MEMS-Switched Patch Antenna for Frequency Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antennas face challenges in achieving ultra-wide band, function diversification, and miniaturization due to electromagnetic interference and increased size from multiple radiation units, which hinders their performance and integration in wireless communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A frequency reconfigurable antenna design utilizing a dielectric substrate with a first radiation patch, second radiation patches, and a switch unit comprising a driving electrode and a membrane bridge, allowing voltage-controlled current flow between patches to adjust resonance frequency without adding or removing units, using MEMS switches for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radiation units are added to achieve ultra-wide band and function diversification, then the frequency range and functionality are improved, but the antenna size and electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a MEMS switch unit that can dynamically change the electrical connection state between different radiation patches. By controlling the switch between connected and disconnected states, the antenna can reconfigure its effective radiation area and impedance characteristics, enabling ultra-wide band operation and multiple functions without physically adding multiple permanent radiation units. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical structure to serve multiple frequency bands and functional modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radiation units are added to achieve function diversification, then the functionality is improved, but the electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MEMS switch unit enables dynamic control over which radiation patches are electrically connected to the feed network. By selectively connecting or disconnecting specific patches based on the desired operating mode or frequency band, the antenna can activate only the necessary radiation elements, thereby providing functional diversity while minimizing electromagnetic interference from inactive elements. This on-demand activation reduces mutual coupling and interference between simultaneously active radiation units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radiation units are added to achieve ultra-wide band, then the frequency range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design uses a single integrated structure with multiple radiation patches that can serve multiple frequency bands and functions. The MEMS switch unit acts as a universal control mechanism that can reconfigure the antenna for different operating modes (e.g., different frequency bands, polarization modes, or radiation patterns) without requiring separate antenna structures for each function. This multi-functional approach achieves ultra-wide band operation while keeping the overall structure compact and relatively simple compared to having separate antennas for each band.
4Adaptability or versatility
If MEMS switch unit is used for frequency reconfiguration, then the frequency adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MEMS switch unit changes the electrical parameters (impedance, capacitance, connectivity) of the antenna structure by transitioning between discrete states (connected/disconnected). This parameter change approach allows the antenna to reconfigure for different frequency bands by simply changing the switch state, rather than requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms. The binary nature of MEMS switches (on/off, connected/disconnected) simplifies the control architecture compared to analog tuning mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while achieving wide frequency adaptability.
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 enables frequency reconfiguration with reduced electromagnetic interference, maintaining a simple structure and small size, enhancing gain and efficiency while supporting miniaturization and diverse functions.
Implementation Method 1
a switch unit is configured to control whether or not the membrane bridge allows a current between the first radiation patch and the second radiation patch by controlling a voltage applied to the driving electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an antenna and electronic device. The antenna includes a dielectric substrate, and a first radiation patch, at least one second radiation patch and a feed unit disposed on the dielectric substrate; the feed unit is electrically connected with the first radiation patch; a switch unit is arranged between each second radiation patch and the first radiation patch; the switch unit includes a driving electrode and a membrane bridge arranged on the dielectric substrate, a bridge deck of the membrane bridge is suspended on a side, away from the dielectric substrate, of the driving electrode, and an insulating layer covers on a side, close to the bridge deck, of the driving electrode; the switch unit is configured to control whether the membrane bridge allows a current between the first radiation patch and the second radiation patch by controlling a voltage applied to the driving electrode.