Meander Feed Antenna Current Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna systems face challenges with current coupling on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), which affects radiation performance and system efficiency, particularly due to capacitive and inductive effects between antenna currents and PCB wires, making it difficult to eliminate coupling and achieve multi-band operation.
Innovation Solution
A meander feed structure is used, with a radiating portion arranged parallel and opposite to one current path to cancel currents, and a second current path parallel to the radiating portion to add currents, allowing independent tuning of resonant frequencies and enhancing system performance by acting as a radiator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional feed structure is used to connect the antenna element to the signal source, then the antenna system can be manufactured with simple structure, but current coupling occurs between the feed and antenna currents affecting radiation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful coupling effect between feed current and antenna current into a beneficial tuning mechanism. By positioning the meander feed structure parallel and opposite to the antenna element, the coupling effect is used to cancel unwanted currents and tune resonant frequencies, improving radiation performance while maintaining a relatively simple feed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The meander feed structure acts as an intermediary element between the signal source and the antenna element. It provides a controlled coupling path that allows independent tuning of resonant frequencies while maintaining proper signal transmission, serving as a mediator that resolves the conflict between simple connection and performance optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the meander feed structure is positioned parallel and opposite to the antenna element to utilize coupling effects, then resonant frequencies can be tuned independently, but the feed structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feed structure into distinct functional portions: a meander feed portion for coupling and tuning, and a connection portion for signal transmission. This segmentation allows the complex meander portion to be optimized for independent frequency tuning while the connection portion maintains simplicity, reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The meander feed structure implements local quality by creating a specific parallel-and-opposite configuration only in the region where coupling tuning is needed, while other portions of the feed structure maintain conventional simple configurations. This localized complexity achieves independent resonant frequency tuning without making the entire feed structure complex.
3Ease of manufacture
If PCB materials that absorb RF energy are used, then the PCB can be manufactured with standard materials, but total system performance is lowered due to coupling effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful RF energy absorption and coupling effects of standard PCB materials into a beneficial tuning mechanism. By strategically positioning the meander feed structure to utilize these coupling effects, the system achieves independent resonant frequency tuning and improved radiation performance despite using standard PCB materials that would normally degrade performance.
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 meander feed structure effectively cancels or adds currents to tune resonant frequencies independently, increasing bandwidth and radiation performance, enabling the creation of multi-band antenna systems with improved efficiency and reduced device size.
Implementation Method 1
currents in an antenna may couple with currents in wires on the PCB. Coupling is a phenomenon that is known to designers of electromagnetic devices, and it involves both capacitive and inductive effects and includes the transfer of electromagnetic energy between one current and the other current.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitting and receiving system including an antenna element having first and second current paths, and a meander feed line connected to said first and second current paths, the meander feed line including a radiating portion parallel to the first current path, wherein a current in the radiating portion is in a direction opposite of a current in the first current path, and wherein a current in the second current path is in a direction the same as the current in said radiating portion.