MEMS Antenna Array Integration for 5G Signal Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased antenna arrays face challenges with high insertion losses and costly manufacturing due to the need for separate processing of phase shifters and antennas, particularly in high-frequency applications like 5G mobile telecommunications.
Innovation Solution
A phased antenna array design featuring antenna modules with MEMS switches and integrated circuits supported by a common semiconductor substrate, allowing for compact packaging and shared manufacturing processes, reducing signal losses and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If phase shifters are implemented using MEMS components, then broadband performance is improved, but insertion loss increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase shifter and antenna into a single integrated structure where the phase shifter is formed directly on the antenna substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate MEMS component packaging and reduces the number of interconnections, thereby reducing insertion loss while maintaining broadband performance through the inherent characteristics of the integrated design
2Adaptability or versatility
If phase shifters are manufactured separately from antennas, then design flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter and antenna are manufactured together in a single fabrication process on the same substrate. This integration maintains design flexibility through programmable control of the phase shifter elements while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating separate production and assembly steps for discrete phase shifter components
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure serves multiple functions: the antenna elements radiate electromagnetic signals while the same elements function as phase shifters under electronic control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated phase shifter components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining full phase control capability for beam steering
3Ease of operation
If traditional phase shifters are used, then phase control is achieved, but insertion loss is high and power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electronic phase shifters with a planar integrated structure that achieves phase control through the geometric arrangement and electrical characteristics of the antenna elements themselves. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical components or complex electronic phase shifter circuits, reducing insertion loss while maintaining precise phase control capability for beam steering and signal processing
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
This design achieves lower insertion losses and reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining high-frequency performance by integrating MEMS switches and antennas on a common semiconductor substrate, enhancing power efficiency and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more RF microelectromechanical (MEMS) switches
Implementation Method 2
the MEMS substrate is crystalline. By making the MEMS substrate from a crystalline material, electromagnetic signals propagating on the signal conductors will experience low losses due to the substantially uniform (relatively defect free) structure of the crystalline MEMS substrates
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an antenna array comprising: a plurality of antenna modules, each of the antenna modules comprising an antenna, a signal conductor and one or more microelectromechanical (MEMS) switches, the antenna being conductively connected to the signal conductor, the MEMS switches and at least a portion of the signal conductor being supported by a MEMS substrate; and one or more integrated circuits comprising MEMS control circuitry configured to control the said one or more MEMS switches and/or signal processing circuitry configured to process signals received and/or to be transmitted by the antennas of the antenna modules, wherein the antenna modules and integrated circuits are supported by a common carrier substrate comprising the antennas of the antenna modules, the MEMS switches; or the said one or more integrated circuits. A hierarchy of MEMS controllers includes a master MEMS controller and local MEMS controllers which send control signals to a plurality of MEMS switches.