Compact Ceramic Chip Antenna Array for 3D Direction Finding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrays for three-dimensional direction finding face challenges in size and coupling issues, particularly in portable devices, as they require larger space and closer antenna spacing, which affects direction-finding accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A compact ceramic chip antenna array with a dielectric substrate, metal floor, and coplanar waveguide feeder, featuring three antenna units arranged in an equilateral triangle and impedance matching structures, allowing for ultra-wide band three-dimensional direction finding with reduced space occupation and improved isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional antenna array is used for three-dimensional direction finding, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the space occupied by the antenna increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple antenna elements within a compact three-dimensional structure, where antenna units are nested at different heights and positions within the same spatial footprint. This allows the antenna array to achieve three-dimensional direction finding capability while occupying minimal planar space, effectively resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional two-dimensional antenna array to a three-dimensional configuration by placing antenna elements at different vertical heights (e.g., first antenna unit at height h1, second antenna unit at height h2). This dimensional change enables accurate 3D positioning while maintaining a compact planar footprint, as the Z-axis dimension provides additional spatial separation without increasing the X-Y plane area.
2Volume of moving object
If antenna spacing is reduced to fit portable devices, then the device size is reduced, but the mutual coupling between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to separate antenna elements that are closely spaced in the horizontal plane. By positioning antenna units at different heights (e.g., first antenna unit at height h1, second antenna unit at height h2 where h1 ≠ h2), the design achieves compact device volume while maintaining adequate isolation between antennas through vertical separation, thereby reducing mutual coupling effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spatial configurations to different antenna units within the array. Each antenna unit is positioned with specific local characteristics (different heights, azimuth angles, and elevation angles) to optimize its individual performance while minimizing interference with neighboring antennas. This localized optimization allows compact spacing without excessive mutual coupling.
3Area of stationary object
If antenna elements are closely spaced for compact design, then the space usage is reduced, but the direction-finding accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves adequate antenna spacing for accurate direction finding by utilizing the vertical dimension. Antenna units are positioned at different heights (h1, h2, h3) and orientations (different azimuth and elevation angles), which provides sufficient spatial separation for accurate angle-of-arrival measurements while maintaining a compact planar footprint. The three-dimensional configuration ensures that the effective baseline between antennas is sufficient for precision without requiring large planar area.
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 enables accurate three-dimensional direction finding with reduced space usage and increased isolation, supporting indoor positioning and covering the entire 360-degree azimuth range with minimal mutual coupling, suitable for wireless handheld devices.
Implementation Method 1
a coplanar waveguide feeder conduction band, respectively electrically connected to the first antenna unit, the second antenna unit and the third antenna unit
Implementation Method 2
an impedance matching structure respectively electrically connected to the coplanar waveguide feeder conduction band and the antenna unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a compact ceramic chip antenna array based on ultra-wide band three-dimensional direction finding, comprising a dielectric substrate, a metal floor and a coplanar waveguide feeder, wherein the front face of the dielectric substrate is provided with three antenna units; three coplanar waveguide feeders are electrically connected to three antenna units, respectively; a plurality of impedance matching structures are further arranged on a front side and a back side of the dielectric substrate, respectively; the first and second impedance matching structures are respectively arranged on a right side of the first antenna unit and a left side of the third antenna unit; the first and second impedance matching structures are rectangular grooves etched on the metal floor; the third, fourth, fifth and sixth impedance matching structures are respectively arranged at both ends of the second coplanar waveguide feeder; and the fifth and sixth impedance matching structures are rectangular metal patches. The compact ceramic chip antenna array based on ultra-wide band three-dimensional direction finding provided by the present invention not only improves the dimension of target positioning, but also effectively reduces the space occupied by the antenna, and is suitable for wireless handheld devices in indoor accurate positioning.