Dual-Array Antenna Module Layout for Thinner MIMO Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of antennas in electronic devices hinders the development of lighter and thinner designs due to the need for larger mounting spaces.

Innovation Solution

An antenna module with dual polarization MIMO implemented using two antenna arrays on a first substrate and a second substrate, where the second substrate is positioned on the same side as a signal processing chip, allowing for compact layout without increasing overall thickness or width, and optionally including a reflector for improved signal reception and transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If more antenna arrays are laid out to support 5G and MIMO technologies, then the wireless communication capability is improved, but the mounting space required increases, making the electronic device heavier and thicker

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar antenna layout to three-dimensional立体 layout by placing antenna arrays on both the front surface and back surface of the substrate. This dimensional change allows multiple antenna arrays to coexist without increasing the device's planar footprint, thereby supporting enhanced wireless communication capabilities while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embeds multiple antenna arrays within a compact substrate structure by utilizing both surfaces and the thickness dimension. The front and back antenna arrays are nested in close proximity, with the back antenna array positioned on the opposite surface of the front antenna array, maximizing space utilization without requiring additional mounting area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual polarization is implemented on a single antenna array, then the antenna functionality is improved, but the mounting space still increases, hindering lighter and thinner device development

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna functionalityVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of expanding dual-polarization antennas in the planar direction, the patent utilizes the thickness dimension by placing complementary polarization antenna arrays on opposite surfaces of the substrate. This allows dual-polarization functionality to be achieved without increasing device thickness, as the stacked configuration maintains a compact profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4138213B1Antenna module and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4138213B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4138213B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Provided are an antenna module and an electronic device. The antenna module comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and a signal processing chip, wherein the second substrate and the signal processing chip are located on the same side of the first substrate; the side of the first substrate that faces away from the second substrate is provided with a first antenna array; and the second substrate bears a second antenna array. The technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present invention solves the problem of the increasing number of antennas in existing electronic devices not being conducive to developing electronic devices that are lighter and thinner.