Gap-Coupled Antenna Module Structure for Massive MIMO Gain

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Solution Overview

Problem

In next-generation mobile communication systems, particularly in the super-high frequency band, antenna modules face performance deterioration due to propagation losses, necessitating an improved structure for reliable communication in massive MIMO environments.

Innovation Solution

The proposed antenna module structure includes a first radiator and a second radiator, with a dielectric and a feeder, where the second radiator surrounds the first radiator, increasing the effective radiation area and improving gain, while also reducing mutual coupling through a gap-coupled structure and specific radiator shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a single radiator is used, then the structure is simple, but the radiation area is insufficient and gain is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation areaVSAvoidantenna structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a first radiator and a second radiator into a single antenna module, where the second radiator surrounds the first radiator. This merging of multiple radiating elements increases the effective radiation area and improves gain while maintaining a compact integrated structure that does not significantly increase overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If antenna modules are placed close together for massive MIMO, then productivity increases, but mutual coupling increases and performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidmutual coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the second radiator as a separate component that specifically surrounds the first radiator, creating a gap-coupled structure. This separation allows the radiators to be positioned closely for high-density arrays while the surrounding structure and gaps minimize mutual coupling between adjacent antenna modules, enabling high productivity without performance deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the second radiator surrounds the first radiator, then gain is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the second radiator surrounds the first radiator in a concentric arrangement. This nesting approach improves gain by creating an integrated dual-radiator system while simplifying manufacturing, as the surrounding structure can be formed as a single piece or pre-assembled unit that encapsulates the first radiator, reducing the number of discrete assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 structure enhances antenna performance by increasing the effective radiation area and improving gain, while minimizing mutual coupling between antenna modules, thus supporting reliable communication in next-generation mobile systems.

Implementation Method 1

a dielectric having an upper surface disposed under a lower surface of the first radiator, and being formed to fix the first radiator and the second radiator to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined first length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

a feeder having an upper surface disposed under a lower surface of the dielectric, and delivering an electrical signal to the first radiator or the second radiator through the dielectric

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3756236B1Antenna module including plurality of radiators, and base station including the antenna module
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3756236B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3756236B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3756236B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

A technique for converging Internet of things (IoT) technology with a fifth generation (5G) communication system for supporting data rates beyond a fourth generation (4G) system can be applied to intelligent services. An antenna module includes a first radiator radiating a radio wave through an upper surface, a second radiator formed surrounding an outer periphery of the first radiator, a dielectric having an upper surface disposed under a lower surface of the first radiator, the dielectric being formed to fix the first radiator and the second radiator to be separated based on a first length, a feeder having an upper surface disposed under a lower surface of the dielectric, the feeder coupling an electrical signal to at least one of the radiator or second radiators through the dielectric, and a printed circuit board electrically connected to the feeder by a conductive pattern and supplying the electrical signal to the feeder.