Millimeter-Wave IF Transmission Layout for Low-Loss Compact Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter wave signal transmission in the 5G new radio frequency range 2 (FR2) experiences severe energy loss due to restricted transmission distances, and existing solutions either occupy large spaces or incur significant signal loss through flexible substrates.
Innovation Solution
A millimeter wave signal transmission integration device utilizing an antenna array module, a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) flexible substrate, and a coaxial cable, with a frequency up-converting/down-converting module, connected via multiple interfaces, to reduce signal attenuation and occupied space by using only these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If connection via FR4 PCB and coaxial cable is used, then signal loss is reduced and transmission distance is increased, but occupied space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the FR4 PCB and flexible substrate into a single integrated structure where the flexible substrate is directly mounted on the FR4 PCB. This merging eliminates the need for separate coaxial cables and multiple connection interfaces, thereby reducing occupied space while maintaining the low signal loss characteristics of the FR4 PCB structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate is nested within the FR4 PCB structure, with the antenna array module mounted on the flexible substrate which is in turn mounted on the FR4 PCB. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple transmission paths without increasing overall occupied space, while each component maintains its optimal signal transmission properties.
2Volume of moving object
If connection via flexible substrate, motherboard and coaxial cable is used, then occupied space is reduced, but signal loss is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flexible substrate connection with the FR4 PCB structure by directly mounting the flexible substrate on the FR4 PCB. This eliminates the need for separate coaxial cables and reduces the number of connection interfaces, thereby maintaining compact space occupation while significantly reducing signal loss through the eliminated interfaces and cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the coaxial cable from the transmission path by establishing direct transmission channels through the FR4 PCB and flexible substrate. This removal of the coaxial cable eliminates the associated signal losses while maintaining the compact space advantages of the flexible substrate approach.
3Ease of operation
If millimeter wave signals are transmitted directly, then transmission distance is limited, but signal conversion complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission path into distinct frequency domains: millimeter wave signals for short-range high-bandwidth transmission and intermediate frequency signals for extended range transmission. The FR4 PCB handles millimeter wave signals locally while the flexible substrate and integrated transmission path handle intermediate frequency signals for longer distances, thereby extending transmission distance without requiring complex signal conversion operations.
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 solution effectively reduces intermediate frequency signal attenuation and minimizes the space required for the transmission module while maintaining efficient signal transmission across the 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna array module is used to transmit and receive millimeter wave signals
Implementation Method 2
the antenna array module includes a frequency up-converting/down-converting module, which is used to down-convert millimeter wave signals to IF signals and up-convert IF signals to millimeter wave signals
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A millimeter wave signal transmission integration device includes an antenna array module, a flexible substrate, a coaxial cable and a signal processing module. The antenna array module is used to transmit and receive millimeter wave signals, and convert millimeter wave signals to intermediate frequency (IF) signals or convert IF signals to millimeter wave signals. The flexible substrate is connected to the antenna array module, and is used to transmit/receive IF signals. The coaxial cable is connected to the flexible substrate and is used to transmit and receive IF signals. The signal processing module is connected to the coaxial cable and is used to transmit and receive IF signals. With the above configuration, the present invention achieves the effects of reduced occupied space of the millimeter wave signal transmission module and reduced attenuation of IF signals.