Antenna-in-Package Layout Using Grounded Parasitic Radiators
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G mmWave antennas face performance degradation and mechanical issues due to high operating temperatures and thermal management challenges, particularly in large-scale phased arrays with low power added efficiency, leading to malfunctions and mechanical damage such as warpage or delamination.
Innovation Solution
The antenna structure incorporates a main radiator element, a parasitic radiator element, high-impedance members, and a grounding structure, with the high-impedance members contacting the parasitic radiator element and being electrically grounded, and a dielectric layer interposed between the radiator elements, to enhance thermal dissipation and mechanical reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power amplifiers for mmWave applications are used to achieve high throughput and low latency communications, then communication performance is improved, but thermal management becomes challenging due to high operating temperatures and low power added efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is divided into multiple radiator elements (main radiator element and parasitic radiator elements) that can be independently controlled and optimized. This segmentation allows for distributed heat generation across multiple elements rather than concentrating thermal load in a single amplifier, improving thermal management while maintaining high throughput communication performance
Solution Approach 2:
The parasitic radiator elements act as intermediary structures that couple electromagnetically with the main radiator element. This intermediary approach enables energy transfer and signal radiation without requiring additional high-power amplifiers, thereby reducing the thermal load on the power amplification system while maintaining communication performance
2Productivity
If large-scale phased antenna arrays are deployed to achieve beamforming operations at high frequencies, then communication capacity is improved, but mechanical damage such as warpage or delamination occurs due to high operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure incorporates a grounding structure with grounding vias at specific locations beneath the radiator elements. This local quality enhancement provides targeted thermal pathways and mechanical support exactly where the radiator elements generate heat and experience thermal expansion, preventing warpage and delamination while enabling large-scale phased array operations for high-capacity beamforming communications
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure uses a composite construction with multiple dielectric layers and metal layers, where each layer serves specific thermal and mechanical functions. The grounding structure combines conductive materials for thermal management with structural materials for mechanical support, creating a composite system that handles both the thermal and mechanical challenges of large-scale phased arrays
3Reliability
If multiple radiator elements are used to form an array for beamforming operations, then antenna performance is improved, but thermal dissipation becomes insufficient leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The parasitic radiator elements serve multiple functions: they contribute to the antenna's radiation pattern and beamforming capability while simultaneously acting as thermal management structures. By coupling these elements electromagnetically with the main radiator, they enable performance enhancement without requiring additional powered amplifiers, thus improving thermal dissipation while maintaining antenna performance
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure uses its own radiator elements and grounding structure to provide thermal management without requiring external cooling systems. The grounding vias and metal layers form intrinsic thermal pathways that conduct heat away from the radiator elements, allowing the antenna to self-regulate its temperature and maintain performance without additional energy-consuming cooling mechanisms
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 effectively reduces operating temperatures, improves mechanical stability, and maintains antenna performance by dissipating heat while ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical operation, as shown in thermal performance comparisons with conventional antennas.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one first high-impedance member directly contacts the parasitic radiator element and is configured to be electrically grounded
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric layer interposed between the radiator elements
Implementation Method 3
The grounding structure directly contacts the at least one high-impedance member and laterally surrounds the main radiator element and the parasitic radiator element
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna structure includes a main radiator element, a parasitic radiator element, a feeder and at least one first high-impedance member. The parasitic radiator element is disposed in parallel with the main radiator element. The feeder is configured to electrically or electromagnetically couple the main radiator element. The at least one first high-impedance member directly contacts the parasitic radiator element and is configured to be electrically grounded.