Antenna Substrate Protruding Region Reduces Module Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna substrates with inclined antenna elements increase module height, require special equipment for mounting, and result in low productivity due to the need for specialized equipment and reduced space for electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A substrate with an antenna element mounted on a circuit board where the antenna element is positioned on a protruding region of the board with a dielectric layer having a lower relative dielectric constant than the base material layer, allowing for a larger antenna area and space for electronic components, and the dielectric layer is formed by laminating layers with different constants to improve antenna characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the upper surface of the antenna element is inclined with respect to the mounting surface, then the antenna region is secured, but the height of the entire module is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar mounting surface to a three-dimensional stepped structure. The circuit board includes a first surface and a second surface at different heights, creating a stepped configuration that allows the antenna element to be mounted on the elevated first surface while maintaining a compact overall height. This dimensional change enables the antenna region to be properly secured without proportionally increasing the module height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the antenna element within a recessed region formed by the stepped structure of the circuit board. The antenna element is positioned in a designated area on the first surface that protrudes relative to the second surface, creating a nested arrangement where the antenna is housed within the overall module structure rather than extending outward, thus securing the antenna region while controlling module height.
2Reliability
If the upper surface of the antenna element is inclined with respect to the mounting surface, then the antenna region is secured, but special equipment is required for mounting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inclining the antenna element itself to secure the antenna region, the patent inverts the approach by creating an inclined or stepped mounting surface on the circuit board. The antenna element remains horizontal and is mounted on the first surface that protrudes from the second surface. This inversion simplifies the mounting process as standard mounting equipment can be used on the elevated platform without requiring specialized inclined mounting tools.
3Reliability
If the upper surface of the antenna element is inclined with respect to the mounting surface, then the antenna region is secured, but the productivity of the module is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circuit board into distinct functional zones with different heights: a first surface for antenna element mounting and a second surface for other components. This segmentation creates clearly defined mounting areas that can be processed independently, allowing for more efficient assembly operations and improved productivity compared to a uniform inclined surface that would require complex positioning for all components.
Data Source
AI summary
A substrate with an antenna according to the present disclosure includes a circuit board having one main surface and the other main surface, and an antenna element mounted on the one main surface of the circuit board. When viewed from a thickness direction, an area of the one main surface of the circuit board is larger than an area of the other main surface, and the antenna element is mounted on at least a part of a region that is on the one main surface of the circuit board and that protrudes from the other main surface.