Slot-Excited GNSS Patch Antenna With Compact Circular Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadband circularly-polarized antennas for GNSS applications are complex, costly, and have large spatial requirements due to multiple levels and extensive feeding networks, making them difficult to assemble and integrate with low noise amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A compact broadband circularly-polarized antenna design featuring a composite radiation patch with conductive strips and an integrated excitation circuit on a printed circuit board, including a feeding network with quadrature and in-phase decoupled power dividers, allowing for a simple structure with both radiating elements and a low noise amplifier on the same PCB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stacked patch antennas are used to cover both low-frequency and high-frequency bands, then the antenna can operate in both frequency bands, but the total antenna height increases and assembly becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both low-frequency and high-frequency radiation patches onto a single antenna structure. The first radiation patch for low-frequency band and the second radiation patch for high-frequency band are integrated on the same substrate, eliminating the need for multiple stacked antennas and simplifying assembly while maintaining dual-band operation capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If four vertical probes are used to excite the radiation patch for symmetrical radiation pattern, then the radiation pattern achieves maximum radiation in zenith direction, but the feeding network takes a large amount of space on the PCB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetrical slot configurations to achieve symmetrical radiation patterns. By strategically positioning and dimensioning the slots in the ground plane and radiation patches, the design creates balanced electromagnetic fields that produce symmetrical radiation characteristics without requiring four separate vertical probes, thereby reducing PCB space while maintaining zenith radiation performance
3Ease of manufacture
If the excitation microstrip feed line is located in the central area of the PCB, then the excitation circuit is integrated, but it becomes difficult to locate low noise amplifiers or vertical monopole antenna in this area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PCB into distinct functional zones: the central area is dedicated to the excitation circuit and radiation patches, while the peripheral areas are reserved for low noise amplifiers and other components. This spatial segmentation allows the microstrip feed line to be optimally positioned in the center for integrated excitation, while simultaneously providing ample space around the edges for placing LNA and vertical monopole antennas without interference
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 design achieves a compact, low-cost, and efficient antenna with a symmetrical radiation pattern and stable phase center across the GNSS frequency band, reducing spatial dimensions and assembly complexity while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
The excitation circuit is disposed on the printed circuit board for exciting a right hand circularly polarized wave
Implementation Method 2
broadband circularly-polarized antenna for GNSS applications
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna comprising a ground plane, a composite radiation patch, and an excitation circuit is described herein. The composite radiation patch is disposed on a printed circuit board and comprises a conducting plate and a plurality of conductive strips. The composite radiation patch comprises an outer region and an inner region separated by a circle of a given radius. The conducting plate comprises 1) a first set of arcuate slots disposed on the circle and 2) a second set of slots each contacting an external perimeter of the conducting plate at one end and a corresponding slot of the first set of arcuate slots at another end. The plurality of conductive strips is disposed within the outer region of the composite radiation patch, with one or more of the plurality of conductive strips galvanically contacting the conducting plate. The excitation circuit is disposed on the printed circuit board for exciting a right hand circularly polarized wave. The excitation circuit comprises a plurality of microstrip lines and a feeding network to which the plurality of microstrip lines are connected.