MIMO Antenna Module With Selective Feed Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MIMO antenna solutions face challenges with mutual coupling between antennas, leading to wasted power and lower received signal quality due to high correlation between signals in compact devices, which affects MIMO performance and battery life.
Innovation Solution
A MIMO antenna module with a design that includes multiple signal feed ports and transceivers, allowing for selective coupling of antenna elements to optimize signal parameters and minimize coupling, thereby improving signal quality and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are used in MIMO applications, then MIMO performance is improved, but mutual coupling between antennas increases causing wasted power and lower received signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
A ground plane is introduced as an intermediary element between the multiple antenna elements. This ground plane acts as a mediator that electromagnetically isolates the antennas from each other, reducing mutual coupling effects while still allowing the antennas to function for MIMO operations. The ground plane serves as a reference plane that prevents direct electromagnetic interference between adjacent antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple separate antenna elements that are spatially distributed and electrically isolated from each other. Each antenna element is designed as an independent radiating structure with its own feed network, allowing individual optimization and reducing coupling effects through physical and electrical segmentation of the overall antenna system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are placed in compact devices, then MIMO functionality is achieved, but signal correlation between antennas increases due to tight confines
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration rather than a simple planar layout. By utilizing vertical spacing and angular orientation in addition to horizontal separation, the design creates greater effective distance between antenna elements within the compact device footprint. This multi-dimensional arrangement reduces signal correlation by exploiting spatial diversity in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are positioned asymmetrically within the device housing rather than in a symmetric pattern. This asymmetric placement optimizes the spatial distribution of electromagnetic fields and minimizes coupling paths between antennas. The asymmetric geometry helps achieve lower correlation coefficients by creating unique radiation patterns and reducing repetitive coupling mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If internal antennas are integrated into the communications device, then device size is reduced and portability is improved, but antenna performance is compromised due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements and ground plane are nested within the device housing structure, utilizing the available internal space efficiently. The antenna system is integrated into the device chassis, with ground planes formed on circuit boards that are mounted within the housing. This nesting approach allows the antenna system to occupy minimal volume while maintaining functional performance through careful spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design transitions from two-dimensional planar arrangements to three-dimensional configurations by utilizing vertical spacing between antenna elements and ground planes. This third dimension provides additional separation distance without increasing the device's horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining compact size while improving antenna performance through reduced coupling and correlation.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna module, comprising a first signal feed port coupled to a first antenna element disposed along a first edge of a PCB, a second signal feed port coupled to a second antenna element disposed on the PCB and a transceiver operable to be selectively coupled to either or both of the first and second signal feed ports. The first and second antenna elements form a plurality of antenna elements confined to a peripheral section surrounding a central region of the PCB of the MIMO antenna module.