Antenna-Integrated Radio Assembly With Modular PCB Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antenna-integrated radio (AIR) products face challenges in achieving high integration levels while reducing costs, and they are not easily adaptable to different radio and antenna use cases.

Innovation Solution

The proposed AIR product consists of a separate antenna module and radio module, where the antenna elements and radio components are soldered to opposite sides of a common radio board, allowing for flexible design and manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If antenna elements and radio components are integrated onto a single board, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the integrated radio system into separate antenna module and radio module, each manufactured independently on their own PCBs. The antenna module contains antenna elements and associated components, while the radio module contains radio frequency components. These separate modules are then connected through RF connectors, achieving integration without the manufacturing complexity of a single-board solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If antenna elements and radio components are integrated onto a single board, then integration level is increased, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration levelVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the radio system into separately manufacturable antenna and radio modules, allowing standard PCB fabrication processes to be used for each module independently. This segmentation maintains high integration functionality while enabling cost-effective manufacturing through standardized production processes and modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the antenna module and radio module as universal, independently manufacturable units that can be produced using standard PCB fabrication processes. The modular design with standardized RF connectors allows these modules to be adapted to different configurations and applications, achieving versatility without increasing manufacturing cost.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If separate antenna board and radio board are produced, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the separately manufactured antenna module and radio module into a compact integrated assembly by connecting them through RF connectors. This merging allows cost-effective separate production while achieving space-efficient integration in the final assembled product, reducing the overall device volume compared to completely separate installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional separate RRU and AU units are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but installation space and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinstallation weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the traditionally separate Remote Radio Unit (RRU) and Antenna Unit (AU) into a single integrated assembly where the radio module and antenna module are connected via RF connectors. This merging maintains manufacturing simplicity through modular construction while significantly reducing installation weight and space by eliminating the need for separate mounting of independent units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by allowing separate production of antenna and radio boards, while also enabling flexibility in design to accommodate different frequency bands and use cases.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna elements and the radio components are soldered to opposite sides of the radio board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentUS20250106999A1Antenna-integrated radio product and method for producing the same
Publication Date: 2025.03.27 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US20250106999A1 patent drawing
  • US20250106999A1 patent drawing
  • US20250106999A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna-integrated radio product and a method for producing the same is provided. According to an embodiment, the antenna-integrated radio product comprises an antenna module and a radio module. The antenna module comprises a plurality of antenna elements and a power divider. The radio module comprises a radio board and a plurality of radio components. The antenna module and the radio components are soldered to opposite sides of the radio board.