Embedded Filters in Multilayer Substrate Antenna Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing antenna modules with patch antennas having two feed points face challenges in size reduction due to the need for separate filters for each feed point, leading to increased module size and wiring losses.

Innovation Solution

An antenna module with a multilayer substrate incorporating a patch antenna having two feed points, where the filters are formed directly within the substrate, reducing the need for surface wiring and allowing the module to handle two polarized waves, thereby miniaturizing the module and improving isolation characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate filters are provided for each of the two feed points of one patch antenna, then the unwanted waves such as harmonic waves or interference waves can be attenuated, but the size of the antenna module is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattenuation of unwanted wavesVSAvoidsize of antenna module

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the two separate filters into a single integrated filter structure that handles both feed points. The filter is designed with a resonant structure that can simultaneously filter unwanted waves from both feed points, eliminating the need for two separate filters and reducing the overall module size while maintaining the attenuation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal filter that serves multiple functions - it filters unwanted waves from both feed points simultaneously and can handle multiple polarized waves. This multi-functional filter design allows one filter to replace what would traditionally require two separate filters, thereby reducing module size while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If filters are provided separately from the multilayer substrate, then the filters can be independently designed, but the wiring length is increased and wiring loss is suppressed poorly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent filter designVSAvoidwiring loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the filter design with the multilayer substrate structure, integrating the filter directly into the substrate layers. This merging eliminates the need for separate filter components and short surface wiring, reducing wiring length and associated energy losses while maintaining manufacturability through standardized multilayer substrate fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the filter from a surface-mounted configuration to an embedded configuration within the multilayer substrate. By transitioning from two-dimensional surface wiring to three-dimensional embedded routing through substrate layers, the filter connection paths are shortened significantly, reducing wiring loss while maintaining design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If one patch antenna has two feed points for two polarized waves, then the size of the antenna module is reduced, but the complexity of filter arrangement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of antenna moduleVSAvoidcomplexity of filter arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the filtering function for both polarized waves into a single integrated filter structure that is embedded in the multilayer substrate. This approach simplifies the overall arrangement by eliminating the need to separately position and connect two independent filters, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the ability to handle two polarized waves with a compact one-patch-antenna design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If wiring is extended on the surface of the multilayer substrate to connect filters, then the filters can be positioned flexibly, but the wiring length increases and wiring loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of filter positioningVSAvoidwiring loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from surface-level wiring to three-dimensional routing through the multilayer substrate. By embedding filters within substrate layers and using vertical vias for connections, the design achieves flexible filter positioning without requiring long surface wiring paths. This dimensional transition allows filters to be placed in optimal locations while maintaining short connection lengths and minimizing wiring loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11721903B2Antenna module and communication device

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An antenna module includes a multilayer substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface opposing to each other, a patch antenna formed on a side of the first main surface of the multilayer substrate and configured with a radiation electrode and a ground electrode, an RFIC formed on a side of the second main surface of the multilayer substrate, a first filter, and a second filter different from the first filter, wherein the patch antenna has a first feed point and a second feed point provided at different positions in the radiation electrode, the first feed point is electrically connected to the RFIC via the first filter, the second feed point is electrically connected to the RFIC via the second filter, and the first filter and the second filter are formed in the multilayer substrate.