Dual-Range Terminal Antenna Using Grounding and Open Cavity Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna solutions for wireless terminals struggle to effectively support communication in both lower and higher frequency ranges, particularly in millimeter wave bands, due to challenges such as signal attenuation and the need for new antenna designs that accommodate legacy communication frequencies.
Innovation Solution
An antenna arrangement featuring a ground plane and a metal frame with a gap, where the antenna forms a grounding connection for lower frequency ranges and incorporates an open cavity structure for higher frequency ranges, enabling efficient RF energy emission and reception across multiple frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional antenna design is used for lower frequency ranges, then legacy communication is supported, but millimeter wave communication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into two distinct operational modes: a grounding connection configuration for lower frequency ranges (first frequency range) and an open cavity structure for millimeter wave frequencies (second frequency range). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific frequency band, enabling the single antenna to reliably support both legacy and millimeter wave communications without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is made dynamically reconfigurable through switching mechanisms that can transform the grounding connection to an open cavity structure and vice versa. This dynamic adaptation allows the antenna to switch between different operational configurations based on the required frequency range, maintaining communication reliability across diverse frequency bands
2Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna forms a grounding connection for lower frequencies, then legacy communication is supported, but millimeter wave emission capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism dynamically reconfigures the antenna structure from a grounding connection (optimized for lower frequencies and legacy communication compatibility) to an open cavity structure (optimized for millimeter wave RF energy emission). This dynamic transformation ensures that the antenna maintains both frequency compatibility and sufficient emission power across different operational modes
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is designed as a universal structure that can perform multiple functions: serving as a grounding connection for lower frequency legacy communication and transforming into an open cavity structure for millimeter wave emission. This multi-functionality allows a single antenna to meet both legacy communication requirements and millimeter wave power emission requirements
3Productivity
If an open cavity structure is used for millimeter wave frequencies, then high bandwidth is achieved, but grounding connection for lower frequencies is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into configurable states where the open cavity structure provides high bandwidth for millimeter wave frequencies, while the same physical structure can be reconfigured into a grounding connection for lower frequency ranges. This segmentation of functional states enables the antenna to achieve high productivity in millimeter wave mode while maintaining frequency range adaptability through switching
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna employs dynamic reconfiguration capability that allows it to switch between open cavity structure (for high bandwidth millimeter wave operation) and grounding connection (for lower frequency adaptability). This dynamic behavior ensures that the antenna can optimize its performance for the required frequency band while maintaining versatility across frequency ranges
4Device complexity
If a single antenna structure is used for both frequency ranges, then device complexity is reduced, but performance in both ranges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is designed as a universal multi-functional structure that can operate in two distinct configurations: grounding connection for lower frequencies and open cavity structure for millimeter waves. This universal design reduces device complexity by using a single antenna platform while maintaining communication reliability through dynamic reconfiguration optimized for each frequency range
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna structure incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capability that allows it to adapt its physical configuration based on the operational frequency range. This dynamic adaptation enables the simplified single-antenna design to achieve communication reliability comparable to or better than multiple fixed-configuration antennas would provide
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 proposed antenna solution achieves a large bandwidth and high gain, meeting 3GPP spherical coverage requirements with improved beam control and compatibility with both legacy and millimeter wave frequencies, enhancing wireless communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna is configured to form a grounding connection between the ground plane and the metal frame for a first frequency range
Implementation Method 2
the antenna comprises an open cavity structure for a second frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
Antenna (1), for use in a wireless terminal including a ground plane (11) and a metal frame (12) encompassing the ground plane with a gap (13) between the metal frame and the ground plane; wherein said antenna is configured to form a grounding connection (15) between the ground plane and the metal frame for operation in a first frequency range (FR1); and wherein the antenna comprises an open cavity structure (100) for a second frequency range (FR2).