FPCB UWB Antenna Layout for Compact Angle-of-Arrival Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices equipped with ultra-wide band (UWB) antennas face challenges in accurately measuring the location of external devices in non-line-of-sight environments and are limited by the need for multiple antennas, which is difficult to implement due to space constraints and interference from human body interference.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) with two conductive patches that operate as antenna radiators, fed at specific points to receive and transmit RF signals, allowing for partial overlap and adaptive location measurement in various communication environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If at least three UWB antennas are densely disposed within a specified distance to measure AOA in all directions, then the adaptability of location measurement is improved, but the device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first conductive patch is segmented into multiple feedable regions (first edge and second edge), allowing a single physical antenna structure to function as multiple antenna elements. By feeding the first conductive patch at different edges, the system creates virtual multiple antennas without physically disposing multiple antennas densely, thus achieving AOA measurement adaptability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The first conductive patch serves multiple functions: it can be fed at the first edge to provide one antenna element, or fed at the second edge to provide another antenna element. This multi-functional design allows the same physical structure to adapt to different measurement scenarios, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antennas for different directions
2Measurement precision
If at least three UWB antennas are densely disposed within a specified distance, then the measurement precision of AOA is improved, but the area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional antenna arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by overlapping the first and second conductive patches vertically. This allows the antenna elements to be positioned within a specified distance (λ/2) in the vertical dimension while occupying minimal horizontal area, achieving precise AOA measurement without increasing the device footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second conductive patches are nested or overlapped in the vertical direction, with one patch positioned above the other. This nesting arrangement allows multiple antenna elements to coexist within a compact volume, maintaining the required spacing for accurate AOA measurement while minimizing the overall area occupied
3Device complexity
If two UWB antennas are used to measure location, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to measure AOA in all directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different feeding configurations of the first conductive patch (first edge feeding or second edge feeding) depending on the measurement requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows two physical antennas to effectively provide multiple antenna element patterns, achieving all-directional AOA measurement capability without increasing the number of physical antennas
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
This configuration enhances the accuracy of location measurement and adaptability in different environments, improving the device's ability to detect external devices' location without the need for multiple densely disposed antennas.
Implementation Method 1
the first conductive patch operates as an antenna radiator which receives a radio frequency (RF) signal of a specified frequency band, the second conductive patch operates as an antenna radiator which transmits or receives an RF signal of a specified frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) including a first conductive patch and a second conductive patch, a wireless communication circuitry electrically coupled with the first conductive patch and the second conductive patch, and a processor electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry. The first conductive patch is fed from the wireless communication circuitry at a first point located at a first edge of the first conductive patch or a second point located at a second edge different from the first edge, and operates as an antenna radiator which receives a radio frequency (RF) signal of a specified frequency band, the second conductive patch is fed from the wireless communication circuity at a third point of the second conductive patch, and operates as an antenna radiator which transmits or receive an RF signal of a specified frequency band.