Coplanar Dual-Band Patch Antenna With Filtered GNSS Band Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stacked patch antennas have increased height, higher costs, and limited bandwidth due to the separation of high-frequency and low-frequency patches, which is not suitable for compact and low-cost device designs, especially for applications like satellite signal reception.
Innovation Solution
A dual-band patch antenna design where high-frequency and low-frequency patches are combined and overlaid on the same plane, utilizing a shared inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a filter to form separate frequency bands, allowing efficient operation in both bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacked patch antenna design is used with separate high-frequency and low-frequency patches stacked vertically, then frequency band coverage is achieved, but antenna height increases and bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines high-frequency and low-frequency patches into a single coplanar structure rather than stacking them vertically. The inner conductor forms the high-frequency patch while the outer conductor forms the low-frequency patch, both operating simultaneously in the same plane. This merging eliminates the need for vertical separation, reducing antenna height while maintaining dual-band functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional stacked configuration to a two-dimensional coplanar configuration. By laying out both frequency patches in the same plane rather than stacking them vertically, the design utilizes horizontal space more effectively and eliminates the height penalty associated with vertical stacking, thus solving the contradiction between height and frequency band coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacked patch antenna design is used with separate high-frequency and low-frequency patches, then dual-band operation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to high-quality materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the high-frequency and low-frequency antenna structures into a single integrated coplanar design. By sharing common structural elements and using standard PCB fabrication techniques for both patches simultaneously, the design reduces material requirements and manufacturing complexity compared to assembling separate stacked antennas, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining dual-band operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coplanar structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the inner conductor acts as the high-frequency patch, the outer conductor acts as the low-frequency patch, and both share the same substrate and feed structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate high-quality materials and assemblies for each frequency band, reducing manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacked patch antenna design is used with separated patches, then frequency separation is achieved, but bandwidth is reduced due to limited vertical space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the bandwidth limitation by transitioning from vertical stacking to coplanar arrangement. This dimensional change allows both patches to utilize the full available space on the substrate rather than being constrained by vertical separation distance, enabling larger effective aperture and improved bandwidth while maintaining frequency separation through the filter and geometric configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining both patches in a coplanar configuration with a shared ground plane and substrate, the design creates larger effective radiating areas for both frequency bands. This merged structure allows both antennas to operate with enhanced bandwidth compared to stacked designs where vertical space constraints limit the size of individual patches.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacked patch antenna design is used, then separate frequency ranges are covered, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the overall antenna system by merging the high-frequency and low-frequency patches into a single coplanar structure. This integration reduces the number of separate components, assembly steps, and mounting requirements compared to stacked designs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to cover separate frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The coplanar structure performs multiple functions within a single integrated design: it provides both high-frequency and low-frequency radiation, uses a shared substrate and ground plane, and employs a unified feed structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate antenna assemblies and reduces overall system complexity.
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 design improves performance by maximizing vertical space utilization, reduces height and cost, and enhances bandwidth, making it suitable for applications such as GNSS frequency reception.
Implementation Method 1
a filter disposed between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, the filter being configured to at least partially block electrical signals at the upper GNSS frequency band and to let pass electrical signals at the lower GNSS frequency band
Implementation Method 2
an inner conductor disposed above the ground plane, the inner conductor forming a high-frequency patch for receiving radio waves at an upper GNSS frequency band; an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, the outer conductor and the inner conductor collectively forming a low-frequency patch for receiving radio waves at a lower GNSS frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-band patch antenna is described. The antenna includes a ground plane. The antenna also includes an inner conductor disposed above the ground plane. The inner conductor forms a high-frequency patch for receiving radio waves at an upper frequency band. The antenna further includes an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor. The outer conductor and the inner conductor collectively form a low-frequency patch for receiving radio waves at a lower frequency band. The antenna further includes a filter disposed between the inner conductor and the outer conductor. The filter is configured to at least partially block electrical signals at the upper GNSS frequency band and to let pass electrical signals at the lower GNSS frequency band.