Collocated mmWave and Sub-6 GHz Antennas for Beam Broadening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in optimizing radiation patterns due to space constraints, leading to limited support for multiple frequency bands and angular range, as antennas designed for different frequency bands are often placed far apart to avoid undesired coupling, which can increase noise and limit signal coverage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing collocated mmWave and sub-6 GHz antennas, where the sub-6 GHz antenna is positioned within the near-field radiation region of the mmWave antenna, allowing them to be coupled in a way that augments the mmWave far-field radiation pattern, steering and broadening it while minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas for different frequency bands are placed on different sides of the computing device to steer or increase angular range of radiation pattern, then the radiation pattern coverage is improved, but the device complexity and space utilization deteriorate due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mmWave and sub-6 GHz antennas into a single location on the device, rather than placing them on different sides. This merging of antenna functions at different frequency bands resolves the space constraint issue while maintaining the ability to achieve desired radiation patterns through the coupling interaction between the collocated antennas
Solution Approach 2:
The collocated antenna structure serves multiple functions: it supports both mmWave and sub-6 GHz frequency bands, provides beam steering capability, and achieves radiation pattern broadening. The sub-6 GHz antenna acts as both its own transmission element and as a reflective/coupling element for the mmWave antenna, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity
2Area of stationary object
If multiple antennas are placed in close proximity to save space, then space utilization is improved, but undesired coupling between antennas increases causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful coupling effect into a beneficial one. By placing the sub-6 GHz antenna within the near-field radiation region of the mmWave antenna, the coupling that would normally cause noise instead augments and steers the mmWave far-field radiation pattern in a desired manner, broadening the coverage area
3Area of stationary object
If collocated mmWave and sub-6 GHz antennas are used to save space, then space utilization is improved, but the mmWave radiation pattern may be affected negatively by coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positioning parameter of the sub-6 GHz antenna by placing it specifically within the near-field radiation region of the mmWave antenna rather than at arbitrary close proximity. This parameter change ensures that the coupling effect positively augments the mmWave far-field radiation pattern rather than degrading it, thus maintaining reliability while achieving space savings
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 configuration enhances mmWave antenna coverage without additional space, enabling broader angular range and directionality, while maintaining minimal interference with the sub-6 GHz antenna, thus optimizing packaging and supporting multiple frequency bands efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
at least one mmWave antenna configured to generate a near-field radiation region in a mmWave frequency band
Implementation Method 2
A current is induced in at least one sub-6 GHz antenna by the near-field radiation region
Implementation Method 3
the sub-6 GHz antenna is able to reflect energy associated with the far-field radiation pattern or produce another far-field radiation pattern in the mmWave frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and apparatuses are described that implement collocated mm Wave and sub-6 GHz antennas. An apparatus includes at least one mmWave antenna that produces a near-field radiation region and a far-field radiation pattern in a mmWave frequency band. Disposed within the near-field radiation region is a sub-6 GHz antenna that produces a radiation pattern in a sub-6 GHz frequency band. The sub 6 GHz antenna is able to positively affect the far-field radiation pattern from the mm Wave antenna (e.g., via steering and/or broadening). In this way, the mmWave antenna and the sub-6 GHz antenna can be collocated to conserve space while also steering and/or broadening the far-field radiation pattern of the mm Wave antenna.