Fractal Antenna Miniaturization via 3D Stacked Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wideband complementary antennas are large in size, making them undesirable for modern wireless systems and certain array antenna applications, such as millimeter-wave array applications, which require more compact and efficient solutions.
Innovation Solution
A compact wideband complementary antenna design featuring a substrate with a ground plane, fractal antenna sections, and electric conductive elements, including L-probe feeds and via holes, to provide a miniaturized yet efficient antenna structure suitable for millimeter-wave and MIMO applications, utilizing fractal orders and specific feeding mechanisms for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If conventional wideband complementary antenna design is used, then wide impedance bandwidth and stable radiation pattern are achieved, but antenna size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional planar antenna structures to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple layers (first substrate layer, second substrate layer, third substrate layer). This vertical dimensionality change allows the antenna to achieve compact footprint while maintaining the necessary electrical length and bandwidth through inter-layer coupling and multiple radiating elements arranged in space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple radiating elements (first pair of patch antenna sections, second pair of patch antenna sections) are arranged in concentric or nested patterns on different substrate layers. The fractal antenna sections are also nested within the overall antenna structure, allowing multiple functional elements to coexist in a compact volume while maintaining their individual radiation characteristics.
2Area of moving object
If antenna size is reduced for compact applications, then integration in small devices is enabled, but impedance bandwidth and radiation stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna into multiple independent radiating segments (first pair of patch antenna sections, second pair of patch antenna sections, fractal antenna sections) distributed across three substrate layers. Each segment contributes to the overall radiation pattern, and their combined effect maintains pattern stability while allowing the total structure to be compact. The segmentation also enables independent optimization of each element's dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction with multiple substrate layers (first substrate, second substrate, third substrate) with different dielectric properties, combined with metallic radiating elements and ground planes. This composite structure allows tuning of the overall electrical characteristics to maintain stable radiation patterns while reducing physical size through optimized dielectric loading and multi-layer coupling.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna with a substrate having a ground plane includes a fractal antenna arranged on the substrate to achieve aperture miniaturization. The fractal antenna has a first pair of patch antenna sections that are spaced apart. A first pair of electric conductive elements are spaced apart, extending in the substrate, and arranged generally orthogonal to the first pair of patch antenna sections. Each of the first pair of electric conductive elements is operably connected with a respective one of the first pair of patch antenna sections. A first feeding mechanism is operably connected with the first pair of patch antenna sections for feeding the first pair of patch antenna sections.