Multi-Section Meander Antenna for Ultra-Wide Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-band and ultra-wide band antennas are either too large, heavy, costly, or have insufficient bandwidth, making them unsuitable for portable wireless devices and applications requiring wide frequency coverage.
Innovation Solution
A meander antenna design featuring two or more meander antenna elements on opposite sides of a planar dielectric substrate, interconnected via conductive vias, which provides ultra-wide bandwidth performance in a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective package by leveraging inter-element coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two or more separate antennas are provided for different frequency bands, then frequency bandwidth coverage is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple meander antenna elements (first, second, and third elements) into a single integrated antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands (GSM 900, GSM 1800, PCS 1900). The antenna elements share common feed lines and are integrated on a single substrate, eliminating the need for separate antenna assemblies while maintaining multi-band functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design provides multi-functionality by enabling a single antenna structure to support multiple frequency bands and communication standards. The meander antenna elements are designed with specific geometric parameters that allow them to resonate at different frequencies, making the antenna universal for various wireless communication protocols including GSM and PCS bands.
2Volume of moving object
If meander antenna elements are made smaller to reduce device size, then device size is reduced, but frequency bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into multiple meander elements (first, second, and third elements) with different geometric configurations. Each element contributes to different frequency band coverage, allowing the compact antenna to achieve ultra-wide bandwidth through the combined resonance characteristics of the segmented elements rather than relying on a single large element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning meander antenna elements on both the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate. This three-dimensional arrangement allows multiple resonant elements to coexist in a compact footprint, achieving ultra-wide bandwidth without increasing the planar size of the antenna.
3Volume of moving object
If meander antenna elements are placed close together to reduce size, then device size is reduced, but inter-element coupling increases causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dielectric substrates and air gaps as intermediary elements between the meander antenna elements. These intermediaries provide electrical isolation and control the coupling between elements, allowing the antenna to maintain compact size while preventing excessive coupling that would degrade performance. The feed lines are also designed with appropriate spacing and grounding to manage inter-element interactions.
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 design achieves a broader frequency bandwidth while maintaining a small size and low weight, suitable for portable devices, with improved performance and efficiency across a wide range of frequencies, including GSM and PCS bands, and can handle frequency changes due to human body loading.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the meander antenna elements can be operated either as a monopole antenna element or as a dipole antenna element depending on the ground plane placement... Meander antennas have resonance in a particular frequency band
Implementation Method 2
interconnected via conductive vias
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna formed on a dielectric substrate having first and second opposing surfaces, a first meander antenna element disposed on the first surface of the substrate and a second meander antenna element disposed on the second surface of the substrate.