Dual-band LTE MIMO Antenna with Isolation Aids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 4G handset applications face challenges in designing compact multi-band MIMO antennas that maintain diversity and capacity performance, as the implementation of multiple antennas in a compact space leads to deteriorated performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an embedded MIMO antenna design with a plate-shaped ground, strategically positioned antenna elements, isolation aids, and an RF switching element to control isolation characteristics across multiple bands, including LTE frequencies, allowing for independent tuning of resonance frequencies and reduced coupling between antennas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are implemented in a compact handset, then multi-band MIMO functionality is achieved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to space constraints and coupling effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-band MIMO functionalityVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna elements (first antenna element and second antenna element) that can be independently designed and tuned for different frequency bands, allowing each element to maintain optimal performance while contributing to overall MIMO functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Isolation aids are introduced as intermediary components positioned between the first and second antenna elements to reduce coupling effects. These isolation aids act as mediators that minimize interference between adjacent antenna elements, thereby maintaining signal integrity and antenna performance in the compact handset structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If antenna elements are positioned closer together to reduce device size, then compactness is improved, but coupling between antennas increases and performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidantenna coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Isolation aids are positioned between the antenna elements to serve as intermediary structures that reduce electromagnetic coupling. These aids create isolation barriers that mitigate the harmful coupling effects that would otherwise occur when antenna elements are placed in close proximity for compact device design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation aids are strategically positioned in specific locations where coupling effects are most pronounced, providing localized isolation where needed most. This allows the antenna elements to be placed closer together overall while maintaining performance in critical coupling regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If dual-band operation is implemented to reduce number of antennas, then antenna quantity is reduced, but isolation control between bands becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of antennasVSAvoidisolation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

RF switching elements are incorporated to dynamically control the isolation characteristics between antenna elements operating in different frequency bands. The switching elements can be electronically controlled to adjust isolation levels as needed, providing adaptive isolation control that simplifies the overall system design while maintaining dual-band operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation characteristics are made controllable through parameter changes enabled by RF switching elements. By changing the electrical parameters (such as switching states) of the isolation aids and switching elements, the isolation between dual-band antenna elements can be adjusted to optimize performance without requiring separate physical isolation structures for each band

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2688146B1Dual-band LTE MIMO antenna
Publication Date: 2019.05.29 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2688146B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2688146B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2688146B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Embodiments of a multiple-input-multiple output antenna for use with wireless communication systems are disclosed. In various embodiments, the antenna comprises a first element a first radiation element operable to resonate at a first frequency and a second radiation element operable to resonate at a second frequency, wherein said second frequency is not an integer multiple of said first frequency. In various embodiments, the first and second antenna radiation elements are each proximate to a ground plane and the respective resonance frequencies of said first radiation element and said second radiation element is achieved by controlling the electrical coupling between said first radiation element, said second radiation element and said ground plane. In some embodiments, the resonance frequencies of said first and second radiation elements is controlled independently.