Hybrid Antenna Structure for Multi-Band Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of antennas in computing devices for different wireless technologies, such as mmWave and sub-6 GHz, occupies a large amount of space, making devices bulky and difficult to miniaturize.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid antenna is formed by coupling components of mmWave and sub-6 GHz antennas using an interposer board, allowing the hybrid antenna to operate across multiple frequency bands, thereby reducing the overall space required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are used for different wireless technologies (mmWave and sub-6 GHz), then wireless communication capabilities are maintained, but the device occupies a large amount of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mmWave and sub-6 GHz antenna components into a single hybrid antenna structure. The ground plane of the first antenna is coupled to the second antenna to form a shared radiating structure that operates across both frequency bands, reducing the total number of separate antennas and minimizing device space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid antenna is designed to perform multiple functions by operating across different frequency bands (mmWave and sub-6 GHz) using a single integrated structure. The shared ground plane and radiating elements enable the antenna to support both wireless technologies simultaneously, making the antenna system universal rather than dedicated to specific frequencies.
2Reliability
If multiple separate antennas are used for different frequency bands, then frequency-specific performance is optimized, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to miniaturize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate mmWave and sub-6 GHz antenna structures into a unified hybrid antenna. The ground plane of the first antenna is electrically coupled to the second antenna, creating a shared radiating structure that maintains frequency-specific performance while occupying minimal space, thereby enabling device miniaturization.
3Area of stationary object
If antenna components are shared between different wireless technologies, then space efficiency is improved, but antenna design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid antenna is designed with segmented functionality where the ground plane of the first antenna serves dual purposes: as part of the mmWave antenna structure and as a coupled element for the sub-6 GHz antenna. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each frequency band's performance while sharing common structural elements, managing design complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus may include a first antenna having a first radiator and a first ground plane and a second antenna having a second radiator and a second ground plane. In some examples, a hybrid antenna may be formed through coupling of the hybrid antenna to components of the first antenna and the second antenna. The hybrid antenna may include a third radiator. In some examples, an electrical interface may be disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna. In this regard, the electrical interface may couple the first ground plane to the second ground plane to form the third radiator.