Loop Array Antenna System High Gain Compact Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional planar array antennas are large, heavy, and have poor gain, making them unsuitable for small, lightweight, low-profile applications in wireless network devices, especially in the 5-GHz frequency band.
Innovation Solution
A loop array antenna system with a substrate and micro-strip network, featuring first and second loop antennas on opposite surfaces of the substrate, and a system module with a grounding plane as a reflector, optimized for WLAN frequency bands to achieve high gain and directivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional planar array antennas with resonant lengths of one-half wavelength are used, then the antenna structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the antenna occupies larger surface area and has poor gain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional planar single-surface antennas to a three-dimensional folded-loop structure that utilizes both front and back surfaces of the substrate. The loop antenna is folded such that the signal path extends through multiple dimensions, effectively doubling the radiating area without increasing the projected footprint on the circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is folded back onto itself, creating a nested configuration where the signal path is contained within a compact volume. The loop antenna is folded such that portions of the signal path are positioned on opposite surfaces of the substrate, nesting the radiating elements within the same spatial envelope.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional planar array antennas are used, then the antenna structure is simple, but the antenna exhibits poor gain and must be disposed on surfaces of system circuit boards
Solution Approach 1:
The folded-loop configuration exploits the third dimension by extending the antenna structure through the substrate thickness. The signal path traverses from the front surface, through the substrate, to the back surface and returns, creating a three-dimensional current distribution that enhances radiation efficiency and gain compared to planar antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna utilizes a composite structure combining conductive trace materials on both surfaces of a dielectric substrate. The folded-loop configuration creates a distributed current path that effectively combines the radiating contributions from both front and back surfaces, achieving higher gain through constructive interference of the radiated fields.
3Area of stationary object
If compact antenna designs are pursued, then the antenna occupies less space, but the antenna may compromise on performance characteristics such as gain and directivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the size-gain contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar antenna to a three-dimensional folded structure. The compact footprint is maintained while the signal path length and effective radiating area are increased by utilizing the vertical dimension through the substrate, thereby achieving high gain in a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded-loop structure creates a dynamic current distribution pattern where the current flows through multiple paths and surfaces. This dynamic configuration allows the antenna to achieve higher effective aperture and gain by distributing the current in a three-dimensional pattern rather than a static planar pattern.
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 loop array antenna system provides high gain and directivity with a compact design, suitable for WLAN frequency bands, occupying less space and improving radiation efficiency compared to conventional planar array antennas.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first loop antennas including a first radiator portion disposed on the first surface and electrically connected to a respective one of the first connecting sections, and a second radiator portion disposed on the second surface and electrically interconnecting the first radiator portion of the first loop antenna and the grounding portion, the first and second radiator portions of each of the first loop antennas cooperating to form a loop
Implementation Method 2
a system module having a grounding plane that is spaced apart from the substrate and faces toward the second surface of the substrate, and that serves as a reflector for reflecting electromagnetic waves from the antenna device
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device includes: a substrate; micro-strip and grounding portions that are respectively disposed on opposite first and second surfaces of the substrate, the former including a signal-feed section for feeding of signals and a plurality of first connecting sections electrically connected to the signal-feed section; and a plurality of first loop antennas arranged along a peripheral edge of the grounding portion, each including a first radiator portion disposed on the first surface and electrically connected to a respective one of the first connecting sections, and a second radiator portion disposed on the second surface, electrically interconnecting the first radiator portion and the grounding portion, and cooperating with the first radiator portion to form a loop.