Hybrid MIMO Antenna Module for Compact Dual-Band Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-band antennas for 2.4/5 GHz wireless LAN or 802.11a/b/g/n operations are bulky, prone to vandalism, aesthetically unappealing, and require additional components like diplexers, leading to increased cost and power loss, while existing multiple-input multiple-output antennas have high heights and compromised radiation patterns.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid multiple-input multiple-output antenna module with a grounding unit, radiating units, loop units, and filter units arranged alternately and symmetrically, eliminating the need for extra diplexers and allowing for compact, high-gain, low-profile installation within wireless devices, enhancing aesthetic appeal and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional external dipole antennas are used for 2.4/5 GHz operation, then dual-band coverage is achieved, but the antenna height becomes triple the device thickness and protrudes from the device, occupying space and deteriorating aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are nested within the device enclosure rather than protruding externally. The radiating elements are positioned inside the housing, with the grounding unit forming part of the internal structure, effectively hiding the antenna within the device like a nested doll configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design transitions from a vertical protruding structure to a planar configuration integrated within the device footprint. By using a grounding unit with radiating elements arranged in specific geometric patterns on the internal surface, the antenna achieves dual-band operation without increasing the device's height dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dual-band single-radio antenna is used with one RF signal feeding port, then dual-band operation is achieved, but two conductive copper tubes and an extra diplexer are required, increasing cost and causing power loss
Solution Approach 1:
Each radiating element is designed to operate independently at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies through direct connection to the RF signal feeding port. The grounding unit with its specific geometric configuration enables each element to resonate at both frequency bands, eliminating the need for separate antenna paths and diplexer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design merges the functionality of multiple components (conductive copper tubes and diplexer) into a single integrated grounding unit structure. The grounding unit with radiating elements directly connected to the RF port combines the functions of signal distribution and frequency selection that were previously required from separate diplexer and multiple tube components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stacked dual-antenna structure is used for dual-band operation, then two frequency bands are generated, but the height of the whole antenna structure becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The design replaces the vertical stacking arrangement with a planar configuration where radiating elements are arranged in specific geometric patterns on the grounding unit. This dimensional transformation from vertical to planar arrangement allows dual-band operation without increasing the height of the antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different radiating elements are positioned at specific locations on the grounding unit with optimized geometric configurations. Each element's local position and orientation are carefully designed to resonate at specific frequency bands, enabling dual-band operation through spatial distribution rather than vertical stacking.
4Reliability
If conventional external antennas are used, then antenna function is provided, but the protruded part can easily be vandalized by outside force
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are nested within the device enclosure, with the grounding unit and radiating elements positioned internally. This nested configuration protects the antenna components from external physical damage while maintaining their electromagnetic radiation functionality through appropriate aperture design.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding unit can be implemented as a thin planar structure integrated into the device housing. This thin-film configuration provides adequate radiation performance while being protected by the device enclosure, reducing susceptibility to vandalism compared to rigid protruding antenna structures.
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 small size, high isolation, good radiation properties, and improved gain without external antennas, enabling concurrent dual-band operation with reduced mutual coupling and path loss compensation, while being cost-effective and aesthetically integrated into wireless devices.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the radiating units has a geometric centerline... each loop unit has a geometric centerline... every two adjacent geometric centerlines and the loop unit intersect at the geometric center of the grounding unit to form an included angle theta
Implementation Method 2
The filter units are arranged on the grounding unit and respectively electrically connected to the second feeding pins of the loop units
Implementation Method 3
The radiating units and the loop units are arranged around a geometric center of the grounding unit and are alternately and symmetrically arranged on the grounding unit
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
The hybrid multiple-input multiple-output antenna module includes a grounding unit, a plurality of radiating units, loop units and filter units. The radiating units and the loop units are arranged around a geometric center of the grounding unit and are alternately and symmetrically arranged on the grounding unit. The loop units are arranged along the outer peripheral side of the grounding unit. The filter units are respectively electrically connected to the loop units. The present invention not only has some advantages such as small size, low profile, good isolation, high antenna gain and good radiation properties, but also can replace the external dual-band access-point antenna of the prior art for 2.4/5 GHz operation with no need of an extra diplexer. In addition, the hybrid multiple-input multiple-output antenna module can be hidden in the wireless communication device in order to enhance the appearance of the product.