Broadside-End-Fire Radiator Module for Compact Beamforming Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna technologies face challenges in efficiently mounting phased array antennas on wireless terminals due to limited space and the need for multiple antennas, leading to shadow areas and increased thickness, while current solutions for multi-directional beam coverage often occupy excessive space or complicate packaging with RFICs.
Innovation Solution
A radiator module and antenna device that combines broadside and end-fire radiation capabilities by spatially superposing radiators within a single structure, allowing for miniaturization and independent beam control in both directions, reducing the number of required antenna-in-packages (AiPs) and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple AiPs are disposed in the terminal to improve beamforming coverage, then beamforming coverage is improved, but mounting space becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines broadside-radiating and end-fire radiating antennas into a single AiP structure. The broadside radiator and end-fire radiator are spatially superposed within the same package, allowing one AiP to provide both broadside and end-fire beamforming capabilities, thereby reducing the total number of AiPs needed and freeing up mounting space in the terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the end-fire radiator is positioned within the spatial envelope of the broadside radiator structure. The cavity structure contains both radiation types, with the end-fire probe extending through the cavity and the broadside slot positioned on the cavity surface, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple AiPs are disposed in the terminal to improve beamforming coverage, then beamforming coverage is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single integrated AiP structure. By combining the broadside radiator (with its cavity and slot) and the end-fire radiator (with its probe and grounding) into one package, the patent reduces the number of separate components, simplifies the overall structure, and eliminates the need for multiple discrete AiP mounting locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single AiP structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both broadside radiation and end-fire radiation capabilities, supports both horizontal and vertical polarization, and enables beamforming in multiple directions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized antennas, thereby reducing structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple AiPs are disposed in the terminal to improve beamforming coverage, then beamforming coverage is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple AiPs into a single AiP by integrating both broadside and end-fire radiators within the same package. This merging reduces the quantity of AiPs from multiple separate units to a single multi-functional unit, thereby reducing the number of components that need to be mounted, connected, and configured in the terminal.
4Productivity
If AiP structure is used to mount phased array antenna, then mounting efficiency is improved, but space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested configuration within the AiP where the end-fire radiator elements are positioned within the spatial envelope of the broadside radiator structure. The cavity contains both radiation types, with shared grounding structures and overlapping component layouts, maximizing the utilization of the AiP internal volume and improving space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial superposition within the AiP structure. The broadside slot is positioned on the cavity surface while the end-fire probe extends through the cavity in the vertical dimension, and the grounding structures are arranged in multiple layers. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows both radiation types to coexist within the same AiP footprint, improving space efficiency.
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 miniaturized structure with improved beamforming coverage and space efficiency, enabling independent beam control in both broadside and end-fire directions, while reducing the number of AiPs and simplifying integration with RFICs.
Implementation Method 1
the widthwise feed line may be electrically connected to the upper slot to perform broadside radiation
Implementation Method 2
the vertical probe may be configured to perform the end-fire radiation through the front open surface
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a radiator module for performing broadside radiation and end-fire radiation. The radiator module includes: a cavity having a front open surface and an upper slot defined in an upper surface thereof; a widthwise feed line disposed under the upper slot and extending in a left-right direction of the cavity; and a vertical probe extending in a vertical direction and disposed inside the cavity.