Flexible Laminated Antenna Module for 5G Signal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency RF signals in mmWave communications, such as those used in 5G and IoT, are prone to absorption and loss, leading to degradation in communication quality, requiring specialized antenna techniques to secure effective isotropic radiated power and antenna gain.
Innovation Solution
An antenna module with a laminated structure comprising a first and second patch antenna portion, each with a distinct resonance frequency, and a connection member forming electrical paths between IC packages and antenna portions, allowing flexible orientation and reduced transmission loss across different frequency bands, including 60 GHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high frequency band RF signal is transmitted, then data transmission capability is improved, but signal absorption and loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional planar antenna designs to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple antenna portions arranged vertically. This spatial dimensionality change allows signals to radiate in multiple directions simultaneously, improving data transmission capability while reducing signal loss through diversified propagation paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is divided into multiple independent antenna portions (first antenna portion, second antenna portion, third antenna portion) with distinct resonance frequencies. Each segment operates independently at optimized frequencies, allowing the system to achieve high data transmission capability across multiple frequency bands while minimizing signal absorption and loss through frequency diversity.
2Device complexity
If a single resonance frequency antenna is used, then design simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different frequency bands is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna module is designed with multiple antenna portions that can operate across different frequency bands (sub-6GHz and mmWave). This multi-functional design allows a single antenna structure to serve universal communication needs across various 5G frequency ranges, enhancing adaptability without requiring completely separate antenna systems for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a stacked three-dimensional configuration where antenna portions are arranged vertically at different heights. This spatial arrangement enables each antenna portion to resonate at different frequencies, providing broad frequency band adaptability while maintaining a compact integrated structure that does not significantly increase design complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If antenna portions are fixed in orientation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but communication quality under user-hand obstruction is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member incorporating the flexible dielectric layer enables the antenna portions to be bent and oriented in different directions. This dynamic flexibility allows the antenna system to adapt its radiation pattern to avoid user-hand obstruction during device usage, maintaining communication quality while the flexible connection maintains reliable electrical connections throughout movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible dielectric layer as the connection medium between antenna portions and the circuit board. This flexible film structure allows the antenna to be bent and reoriented without compromising electrical connectivity, enabling the antenna to dynamically adjust its orientation to maintain communication quality even when the device is held in different positions by the user.
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 module effectively transmits and receives RF signals in multiple directions, improving communication quality and reducing power consumption by minimizing interference from user-hand obstruction and enhancing bandwidth and gain across various frequency ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna dielectric layer surrounding the first feed via, and configured to have a first resonance frequency; a second antenna dielectric layer surrounding the second feed via, and configured to have a second resonance frequency different from the first resonance frequency
Implementation Method 2
configured to have a first resonance frequency; configured to have a second resonance frequency different from the first resonance frequency
Implementation Method 3
having a laminated structure forming an electrical connection path between the first IC and the first feed via and forming an electrical connection path of the second antenna portion
Implementation Method 4
a third region electrically connecting the first and second regions and configured to be more flexible than the first antenna dielectric layer
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna module includes: an IC package including an IC; first and second antenna portions including respective patch antenna patterns, respective feed vias connected to the respective patch antenna patterns, and respective dielectric layers surrounding the respective feed vias; and a connection member having an upper surface on which the first and second antenna portions are disposed and a lower surface on which the IC package is disposed, the connection member forming an electrical connection path between the IC and the feed via of the first antenna portion and an electrical connection path of the second antenna portion. The connection member includes a first region disposed between the IC package and the first antenna portion, a second region on which the second antenna portion is disposed, and a third region electrically connecting the first and second regions and being more flexible than the dielectric layer of the first antenna portion.