Dual-Polarized Beam-Switching Antenna Array With EBG Surface-Wave Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional antenna array designs face challenges such as high cost, power consumption, large size, and interference from surface waves, particularly in dual-polarized and wideband applications, making them impractical for portable devices and limited in bandwidth and field-of-view.

Innovation Solution

A compact dual-polarized beam-switching antenna array architecture utilizing high-order electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures and modified Butler matrix blocks, which reduces size, cost, and insertion loss, while effectively suppressing surface waves and enhancing bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a traditional Butler matrix is used for beamforming, then insertion loss is reduced and angular coverage is improved, but the electrical size becomes very large requiring more area and substrate layers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidsubstrate area

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The Butler matrix is divided into multiple compact blocks, each handling a subset of beamforming functions. This segmentation allows the overall system to achieve the required angular coverage and low insertion loss while each individual block occupies minimal substrate area, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional substrate layout to a three-dimensional stacked architecture where multiple Butler matrix blocks are arranged vertically across multiple substrate layers. This dimensional change enables compact integration of large-scale beamforming networks without requiring excessive lateral substrate area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual-polarization support is added to traditional Butler matrix, then polarization versatility is improved, but size and number of substrate layers increase making designs impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-polarization supportVSAvoidsubstrate layers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges dual-polarization support into the compact Butler matrix blocks by integrating orthogonal polarization channels within the same structural framework. This merging approach enables dual-polarization functionality without proportionally increasing the number of substrate layers or overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compact Butler matrix blocks are designed with universal structures that can handle multiple polarization modes simultaneously. Each block serves multiple functions including both linear and circular polarization beamforming, thereby achieving high adaptability without linearly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If beam tilt angle is increased to expand field-of-view, then angular coverage is improved, but surface waves are generated causing beam distortion and grating lobes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield-of-viewVSAvoidsurface waves

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful surface wave effect into a beneficial control mechanism by strategically positioning parasitic elements that exploit surface wave coupling to achieve beam tilting. This approach enables wide field-of-view coverage while maintaining beam integrity and avoiding the harmful effects of uncontrolled surface waves such as grating lobes and beam distortion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Parasitic elements are introduced as intermediary components between the active antenna elements and the substrate surface. These intermediaries control and manage surface wave interactions, enabling beam steering across wide angles while preventing the generation of harmful grating lobes and maintaining main beam quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution achieves a compact, cost-effective, and wideband antenna array with reduced surface-wave interference, suitable for portable devices and applications like 60-GHz Wi-Fi, with improved beam-switching capabilities and reduced size compared to conventional designs.

Implementation Method 1

The generation of surface-waves is another challenge in antenna array design, which becomes an issue when supporting a wide scan-angle range. That is, when a focused beam is tilted at large angle, surface waves are generated on the surface of the PCB or package top layer.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic band gap:

Data Source

PatentUS20240097325A1Compact and wideband beam-switching antenna array architecture

Publication Date: 2024.03.21 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An antenna array architecture is provided for beamforming applications. The antenna array architecture facilitates a compact and wideband dual-polarized beam-switching antenna array architecture, which may be implemented in a cost-effective multi-layer PCB or package. The antenna array architecture is implemented as part of a package substrate having a number of layers. Each of the layers comprises various conductive elements such as conductive segments and/or traces that are disposed thereon in accordance with the respective antenna components.