Dual-Polarized Antenna Array Layout for High Isolation at Low Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing an antenna with low manufacturing cost and high performance for mmWave communication systems, such as 5G and beyond 5G, is challenging due to the need for compact and cost-effective solutions that maintain high throughput and low latency.
Innovation Solution
The antenna structure incorporates a radiator coupled with multiple vias and meandered feeding traces that generate 180-degree phase changes, along with a grounding plate and dielectric layers, to achieve dual-polarized radiation and high polarization isolation, while being cost-effective by using the same metal layer for feeding traces and reducing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antenna designs are used for mmWave communication, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but polarization isolation and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into multiple feeding traces (first and second feeding traces) with meander portions, each contributing to different polarization components. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each trace's phase and amplitude characteristics, achieving high polarization isolation while maintaining a planar structure suitable for cost-effective manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The meander portions of the feeding traces are designed to generate 180-degree phase changes along their length, utilizing the spatial dimension to achieve phase control without requiring additional phase-shifting components. This dimensional approach enables polarization isolation through geometric configuration rather than complex circuitry
2Area of moving object
If antenna size is reduced for compact devices, then device compactness is improved, but impedance bandwidth and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The meander portions of the feeding traces introduce curved and folded path geometries that effectively increase the electrical length within a reduced physical footprint. This curvature-based approach allows the compact antenna to maintain resonant characteristics and impedance bandwidth comparable to larger conventional designs
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding traces are nested within the same metal layer as the radiator, with the meander portions folded back on themselves to maximize space utilization. This nesting arrangement achieves compact area while preserving the necessary current paths for wide impedance bandwidth
3Reliability
If multiple metal layers are used for feeding traces and radiator, then performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding traces and radiator are merged into the same metal layer, eliminating the need for separate feeding layers and reducing manufacturing complexity. This merging is achieved through careful geometric design of the meander portions that provide sufficient isolation and phase control within the single layer
Solution Approach 2:
The single metal layer serves multiple functions: it forms both the radiator elements and the feeding traces with meander portions. This multi-functionality approach reduces the number of manufacturing steps and material layers required while maintaining the necessary electromagnetic 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 antenna structure achieves high polarization isolation and wide impedance bandwidth, supporting mmWave communication systems with reduced manufacturing costs and improved performance, suitable for 5G NR and beyond.
Implementation Method 1
The first feeding trace has a first meander portion that generates a 180-degree phase change along a length thereof at an operation frequency of the antenna structure. The second feeding trace has a second meander portion that generates a 180-degree phase change along a length thereof at the operation frequency of the antenna structure.
Implementation Method 2
The first via and the second via are respectively coupled to two opposite points of the first feeding trace with respect to the first meander portion. The third via and the fourth via are respectively coupled to two opposite points of the second feeding trace with respect to the second meander portion. The radiator is coupled to the first to fourth vias.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna structure and an antenna array are disclosed. The antenna structure includes first and second feeding traces, first to fourth vias and a radiator. The first feeding trace has a first meander portion that generates a 180-degree phase change along a length thereof at an operation frequency of the antenna structure. The second feeding trace has a second meander portion that generates a 180-degree phase change along a length thereof at the operation frequency of the antenna structure. The first and second vias are respectively coupled to two opposite points of the first feeding trace with respect to the first meander portion. The third and fourth vias are respectively coupled to two opposite points of the second feeding trace with respect to the second meander portion. The radiator coupled to the first to fourth vias. The antenna array includes antenna cells each with the antenna structure.