Differentially Fed Patch Antenna Array With Integrated Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing an antenna element with a gain of equal or better than ~6 dB and wideband radiation over a range of 3.2-3.9 GHz while maintaining a simple and cost-effective overall structure is challenging due to the design frequency and wavelength, and external filters used in Massive MIMO communication systems are bulky and expensive.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a built-in differential feeding scheme with integrated filtering structures within the feed network of the antenna array, utilizing SMD filters and parasitic elements to achieve high gain and reduce cross-polarization, eliminating the need for external filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external filters are used in Massive MIMO communication systems, then filtering performance is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtering function with the feed network by integrating band-stop filter structures directly into the transmission lines that feed the antenna elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate external filters, reducing device size and complexity while maintaining the required filtering performance for Massive MIMO systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed network structures are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide signal distribution to antenna elements while also providing filtering capabilities through integrated band-stop filter structures. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate filtering devices.
2Reliability
If external filters are used in Massive MIMO communication systems, then filtering performance is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the filtering function into the feed network structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate external filter components. This integration reduces the total component count and assembly requirements, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining the necessary filtering performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed network is designed to serve dual purposes: signal distribution and frequency filtering. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate filtering components, reducing bill of materials costs and manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If antenna elements are designed for high gain, then radiation efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filtering function with the feed network structure, creating an integrated component that performs both signal distribution and frequency selection. This combination maintains high radiation efficiency by providing clean signals to antenna elements while avoiding the need for separate filtering components that would add structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. An antenna and a base station including the antenna. The antenna includes a sub-array that includes first and second unit cells and a feed network. The first and second unit cells comprise first and second patches, respectively, having quadrilateral shapes. The feed network comprises a first transmission line terminating below first corners of the first and second patches, respectively; a second transmission line terminating below third corners of the first and second patches, respectively; a third transmission line terminating below a second corner of the first patch and a fourth corner of the second patch; and a fourth transmission line terminating below a fourth corner of the first patch and a second corner of the second patch. The first corners are opposite the third corners on the respective first and second patches and the second corners are opposite the fourth corners on the respective first and second patches.