Glass-Substrate Stacked Patch Antenna for Wider Millimeter-Wave Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna devices using patch antennas face challenges in increasing bandwidth and reducing manufacturing costs, as they often rely on semiconductor substrates that are costly and limit the size of antenna elements.
Innovation Solution
The antenna device employs a cavity stack structure with first and second patch antennas on glass substrates separated by an air gap, allowing for wider bandwidth and lower manufacturing costs due to the lower permittivity of glass substrates and air, enabling larger antenna elements from a single substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If semiconductor substrates are used for patch antennas, then manufacturing precision and dimensional accuracy are maintained, but manufacturing cost increases and substrate area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from semiconductor substrate to glass substrate. Glass substrates offer lower permittivity and higher Q-factor, enabling larger antenna elements while maintaining dimensional accuracy through precise glass manufacturing processes. This material substitution reduces cost and allows panelization while preserving the required precision for antenna operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar antennas on semiconductor substrates to three-dimensional stacked cavity structures using glass substrates. This vertical stacking enables larger effective antenna area and bandwidth expansion while the glass substrate's mechanical properties maintain dimensional stability across larger areas, overcoming the area limitation of semiconductor substrates.
2Manufacturing precision
If semiconductor substrates are used for patch antennas, then dimensional accuracy is maintained, but the area of antenna elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vertical stacking of multiple patch antennas separated by air gaps to create three-dimensional cavity structures. This transforms the antenna from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional volumetric structure, effectively increasing the antenna area and bandwidth without compromising dimensional accuracy, as glass substrates maintain precision even at larger sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining glass substrates with air gaps between stacked patches. This composite cavity structure leverages the dimensional stability of glass while utilizing the air layer's low permittivity to enhance electrical performance, enabling larger antenna elements that maintain precision while expanding effective area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If glass substrates are used for patch antennas, then bandwidth increases and manufacturing cost decreases, but structural complexity increases due to air gap configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vertical stacking in the third dimension to achieve bandwidth expansion through cavity resonance. By stacking multiple patches with air gaps, the antenna exploits resonant modes at different frequencies simultaneously, increasing bandwidth without requiring complex planar geometries. The regular stacked structure maintains manufacturing simplicity despite the three-dimensional configuration.
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 radio wave transmission and reception in the millimeter wave region with high gain and stability, while reducing production costs by utilizing glass substrates that can be upsized and maintaining precise dimensional accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Since the permittivity between the first patch antenna and the second patch antenna is suppressed low by the glass substrates and the air layer, the antenna device can transmit or receive a radio wave in a wide bandwidth with high gain
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device and a wireless communication apparatus capable of implementing increase in bandwidth and reduction of the manufacturing cost are provided. The antenna device includes a first antenna element and a second antenna element arranged on one face side of the first antenna element. The first antenna element includes a first glass substrate and a first patch antenna provided on the first glass substrate. The second antenna element includes a second glass substrate and a second patch antenna provided on the second glass substrate. At least part of the first patch antenna faces the second patch antenna with an air gap interposed therebetween.