Closed-loop Antenna with Multiple Grounding Points for 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing antennas for next-generation mobile communications, such as 5G, is challenging due to limited printed circuit board area and impedance matching issues, which affect antenna efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop antenna design with multiple grounding points, featuring a first grounding path as a resonant path and a second grounding path for improved impedance matching, allowing for compact integration in mobile devices without the need for slits on metal bezels, and incorporating resonant circuits and switching circuits for frequency tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single grounding point antenna design is used, then the antenna structure is simple, but the impedance matching is poor and antenna efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding system is segmented into multiple grounding points (first grounding point and second grounding point) connected to the feeding port through separate grounding paths. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each grounding path's impedance characteristics, improving overall antenna efficiency by providing better current return paths and reducing unwanted resonances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point grounding (0D) to multi-point grounding (1D distribution along the PCB). By adding the dimension of spatial distribution of grounding points, the antenna achieves improved impedance matching and efficiency without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the PCB area is increased to accommodate larger antennas, then antenna performance improves, but the available device area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB ground plane serves multiple functions: it provides the reference plane for the antenna radiation, acts as a shield, and distributes multiple grounding points to optimize impedance. This multi-functionality allows achieving good antenna performance without requiring additional dedicated space, effectively decoupling antenna performance from PCB area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes antenna performance by changing electrical parameters (impedance, ground path lengths, grounding point positions) rather than simply increasing physical dimensions. This allows maintaining compact PCB area while achieving desired antenna performance through parameter optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed frequency antenna design is used, then the design is simple, but frequency flexibility for different radio access technologies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna incorporates switching circuits that dynamically reconfigure the grounding paths and resonant elements based on the operating frequency requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same antenna structure to adapt to different radio access technologies (4G, 5G, IoT) and frequency bands without requiring multiple fixed-frequency antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design uses variable parameters including switchable grounding path configurations and tunable resonant circuit elements. By changing electrical parameters (which paths are active, what impedance values are used) rather than physical structure, the antenna achieves frequency flexibility while keeping the physical design relatively simple.
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 proposed design enhances antenna efficiency and S-parameter performance, supporting multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) applications with improved impedance matching and frequency flexibility, suitable for various radio access technologies including 5G and IoT.
Implementation Method 1
A first electrically-conductive path connected between the feeding port and the first grounding port may form a closed-loop antenna
Implementation Method 2
A resonant circuit may be coupled to the closed-loop antenna and the switching circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples and schemes pertaining to a closed-loop antenna with multiple grounding points are described. An apparatus includes an electromagnetic (EM) wave interface device capable of radiating and sensing EM waves. The EM wave interface device includes a feeding port, a first grounding port coupled to an electric ground, and a second grounding port coupled to the electric ground. A first electrically-conductive path connected between the feeding port and the first grounding port forms a closed-loop antenna. A second electrically-conductive path connected between the feeding port and the second grounding port forms a non-radiative closed-loop path. A length of the first electrically-conductive path is greater than a length of the second electrically-conductive path.