Co-Planar Antenna Module With Integrated RF Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing RF module configuration, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,079,869, may not be suitable for all applications due to its specific arrangement of integrated RF circuitry and antenna elements, which can limit its adaptability and efficiency in communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The proposed antenna module incorporates integrated RF circuitry with a transmitter and/or receiver coupled to an antenna element comprising substantially co-planar portions, where the RF circuitry is disposed adjacent to specific regions of the antenna elements, allowing for various configurations such as end-to-end, proximate, or separated arrangements, and can be deployed in distributed antenna systems, enabling flexible radiation patterns and reduced filtering requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the integrated RF circuitry is disposed substantially adjacent the respective inner ends of the first and second substantially co-planar portions of the antenna element, then the antenna module achieves a compact configuration, but the adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is divided into first and second substantially co-planar portions with distinct functional assignments. The first portion is operatively coupled to the transmitter while the second portion is operatively coupled to the receiver, allowing independent optimization and configuration for different application requirements while maintaining overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna module design allows the same basic structure to serve multiple applications by configuring the co-planar portions in different arrangements (end-to-end, proximate, or separated). This multi-functional capability enables the module to adapt to various communication systems including distributed antenna systems without requiring complete redesign.
2Device complexity
If the first and second substantially co-planar portions are arranged end-to-end with their respective first ends proximate one another, then the filtering requirements are reduced, but the beam forming and antenna steering capabilities are improved
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the antenna element are assigned different functional qualities. The first co-planar portion is optimized for transmit functions while the second portion is optimized for receive functions. This local differentiation allows each portion to be independently tuned and configured, reducing the need for complex filtering while enabling sophisticated beam forming through selective activation and phasing of different portions.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to an antenna module comprising integrated RF circuitry comprising at least one of a transmitter and a receiver. The module further comprises an antenna element operatively coupled to the integrated RF circuitry, the antenna element comprising first and second substantially co-planar portions. The integrated RF circuitry is disposed on an interior part of at least one of the first and second substantially co-planar portions. Other embodiments are disclosed.