Dual-Band Antenna Coupler Layout for Low Mutual Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional array antennas experience decreased radiation efficiency due to increased mutual coupling between antenna elements, which existing techniques have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first and second antenna element, each resonating in distinct frequency bands, with specific couplers to manage coupling between feeder lines and radiation conductors, utilizing capacitive and magnetic field coupling methods to reduce mutual interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of antenna elements are arranged close to each other in an array antenna, then the antenna can achieve multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) functionality and operate in multiple frequency bands, but mutual coupling between the antenna elements increases, causing radiation efficiency to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces couplers as intermediary components between adjacent antenna elements. These couplers are specifically designed to control and reduce mutual coupling effects. The first coupler connects feeder lines of adjacent elements, while the second coupler connects radiation conductors, acting as mediators that manage the electromagnetic interaction between closely spaced elements and prevent energy loss through unwanted coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the coupling coefficients of the introduced couplers. By optimizing the coupling coefficients of both the first and second couplers, the design achieves reduced mutual coupling while maintaining the ability to operate across multiple frequency bands and support MIMO functionality. This parameter optimization allows the system to resolve the contradiction between close element spacing and radiation efficiency.
2Volume of moving object
If antenna elements are arranged at an interval equal to or less than 1/2 of a resonance wavelength, then the antenna size is reduced and integration is improved, but mutual coupling between elements increases, degrading antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The couplers serve as intermediary structures that enable close spacing of antenna elements without suffering from excessive mutual coupling. By positioning the first coupler between feeder lines and the second coupler between radiation conductors, the design mediates the electromagnetic interaction, allowing elements to be placed at intervals of 1/2 wavelength or less while maintaining reliable antenna performance through controlled coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing the coupling coefficients of the introduced couplers to compensate for the reduced spacing. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains reliable performance metrics (radiation efficiency, impedance matching) even when elements are closely spaced, thus resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and performance reliability.
3Device complexity
If conventional coupling methods are used between antenna elements, then the structure is simple, but mutual coupling cannot be adequately reduced, limiting radiation efficiency improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling function into two distinct parts: the first coupler for coupling feeder lines and the second coupler for coupling radiation conductors. This segmentation allows each coupler to be optimized for its specific function, achieving better mutual coupling reduction than a single conventional coupling structure. The divided approach maintains manageable complexity while effectively addressing energy loss through targeted coupling control at different levels of the antenna structure.
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 effectively reduces mutual coupling between antenna elements, enhancing radiation efficiency and flexibility in design by adjusting coupling coefficients, thereby improving the antenna's performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first coupler is configured to couple the first feeder line and the second feeder line such that a second component different from the first component is dominant. The first component is one of a capacitance component and an inductance component.
Implementation Method 2
The first component is one of a capacitance component and an inductance component. The first coupler is configured to couple the first feeder line and the second feeder line such that a second component different from the first component is dominant.
Implementation Method 3
The second radiation conductor is configured to be coupled to the first radiation conductor with a first coupling method in which one of a capacitive coupling and a magnetic field coupling is dominant. The second coupler is configured to couple the first radiation conductor and the second radiation conductor with a second coupling method different from the first coupling method.
Implementation Method 4
The second radiation conductor is configured to be coupled to the first radiation conductor with a first coupling method in which one of a capacitive coupling and a magnetic field coupling is dominant.
Implementation Method 5
The first antenna element includes a first radiation conductor and a first feeder line and is configured to resonate in a first frequency band. The second antenna element includes a second radiation conductor and a second feeder line and is configured to resonate in a second frequency band.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna includes first and second antenna elements and first and second couplers. The first antenna element includes a first radiation conductor and a first feeder line. The second antenna element includes a second radiation conductor and a second feeder line. The second feeder line is coupled to the first feeder line such that a first component, which is a capacitance component or an inductance component, is dominant. The first coupler couples the first and second feeder lines such that a second component is dominant. The first radiation conductor and the second radiation conductor are arranged at an interval of ½ or less of a resonance wavelength. The second radiation conductor is coupled to the first radiation conductor with a first coupling method in which a capacitive coupling or a magnetic field coupling is dominant. The second coupler couples the first and second radiation conductors with a second coupling method.