Integrated Multi-Antenna Layout With Shared Ground Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT devices face challenges with complex, costly antenna arrangements that require multiple antennas for various communication systems, leading to impaired performance, higher power consumption, and lack of a natural ground plane, which are not versatile for different devices and frequencies.
Innovation Solution
An antenna arrangement comprising a dielectric substrate with integrated conductive patterns forming three antennas - a first, second, and third antenna element, connected to respective feeds, and an intermediate element acting as a common ground plane, separated by non-conductive zones, allowing efficient communication across different frequencies and systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are provided for different communication systems (cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, GNSS), then communication coverage and functionality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements (first antenna element for cellular, second antenna element for WiFi/Bluetooth, third antenna element for GNSS) and a common ground element into a single integrated antenna arrangement on one substrate, replacing what would traditionally be separate antenna components
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna arrangement is designed to support multiple communication systems and frequency bands through a single unified structure, with each antenna element capable of operating across different frequency ranges and the ground element serving all antenna elements simultaneously
2Volume of moving object
If multiple antennas are placed close to each other to reduce space, then device volume is reduced, but antenna performance deteriorates due to mutual interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions different antenna elements at specific locations on the substrate (first antenna element at first location, second antenna element at second location, third antenna element at third location) with a common ground element, creating locally optimized radiation patterns and impedance characteristics for each antenna while maintaining compact overall size
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna arrangement is segmented into distinct antenna elements (first, second, and third antenna elements) with separate feed connections, allowing each element to be independently optimized for its specific frequency band and communication protocol while sharing a common ground structure
3Device complexity
If conventional antenna designs are used without a natural ground plane, then device simplicity is maintained, but antenna efficiency and range are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ground element is designed to serve as a common ground plane for all three antenna elements simultaneously, consolidating what would traditionally require separate ground structures into a single shared component that improves overall system efficiency
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 arrangement provides compact, efficient, and versatile communication with low power consumption, supporting multiple radio systems, including cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GNSS, with improved range and reliability, suitable for various IoT devices.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna arrangement comprising a dielectric substrate with a first surface and second surface extending between a first edge and second edge of the substrate; a conductive pattern arranged on the first surface of the substrate, the pattern forming: a first antenna element arranged in the vicinity of the first edge, connected to a first antenna feed; a second antenna element arranged in the vicinity of the second edge, connected to a second antenna feed; a third antenna element arranged between the first and second antenna elements, connected to a third antenna feed
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate element, at least partly functioning as a ground layer, arranged between said first, second and third antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna arrangement comprises a dielectric substrate with a first surface and second surface extending between a first edge and second edge of the substrate. A conductive pattern is arranged on the first surface that forms first, second, and third antenna elements. The first antenna element is arranged in the vicinity of the first edge and connected to a first antenna feed. The second antenna element is arranged in the vicinity of the second edge and connected to a second antenna feed. The third antenna element is arranged between the first and second antenna elements and connected to a third antenna feed. An intermediate element, at least partly functioning as a ground layer, is arranged between the first, second and third antenna elements. A non-conductive zone separates the first antenna element and the intermediate element. The second antenna element and the intermediate element are in conductive contact with each other.