Collocated mmWave and Sub-6 GHz Antennas for Pattern Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in optimizing radiation patterns and space utilization due to the close proximity of multiple antennas designed for different frequency bands, leading to undesired coupling and limited signal coverage.
Innovation Solution
Collocating a sub-6 GHz antenna within the near-field radiation region of a mmWave antenna to induce currents that steer and broaden the mmWave far-field radiation pattern, while minimizing interference and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple antennas for different frequency bands are placed close together to save space, then space utilization is improved, but undesired coupling between antennas occurs and radiation patterns are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A parasitic element is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second antennas. This parasitic element couples the two antennas together, enabling the sub-6 GHz antenna to influence the mmWave antenna's radiation pattern. The parasitic element acts as a mediator that transfers electromagnetic energy between the different frequency bands, allowing space-saving collocation while achieving desired radiation pattern control.
Solution Approach 2:
The parasitic element serves multiple functions: it acts as a reflector to shape the radiation pattern, serves as a coupling mechanism between antennas of different frequency bands, and enables the sub-6 GHz antenna to affect mmWave radiation despite operating at different frequencies. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple technical requirements simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are placed on different sides of the device to optimize radiation patterns, then radiation pattern coverage is improved, but device complexity and space constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple antennas into a collocated arrangement. By placing the sub-6 GHz and mmWave antennas in close proximity and using the parasitic element to couple them, the system achieves broad radiation pattern coverage that would traditionally require antennas on different sides of the device. This combining approach reduces device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The parasitic element is positioned within the near-field radiation region of the mmWave antenna, creating a nested configuration where components are arranged in layers. This nesting allows multiple antenna functions to be integrated in a compact volume, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve diverse radiation patterns.
3Reliability
If a sub-6 GHz antenna is placed within the near-field region of a mmWave antenna, then the far-field radiation pattern is augmented, but antenna interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of placing antennas in close proximity into a beneficial outcome. By intentionally positioning the sub-6 GHz antenna within the near-field region of the mmWave antenna and using the parasitic element to couple them, the system exploits the electromagnetic coupling to augment the far-field radiation pattern. What could be interference is transformed into a mechanism for pattern control and enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by utilizing different frequency bands (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) that naturally have different wavelengths and near-field regions. This parameter change allows the antennas to coexist in close proximity without traditional interference, as each antenna operates in its optimized frequency range while the parasitic element mediates the interaction.
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
Enhances mmWave signal coverage by steering and broadening the radiation pattern without additional antennas, providing broader coverage and efficient space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
the sub-6 GHz antenna is able to produce another far-field radiation pattern in the mmWave frequency band based on currents induced in the sub-6 GHz antenna by the near-field radiation region of the mmWave antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques and apparatuses are described that implement collocated mmWave and sub-6 GHz antennas (104). An apparatus includes at least one mmWave antenna (106) that produces a near-field radiation region (302) and a far-field radiation pattern (304) in a mmWave frequency band. Disposed within the near-field radiation region (302) is a sub-6 GHz antenna (108) that produces a radiation pattern in a sub-6 GHz frequency band. The sub‑6 GHz antenna (108) is able to positively affect the far-field radiation pattern (304) from the mmWave antenna (106) (e.g., via steering and/or broadening). In this way, the mmWave antenna (106) and the sub-6 GHz antenna (108) can be collocated to conserve space while also steering and/or broadening the far-field radiation pattern (304) of the mmWave antenna (106).