Dual-band Yagi-Uda Antenna Array with Frequency-Selective Trace Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-band antenna systems face challenges in achieving a directive broadcast pattern at a compact size and dual-banding a naturally narrow-band antenna configuration, which is difficult to integrate into low-profile access points due to limitations in electrical lengths and physical dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-band antenna system design that includes a trace split feeding two frequency branches, with specific geometry configurations causing a current divorcing effect to direct signals at different frequencies, allowing for a compact high-gain array that operates effectively at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the antenna array size is increased to achieve directive broadcast pattern, then the pattern directivity is improved, but the device size and profile height increase making it difficult to integrate into low-profile access points
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple frequency branches (first frequency branch and second frequency branch) that can be independently optimized. Each branch handles specific frequency ranges, allowing the overall system to achieve directive patterns at compact dimensions by distributing the directional gain requirement across segmented frequency paths rather than requiring a single large omnidirectional array
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar 2D antenna element arrangements to a 3D configuration with vertical stacking of frequency branches and three-dimensional trace routing. This dimensional transition allows the antenna to achieve directive patterns through spatial diversity in the vertical dimension while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint suitable for low-profile integration
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical length of the antenna elements is increased to achieve dual-band operation, then the frequency coverage is improved, but the physical dimensions and profile height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first frequency branch and second frequency branch are nested within each other in a compact configuration. The traces and elements of one frequency branch are positioned within or alongside the structure of the other branch, allowing both frequency bands to be supported within a reduced overall footprint and profile height, effectively nesting multiple functional subsystems within a unified compact structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the trace geometry, element dimensions, and spacing parameters across different frequency branches. By adjusting these parameters independently for each branch, the system achieves resonance at multiple frequency bands without requiring proportional increases in overall physical dimensions, as each branch is optimized with specific parameter sets for its target frequency range
3Manufacturing precision
If the antenna configuration is optimized for narrow-band performance, then the pattern quality is improved, but the dual-band capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system segments the frequency spectrum into distinct bands handled by separate frequency branches. Each branch is independently optimized with specific trace geometries and element configurations tailored to its assigned frequency range, allowing narrow-band pattern optimization within each segment while collectively achieving broad dual-band coverage through the combination of segmented branches
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the antenna structure have different local qualities optimized for their specific frequency functions. The first frequency branch has local geometric properties optimized for its frequency range, while the second frequency branch has different local properties optimized for its range. This local optimization allows each segment to achieve high pattern quality for its specific band without compromising the other band's performance
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 achieves a directive broadcast pattern at a compact size, enabling dual-banding while maintaining pattern quality across both frequencies, thus overcoming the limitations of size and electrical length constraints in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first frequency branch may comprise a first frequency branch geometry that may cause a majority of a current of a signal fed into the trace split to feed the second frequency branch when the signal comprises a second frequency. The second frequency branch may comprise a second frequency branch geometry that may cause the majority of the current of the signal fed into the trace split to feed the first frequency branch when the signal comprises a first frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-band antenna array may be provided. The dual-band antenna array may comprise a trace split, a first frequency branch, and a second frequency branch. The trace split may feed the first frequency branch and the second frequency branch. The first frequency branch may comprise a first frequency branch geometry that may cause a majority of a current of a signal fed into the trace split to feed the second frequency branch when the signal comprises a second frequency. The second frequency branch may comprise a second frequency branch geometry that may cause the majority of the current of the signal fed into the trace split to feed the first frequency branch when the signal comprises a first frequency.