter-wave radar systems in mobile devices with bezel-less designs, allowing for effective gesture recognition and object tracking while maintaining a large display size by ensuring radar signals can travel through the glass without interference, thus enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an end-fire antenna configured to direct a first millimeter-wave radiation beam through the glass
Implementation Method 2
a patch antenna configured to direct a second millimeter-wave radiation beam through the frame
Data Source
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AI summary
In an embodiment, a device includes: a first support structure having a main surface and an edge surface; a screen covering the first support structure and having a main surface and an edge surface; a glass covering the screen; a frame; and a package electrically coupled to the first support structure via a connector, the package including a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) and a laminate that has a plurality of interconnect levels including an end-fire antenna configured to direct a first millimeter-wave radiation beam through the glass, and a patch antenna configured to direct a second millimeter-wave radiation beam through the frame, where the screen partially covers the laminate.