Capacitive Patch Antenna Segmentation for Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patch antennas face challenges in achieving a uniform radiation pattern in the forward hemisphere, compact size, lightweight design, and wide bandwidth, which are essential for multi-system navigation receivers like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo systems.
Innovation Solution
A patch antenna design featuring a capacitive radiating patch with an array of conductive segments and capacitors, vertically coupled to a ground plane through conductive or RLC elements, which enhances the operational bandwidth and radiation pattern in the forward hemisphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional patch antenna is designed to be compact and lightweight, then the antenna size and weight are reduced, but the operational bandwidth and radiation pattern uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating patch is divided into multiple conductive segments (e.g., four segments) separated by gaps. Each segment can be independently controlled through capacitive loading, allowing the antenna to achieve wide bandwidth and uniform radiation pattern while maintaining a compact physical size. The segmentation enables independent tuning of different parts of the antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Capacitive elements are strategically placed at specific locations on the radiating patch to change the electrical parameters (capacitance values) of different segments. By adjusting these capacitance parameters, the antenna achieves broadband operation and uniform radiation pattern without increasing physical dimensions. The capacitance values are optimized to control the current distribution and resonance characteristics.
2Volume of moving object
If a conventional patch antenna is designed to be compact and lightweight, then the antenna size and weight are reduced, but the radiation pattern uniformity in the forward hemisphere deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating patch is segmented into multiple conductive regions with gaps between them. Each segment is equipped with capacitive loading that can be independently adjusted to control the current distribution across different parts of the patch. This segmentation allows precise control over the radiation pattern to achieve uniformity in the forward hemisphere while keeping the antenna compact.
Solution Approach 2:
Different capacitive values are applied to different segments of the radiating patch based on their specific locations and electrical characteristics. This local customization of electrical properties ensures that each segment contributes optimally to the overall radiation pattern, achieving uniformity in the forward hemisphere without requiring a larger antenna structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive elements are added to the radiating patch to broaden bandwidth, then the operational bandwidth increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive elements are integrated directly into the radiating patch structure, merging the capacitor components with the conductive segments. This integration approach broadens the operational bandwidth while minimizing additional complexity, as the capacitors become part of the antenna's structural design rather than separate add-on components.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they control the resonance frequency, adjust the current distribution, broaden the bandwidth, and enable independent tuning of different segments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving broadband operation.
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 capacitive radiating patch antenna achieves a broader operational bandwidth and a more uniform radiation pattern in the forward hemisphere compared to conventional designs, supporting multi-system navigation receivers with improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitive radiating patch includes an array of conductive segments along the periphery and within the interior of the capacitive radiating patch. Capacitors are electrically connected to specific conductive segments in a defined pattern.
Implementation Method 2
a ground plane separated from the capacitive radiating patch by a dielectric medium. The dielectric medium can be air or a dielectric solid.
Implementation Method 3
vertical coupling elements electrically connected to defined portions of the capacitive radiating patch and the ground plane
Data Source
AI summary
A patch antenna includes a capacitive radiating patch, a ground plane, and vertical coupling elements electrically connected to defined portions of the capacitive radiating patch and the ground plane. The capacitive radiating patch includes an array of conductive segments along the periphery and within the interior of the capacitive radiating patch. Capacitors are electrically connected to specific conductive segments in a defined pattern. Vertical coupling elements electrically connect specific conductive segments along the periphery of the capacitive radiating patch to the ground plane. Vertical coupling elements can be conductors or defined combinations of resistors, inductors, and capacitors. Various embodiments of the patch antenna are configured for linear polarization and circular polarization. Relative to a conventional patch antenna of a similar size, a patch antenna with a capacitive radiating patch has a broader operational bandwidth and a broader radiation pattern in the forward hemisphere.