Glass-Substrate SIW Phased Array for Low-Loss 5G Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 4G communication services face limitations in ultra-low delay and super connection, and available frequency bands are depleted, necessitating advancements for 5G technologies that support high-frequency band communication, particularly for applications like virtual reality, augmented reality, and Internet of Things.
Innovation Solution
A substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) using a glass substrate and an electromagnetic phased array (EPA) with phase shifters and antennas, where the SIW includes conductive vias and waveguide side walls on the glass substrate, enabling efficient signal distribution and phase shifting for high-frequency electromagnetic waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional substrates are used for high-frequency communication, then manufacturing is easier, but signal attenuation increases at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the substrate from conventional materials (FR4, TMM4) to glass substrate, which has different electromagnetic properties that reduce signal attenuation at high frequencies while maintaining manufacturability through established glass processing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structure combining glass substrate with metal waveguide walls and conductive vias, creating a hybrid material system that leverages the low-loss properties of glass with the conductive properties of metals to achieve superior high-frequency performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If substrate integrated waveguide structure is implemented, then design flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is segmented into discrete components including side walls, conductive vias, and coupling structures that can be independently designed and manufactured, allowing flexible configuration while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The glass substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the waveguide structure, acts as the supporting substrate, and provides the dielectric medium for signal transmission, thereby reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device structure
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 solution provides improved signal attenuation characteristics and design flexibility, enhancing the performance of 5G communication systems by effectively managing high-frequency signals and expanding frequency band capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
first and second waveguide side walls defining a waveguide in the glass substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electromagnetic phased array (EPA) including an signal distributor comprising an input port to which a signal is input and first to fourth output ports from which the signal is divided and output, first to fourth waveguides sequentially connected to the first to fourth output ports and having different lengths, and first to fourth antennas sequentially connected to the first to fourth waveguides, in which the signal distributor and the first to fourth phase shifters comprise a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) based on a glass substrate.