Dual-Mode On-Chip Antenna Structure for Wider Bandwidth and Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-chip antennas suffer from low gain and narrow bandwidth, which limits their performance compared to off-chip antennas.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a dipole mode and a dielectric resonator mode in an on-chip antenna structure, utilizing a silicon substrate with a comb-shaped dipole element and a coplanar waveguide, allows the antenna to operate simultaneously as a cavity-backed dipole antenna and a dielectric resonance antenna, enhancing gain and bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If on-chip antenna is used, then system size is reduced and cost is lowered, but antenna gain and bandwidth are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two distinct antenna operating modes (dielectric resonator mode and dipole mode) into a single on-chip antenna structure. The substrate supports both modes simultaneously, allowing the antenna to function as both a dielectric resonance antenna and a cavity-backed dipole antenna, thereby achieving high gain and wide bandwidth while maintaining compact on-chip form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The on-chip antenna structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it operates in dielectric resonator mode for enhanced bandwidth and in dipole mode for improved gain. This multi-functionality allows a single compact structure to achieve performance characteristics previously requiring separate antenna systems
2Device complexity
If on-chip antenna structure is used, then matching network and wire bonding are eliminated, but antenna gain and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of dielectric resonator antennas (wide bandwidth, no matching network needed) with cavity-backed dipole antennas (high gain) into a single integrated on-chip structure. The substrate itself serves as both the dielectric resonator and the cavity backing, eliminating the need for separate matching networks and wire bonding while achieving both high gain and wide bandwidth
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 configuration significantly improves the antenna's gain and bandwidth, achieving a 3-dB gain bandwidth of 34% from 275 to 385 GHz with a peak gain of 6.2 dBi at 300 GHz, while reducing cross-polarization and eliminating the need for matching networks and parasitic effects from wire bonding.
Implementation Method 1
the on-chip antenna being configured such that when the feed structure is fed with an electrical signal it operates simultaneously in (i) at least one dielectric resonator mode to function as a dielectric resonance antenna
Implementation Method 2
the on-chip antenna being configured such that when the feed structure is fed with an electrical signal it operates simultaneously in (ii) at least one dipole mode to function as a cavity backed dipole antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An on-chip antenna comprising an electrically insulating substrate having first and second faces; a metal layer arranged on the second face; and, a dipole antenna structure arranged on the first face, the dipole antenna structure comprising a dipole antenna and a feed structure connected to the dipole antenna; the on-chip antenna being configured such that when the feed structure is fed with an electrical signal it operates simultaneously in (i) at least one dielectric resonator mode to function as a dielectric resonance antenna, and (ii) at least one dipole mode to function as a cavity backed dipole antenna.