Corner-Truncated Patch Antenna for Wide Bandwidth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circularly polarized patch antennas exhibit low impedance bandwidth and axial ratio bandwidth, making them impractical for low-cost mass production and phase-scanning applications, as they require thick substrates or complex multi-layer feeding networks that increase size, complexity, and cost.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates corner-truncated patch elements with microstrip lines tilted at 45°, allowing for simpler single-layer PCB fabrication and reduced antenna size, while maintaining or improving impedance and axial ratio bandwidths, enabling wider bandwidths and increased radiation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional circularly polarized patch antennas use thick substrates or complex multi-layer feeding networks to achieve circular polarization, then the axial ratio bandwidth and impedance bandwidth are improved, but the device complexity, size, and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patch element is segmented by truncating two opposite corners, creating an asymmetric geometry that inherently supports circular polarization. This segmentation approach eliminates the need for complex multi-layer feeding networks while maintaining wide axial ratio bandwidth, as the truncated corners create orthogonal current modes with equal amplitude and 90-degree phase difference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry by truncating two opposite corners of the rectangular patch, creating an asymmetric structure that generates circular polarization. This asymmetric geometry transforms the conventional symmetric patch into a structure that naturally produces equal-amplitude orthogonal modes, achieving wide axial ratio bandwidth without complex feeding networks or thick substrates.
2Reliability
If conventional circularly polarized patch antennas use thick substrates to achieve circular polarization, then the axial ratio bandwidth is improved, but the antenna size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric truncation of two opposite corners creates a structure that generates circular polarization through its geometry rather than substrate thickness. The truncated corners produce orthogonal current distributions that are inherently phase-shifted by 90 degrees, achieving wide axial ratio bandwidth with thin substrates suitable for standard PCB manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the patch by truncating corners at specific angles (typically 45 degrees) and proportions, transforming the radiation characteristics to produce circular polarization. This parameter change approach achieves wide axial ratio bandwidth without requiring changes in substrate thickness, enabling use of thin, cost-effective PCB materials.
3Reliability
If conventional circularly polarized patch antennas use complex multi-layer feeding networks, then the impedance bandwidth is improved, but the manufacturing cost and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The truncated corner geometry segments the patch into regions that naturally support orthogonal current modes. This segmentation creates inherent impedance matching characteristics that provide wide impedance bandwidth without requiring complex multi-layer feeding networks, enabling simple single-layer PCB fabrication with standard etching and deposition processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric truncation creates a structure with built-in impedance transformation properties. The truncated corners produce current distributions that naturally match a broad range of input impedances, achieving wide impedance bandwidth while maintaining compatibility with simple, low-cost single-layer PCB manufacturing techniques.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional circularly polarized patch antennas use standard designs, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the radiation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric truncation of two opposite corners creates a structure that efficiently radiates energy in circular polarization. The truncated geometry produces balanced orthogonal current modes with minimal losses, achieving high radiation efficiency while maintaining compatibility with simple PCB manufacturing processes. The asymmetric shape reduces current concentration at corners and improves overall current distribution.
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 approach results in circularly polarized patch antennas and arrays with improved impedance and axial ratio bandwidths, reduced size, and increased efficiency, making them suitable for low-cost mass production and phase-scanning applications.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna having (i) a first patch element with two opposite corners truncated and (ii) a first microstrip line connected to a first side of the first patch element and configured to feed the first patch element
Data Source
AI summary
For use in a wireless network, an apparatus for use in a wireless network includes an antenna having (i) a first patch element with two opposite corners truncated and (ii) a first microstrip line connected to a first side of the first patch element and configured to feed the first patch element. The first microstrip line forms an angle of substantially 45° with the first side of the first patch element. The antenna could also include (i) a second patch element with two opposite corners truncated and (ii) a second microstrip line connected to a side of the second patch element. The second microstrip line could form an angle of substantially 45° with the side of the second patch element. The patch elements could be series-coupled and form an antenna array. One patch element could represent a host patch element, and another patch element could represent a parasitic patch element.