MIMO Antenna Array Integrated in Device Housing for 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronic devices face challenges in integrating additional antennas, such as those required for 5G technology, due to limited space on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and the need for substantial layout changes, especially when competing with other hardware.
Innovation Solution
A MIMO antenna array is integrated into the housing of electronic devices, with antennas secured to the rim portions, achieving impedance matching with the RF communications circuit without additional impedance matching circuitry, allowing for compact implementation without occupying excessive space or rearranging the PCB layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional antennas are printed on the PCB to support 5G technology, then the device can support new frequency bands and functionality, but the PCB layout must be substantially changed or rearranged due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single integrated antenna array structure that can be mounted on the PCB as one unit. This merging approach allows support for multiple 5G frequency bands without requiring separate antenna layouts for each band, thereby reducing overall PCB layout complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar PCB-mounted antennas to a three-dimensional antenna array structure that extends vertically from the PCB surface. By utilizing the vertical dimension, the antenna elements are arranged in layers rather than spreading out horizontally across the PCB, thus avoiding layout rearrangements and fitting within limited space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional antennas are added to the electronic device for 5G support, then new functionality is provided, but very limited additional space is available on the PCB competing with other hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested antenna array configuration where multiple antenna elements are arranged in a compact, hierarchical structure. Smaller antenna elements are positioned within the spatial envelope of larger ones, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes the number of antenna elements within the limited PCB area while leaving room for other hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin substrate materials and flexible mounting structures that allow the antenna array to be positioned close to the PCB surface without requiring substantial vertical clearance. This thin-film approach enables the antenna elements to occupy minimal space while maintaining their radiating functionality.
3Reliability
If impedance matching circuitry is added between the RF communications circuit and the antenna, then impedance matching is achieved, but the device occupies excessive free space and requires layout changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the antenna elements with built-in impedance matching characteristics through their geometric configuration and positioning. The antenna structure itself provides the necessary impedance transformation to match the RF communications circuit, eliminating the need for separate impedance matching circuitry and the associated space and layout changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves impedance matching by adjusting physical parameters of the antenna elements, such as their length, width, spacing, and orientation. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the antenna presents the correct input impedance to the RF circuit, replacing the need for additional matching components and reducing overall device space requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
An antenna and an MIMO antenna system are described. At least one antenna secured to a housing of a device. The antenna has a size of 1/4 wavelength of a central frequency of the antenna and body, the ground pad and the feed pad of the antenna have an impedance matching an RF communications circuit. A plurality of the antennas may be arranged in the housing to form a MIMO antenna system.