Antenna Module Layout for Side Radiation in Thin Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna modules face a challenge in thinning due to the need for sufficient space on the substrate for antenna placement, limiting the thickness of the substrate to be thinner than the width of the antenna.
Innovation Solution
An antenna module design that includes a substrate with radiating elements on both main surfaces, where one radiating element is disposed to straddle the substrate and a molded body, allowing for radio wave radiation from the side surface while reducing the substrate thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna is disposed on the side surface of the substrate, then radio wave radiation from the side surface is enabled, but the substrate thickness cannot be made thinner than the antenna width
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating element is configured to extend in the thickness direction of the substrate, transitioning from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional structure. This allows the antenna to radiate radio waves from the side surface while the substrate thickness can be independent of the antenna width, resolving the contradiction between radiation capability and substrate thinning.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiating element is nested within the molded body, with the molded body covering the radiating element on the second main surface side. This nesting arrangement allows compact integration of the antenna structure within the substrate thickness, enabling side surface radiation without increasing overall module thickness.
2Reliability
If sufficient space is provided on the substrate for antenna disposal, then proper antenna function is achieved, but the antenna module thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating element utilizes the thickness direction of the substrate as an additional dimension for its structure, rather than being confined to the planar surface. This three-dimensional configuration allows the antenna to achieve proper function with reduced planar space requirements, thereby reducing overall module thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded body acts as a protective shell that covers and integrates the radiating element, allowing compact packaging of the antenna structure. This enables the antenna module to achieve proper antenna function while maintaining a thin overall profile through efficient space utilization.
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
Enables radio wave radiation from the side surface and facilitates the thinning of the antenna module, allowing for more compact designs without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first radiating element that is disposed along a first main surface... enable radiation of the radio waves from a side surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna module includes: a substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing in opposite directions; a first radiating element that is disposed along the first main surface; an electronic component that is disposed on the second main surface side and is electrically connected to the first radiating element; and a molded body that is disposed on the second main surface side and covers the electronic component with a resin, and the first radiating element is disposed to straddle the substrate and the molded body.