Laminated Zigzag Antenna for PCB Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shrinking size of printed circuit boards in wireless communication devices poses a challenge in matching the impedance of antennas with radio frequency (RF) transceivers, as antennas with lengths less than a quarter-wavelength struggle to match the impedance of RF transceivers effectively.
Innovation Solution
The antenna comprises laminated layers of radiating elements arranged in a zigzag pattern, with a feed point connected to receive RF signals and a plated via to couple the layers, allowing for impedance matching and efficient radiation of RF signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the antenna length is reduced to fit shrinking PCB space, then the PCB area occupied is reduced, but the impedance matching capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar antenna structure to a three-dimensional laminated structure with multiple layers stacked vertically. This dimensional change allows the antenna to achieve the required electrical length for impedance matching while occupying minimal PCB surface area. The radiating elements are arranged in multiple laminated layers with alternating orientations, creating a compact volumetric structure that maintains adequate radiation length without increasing footprint area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where multiple radiating element layers are stacked and interconnected through plated vias. The radiating elements in different layers are positioned to overlap or interleave, creating a space-efficient nested arrangement. This nesting allows the antenna to achieve the necessary electrical length for impedance matching while confined within a compact volume on the PCB.
2Area of stationary object
If the antenna length is reduced to fit shrinking PCB space, then the PCB area occupied is reduced, but the radiation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking radiating elements in multiple vertical layers, the antenna achieves sufficient radiation length for efficient RF signal radiation without increasing horizontal footprint. The three-dimensional configuration allows electromagnetic waves to radiate effectively from multiple layers simultaneously, maintaining radiation efficiency while occupying minimal PCB area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple radiating element layers into a single integrated antenna structure. The radiating elements across different layers work together as a unified radiation system, with their combined effect achieving the necessary radiation efficiency. This merging of multiple layers into one functional unit allows the antenna to maintain effective radiation performance within a compact form factor.
3Reliability
If laminated layers are used to maintain impedance matching in compact space, then the number of layers increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into multiple discrete laminated layers, each containing radiating elements with specific orientations and patterns. This segmentation allows each layer to be designed and optimized independently for impedance matching, while the overall multi-layer structure achieves the required electrical length. The segmented approach enables precise control of impedance characteristics through layer-specific design adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Plated vias serve as intermediary elements that electrically connect the radiating elements across different laminated layers. These vias act as mediators, providing controlled impedance transitions and ensuring proper signal coupling between layers. The intermediary connection through plated vias simplifies the integration of multiple layers by providing standardized inter-layer coupling mechanisms.
4Area of stationary object
If zigzag pattern is used in radiating elements, then the electrical length increases for compact footprint, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating elements employ zigzag patterns with curved transitions instead of sharp angles, allowing for more tolerant manufacturing. The curved geometry of the zigzag segments provides gradual impedance transitions and reduces sensitivity to fabrication variations. This curved approach enables the antenna to achieve increased electrical length within compact footprint while maintaining reasonable manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses an antenna comprising a plurality of laminated layers of radiating elements, wherein each layer of radiating elements is arranged in a zigzag pattern; a feed point connected to one of the plurality laminated layers of the radiating elements and is configured to receive a radio frequency signal; and a plated via configured to couple the plurality of laminated layers of radiating elements; wherein the radiating elements are configured to radiate the radio frequency signal.