Integrated 5G Antenna Module for Shared Sub-6 GHz Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to design an electronic device that can support both 5G communication using millimeter wave signals and conventional communication technologies like LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth, which operate in the Sub-6 GHz frequency band, while minimizing the device's size and maintaining performance.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a 5G antenna module with an antenna array, a conductive region acting as a ground, and a first communication circuit for millimeter wave communication. It also includes a printed circuit board with a second communication circuit and a ground region, which powers an electrical path including the conductive region to support communication in the Sub-6 GHz frequency band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an array antenna is implemented for beamforming technology in 5G communication, then communication performance is improved, but the size of the antenna module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the 5G antenna module and legacy antenna into a single integrated antenna assembly. The array antenna elements for 5G beamforming are merged with the legacy antenna structure, allowing both 5G and Sub-6 GHz communications to share the same physical space, thereby improving communication performance without proportionally increasing the overall antenna module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports both 5G millimeter wave communication with beamforming capability and legacy Sub-6 GHz communication. The same structural components serve dual purposes, with the array antenna elements functioning for 5G while the integrated legacy antenna handles Sub-6 GHz bands, reducing the need for separate dedicated antenna modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both 5G antenna module and legacy antenna are mounted separately, then communication versatility is improved, but mounting space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the 5G antenna module and legacy antenna into a single integrated assembly that occupies one mounting space. The array antenna elements and legacy antenna are combined in such a way that they share common structural support and mounting interfaces, allowing the device to support both 5G and legacy communications without requiring separate mounting areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The legacy antenna is integrated within the same structural footprint as the 5G antenna module. The design allows the legacy antenna components to be nested or positioned within the space required for the 5G array antenna, maximizing space utilization and enabling dual communication capabilities in a compact mounting area.
3Reliability
If the number of antenna elements is increased for better 5G performance, then communication reliability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements in a compact array configuration that integrates with the legacy antenna structure. By merging the 5G array elements with the legacy antenna in a shared space, the device can accommodate more antenna elements for improved beamforming performance without proportionally increasing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration that utilizes vertical and lateral space efficiently. The array antenna elements are positioned in multiple layers or planes, allowing increased element count without simply expanding the horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining compact device dimensions while improving 5G communication reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including an antenna module is provided. The electronic device includes a 5th generation (5G) antenna module that includes an antenna array, at least one conductive region operating as a ground with respect to the antenna array, and a first communication circuit feeding a power to the antenna array to communicate through a millimeter wave signal, and a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a second communication circuit and a ground region. The second communication circuit feeds the power to an electrical path at least including the at least one conductive region and transmits or receives a signal in a frequency band different from a frequency band of the millimeter wave signal based on the electrical path supplied with the power and the ground region.