Ceramic Antenna Module Using Composite Meta-Material Dielectrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF electronic modules face challenges in minimizing signal loss and size, particularly in high-frequency applications, where existing interconnect structures using organic dielectrics are limited by increased insertion loss and physical constraints, necessitating the development of ceramic dielectric meta-materials with high permittivity and low loss tangent for improved signal integrity and miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
The integration of high-k ceramic dielectric inclusions within a host dielectric medium, such as amorphous silica or alumina, to create a meta-material structure that reduces reflective losses and minimizes antenna element length while maintaining radiation efficiency, incorporating an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) ground plane and frequency band filtering functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If organic dielectric interconnect structures are used in RF modules, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but insertion loss increases at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite interconnect structure consisting of an organic dielectric layer (low loss tangent) and a ceramic dielectric layer (high permittivity) stacked together. The organic layer provides low loss for signal transmission, while the ceramic layer provides high permittivity for impedance control and miniaturization, resolving the contradiction between low cost and low insertion loss at high frequencies.
2Length of moving object
If conventional dielectric materials are used in antenna elements, then antenna length is sufficient for radiation, but physical size of the module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dielectric permittivity parameter by using a ceramic dielectric layer with high permittivity (∈r ≥ 10) in the interconnect structure. This high permittivity material increases the effective permittivity around the antenna element, allowing the antenna to be electrically longer while physically shorter, thus enabling miniaturization of the module size.
3Volume of moving object
If high permittivity ceramic dielectrics are used to miniaturize antenna elements, then radiation efficiency decreases due to increased reflective losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different dielectric materials in different locations: the organic dielectric layer (low loss tangent) is positioned adjacent to the antenna element where signal transmission occurs, minimizing reflective losses, while the ceramic dielectric layer (high permittivity) is positioned in the interconnect structure to provide impedance control and enable miniaturization. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction between miniaturization and radiation efficiency.
4Reliability
If ceramic dielectric interconnect structures are used, then signal integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite interconnect structure combining organic and ceramic dielectric layers. The organic layer reduces manufacturing cost and processing complexity, while the ceramic layer enhances signal integrity through high permittivity and low loss tangent. This composite approach allows the module to achieve improved signal integrity without the full cost penalty of a purely ceramic interconnect structure.
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
This approach results in reduced insertion loss, miniaturized RF front-end modules, and improved radiation efficiency by controlling grain size and embedding high-k ceramic regions within a low-loss dielectric host, enabling efficient impedance matching and frequency filtering, thus extending battery life and reducing component count.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) ground plane and frequency band filtering functions... embedding high-k ceramic regions within a low-loss dielectric host
Implementation Method 2
Electromagnetic Band-Gap (EBG) materials... contain one or more secondary phase dielectric inclusions that are organized in periodic array(s) with periodic spacing(s) having dimensions that are an appreciable amount of a center frequency's wavelength so as to cause constructive and destructive interference over a particular range of electromagnetic frequencies
Implementation Method 3
Perfect Magnetic Conductor (PMC) refers to an imaginary surface generated by a periodic array of coupled inductor and capacitor elements that causes the electric field components of an electromagnetic wave incident upon the PMC to be totally reflected completely in phase with the incident wave
Data Source
AI summary
Circuit modules and methods of construction thereof that contain composite meta-material dielectric bodies that have high effective values of real permittivity but which minimize reflective losses, through the use of host dielectric (organic or ceramic), materials having relative permittivities substantially less than ceramic dielectric inclusions embedded therein. The composite meta-material bodies permit reductions in physical lengths of electrically conducting elements such as antenna element(s) without adversely impacting radiation efficiency. The meta-material structure may additionally provide frequency band filtering functions that would normally be provided by other components typically found in an RF front-end.