Dual Patch Millimeter Wave Antenna for Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in supporting wireless communications at high frequencies above 10 GHz due to signal attenuation and line-of-sight requirements in millimeter wave communications, which limits bandwidth and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wireless communications circuitry with phased antenna arrays and beam steering capabilities, utilizing dual patch antennas symmetrically distributed about an axis, and control circuitry for optimizing antenna performance and switching between antennas to maintain signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If millimeter wave communications are used to support high bandwidths, then communication bandwidth is improved, but signal attenuation increases substantially during propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna resonating element is divided into first and second conductive patches that are symmetrically distributed about an axis. This segmentation creates multiple radiating elements that can be independently controlled to form beams in different directions, thereby improving signal propagation and reducing attenuation effects through spatial diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beam steering operations using phased antenna arrays, allowing the antenna system to dynamically adjust beam directions and positions. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to changing propagation conditions and maintain optimal signal strength by steering beams toward receivers or away from obstructions.
2Productivity
If millimeter wave communications are used to support high bandwidths, then communication bandwidth is improved, but line-of-sight requirements limit reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into multiple patches arranged in arrays that can perform beam steering. This segmentation enables the system to maintain multiple communication paths and switch between them, improving reliability when line-of-sight conditions change due to obstructions or device orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna system by implementing beam steering capabilities that allow dynamic adjustment of beam directions. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different propagation environments and maintain reliable communication despite line-of-sight challenges.
3Reliability
If dual patch resonating elements are used to enhance wireless communication, then signal transmission is improved, but antenna structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second conductive patches are symmetrically distributed about an axis and fed through a common feed terminal. This merging of feeding structures simplifies the overall antenna design while maintaining the benefits of multiple radiating elements for improved signal transmission and beam forming capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patches are positioned asymmetrically relative to the feed terminal, with the first patch coupled at a first position and the second patch coupled at a second position on the opposite side of the axis. This asymmetric arrangement enables effective current distribution and phase control while maintaining a relatively simple overall 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
Enhances wireless communication performance by improving signal reception and transmission at frequencies between 10 GHz and 300 GHz, providing better coverage and reliability, especially in environments where antennas may be obstructed.
Implementation Method 1
The transceiver circuitry may transmit and receive antenna signals between 10 GHz and 300 GHz using the antenna
Implementation Method 2
The antenna resonating element may be formed above the antenna ground and may include first and second conductive patches
Implementation Method 3
If desired, the end of the first patch farthest from the second patch and the end of the second patch farthest from the first patch may be shorted to the antenna ground using conductive vias
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may be provided with millimeter wave transceiver circuitry and an antenna having a ground and a resonating element. The resonating element may include first and second patches symmetrically distributed about an axis. The antenna may be fed using an antenna feed having a first feed terminal coupled to both the first and second patches and a second feed terminal coupled to the ground. The first feed terminal may be coupled to the first patch at a side closest to the second patch and may be coupled to the second patch at a side closest to the first patch. The first and second patches may be shorted to the ground if desired. Antenna currents on the first patch may be 180 degrees out of phase with antenna currents on the second patch. The antenna may be arranged in an array of antennas with different polarizations.